Pleasure Island Theme Park in Cleethorpes Closes Permanently After 23 Years
Once a bustling seaside destination for families, Pleasure Island Family Theme Park in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, has been deserted and is now undergoing demolition. The park, which opened in May 1993, attracted thousands of visitors annually for over two decades, offering nearly 50 rides, including iconic attractions like the Hyperblaster, Obliterator, Pendulus, and Terror Rack.
Decline and Closure of a Seaside Landmark
As the 1990s gave way to the mid-2000s, warmer European destinations gained popularity due to cheaper flights and holiday packages. This shift led to a decline in visitors to traditional British seaside towns like Cleethorpes. Consequently, Pleasure Island's attendance plummeted, culminating in its permanent closure at the end of the 2016 season.
Following the closure, many of the park's contents were auctioned off. The historic 1904 carousel was among the items sold, with most other rides disposed of in 2018. Despite this, the site remains largely intact but abandoned, with buildings such as the dodgems structure and children's show area still standing, creating an eerie atmosphere for those who wander the grounds.
Nostalgia and Memories of Thrill Rides
The Pendulus ride, notorious for its intensity and tendency to make riders physically ill, holds a special place in the memories of locals and former visitors. A Facebook page titled Pleasure Island Archive, created by Alfie Lugsden, serves as a hub for sharing stories and reminiscing about the park. One user recalled an incident where vomit from the Pendulus covered half the riders, highlighting the ride's infamous reputation.
Over the past decade, the park has been significantly neglected, becoming an eyesore in Cleethorpes. Although the entrance still features a welcoming sign, it is now blocked by harsh metal fencing to prevent access to the derelict site.
Proposed Redevelopment Plans Face Challenges
Current proposals for the site include a £65 million redevelopment project, first circulated in 2022. The plans envision building two hotels, hundreds of log cabins, a casino, restaurants, cafes, retail units, and leisure facilities, with the lake potentially used for fishing. However, these plans have faced scrutiny from various bodies.
The Environment Agency has objected due to flooding concerns, stating that continuous access along the watercourse banks must be maintained and that any bridges should not reduce the channel's cross-sectional area. Natural England has also raised issues, warning that the development could pose risks to the health of the nearby Humber Estuary. Whether these redevelopment plans will come to fruition remains uncertain, leaving the future of the site in limbo.
