Darts is now the fastest growing sport in the UK according to new research

Darts is now the fastest growing sport in the UK, according to new national research revealed today.

The study, conducted by the unofficial home of darts, Butlin’s Big Weekenders, revealed 35% of the UK is now more interested in the sport than they were two years ago – equating to over 23 million Brits.

The rapid success of the game can, in part, be attributed to the meteoric rise of teenage sensation, Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler, who became the youngest ever winner of the World Darts Championship earlier this month.

The Butlin’s resort in Minehead is the only UK holiday destination to exclusively host two Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events and in 2024 Luke was playing on both dates. As the new World Champion turns 18 this month, he hasn’t been able to enjoy an adult only Big Weekender as a guest so Butlin’s will be putting the icing on his cake by gifting the birthday boy with a special annual ‘black card pass’ to Butlin’s Big Weekenders.

When it comes to sporting atmosphere, the data also revealed that almost half the UK (47%) believes darts is the most fun sport to watch live – with fancy dress, dramatic matches and walk-on-music all contributing to the atmosphere.

The ultimate adults-only getaway perfectly represents the modern darts experience, with fancy dress a key foundation on different decade themed breaks from 90s Reloaded to Back to the 2000’s. With over 70 breaks to choose from across three resorts – Minehead, Bognor Regis and Skegness – the Weekenders range from popular dance Weekenders like We Love Ibiza to devoted breaks offering unique experiences to the likes of Fat Boy Slim and DJ Spoony.

Convenience is the aim when it comes to what Brits want from the ultimate staycation, with nearly nine in ten Brits (88%) preferring everything all in one place when booking a weekend away with friends, making Butlin’s the perfect choice for groups looking for a fun-filled get together as at all three resorts everything is in one location.

What’s more, the study also shows cost-efficiency (79%) is a key factor Brits consider when booking a weekend away with their friends. This is followed by a variety of food and drink (66%), activities during the day (61%), entertainment options (49%) and activities during the evening (44%).

Starting from just £59pp Butlin’s Big Weekenders prioritises value for money with so much included in the price. Alongside three-nights’ accommodation, partygoers can enjoy live music and headline performances, new daytime experiences and popular activities such as pool parties, silent discos and ‘Bingo Bango’.

Butlin’s Bognor Regis resort also offers PLAYXPERIENCE, a brand new £15M state-of-the-art indoor activity centre with nine exciting activities on offer, including: TechPutt, Escape Rooms, VR-cade, Glow Pong, Shuffleboard, Laser Tag, Batting Cage, Neo Games and Digi Darts – which Luke is sure to be topping the leaderboard on when he visits with his mates.

Mike Godolphin, Entertainment Director at Butlin’s, said: “We’re proud to host some of the biggest names in darts twice a year in Minehead and currently there’s no one bigger than Luke Littler.

“Every time Luke has visited us at Butlin’s he’s always been playing, so for his 18th this month we’re delighted to offer the reigning World Champion a birthday present to remember. We’ll be gifting a free annual pass to Butlin’s Big Weekenders for him and his friends to celebrate in style now he’s old enough to enjoy them as a guest. With over 70 breaks to choose from we’re confident he’ll have the best birthday ever and can’t wait to welcome Luke and his mates on a Big Weekender!

“Darts is the biggest party event in sport, which is a match made in heaven when it comes to our Big Weekenders, providing a range of different breaks with variety of entertainment and amazing value that caters for not just darts fans, but everyone.”

Butlin’s is also giving one lucky winner and three friends the chance to win a 2025 Big Weekender of their choice. Keep an eye out on the Butlin’s Big Weekenders social channels to find out more.