We recently visited Clacton-on-Sea and of course our trip wouldn't have been complete without visiting the beach and the famous pier. I had left it until the last day as it was meant to be the sunniest and we arrived down there by 11am. Clacton Pier itself didn't open until midday, but we walked along the gardens that line the seafront and explored.
Just in front of the pier, we found Clacton Pavilion. In contrast to the big and exciting rides that the pier offers, the pavilion had a collection of smaller rides aimed at younger children. Mine are 4,6,8 and 9, but my eldest prefers gentle rides over anything adventurous and I was soon inundated with requests for the bumper cars. The pavilion offers wristbands which offer unlimited rides for the day (it is open 11-5) for £8.99 and it seemed like the most cost effective way to enjoy the day. When we later explored the pier, it was around £3- £4 per ride for the bigger rides and my children were much happier having unlimited smaller rides.
There was around 12 choices in total and the bumper cars were a big favourite. There were only 5 cars but the park was quiet (it was Kent school holidays when we visited but the Essex school term had restarted) so we never had to queue. Cora at 102cm was tall enough to go on every ride without a parent and Dylan at 9 (152cm) was only too big for one ride. Everything was close together and they could easily move between rides or I could watch two on one ride and two on another.
I can't begin to guess how many turns they had but I do know I was dragging them away when it was time to leave and they have been desperate to return ever since!
Rather than getting lunch at the hot dog huts in the pavilion, we walked down to the beach and had fish and chips from a little café there. I wanted a break from the noise and lights so we spent some time playing in the sand and enjoying the views. We also went for a walk all the way along the pier to the end. To get through to the outdoor area we had to walk through a huge arcade that the children were desperate to play in (all indoor activities were shut due to Covid measures when we visited).
Clacton-on-Sea seafront is a wonderful place to visit with young children. There are huge stretches of beach, all the fun of the pier and we loved our day out at the pavilion.
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Looks like you had a great day! Were there toilets open now despite Covid? I always worry about that with children...
ReplyDeleteYes! There are public toilets right in front of the pier that were open and a cafe offering the use of its toilets by the pavillion too. It is the first thing I ask when we arrive somewhere too!
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