Pinball Machines

Here are local amusement arcades and entertainment venues across the UK with pinball machines. From classic tables to modern designs, there's a game for every fan. Play pinball machines and smash high scores today!

What is a pinball machine?

A pinball machine is an arcade game where players use mechanical flippers to launch and control a metal ball on a playfield/board filled with ramps, bumpers, and targets. The goal of pinball games is to score as many points as possible by hitting specific features while preventing the ball from falling out of play. As players gain more points by hitting more surfaces, it is possible to unlock subsequent balls, extra plays and even the coveted multi-ball.

Why are pinball machines so popular?

Pinball machines are popular in the UK due to their nostalgic appeal, engaging gameplay, and the skill required to master them. Their mix of mechanical and visual excitement, combined with themed designs based on films, bands, and pop culture, keeps players entertained. Pinball games have remained a staple in arcades, pubs, and entertainment venues for generations. Some popular themed games include Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Addams Family and Jurassic Park.

Where can I play pinball near me?

Pinball machines can be found across the UK in amusement arcades, retro gaming bars, pubs, and dedicated pinball clubs. Seaside resorts are particularly good spots for discovering classic machines, as many older games often go unnoticed or underappreciated. While there are several global pinball fan clubs and machine locator websites, the UK interest is more modest. This is partly due to pinball’s status changing over the years – from being machines that were once difficult to give away to high-value ‘classic’ commodities with rarer models fetching thousands of pounds. Fans of these machines will be happy to find pinball close by at the following venues. Arcade Club in Blackpool has a nice row of machines, whilst the Coral Island arcade has one in the Buccaneer Bar. The Caesars Palace Arcade in Great Yarmouth is representing the east coast with a row of classic pinball machines. Further south, enthusiasts can play pinball in several venues in Felixstowe, including the Forum Arcade. In Southend, checkout the side room at the Funtopia Arcade to find two classics with a card payment system option.