Clacton Pier

Description

By the outbreak of the Second World War around a quarter of a million pounds had been invested into Clacton Pier's redevelopment, including the building of the Ocean Theatre, the Children's Theatre, the Blue Lagoon Dance Hall, the Crystal Casino an open air swimming pool, open air stage for the Ramblas Concert Party and the Steel Stella roller coaster which was later destroyed by a fire in 1973.

During the war the pier was damaged by enemy action and was also breached to prevent its use by an Invasion force.

The Pier helped to establish Clacton as one of the leading seaside resorts in the country. However 1978 saw the closure of the Ocean Theatre and the Pier went into a steady decline.

Towards the end of 1994 a local business family, the Harrisons, bought the Pier, and like Ernest Kingsman before them, embarked on a refurbishment programme.

Back to the future... 2009 sees a new direction for Clacton Pier when taken over by the Clacton Pier Company overseen by Billy and Elliot Ball, whose family have been involved in the amusement environment in the resort for over 60 years.

Currently the pier is going through some dynamic changes and undergoing a steady transformation, a 50ft helter-skelter was Installed In 2009 which had previously featured in the 2008/2009 Marks & Spencer's television advertising campaign.

Still retaining some of its old world charm with a modern twist, the huge amusement halls, assortment of fairground rides, food and game concessions, a bar and restaurant ensure that there is a little something for everyone who visits. The pier is open every day all year round (except Christmas day) and has a range of additional events such as spectacular firework displays throughout the year:

MORPHIS SIMULATOR - [4 TOKENS] OR [SAVER BAND]
HEIGHTS & RESTRICTIONS: ACCOMPANIED 0.85m / UNACCOMPANIED 1.2m
The morphis 16 seater simulator uses cutting edge technology. Developed for multi million pound flight simulators used to train astronauts and jet pilots.
A sophisticated hydraulic system which carries the morphis unit can create the experience of G forces in any direction corresponding to the visual footage being displayed on the internal screen. The ‘Experience’ Film is displayed in high resolution and coupled with a powerful cinema style, 3D audio environment, the event is truly convincing and exhilarating. We have a full library of different experiences which are changed at various times throughout the day.

TWISTER - [4 TOKENS] OR [SAVER BAND]
HEIGHTS & RESTRICTIONS: ACCOMPANIED 0.85m / UNACCOMPANIED 1.2m
This ride will be sure to spin you into a TWIST!! Feel the full force of the twister as it spins you round and forces its passengers to the outside of the rides course?
The twister is located in the undercover zone so as ready for action whatever the weather.

THUNDER DOME - WALTZER - [4 TOKENS] OR [SAVER BAND]
Waltzers are an all time favourite and this one is no exception. The thunder dome is a real atmosphere creator. Hold tight as you waltz around at the speed of sound, on the waltzer with the steepest hills in the UK.

MINI WHEEL - [3 TOKENS] OR [TINY TOTS BAND] OR [SAVER BAND]
HEIGHTS & RESTRICTIONS: ACCOMPANIED 0.8m / UNACCOMPANIED 0.85m
This miniature version of the old time favourite will have the kids in a spin.
Better still it’s in our undercover zone so rain will never stop play and for those littlen’s that can't quite pluck up the courage to go it alone mum or dad can accompany them too.

THE ARC - [3 TOKENS] OR [TINY TOTS BAND] OR [SAVER BAND]
HEIGHTS & RESTRICTIONS: ACCOMPANIED 0.8m / UNACCOMPANIED 0.85m
Well its not quite as big as Noahs!!! But it sure feels at home swinging back and forth over the North Sea.
The Arc is situated in our undercover zone so this time around when the rain comes you want be getting wet! And for those kids who haven’t quite got their sea going legs mum or dad can accompany them too.

SAFARI TRAIN - [3 TOKENS] OR [TINY TOTS BAND] OR [SAVER BAND]
HEIGHTS & RESTRICTIONS: ACCOMPANIED 0.8m / UNACCOMPANIED 0.85m
All aboard the safari train, for a trip into the outback! Although you’ll probably see more little animals on the train than you will elsewhere!!
The safari train is located on the main ride deck and mum or dads are welcome aboard too!

CUPS & SAUCERS - [3 TOKENS] OR [TINY TOTS BAND] OR [SAVER BAND]
HEIGHTS & RESTRICTIONS: ACCOMPANIED 0.8m / UNACCOMPANIED 0.85m
Fancy a cuppa, our new giant size tea cups are sure to get you in a spin.
This traditional ride is located right in the centre of our undercover zone. Mum or Dad can accompany the kids like milk and sugar.

THE DUMBOS - [3 TOKENS] OR [TINY TOTS BAND] OR [SAVER BAND]
HEIGHTS & RESTRICTIONS: ACCOMPANIED 0.8m / UNACCOMPANIED 0.85m
Climb around one of six ‘pink flying elephants’ as you whizz round the magical castle centre pieces.
The Dumbos are located in our undercover zone so don't worry you wont be flying off into the sunset! Mum or Dad can ride also.

