Clarence Pier

Clarence Pier is an amusement pier in Portsmouth, Hampshire. It is located next to Southsea Hoverport. Unlike most seaside piers in the UK, the pier does not extend very far out to sea and instead goes along the coast.

Clarence Pier
LocationPortsmouth, England
SloganOne of the Largest Amusement Parks on the South Coast!
Opened1861
Operating seasonMarch to Late October
Attractions
Total13 (14 including Golf)
Roller coasters2
Water rides1
Websiteclarencepier.co.uk
Clarence Pier.

The pier was originally constructed and opened in 1861 by the Prince and Princess of Wales[1] and boasted a regular ferry service to the Isle of Wight. It was damaged by air raids during World War II and was reopened in its current form on 1 June 1961 after being rebuilt by local architects A.E. Cogswell & Sons and R. Lewis Reynish.[2][3]

The main entrance to the pier from the road is via a striking pavilion building with distinctive yellow and blue cladding and a small tower. This originally housed an amusement arcade and cafe although in more recent years, the upper floor has variously been used for "Pirate Pete's" indoor children's playground, a Wimpy bar while the 'Golden Horseshoe' amusement arcade and Coffee Cup (originally a prize bingo hall) remain on the ground floor.

A smaller building, perpendicular but not physically joined to the main pavilion houses another amusement arcade, the "Clarence Pier" (Originally called "Wheel Of Fortune") and some small gift shops. The upper floor was originally used as a public house, but it was later converted into 'Jurassic 3001', a futuristic dinosaur-themed dark ride, which opened in 1995. The ride's exterior featured an animatronic triceratops, whose head protruded from the side of the building and roared occasionally at passers-by. The attraction closed in 2001, yet all ride signage and theming on the building remained until the end of 2011. The upper floor space previously occupied by this ride underwent a conversion to apartments, according to planning publications, in 2012.

A building at the side of the funfair houses an arcade called "Games Wharf" and "The Boat House" (originally another Coffee Cup).

The main funfair operates on a free admission, pay-per-ride token-based system. In the early 1980s, the amusement park was named "Fun Acres" and as well as the whole pier itself, it also took up 3500 sq metres of land or so to the north-west of the northern part of the pier. This part of the park was cleared and redeveloped as another arcade called "Southsea Island Leisure", The Clarence Pier Public House, a crazy golf course and a Premier Inn during the 1990s, therefore the park itself is significantly smaller than it used to be. The old part of the park contained the 56-seat Corbiere Spherical Ferris Wheel[4] and a ghost train among other attractions. The token booths were shaped as mushrooms.

The pier viewed from gosport
Clarence Pier Portsmouth June 2018

One of the main landmarks of Clarence Pier until the mid-1990s was the Super Loop ride, since removed. The Ferris wheel was sold and relocated to Pleasureland Southport.[5] One ride which lasted the duration was the Skyways roller coaster which was removed in 2018. A new addition to the pier is a pirate-themed crazy golf course situated behind the Clarence Pier arcade.

"Mind the Baby, Mr. Bean", an episode of British TV comedy series "Mr. Bean" was filmed on location at Clarence Pier (as well as other locations in Southsea) and aired on ITV in 1994. This was prior to the closure of the north-western part of the park and the closure of the Wheel Of Fortune public house. The episode shows the Super Loop, Skyways roller coaster, and many of the park's other attractions from that time. Clarence Pier was also the filming location to the teen pop band, "S Club Juniors" song, "Fool No More" filmed mainly on the dodgems but the rollercoaster, 'Skyways' can also be seen in the video.

Attractions
Key
  Roller Coasters
  Water Rides
  Dark Rides

Operating
NameOpenedManufacturerDescription
Mad Mouse2019SBF Visa GroupA Cyclon coaster. It is a similar coaster model to the Galaxi Coaster Skyways, which this coaster replaced.
Tidal Wave2019SBF Visa GroupAn MX 611 Spinning Coaster.
Canyon River2020SBF Visa GroupA small one-drop Log Flume.
Pirate GolfEarly 2000sA pirate-themed mini-golf course, it is separate administration than the rest of the park.
Sky Trail/Pier Pressure2011Innovative LeisureA High Ropes Course.
Twister2004SonacaseA modern version of a traditional Twister Ride. 3 people can sit per car with a total of 12 cars. For the 2019 Season, this ride is now enclosed.
Waltzer1982Maxwell of ScotlandA traditional Waltzer, which Replaced an older version. It was known as Power Spin 2000 until 2003. Although the signage has changed various times, the ride has been the same model. For the 2019 season, the ride was refurbished with new imagery and LED lights.
Disco Dodgems2017Barbieria traditional Bumper Cars ride. Up to 1 or 2 people can fit per car.
Flying Dumbos2015Kolmax-PlusA flying elephant ride.
Carousel1998J.H. RundleA modern version of a traditional Carousel, which replaced an older set. It was refurbished for the 2019 season.
Circus Train2016A Juvenile train ride with a locomotive and three carriages. This is the first ride at the pier to be operated via a remote control unit, carried by the person operating the ride.
Air Balloon Ride2011A flying and spinning ride themed as balloons.
Balloon Wheel2010a Ferris Wheel themed as Balloons.

