Butlin's Memorabilia Website
Freshfield Holiday Camps

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Freshfields Holiday Camps

Butlin's was not always the number one option for many campers as some would prefer to seek a quieter location. Sir Billy Butlin was always one step ahead and knew that this area needed to be offered to all his customers. To help solve this issue, Billy would open up a more basic camp called Freshfields. 

The idea was a simple one, to offer less and more of a relaxing feeling. The camps would not be as big as Butlin's however, they had the same magical feeling to them.

Duporth Park

Duporth Holiday Village

Located in Cornwall, on Porthpean Road, Duporth Freshfields had started as an estate and manor, owned by Charles Rashleigh (click to read more).  In 1933, the Manor and estate were sold to a company called Seaside Holiday Camps Ltd. Their plan was to develop the site into a holiday camp, which they achieved in 1934.

As with the Butlin's locations, Duporth was requisitioned for the war with an Indian and American army being based here. It would help train the troops until the end of the war when it returned to be a holiday camp once more. In 1972, Butlin's Ltd would take an interest in the location and purchased the site to open it as a Freshfields holiday camp.

The story of Duporth did not stop here as in 1985, the owners of Butlins, Rank Organisation, had plans to convert some of the sites into the sister company, known as Haven. Duporth was one of the selected locations until the big changes to the Rank Organisation holiday division in 1998. As with Butlin's, Duporth was sold in 1999 as it had a new private owner who continued to run the site, which had chalets and caravans for 1200 people. 

Sadly the site would changes ownership several times until 2006 when it closed down and sold to developers. Today, this location has houses in the design of Cornish cottage style.

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Seaview Park

Seaview, Polperro - Holiday Village

Research into the Seaview Freshfield holiday camp is a hard one to find information about as there are very limited details available. From what I have read, the camp was purchased by Butlins in 1973, however, the details of what was on the camp and what it offered are yet to appear to me. I am on the case as I am very interested to know more about this important location and its meaning it has to Butlin's timeline history. 

Research has shown me that there are two camps, which might possibly be the same one, that continue the camp's future. Below are two extra buttons, one for Hoseseaons, which is believed to be the owner and a second one showing Park Holidays. Interestingly, they both show chalets as a place to stay in, showing a connection.  Furthermore, the Park Holidays one has this in the title "Polperro Holiday Park (formerly Seaview Village) - Chalet, Bungalow & Caravan Holidays" showing a connection to the former name. Which one is this location...I am unsure, may you you do, if so, get in touch. I currently do not have anything in my collection of this camp. (Photo on the left is from Google maps)


Hoseasons page Park Holidays page
St Minver Camp

St Minver Holiday Park

There is little information currently available for this location, however, it's told that was owned by Butlins in 1971 to what date, I do not know, but information tells that it's currently owned by Parkdean Resorts. When I checked the camp, I found that the camp has chalets as an option, however, I do not know any further information. The image shown is taken from Google maps, at this time, I have nothing in my collection.

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Now known as Dolphin Holidays

Tencreek Holiday Park, Looe

As with the former locations, there is little information (at this time) about this important location. Research shows that it was purchased by Butlins in 1973 and was known as a Freshfields site. However, it changed hands to a company named Dolphin Holidays, and from there the information stops. I am still looking into this location and when I find something out, you will know. For now, click on the button below to see (what is believed to be) the current location. The image shown is taken from Google maps, at this time, I have nothing in my collection.

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AYR Holiday Park

Ayrville, St Ives, Cornwall

The information about the former Freshfield site is hard to find however, the current owners have put some information on their site. This information is from their site, shown in the button below "The site was previously known as AYR Farm Camping Site in the 1950s. The site started with the growth of interest in holiday camps as a destination for breaks. Starting on only one field, the camp would offer a location with amazing views for tents, touring caravans and somewhere for the camper's van to stop by for that relaxing break.

In the 1960s, the park would become popular with many customers and was a place many would love to visit for their break. The park would extend to meet the new demands, with caravans for hire and new wooden chalets as an alternative option for those on holiday. It is from here that research shows me that the park was then purchased by Butlins in 1974 as a Freshfields location.

