UK’s biggest pleasure pier reveals £40k revamp just in time for the summer

THE UK's biggest pleasure pier is set to undergo a £40,000 transformation - and work has already started.

Clacton Pier in Essex is the largest pleasure pier in Europe, which means there are plenty of rides and attractions for holidaymakers to enjoy.

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One of those places is the Discovery Bay soft play area, which is currently being transformed as part of a larger renovation project of the pier.

In July, Discovery Bay will celebrate its sixth anniversary, with the revamp marking its first significant change since 2021.

According to the local newspaper, the Clacton and Frinton Gazette, the soft play area will be given a brand-new look.

New additions will also be installed, including the Wise Owl's Library, which is set to take over from a shop.

Inside the new space, a large animatronic owl will read four stories and bean bags will be dotted throughout for added comfort.

The cinema at Clacton Pier will also be renamed, and it will be refurbished with a new Art Deco theme and extra lighting.

A refreshed play frame and a party room are also set to be renovated later this year too.

While work started before Christmas, it is set to take several months to complete.

Billy Ball, Pier Director, said: "It involves carpentry by an in-house team and a large amount of hand-painting by a local scenic artist. 

"He is spending hundreds of hours to create an environment which will engage children and also provide a quiet room where they will be read stories by an animatronic owl. There will also be a nod to the pier’s and town’s past."

Until the transformation is complete, there are plenty of other rides and attractions at the pier, including arcade games, adventure golf, sea fishing and ten-pin bowling.

Direct trains operate between London Liverpool Street Station and Clacton-on-Sea, with services taking 90 minutes.

And Clacton Pier isn't the only part of the UK coastline being improved.

A £75million seaside attraction is set to open in Southport, with a beach thermal spa and surfing lagoon.

First announced in 2020, The Cove Resort would also have an on-site four-star hotel.

The surfing attraction would be similar to one opening in Edinburgh, as well as one in Deal, Kent.

And the huge £250million Therme water attraction is planning to open in Manchester by 2025.

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