Top 5 Best Clacton Amusements

Clacton has a great range of amusements all closely located to the beach and pier, which make up the focal point of the Clacton-on-Sea tourist area. The seaside and entertainment amenities are all within walking distance of each other. With an abundance of parking options, it makes Clacton a convenient, stress-free place to visit. 

There are pubs, hotels and shops all located within walking distance of the promenade. With rail links direct from Colchester and London it is easily accessible by vehicle and public transport nationally.

Pier Ave to Clacton Pier 

Most of the best amusements in Clacton are located on Pier Ave opposite the Clacton Pier. This continues with a short stroll across Marine Parade, down through the Pavilion Fun Park and onto the Pier. One can sample all of the very best arcades in a very small area. So, on hot days or when it’s raining there isn’t far to go to enjoy the action!

Top 5 Best Clacton-on-Sea Amusements

Below we have listed our pick of the best Clacton amusements. This was really hard to put into an order because there are so many great arcades here with fun entertainment for different members of the family. 

For example, Magic City leads the way for the adult casino gaming slot machine lovers with its bar and late licence. Though if you are looking for an all-in-one venue for the family or young kids then the Pavilion Bowl or the Clacton Pier are standout winners. 

Visitors are encouraged to explore the huge range of fun things to do alongside playing in the arcades and these include ten pin bowling, theme park rides, crazy adventure golf, kids play areas and also pool and snooker. There really is something for all of the family, to enjoy together or separately. 

5) Gameshow Amusements Arcade Clacton

Gameshow comes highly recommended with a great balance of modern ticket machines, coin pushers and both fruit and slow machines. The prize window has a great range, and the tickets pay out very well here. They have some rare and unique gaming machines in both the adult gaming section and also in the main arcade, so see if you can spot a new game to explore and experience.

4) Gaiety Amusements Arcade Clacton

Gaity is thought of as one of the best amusements in Clacton by locals and visitors. This is because they have such a fantastic range of arcade games to play. If you like arcade racing games or the latest fairground arcade machines, then make sure to visit. The casino gaming area also has a great atmosphere and a wide range of mechanical and digital slot machines to play and explore. 

3) Magic City Amusements Arcade Clacton

Magic City Amusements has so much to offer for the adults who enjoy a flutter or competitive gaming. With the upstairs bar offering pool and snooker and a super late licence downstairs, Magic City is essentially a casino with all the fun of an amusement arcade. If you like the ambience of the casino and the fun thrills of the latest Vegas games, then do not miss this impressive adult-led gaming venue.

2 Pavilion Bowl Amusements Arcade Clacton

Being part of the Pavilion Fun Park allows this arcade to benefit from a great range of amenities and food options that complement the amusements in a positive way. If you have young children this is a great option as you can have an entertaining day packed full of fun activities including kids soft play, bowling and exploring the great range of larger arcade machines that are available to play. With two adult gaming area and pool tables there really is something for all ages here. 

1) Clacton Pier Amusements Arcade

Clacton Pier is touted as the largest pleasure pier in Europe and for good reason. There is such a huge range of different things to do, and one could spend several days here and not experience it all! The layout is convenient, and arcade machines are plentiful in all the main areas and walkways of the venue. They have adventure golf, kids soft play, ten pin bowling and even a theme park and Ferris Wheel with incredible views. With big events happening all year including Oktoberfest in the late autumn, this gigantic venue really is the perfect destination to visit at any time of the year. 

Visit in the day or play at night?

With many late-night bars and venues with relaxed licencing laws, many places in the tourist area are open until late at night and are certainly worth visiting once the sun has gone down to see all the bright light displays of the attractions and arcades.

In the daytime you have the beach and the promenade and lots of shaded or covered areas to enjoy sea front snacks or a fish and chips lunch. There are also lots of hotel and restaurant bars with verandas perfect for early evening low sun vibe. 

Perfect for Summer and Winter

In the summer heat, the layout of Clacton is really helpful as so many of the great venues offer shelter or have joined access so you can avoid the blistering sun when it is at it’s strongest. Then the same goes for the not so good weather days with rain and wind very much avoidable as you hop from venue to venue or hang around to avoid the worst of a downpour. 

Being on the east coast visitors can enjoy early morning sun on the beach, which is perfect for those looking to sunbath in the summer. Many of the pubs and restaurants close to the tourist beach area have outdoor seating that is a real treat in the summer. One can find all of the seaside classics including ice cream, fish and chips and even warm doughnuts.

With all of the amusement arcade venues being close by to each other, visiting in the winter is also very fun. Even if the weather is bad, patrons can tip-toe from Pier Ave, via the Pavilion Bowl, right into the indoor Pier with minimal exposure to the wind and rain. There is also an abundance of free/cheap parking very close making a day of entertainment very manageable in low season. 

If you are looking to visit for a particular activity, we recommend calling ahead to check opening times in low season. In high season there are enough amusement arcades for all to enjoy, though if you are hoping for a game of bowling or miniature golf then we recommend booking ahead in high season.

Clacton Amusements Verdict

Clacton benefits from having all of the tourist entertainment venues and activities in a very small area. The access is great, and one can park close by and walk with the whole family and feel safe in doing so. 

The quality of the arcade games here is excellent and patrons can find the latest large-scale ticket games such and Space Invaders and Connect Four, yet also discover classic arcade games such as air hockey, pong and action games. 

For adults there is a great range of late opening nightlife options including casino gaming venues that are licenced to serve alcohol. We recommend exploring everything that Clacton seafront has to offer as it really is a cost effective and convenient day-out for all of the family.