CAROUSEL - [4 TOKENS]
HEIGHTS & RESTRICTIONS: TBC

STELLAS REVENGE COASTER - [5 TOKENS]
HEIGHTS & RESTRICTIONS: TBC

TECHNO JUMP - [5 TOKENS] OR [SAVER BAND]
HEIGHTS & RESTRICTIONS: ACCOMPANIED 0.85m / UNACCOMPANIED 1.4m
Techno Jump is not for the faint hearted. As if spinning riders at high speed in forwards & reverse direction is not enough this ride uses computer and pneumatic air techno-ledgy to propel passenger up and down with immense force!! Not to be missed by any thrill seeker.
The Techno Jump is situated just outside the undercover zone on the main rides deck.

THE PARATROOPER - [4 TOKENS] OR [SAVER BAND]
HEIGHTS & RESTRICTIONS: ACCOMPANIED 0.85m / UNACCOMPANIED 1.2m
Experience the thrill of sky diving and climb on board the paratrooper. Hold tight as this great family ride swings you high over the North Sea.
The Paratrooper is located right on the south westerly tip of the main rides deck.

JUMPING JACKS TRAMPOLINES - [3 TOKENS] OR [TINY TOTS BAND] OR [SAVER BAND]
HEIGHTS & RESTRICTIONS: ACCOMPANIED 0.8m / UNACCOMPANIED 0.85m
New for the 2010 season are our jumping jacks trampolines. Here kids can have fun + keep fit at the same time.
The trampolines are located on the main ride deck mum or dad can accompany very small bouncers? to the walkway.

THE CONVOY - [3 TOKENS] OR [TINY TOTS BAND] OR [SAVER BAND]
HEIGHTS & RESTRICTIONS: ACCOMPANIED 0.8m / UNACCOMPANIED 0.85m
‘Breaker, breaker, this here's a rubber duck, we got ourselves a convoy!!!’
Yorkie bars at the ready, all you little tuckers out there will love our convoy truck ride!
The convoy is located in the undercover zone; sorry parents as budding drivers have just gotta go this one alone.

SUPER DODGEMS - [4 TOKENS] OR [SAVER BAND] PER CAR
HEIGHTS & RESTRICTIONS: ACCOMPANIED 0.85m / UNACCOMPANIED 1.2m
The undisputed favourite of the young and old alike, the dodgems affectionately known as ‘bumper cars’ have been a seaside HIT for generations.
The Dodgems are located in the undercover zone so you can ‘dodgem’ even in poor weather!

WILD MOUSE COASTER - [4 TOKENS] OR [SAVER BAND]
HEIGHTS & RESTRICTIONS: ACCOMPANIED 0.85m / UNACCOMPANIED 1m
View the fair from the air as this family coaster climbs the hill before starting its ‘WILD’ decent back to the station.
Wild Mouse is located on the outside rides deck and is great fun for the whole family.

HEALTER SKELTER - [3 TOKENS] OR [SAVER BAND]
HEIGHTS & RESTRICTIONS: ACCOMPANIED 0.85m / UNACCOMPANIED 1.2m
Grab your mat and climb the steps until you reach the very top of this 55ft tall slide. Remember to keep your arms in as you whizz down the chutes in a cruiser motion.
The helter skelter is situated on the main rides deck next to the T-shirt shop on almost the same spot as the original Healter Skelter was placed back in the 1940’s.

SEAQUARIUM
The seaquarium offers an informative, educational, fun learning experience. Many of the marine life species found in and around our shores can be seen here at Clacton pier. This brings a unique opportunity to the young and old alike, to appreciate from an up close perspective some of the intriguing creatures surrounding our coastal areas.

We are also home to all kinds of fresh water and tropical fish which can all be seen in our large number of exhibitions. When you visit us don’t forget to keep a look out for the real life ‘nemo’, the school of red bellied piranhas or our star attraction the smooth hound shark who recently had 3 baby sharks.

WAVERLEY & BALMORAL
Fancy an unforgettable journey aboard then try these magnificent Historic Ships. WAVERLEY - the last seagoing Paddle Steamer in the World & the Historic Ship BALMORAL! Relax on deck or sit in one of the comfortable heated lounges as the scenery slips by.

Step aboard for DAY, AFTERNOON and EVENING CRUISES from Clacton Pier! Enjoy the views of the White Cliffs of Dover; the Rivers Medway, Blackwater & Orwell and see Tower Bridge open just for you!

WAVERLEY is the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. Magnificently restored with towering funnels, timber decks, gleaming varnish and brass. See and hear the mighty engines - they will provide a whiff of nostalgia for some but are sure to impress all!

Enjoy a cruise aboard BALMORAL, beautifully maintained with restored period lounges and unrivalled access to the stunning scenery of some of the most picturesque parts of the UK's coastline.

More info: www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk

CAR PARKING
A limited amount of car parking is available on the main car park at the front of the pier. We operate a pay and display system & tickets are available at a cost of £1 per hour. The ticket machine is located at the main entrance to the Pier.

The car park may be closed during peak periods for safety reasons. Wheel clamping is in operation.