Clacton Pier facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Clacton Pier

Clacton Pier viewed from the south west
Official name	Clacton Pier
Type	Working pier with landing stages
Carries	People
Spans	North Sea
Locale	Clacton-on-Sea
Owner	The Clacton Pier Company Ltd
Total length	1,180 feet (360 m)
Opening date	27 July 1871
Coordinates	51°47′08″N 1°09′21″E / 51.7855°N 1.1559°E / 51.7855; 1.1559

Clacton Pier is a famous pier located in the seaside town of Clacton-on-Sea in England. It was even named "Pier of the Year" in 2020 by the National Piers Society.

This exciting pier has lots of fun things to do! You can find thrilling rides, ten-pin bowling, and arcade games. There's also a cool aquarium, a golf course, and a soft-play area for younger kids. Plus, you can grab tasty food, drinks, and souvenirs.

A Look Back: From World War I to the 1970s

After World War I, Ernest Kingsman bought Clacton Pier. His family owned it for many years, until 1971.

Kingsman added some big improvements to the pier. He built a RNLI lifeboat house. He also added a theatre called the Ocean Theatre and a dance hall named the Blue Lagoon. Other additions included the Crystal Casino, an open-air stage, and an outdoor swimming pool. There was even a roller coaster called Steel Stella!

During World War II, parts of the pier were removed. This was done to stop enemies from using it as a landing spot. A floating German mine also caused a lot of damage to the pier.

After the war, the pier was repaired and reopened. Famous entertainers like Gene Durham and Tony Hancock performed there. Later, comedians Ted Rogers and Roy Hudd also headlined shows.

By 1971, the pier was owned by Barney Kingsman, Ernest's son. Visitor numbers were dropping, so the family decided to sell it. Michael Goss, who also owned part of nearby Walton Pier, bought it. He ran it as a successful amusement center.

From 1971 to 1985, dolphins and killer whales were kept and displayed on the pier. They were housed where the old open-air swimming pool used to be.

In 1973, a fire badly damaged the pier, especially the roller coaster. Then, in 1978, a big storm caused even more structural problems.

Bringing the Pier Back to Life

Outdoor amusements on the pier in 2013

The Gunfleet Sands Offshore Wind Farm can be seen behind the pier

In August 1981, a group of local businessmen bought the pier. They planned to make big changes and bring new life to it. They wanted to add a bar, a disco, and even bring back the dolphins. They also planned to upgrade the rides.

Over the next few years, many new attractions were added. These included the Whirlwind roller coaster, a circus, an ice rink, and a roller rink. There was even a water slide! However, not all of these additions were successful. The pier company faced financial difficulties a few times.

In 1994, a local family, the Harrisons, bought the pier. They started a big project to make it modern and exciting. Their goal was to attract more visitors. The pier became a modern amusement park. It's unique because rides are spread out along its entire length.

In March 2009, the Clacton Pier Company bought the pier. They added a new main attraction: a 50-foot helter-skelter. This classic slide was built in 1949. Sadly, it collapsed during the St. Jude storm on October 28, 2013.

Exciting Rides & Attractions

Images for kids

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  The pier around 1895

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  The end of the pier in 2015