Pictures

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Before the advent of cheap package holidays abroad, British holiday camps were the go-to destinations for holiday makers seeking sun, sea, sand and light entertainment.

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Located in beach resorts up and down the country, the likes of Pontins and Butlins set the scene for a very British getaway featuring swimming pools, entertainment, fairgrounds, restaurants, ballrooms, chalets accommodation and beaches all in one place.

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Variety shows were hosted by teams of entertainers by the name of Redcoats at Butlins, Bluecoats at Pontins and Yellowcoats in the classic TV comedy Hi de Hi.

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An official guide directs a guest to the bathing pool at Butlins Holiday Camp, Skegness in 1947.

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Beauty contests were de rigueur - Christina Siney was the winner of The Ideal Outdoor Girl Competition at Butlins Holiday Camp, Clacton in 1956.

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Glamourpusses enjoy soaking up the sun at the Butlins Holiday Camp in Skegness in 1946.

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Two young women in bathing costumes run along the beach at Billy Butlins' first holiday camp in Skegness, back in 1947.

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Exotic elements were incorporated into the resorts to evoke thoughts of far-flung destinations as with the Tiki styling of The Beachcomber club at Butlins Holiday Camp, Minehead in 1964.

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Ballroom dancing competitions were a mainstay of the British holiday camp and perhaps the forunner to our Strictly Come Dancing addiction.

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Joe Stead and his wife Kathie, from Blackpool, took the Old Time Open Professional Dance Championship trophy in a competition at Butlins holiday camp, Filey, Yorkshire in 1951.

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The camps were ideal family destinations with plenty of beach and poolside fun to be had within one resort.

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Holiday makers sunbathe and swim at the luxury holiday camp at Butlins, Skegness, in 1948.

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There was good clean adult fun to be had too as they were free to let their hair down. Holidaymakers enjoy a wheelbarrow race during sports day at Warner's Holiday Camp at Minster Sheppey in 1958.

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Ladies having a splashing time at Maddieson's Holiday Camp in Littlestone, Kent in 1958.

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A chariot race during the sports day at Caister On Sea Holiday Camp, Norfolk in 1955.

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A skating party of youngsters visit the fun fair at Butlins in 1963.

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Fun at the boating lake at Maddieson's Holiday Camp in Littlestone, Kent in 1958.

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Ladies pedal along the promenade at a Butlins Holiday Camp in 1946.

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Ann Sidney, who was Miss World, goes for a pram ride pushed by Gerald Smith at Butlin's Holiday Camp in Bognor Regis in 1965.

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Scenes on the boating lake at Butlins Holiday Camp, Skegness, 1947.

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Health, strength and fitness were an important part of the Butlin holiday service and physical jerks were on the menu twice a day in 1949.

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Butlins in Skegness, 1950. What are your memories of British holiday camps? Where did you spend your summers? Let us know in the Comments below.