Former Attractions
NameFirst SeasonFinal SeasonManufacturerDescription
Solent Wheel20162020Technical ParkA 110 ft Ferris Wheel. The wheel contains 24 carriages (including a V.I.P. Carriage) which could sit up to 6 people (V.I.P. carriage could sit up to 4 people). The Wheel was removed in the same year it opened due to the fears that Brent Geese could accidentally fly into it. The Solent Wheel returned for the 2018 season and remained for the next two years, until September 2020, when it was removed and dismantled.
Toy Carousel20162019A mini Carousel ride.
Crazy Slide20172018An inflatable slide. It was removed in 2018.
Flying Planes20182018A small Aeroplane ride that moves in a circle, and has a Disney Planes theme. As with Happy Catapilla, it was on loan from an independent operator.
Pirate Castle20162018An inflatable castle, located under Skytrail. It was removed in 2018.
Happy Catapilla20182018A Wacky Worm Roller Coaster in place of Skyways after it was sent away to be refurbished. It was on loan from Manchester-based independent operator Paul Hart. In 2019, it was moved to the nearby South Parade Pier.
Skyways19802017An S.D.C. Galaxi Roller Coaster which replaced a wooden wild mouse roller coaster. The ride featured in a Mr Bean comedy sketch. The coaster has been dismantled in 2018 and although the ride was thought to return in 2020, the cars for the ride were sold to an independent buyer, who confirmed that the ride would not be returning and had been scrapped.
Tea CupsUnknown2017A small Teacups ride with 5 cups seating up to four children each. This set underwent a major renovation for the 2016 season with the addition of Disney artwork.
Speedy Gonzales/Speedy Coaster20112017D.P. V RidesA Junior Coaster themed as the Looney Tunes character Speedy Gonzales. It was removed from the Pier after the 2017 season and was relocated to Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, near Newcastle, where it was it was given a new lick of paint.
Blade Runner2015/20172015/2017SafecoA Breakdance ride. It was owned by independent operator Ryan McCole who originally sited the ride at the pier for the 2015 season. The ride reappeared for 2017 season as a replacement for the Solent Wheel. After this, the ride's ownership moved on to an italian operator, and so now travels the Italian fairground circuit.
Dodgems20002016BertazzonA Dodgems set. One or Two people can fit into the car. This set of Dodgems was scrapped in 2016, and a new set replaced these ones.
Flying Kiddie Cars20152015A spinning car ride which was located next to the Blade Runner breakdance. It was owned by Ryan McCole who sat this ride in the pier for the 2015 season.
Formula 200020022015A small Convoy Ride where a train of cars goes along a small circuit with a bridge. It was removed at the end of the 2015 season to make way for the Solent Wheel.
Swing Tower20132014AK RidesA mini Vertical Swing ride. Was on loan from an independent operator and currently travels the UK under the name of "Star Flyer".
Extreme Rotor20112013A.R.M.A Rotor. Currently owned by Extreme Fun and travels the UK.
Toon Town Expressunknown2012A small rotating train ride.
Mega Dance20122012Fabbri GroupAn Orbiter ride lent to the pier for the 2012 season. It was previously operated at Pleasurewood Hills and was sold to French and Spanish operators after leaving Clarence Pier.
Jets20102011A mini jet ride with a Buzz Lightyear theme. It was located near Skyways for the 2010 season, and for the 2011 season was located near the Toy Town Train Ride.
Toy Town Train Ride20102011A train ride with a Disney theme.
Disk-O20052010ZamperlaA Disko Ride. The ride was removed at the end of the 2010 season and the Dodgem track was moved into the spot where the Disk-O was. The ride itself was later exported to Australia as a travelling ride, but has since returned to the UK at Brean Leisure Park where it is currently named as "Jet Spin".
The Cyclone20072009Moser RidesAn Extraordinary Bike ride, where the looping gondola's are controlled by the riders' pedals. It was replaced with a Train Ride in 2010.
Tri-Star20092009FairmattA Troika (ride) formerly located at Thorpe Park, placed on the pier on-loan for the 2009 season.
Wild River19982009Reverchon IndustriesA standard 2-drop Log Flume. The ride was removed at the end of 2009 and became a travelling ride, until being moved to Tier Prince Fun Park, where it currently operates at.
