Bottons Pleasure Beach, the nostalgic seaside theme park in Skegness also known as Skegness Pleasure Beach, is set to open a major new pirate-themed thrill ride called The Kraken this summer. The attraction replaces the classic pirate ship ride that was dismantled in January after 43 years of operation, sparking outcry on social media.
New Ride Details
The Kraken, built in Turkey, is a pendulum-style ride with a 32-seat capacity. According to Theme Parks UK, it swings passengers to a dynamic height of approximately 24 metres, delivering multiple moments of weightlessness and sweeping views across the Skegness seafront. The park describes it as a “standout addition” and one of its largest investments to date, combining modern thrills with classic fairground heritage.
Background on the Original Pirate Ship
The original pirate ship ride had been a beloved fixture since 1983. Park owner James Botton Jr told the BBC at the time of its removal: “Age has caught up with it and now is the time to reinvest in something new. We have sold it to a fellow showman in the UK, where they will possibly have more time to refurbish it, and bring it back to its former glory.”
Park History and Other Attractions
The Botton family acquired the park from Billy Butlin in 1965. The site features the Giant Wheel, bumper cars, three amusement arcades, 10-pin bowling, and mini go-karts, all steps from Skegness Beach. The park has not confirmed an exact opening date for The Kraken; delivery was delayed from March, but parts were seen arriving on July 17. James Botton Jr previously estimated assembly would take three to four days, followed by inspection before public use.
