Blackpool Pleasure Beach's famous arcades have failed to crack the top 20 of the UK's best seaside arcades, according to a new ranking by Live Casinos. The resort, long synonymous with bright lights and penny machines, has been overshadowed by Southend-on-Sea, which boasts both the nation's longest pier and the winning arcade.
Astro City in Southend-on-Sea took first place with 56 games across 11 categories, earning a percentile score of 9.85. It narrowly beat the Golden Horseshoe in Southsea, with Wellington Pier in Great Yarmouth rounding out the top three. The rankings were based on the total number of games and the variety of game categories on offer at each venue.
The top 20 also includes arcades in Minehead, Scarborough and Cardiff, with many of the locations receiving high praise from visitors. The list was published just as warm weather is expected to peak in the mid-30s Celsius in parts of the country, prompting many to plan seaside trips.
Reviews for the winning arcade are glowing, with one TripAdvisor user describing a child's birthday party at Astro City as 'perfect' and praising the owner for going 'above and beyond'. Another reviewer noted it was 'such a great place for kids to play all different types of arcade games' while allowing adults to join in too.
Blackpool's absence from the list will surprise many who associate the town with classic seaside amusements, but the ranking suggests visitors are increasingly favouring other coastal destinations for their summer arcade fix.
