Eerie photographs have revealed the crumbling remains of Pleasure Island in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, a decade after the theme park shut its gates for good in October 2016. The 57-acre site is now overgrown, with faded mock-castle buildings surrounded by vegetation and 20ft-high shrubs creeping up the walls. The former dodgems building and waterpark features are covered in weeds.
Nature reclaims the site
The abandoned attraction has become a hotspot for urban explorers and anti-social behaviour. Locals fear the site could remain decaying for years after ambitious £70million redevelopment plans came to a halt. One local told SWNS: “I don’t understand why this has not been opened up again as another theme park in that time, it’s been that long. That would actually create jobs and bring in more tourists.”
Another local added: “Something needs to be done, or else it’s going to become even more of a hotspot for urban explorers. We can’t be having it sat untouched like that for another ten years or so, it’s not good for the area or the environment.”
History and rides sold abroad
Pleasure Island opened on May 27, 1993, and was split into six themed areas: Africa, Kiddies Kingdom, Morocco, Old England, Spain and White Knuckle Valley. Many of its famous rides have been sold to attractions worldwide, including the Boomerang rollercoaster, now at a park in Indonesia, and the Alakazam ride, now called ‘Fly Away’ at Kuwait’s Winter Wonderland, more than 3,000 miles away.
Future plans stalled
The site is being considered for a ‘Center Parcs-by-the-sea’ style destination, with a £70million revamp including 272 holiday lodges, a Lidl and a Costa Coffee. A planning application was submitted in 2023, but three years on, the council is still debating what will be built. Tesco argues there is no evidence another ‘retail food store’ is needed outside Cleethorpes town centre. The final planning decision has been deferred to an unspecified future date by North East Lincolnshire Council.
Residents have voiced frustration on Facebook, with one user saying: “Anything is better than leaving it to rot. Let’s just let the investors do what they need to and make it a going concern.” Another said: “Why not something fun? Huge outdoor playground / fair / with rides to bring income? A cafe? Do we really need more hotels? There are hundreds of B&Bs etc in Cleethorpes, two caravan parks and a huge Premier Inn. We need something for families to do.”