Extreme20072008Tivoli UKAn Orbiter (ride). It replaced Power Tower for 2007 and was owned by an independent operator. Replaced by the Tri-Star in 2009.
Power Tower20022006Moser RidesA Drop Tower, which was at one point the tallest spring tower ride in Europe. Was replaced by The Extreme in 2007.
Paratrooper19762004Ivan BennettA traditional Paratrooper (ride). It was removed at the end of the 2004 Season after 28 years and the Twister was moved to where this was. The ride itself is now owned by an independent operator and travels the UK fairground circuit.[6]
The Bounce20032003A Jump and Smile ride lent to the pier by the ride's owner. It was sold to an independent operator in the same year and currently travels the UK fairground circuit. A Twister replaced this ride in 2004.
Grand National20032003A ride where riders ride on horse themed cars around a guided track. After its removal the location where it was remained empty until Wild River moved into the space in 2005 when the Disk'O was added.
Wave Rave19962002Keith EmmettA Miami ride. It replaced and was part-exchanged for the Rainbow ride.[7] It was sold to irish operators in 2002, and currently travels on the Dutch fairground circuit as "Party".
It's A Small World20022002Ronnie BentleyA Dark Ride which took guests through various scenes of different countries around the world. The ride is unrelated to the Disney ride of the same name, it was similar to former The Greatest Show on Earth ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and had teacup styled cars. This ride was relocated from Harbour Park.
Dodgems19932001Lang WheelsA traditional Dodgem track which replaced an earlier set. Was relocated to Symonds Yat Holiday Park with a newer set taking its place.
Jumping Star1990's2001ZamperlaA junior drop tower.[8]
Magic Ring1990's2001ZamperlaA juvenile car ride.
Monster Express19962001ITAL InternationalA small Ghost Train. Sold to an independent operator in 2002 (and again in 2014), and currently travels the UK fairground circuit.
Mini Octopusunknown2001MinariA junior Octopus ride.
Jungle Trainunknown2001FalgasA juvenile train ride.
Jurassic 300119952001ITAL InternationalA Dark Ride themed on the premise of dinosaurs returning from extinction in the year 3001. (Also referred to as 'Jurassic 3001 A.D.' on ride signage). This was housed on the second floor of the Wheel of Fortune (Now Clarence Pier) arcade. The facade included a robotic triceratops that roared at guests passing by. The ride closed in 2001, but all theming remained on the building until 2012. The vehicles were reused as cars for the Coney Beach Fun Park Ghost Train, while the rest of the ride was sold for scrap. Space where the attraction used to be is now a storage room.
Twister20012001KT EnterprisesA modern version of a traditional Twist (ride). It was on hire from an independent operator for the 2001 season and was later replaced with a near-identical model.[9]
The Big Wheel19642000CorbiereA 56-seat Corbiere Spherical Ferris Wheel. Built on the north-east area of Clarence Pier, between the Dodgems arena and the Carousel. Sold to a private owner, and later sited at Pleasureland Southport in 2005. The former Big Wheel site was then used for the mini-golf course.[10]
Scrambler19822000Eli Bridge CompanyA traditional Twist (ride), it was replaced with a more modern Twister ride. It was sold in 2001 to Independent operator Henry Scarrott, and is currently owned by Richard Cadell and operates as "The Whirl-A-Round".
Gallopers19541997Frederick SavageA traditional Gallopers ride. Built on the north-east side of Clarence Pier, between the Big Wheel and the Ghost Train. Replaced in 1998 with a brand new model with a striped canopy, this ride itself replaced an older Gallopers set. This set itself was relocated to Folly Farm, and remains there to this day. [11]
Ghost Train19501995Orton & SpoonerA traditional ghost train (Dark Ride). Built on the north-east end of Clarence Pier. Removed and replaced with the mini-golf course.[12]
Rainbow19931995HUSS Park AttractionsA Rainbow (ride), previously located at Pleasureland Southport and Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Was part-exchanged for the Wave Rave Miami ride, which replaced it in 1996. What remains of the ride is unknown.
