The Best Arcades in the UK

Walton-on-the-Naze may be a quieter seaside town, but its pier is a giant in the world of UK arcades. Walton Pier stretches over the North Sea and packs an unbelievable variety of arcade experiences into a single venue. Step inside and you’re greeted by a dimly lit atmosphere illuminated by enchanting rainbow lights, creating a vibe that feels like an underground world above the waves. This is arcade gaming elevated (both literally and figuratively), and it’s a must-see for anyone seeking a truly immersive seaside experience.

Skegness is a powerhouse of summer holidays, and Lucky Strike stands out as arguably the town’s most impressive arcade venue. Spanning three floors, it’s packed with a huge variety of arcade games, ticket redemption machines, and other exciting entertainment attractions. The upper floors offer café seating with wide sea views, making it the perfect spot to relax between games. Whether the kids are chasing high scores, collecting tickets, or eating fish and chips, Lucky Strike delivers a full day of fun for families and friends alike.

Clacton Pier, proudly calling itself No.1 on the North Sea, is an iconic pleasure pier with a wealth of attractions for all ages. Indoors, visitors can enjoy bar drinks and food kiosks, a giant soft play area, Dinosaur mini golf, and a huge arcade with every type of machine. At the rear, the amusement park rides add even more excitement. On the beach-facing side of the pier, a spacious terrace overlooks the promenade, with a large Ferris wheel offering elevated views along the coast. With regular events such as Oktoberfest, there is always something lively happening at Clacton Pier.

Coral Island doesn’t just do ‘big arcades’ well; it raises the bar for the entire UK. This vast venue feels less like a single arcade and more like a mini city of fun under one roof, packed with an incredible range of arcade machines and attractions. The pirate theme is executed brilliantly, fully immersing visitors and making the whole experience feel like stepping into a Hollywood pirate adventure.

Surrounding the main arcade floor are multiple bars, restaurants and a fully licensed casino, all seamlessly connected to the action. There are even theme park rides within the venue, adding another layer of excitement. Like all the venues on this list, entry is free, budgets are easy to manage, and children are guaranteed a great time. Set right in the heart of Blackpool’s famous Golden Mile, Coral Island delivers unbeatable value, atmosphere and scale, making it the undisputed number one best arcade in the UK.