Cleethorpes, Pleasure Island Review

Overall Rating

Some great rides for such a small park. One of the nicest thigs is that it's a big open space, some big parks seem to like to have big built up themed areas that make you feel like you're stuck in a maze. It's nice to be able to see all the different rides and find a quiet corner if you need a break.

Ticket prices starting at £15.50 in low season!!! This park is not worth that and by putting the prices up every year, they are driving customers away. I think they should drop the price back down to £12 or even £10.

The entertainment is very poor. A really bad attempt at High School Musical and a dodgy kids show in the bar does not cut the mustard. If you are going to have live entertainment, do it properly, not a budget show with amateruish dancers (if you can call them dancers). Live singing would be good too!

The ride attendants are morons. Last time I was there, in one visit I witnessed ride operators snogging, throwing drinks and food at each other and one bloke chatting up a schoolgirl who couldn't have been any more than 13 or 14. Add that to the catalgoue of unprofessional behaviour I've seen in previous visits and it leads me to thinking they need to sack their head of recruitment or at least have more people supervising and doling out fines and punishments to the staff.

Anything that needs painting looks like it was painted about 1000 years ago. Some of the rides look like a 7 year old has been let loose with a spray gun (Terror Rack) and some rides just ned a dam good clean and repainting. First impressions and presentation are vital for a successful theme park and I have to admit that on my last visit I didn't go on rides such as the Century 2000 because they look like they are about to fall to pieces.

Pleasure Island is possibly one of the most underated theme parks in England, but one with a lot of potential. It needs a big injection of cash to update and revitalise the place, but whether it will get that is debatable, I would say unlikely having seen it decline over the years.

I remember going on the first day it opened and the place was heaving, now it looks neglected and unloved, except for the couple of purpose built rides that look startlingly new on the landscape (Pendulus/Alakazam). Just like the local football club, the owners of this park seem to think the answer to poor attendance figures is to keep putting prices up every year to bring in more cash.

On a more positive note, despite its faults I have always enjoyed myself at this park. It might not be the thrill seekers mecca, but it does have a little something for everyone. The thrill rides are well chosen and worth a visit on their own.