Jets19661993Lang WheelsA traditional Jets ride, where riders can control the height of their individual jets. Originally built for the Webber Brothers at Ocean Beach, Rhyl.[13]
Meteor19801993Cadoxton EngineeringA traditional Round Up (ride). Relocated to Butlin's Minehead[14]
Orbiter19881993Tivoli UKAn Orbiter (ride), previously located at Ocean Beach, Rhyl. Operated for a couple of seasons on Brighton seafront following its removal from Clarence Pier.[15]
Super Loop19841990sLarson InternationalAn imported Super Loops (Fire Ball ride.
Tip Top19931993Tivoli UKA Tip Top/Force 10 ride. Operated on Brighton seafront for a couple of seasons following its removal. Currently travels the U.K. fairground circuit.
Topsy Turvey19871993ReverchonA Matterhorn (ride), previously located at Botton's Pleasure Beach Skegness. Upon leaving the park, the ride spent the 1994 season at Tramore Amusement Park in Ireland, followed by 2 seasons on Brighton seafront. The ride now travels in the U.K. fairground circuit.
Dodgemsc.1950s1992A traditional Dodgem track Built on the north-central area of Clarence Pier, between the Slide (later, the Meteor) and the Big Wheel. Removed and replaced with the Premier Inn hotel. Replaced with a different track in 1993.
Santa Maria19851988Anton SchwarzkopfA rare Santa Maria ride - Schwarzkopf's version of a Pirate Ship (ride). Operated previously in Germany.
Lightning Swirl19481987R.J. LakinA traditional Swirl/Skid ride, where riders control the spin of their car using a pedal. The ride was scrapped at the end of 1987 due to its age.[16]
Satellite1983Chance RidesA traditional Trabant/Satellite ride with basic decoration, imported from the U.S.A.[17]
Walt's Waltzer19641981MaxwellA traditional Waltzer ride, replacing an earlier version and itself being replaced with a newer model. The ride later appeared at Ramsgate Amusement Park, Cosgrove Park (Milton Keynes) and since 2011 has been sited at New Brighton, Merseyside.[18]
Steam Yachts1979William CartwrightA traditional Steam Yachts ride, originally built in 1888.
Wild Mouse19601979Maxwell & SonsA steel hybrid Wild Mouse roller coaster. Was moved to Funland (Hayling Island) at the end of 1979, and was replaced with "Skyways". Parts of the ride were later used to construct David Pickstone's Wild Mouse at Brean Leisure Park in 1989.[19]
Coronation Ark19441978R.J. LakinA traditional Ark ride, originally built in 1937. Was relocated to Joyland Arcade in Bridlington, where it operated only briefly.[20]
Rodeo Switchback19471972Frederick SavageA traditional Gondola Switchback, originally built around 1880. The ride was later sold to Six Flags Great Adventure in the U.S.A., before being re-imported in 1982. The ride is now preserved at Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre.[21]
Calypso19651970Lang WheelsA Calypso ride, originally built for showman Side Stocks in 1961. Upon leaving the park the ride went back onto the travelling fair circuit. It was later scrapped.[22]
Moonrocket19621960sR.J. Lakin & MaxwellThe third of three Moonrocket rides to operate at the park. The ride previously operated under the ownership of Gordon Codona at Redcar Amusement Park, and the Webber Brothers at Ocean Beach, Rhyl. The ride was for sale in 1968, and presumably scrapped.
Octopus1961LusseA traditional Octopus ride. An identical model of the same ride type operated at the park until 1950.[23]
Rotor19601968(Rebuilt by Maxwell)A traditional Rotor (sticky wall) ride, thought to originate from mainland Europe, and refitted by Scottish firm Maxwell. The ride was listed for sale in 1969.
Whirlaround19591965Edwin HallA traditional Twist (ride) - the first of its type in the U.K. It was sold to travelling showman Bernard Cole in 1966, and then later to Jimmy Rogers. More modern models of the same ride type would operate at the park years later.[24]
Chair-O-Plane1940s1964(German)A traditional Chair-O-Plane ride, replacing a similar model in either 1947 or 1948.
Walt's Waltzer19591963MaxwellThe first of three Waltzer rides to operate at the park. The ride was named after its owner Walter Shufflebottom. The ride went on to have a long career, with spells at Butlin's Pwllheli, Clacton Pier, Canvey Island Amusement Park and Killarney Springs. It was scrapped in October 2007.[25]
Devil's Chute19511959Orton & SpoonerAn early version of a Wooden Wild Mouse roller coaster. Was replaced by the "Wild Mouse" in 1960.[26]