The sale of Freshfields is not known at this time, however, the current owners do state "Now in its third generation of family ownership and called Ayr Holiday Park expansion of the site has continued. Changing technology and customer demands led to fully serviced touring pitches on hard standings, larger more luxurious caravans and the provision of a restaurant and summer pool. Further evolution has seen wi-fi becoming an essential service and now E.U. charging points are available in the park."

The current owners are keeping it updated and the location continues to offer the very best to many that visit. The image shown is taken from Google maps, at this time, I have nothing in my collection. 

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Two Chimneys

Two Chimneys, Penzance

Information about this site shows that the campsite was purchased by Butlins in 1974. The sale of the location is unknown however, the research found that it was purchased by Rojo Leisure Limited. As I researched further into the company, I found nothing until I came across details showing that Rojo Leisure Limited was closed down on the 25th of October 2011.

After finding the information that the company was no longer around, I was able to find an address and link it to a company I believe to be currently operating the former site. The company is called Haulfryn Holidays. However, I could be wrong but that was the one that I was taken to, the link is in the button below, have a look and see what you think. Their park map also has the Two Chimneys, so looks possible to me. The park does look amazing and is very well looked after. The image is from Google Maps, I have nothing in my collection for this location.

Have a look

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A group where you can discuss any Butlins camp/resort, hotels or parks (public setting)
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Who and What is Butlin's Memorabilia Website
The Butlins Memorabilia website was originally established as a place on the internet where people could view Mark Banks' Butlins collections. As a passionate enthusiast of the brand, Mark took the initiative to explore the extensive history that led to the website's transformation. Now, the Butlins Memorabilia site has matured into a historical education platform, demonstrating to visitors the meaningful ways in which Butlins has fostered joy and created unforgettable memories.

Are you the official Butlins Archive?
There exists only ONE official website that represents Butlins, and that is located at www.butlins.com. The Butlins Memorabilia website is NOT the official archive of Butlins, nor does it serve as the authentic historical record of this extraordinary company. Butlins and their respective parent company have no role in the development of this site and have not participated in its creation. The official source for all Butlins information is the one indicated above. This site is strictly a fan-created platform, and any material presented here should be viewed as unofficial. Butlins and their esteemed parent company have NOT reached out to me to create this site, nor have they requested me to promote them. I undertake this effort solely to demonstrate my appreciation for their remarkable name and brand.

If you want to know more about this website
If you would like to read more about this website, you are more than welcome to click on these words. This special page will show you more about this site, how my Butlins collections started, how to get in touch with Mark, Social media links, our Facebook experts and the friends of this website. 

The Untold Stories of Butlin's
An exciting addition to the website is the section titled "Untold Stories of Butlin's," which includes a range of personal stories. These stories have been contributed by members of the Butlins Memorabilia social media groups, who have shared their individual experiences at Butlin's. It is important to understand that these stories are not sanctioned by the official company but are personal recollections from the individuals, as indicated on the page. The accounts shared reflect the magical atmosphere of Butlin's and the memorable moments it has inspired.

Do you have any discounts for bookings?
The Butlins Memorabilia website is not affiliated with the Butlins company, and we do not have any official connection with one another. Butlins is not involved with this site and has not provided any special discounts for visitors to this website. For the latest deals, please visit www.butlins.com, where you can find what is planned for the year and all the information you need to book that well-deserved break.

Can I get in touch with you about my situation at Butlins for some help?
For any issues related to bookings, inquiries on how to use the app, or to file a complaint, it is essential to follow the official procedure by contacting Butlins directly. The Butlins Memorabilia website is not equipped to handle these matters, and no assistance can be provided through this platform. Complaints must be directed to Butlins, as they are the only ones capable of addressing them; this site lacks the direct control or involvement necessary to assist. The sole website that can provide help is the Butlin's official site, www.butlins.com. Everything you need can be found there, including their contact page, which is available on this link, and assistance with the Butlins app can be found on this link.

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