We take pride in sharing the fun with as many guests as possible and will do all we can to welcome everyone, of whatever ability, to join us in making some magic and memories. We understand the importance of accessibility, and we are committed to continually improving and enhancing our services to ensure everyone has an inclusive and enjoyable visit. We know we are not perfect, but we are working towards that aim.
We will use the scheme for all customers who require support, such as an essential companion wristband. All visitors requiring the access provisions will go via Nimbus to have their access requirements validated, so we can not only provide for those reasonable adjustments but protect them from potential misuse.
You will be able to submit a free application for a Digital Access Pass (DAP) via Nimbus to enable you to purchase tickets and access facilities. As part of this, you will need to provide relevant evidence so that Nimbus can allocate the symbols that represent the barriers you face. This will be valid for 3 years, so once you have applied and it’s been approved – that’s it!
Clacton Pier is committed to ensuring all guests have a comfortable, enjoyable and safe experience when they visit us. We look forward to welcoming you should you chose to visit us.
Clacton Pier is the number 1 visitor attraction on the Sunshine Coast. We are open 364 days of the year and have excellent indoor attractions in comfortable surroundings plus outdoor rides that operate seasonally (check for details). We host spectacular events including firework displays, Oktoberfest and seasonal activities that have included Easter Egg hunts, dinosaurs, Halloween scare fests etc all information available on our website.
We are a very popular attraction and can be extremely busy during peak periods. The environment is exciting and dynamic and we understand that for some guests that could also be challenging – music is played throughout the pier, there are flashing lights and loud noises that you would associate with traditional seaside amusement park.
We are located directly on the beautiful seafront and have easy access to beaches from slopes just outside the pier entrance.
There is a drop off point directly in front of the pier entrance.
Our address –
Clacton Pier, No.1, North Sea, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1QX
Clacton Pier does not have a car park however Tendring District Council provides 3 free hours parking in all off street car parks. Blue badge holders are required to display the badge clearly and set clock to time of arrival before leaving the vehicle.
The nearest accessible parking spaces are on Pier Gap – approx. 3. There are dedicated accessible parking bays on Marine Parade a short distance from the pier and other seafront businesses and attractions.
Public car parks with accessible parking bays are also located nearby.
There are accessible toilets available at the Pier. These are accessible without the need for a radar keys so from time to time may be used by guests who do not have accessible requirements.
A Changing Places facilities, for people who cannot use traditional disabled toilets and include hoists, height-adjustable changing tables and sinks, and shower facilities too are available at Lower promenade below Marine Parade East, Clacton, close to Beaches Café and West Greensward, Clacton – below Marine Parade West
A key is required to access the facilities, and those wishing to apply for a key can do so on the TDC website here.
There is level access to the pier via automatic electric doors.
There are ramps around the inside of the pier giving access to various catering facilities and some activities. More details to follow in the Accessibility Guide (available soon) .
You can journey to the end of the pier via wooden boardwalk for some great fresh air and sea views via level walkways accessed by automatic doors.
The pier is open from 9.30 a.m. however you can check here for times when various attractions and rides on the pier are open as these can change daily.
Clacton Pier will do everything possible to ensure its guests have a safe and pleasurable visit. However, certain rides and attractions at our pier are physically demanding and vigorous. We also have to consider guests ability to evacuate rides quickly and safely in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Clacton Pier therefore reserves the right to refuse admission to any ride or attraction should we feel there is an unacceptable risk to your safety or the safety of others should they participate.
Clacton Pier hopes that you understand and accept this statement, which is made in the interests of health and safety. Our staff have been trained to look after our guests and they do so conscientiously. If an operator is worried for your safety he/she will say so and may ask for a second opinion from a supervisor or manager. Please be patient, they will be doing their best to help you to enjoy a happy and safe day. Note: some ride restrictions are set by the manufacturer and therefore we have no discretion in these circumstances.
Clacton Pier understands that in refusing to provide admission to rides and attractions on the grounds of health and safety this is not discriminatory and this is provided for in the Equality Act 2010. This view is endorsed by the HSE.
Guests with Access Requirements
At Clacton Pier, we welcome visits from guests with access requirements and will do all we reasonably can to ensure they have an enjoyable and safe visit. We aim to make as many activities as possible accessible; however, the safety of visitors will always be our main concern.
There is no admission charge for visiting Clacton Pier; however, there is a charge for using our rides, attractions and attending some events. Please check the Clacton Pier website before visiting for details of prices, offers and opening times.
We are pleased to offer complimentary Essential Companion tickets to any paying visitor who has a current Access Card or Clacton Pier Digital Access Pass ( DAP) that shows the +1 symbol, verifying they require additional assistance during their day. Find out how to apply for an Access Card or Clacton Pier DAP and purchase Essential Companion tickets below.
PLEASE NOTE: If we issue you with an Essential Companion wristband, this is not transferrable between essential companions; therefore, the essential companion accompanying you should be available for the duration of your visit.