Ferris wheel proposals

The Solent Eye Ferris wheel was proposed by Billy Manning Ltd[27] for Clarence Pier in 2007.[28] On 17 October, permission for a 130-foot tall (40 m) wheel was granted,[29] but two days later it was revealed that Portsmouth City Councillors wished the wheel was bigger. As a result, the original plans, which were for a 180-foot tall (55 m) wheel, were revived[30] and conditional planning permission subsequently granted on 19 December 2007.[31] It was expected to cost £2 million.[27] The plans were scrapped because the wheel was too large.

In 2015, a revived plan for a 110 ft wheel was sent. It was approved and opened in Easter 2016. Despite the popularity of the wheel, it was confirmed in September 2016 that the Solent Wheel will be taken down and sent elsewhere, which was later revealed to be Ireland. In March 2017, Clarence Pier's website was updated to say that the wheel would return in 2018, which it did. The wheel returned for the 2019 and 2020 seasons, until it was confirmed on August 27th, 2020 that the wheel will not return for the 2021 season, and will close for the final time on the 27th of September.

References
  1. http://strongisland.co/2009/03/19/the-history-of-clarence-pier/
  2. Bounds, Jon; Smith, Danny (11 February 2016). Pier Review: A Road Trip in Search of the Great British Seaside. ISBN 9781783727513.
  3. http://strongisland.co/2009/03/19/the-history-of-clarence-pier/
  4. Richard's Big wheel
  5. Ferris wheel
  6. https://web.archive.org/web/20130630212216/http://www.nfa.dept.shef.ac.uk/history/rides/paratrooper1.html
  7. https://web.archive.org/web/20090109202156/http://www.nfa.dept.shef.ac.uk/history/rides/miami/mm32.php
  8. http://www.joylandbooks.com/news2001_1.htm
  9. https://web.archive.org/web/20130825045026/http://www.nfa.dept.shef.ac.uk/history/rides/twist1.html
  10. http://www.joylandbooks.com/news2005_1.htm
  11. http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye/galleries/gallopers.htm
  12. http://cdm15847.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/p15847coll3/id/46571/rec/441
  13. https://web.archive.org/web/20120709153849/http://www.nfa.dept.shef.ac.uk/history/rides/jets1.html
  14. https://web.archive.org/web/20110811025104/http://www.nfa.dept.shef.ac.uk/history/rides/meteorite1.html
  15. https://web.archive.org/web/20130825044849/http://www.nfa.dept.shef.ac.uk/history/rides/orbiter1.html
  16. https://web.archive.org/web/20090215110047/http://nfa.dept.shef.ac.uk/history/rides/platform/s43.php
  17. https://web.archive.org/web/20120315202305/http://www.nfa.dept.shef.ac.uk/history/rides/satellite1.html
  18. http://cdm15847.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/p15847coll3/id/47009/rec/47
  19. http://cdm15847.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/p15847coll3/id/46655/rec/10
  20. http://cdm15847.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/p15847coll3/id/46767/rec/33
  21. http://fairground-heritage.org.uk/collections/rodeo-switchback/
  22. https://web.archive.org/web/20120403011656/http://www.nfa.dept.shef.ac.uk/history/rides/calypso1.html
  23. http://cdm15847.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/p15847coll3/id/47820/rec/2
  24. http://cdm15847.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/p15847coll3/id/47819/rec/44
  25. https://web.archive.org/web/20131224023244/http://www.nfa.dept.shef.ac.uk/history/rides/platform/w36.php
  26. http://cdm15847.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/p15847coll3/id/46765/rec/432
  27. BBC - Hampshire - How We Built Britain - Making its mark
  28. Shrunken Solent Eye could open on prom The News 16 October 2007
  29. Seafront wheel gets go-ahead – with one regret The News 2007-10-18, Dan Kerins
  30. Eye turnaround as original bid revived The News 2007-10-19, Sue Wade
  31. Construction of 50m diameter free standing wheel ride Archived 29 September 2011 at the UK Government Web Archive Portsmouth City Council online 2007-12-19, Development Control Committee

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