Pleasure Island Family Theme Park in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, remains a ghostly shell of its former self a decade after its closure. The park, which opened in May 1993 and operated for 23 years, drew thousands of visitors annually before permanently shutting in 2016.
Rise and Fall of a Coastal Attraction
In its heyday, Pleasure Island transformed Cleethorpes into a tourist hotspot, boasting 50 rides including iconic thrill rides like the Hyperblaster, Obliterator, Pendulus, and Terror Rack. However, by the early 2000s, increasing competition from European holiday destinations led to a sharp decline in visitor numbers. The park closed for good in 2016.
Abandoned and Eerie
After closure, most rides were removed in 2018, and the historic 1904 carousel was auctioned off. Today, the site remains largely intact but hauntingly abandoned, with the dodgems building, children's entertainment zone, and other facilities still visible. The Pendulus ride became notorious for causing extreme nausea among riders.
New Plans for the Site
Proposals unveiled in 2022 aim to revitalize the area with an estimated £65 million investment. Plans include two hotels, hundreds of log cabins, a casino, and additional leisure facilities. However, the project has faced significant opposition from local organizations, leaving its future uncertain.
Local Memories
Residents have shared fond memories on a Facebook page called Pleasure Island Archive. One visitor recalled, “Remember standing watching my mate on it and someone throwing up, and it covered half the people on the ride. Some very unhappy riders coming off that day.”