Single seat rides – Where a ride is ’single’ seat, e.g. dodgems this ride will not be accessible by a visitor with either a full Access Card or a Clacton Pier Digital Access Pass as the essential support they need will not be possible during the ride
Queues at Clacton Pier – we understand that some guests with the Access Card or Digital Access Pass will have the ‘queuing symbol’ included and may be unable to stand for long periods of time. At Clacton Pier, unlike some bigger theme parks, we do not experience overly long queues, so we do not offer a queue jump system. We advise guests to plan carefully for their visits and suggest avoiding peak days and times when the pier is quieter overall.
An Essential Companion must be able to assist the visitor they are accompanying in the case of an emergency or evacuation – the minimum age for an Essential Companion at Clacton Pier is 16 years of age.
Do you already have an Access Card with the +1 or +2 symbol?
If yes, every time you visit the pier simply present your Access Card at either the Ticket Box, Discovery Bay or Bowling Reception where you can purchase your own wristband a member of our team will provide your essential companion with the appropriate wristband.
If you have a Clacton Pier Digital Access Pass ( DAP)
Every time you visit the pier, simply present your Digital Access Pass at the Ticket Box, Discovery Bay counter or Bowling Reception and let the team know of your Access requirements. Show them your Digital Access Pass on your mobile device or provide them with your Clacton Pier DAP unique number. They will then verify your access needs and, if confirmed, will provide your Essential Companion with the appropriate wristband.
If you do not have an Access Card or Clacton Pier DAP, please register your access requirements as below and allow up to 10 days of processing time during peak season.
Are you planning to visit the pier within the next 5 – 10 days and do not have an Access Card or Clacton Pier DAP?
If yes, please purchase your own and a Rides Ticket for your essential companions tickets at the current price and enjoy your visit. Then, register for your Access Card or Clacton Pier DAP. When you receive your access ID, please email this to info@clactonpier.co.uk, and we will then arrange for the appropriate refund (the cost of your Ride Ticket for the essential companions ticket/wristband) to be paid to you.
Are you an Annual Pass Holder?
If yes, and you do not hold a valid Access Card OR Clacton Pier DAP, please register your access requirements as below. When your Access ID is received, please present this to the Ticket Box, Discovery Bay counter or Bowling Reception along with your Annual Pass details, and a member of the team will then confirm the access requirements identified on your pass and, if confirmed, will provide you with the appropriate Essential Companion wristband.
What is an Essential Companion Wristband?
A complimentary Essential Companion wristband enables an Essential Companion to accompany a visitor with the approved access requirements as recorded on either their Access Card or Clacton Pier DAP. The Essential Companion wristband can only be used by the Essential Companion when the companion is using the ride, attraction or event with the visitor with the registered access requirements. The wearer of an Essential Companion wristband cannot use any ride, attraction or event alone or with a visitor other than the person with the appropriate +1 symbol on their Access Card or Clacton Pier DAP.
Who is eligible for an Essential Companion Wristband?
An Essential Companion wristband is available for people where significant and substantial support is needed in excess of what could be reasonably expected of family/friends already accompanying the guest. The support must be due to disability-related needs.
Our Essential Companion wristband is only available to a person accompanying a visitor who paying full current costs for their own wristband or tickets. An Essential Companion must be able to assist the visitor they are accompanying in the case of an emergency or evacuation – the minimum age for an Essential Companion at Clacton Pier is 16 years of age.
Clacton Pier partners with Nimbus Disability, operators of the Access Card scheme, to assess and manage applications for our Essential Companion tickets. Nimbus Disability is one of the country’s leading providers of disability-related advice and support to professional organisations. It is recognised as a lead authority on accessible ticketing in the UK. They are an award-winning organisation run by disabled people who specialise in the legislation behind the Equality Act and other legislation like Welfare Benefits.
Registering your access requirements
Please use the application form using the button below to register your needs for an Essential Companion wristband. Our partners at Nimbus Disability will review your application.
Once Nimbus Disability have assessed your needs, you will receive your Access Card or Clacton Pier DAP details, and if the +1 symbol is approved, you can then use your Access Card or Clacton Pier DAP to obtain an Essential Companion ticket.
Please be aware that applications can take up to 10 days to be processed at peak periods.
Assistance dogs are welcomed at Clacton Pier however we may need to understand the tasks that the dog has been trained to perform.
However, the assistance dog will not be able to accompany guests onto any rides. Dogs will need to be left with a member of the guest’s party at the ride admission point. Dogs must not be left unattended or tethered anywhere on the pier, and our staff are not permitted to care for your dogs while you ride.
Assistance dogs are allowed into the Jurassic Pier attraction, though they will not be permitted to sit in the seated area.
Clacton Pier is aware that emotional support dogs/animals can bring great comfort to you; however, they do not fall into the same category as assistance dogs, and therefore, we are not legally required to allow access to the site.
There are numerous catering facilities across the pier offering a range of meals, drinks and snacks. All of these are accessible via level surfaces and ramps. Menus are available on screens or tables and staff will be pleased to assist you with any information if you ask.
There are various outdoor catering outlets open during the peak season offering takeaway food, ice cream, and souvenirs.
Allergies and food intolerances should be highlighted to our catering staff before you place your order
