If you’re ever in Southsea, Clarence Pier is a must-visit! It’s a classic British amusement pier right by the beach, full of exciting rides, delicious food, and lots of seaside fun. Whether you’re with family or friends, it’s the perfect place to spend a day at the coast. Here’s everything you need to know before you go!
Clarence Pier, Southsea, first opened in 1861 and has been a staple of seaside fun for generations. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy traditional pier rides, arcades, and the sea breeze.
Clarence Pier Southsea is a family-friendly amusement park by the sea, offering fun rides, arcades, and delicious food.
Table of Contents
Clarence Pier Map
Best Time to Visit
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- Summer is the busiest and best time if you love the beach vibe and want to enjoy the rides in the sun.
- If you prefer a quieter experience, visit in spring or autumn for fewer crowds and milder weather.
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How to Reach
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- By Car: Clarence Pier is easily accessible by car from Portsmouth. Just follow the signs to Southsea. There’s nearby street parking available, though it can fill up quickly in peak seasons.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Southampton Airport, around an hour’s drive away. Alternatively, London Heathrow is about a 1.5-hour drive.
- By Train/Bus: From Portsmouth & Southsea Railway Station, it’s a short bus or 20-minute walk to Clarence Pier. Several local buses also pass through Southsea.
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Things to Do at Clarence Pier Southsea
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- Rides
- Arcades
- Food & Drink
- Putt Hutt
- Upside Down House
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Token Prices
- Individual Ride Tokens
Tokens are priced at £1 each, with rides ranging from 3 to 6 tokens per person. - Super Saver Bag
50 tokens for just £25, offering a 50% saving! - Day Rider Wristbands
Enjoy unlimited rides for £30 per person, or save 10% by purchasing online for only £27. - Supersaver Wristbands
Get 10 rides for just £15 per person, available after 5:00 PM until close.
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Ride Details
- Mad Mouse – 5 tokens per person
Min. height: 1.2m. - Tidal Wave – 4 tokens per person
Min. height: 1.05m to 1.2m when accompanied, 1.2m unaccompanied. - Canyon River – 4 tokens per person
Min. height: 1.05m to 1.2m when accompanied, 1.2m unaccompanied. - Twister – 4 tokens per person
Min. height: 1.2m. - Dodgems – 5 tokens per person
Min. height: 1m when accompanied, 1.3m unaccompanied. - Gallopers – 3 tokens per person
Min. height: 1m when accompanied. - Tea Party – 3 tokens per person
Min. height: 1.05m when accompanied. Supervision recommended. - Bouncing Bugs – 3 tokens per person
Min. height: 0.9m when accompanied. Supervision recommended. - Seal Creek – 3 tokens per person
Supervision recommended. - Tornado – 5 tokens per person
Min. height: 1.3m. - Super Trooper – 5 tokens per person
Min. height: 1.2m. - Waltzer – 4 tokens per person
Min. height: 1m unaccompanied. No infants or toddlers are allowed.
Individual Ride Prices
Prices start from £1 per person, depending on the ride.
Note: Unused tokens can be redeemed on any other day within the trading season. Wristbands are non-transferable and valid only on the day of purchase. All major credit cards are accepted. Prices include 20% VAT. Terms and conditions apply. Height and passenger restrictions are in place for certain rides.
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Food & Drink
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- Opening Hours: Every day from 10:00 AM.
Last orders: 6:00 PM Sunday to Thursday, 6:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. - Eat-in or Takeaway: Enjoy your meal at the pier or take it to go. You can also order for delivery via Just Eat.
Click and Collect is available too.
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Upside Down House
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- Opening Hours: In line with ride times (no need to book in advance, simply pay on arrival at the kiosk at the rear of the pier).
- Admission Prices:
£5.00 per person, or 9 red tokens or 5 yellow tokens. - Payment Methods: Card payments or tokens only. Cash is not accepted. Wristbands are not valid for entry.
The UK’s first Upside Down House offers a one-of-a-kind, inverted photo experience perfect for creating surreal and memorable images. Visitors can capture upside-down photos and share them on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp. This quirky attraction is fun for all ages, whether you’re a child or an adult!
The house, designed in a striking deep sea blue, harmonizes beautifully with the Portsmouth seafront. The spacious, open-plan interior allows for the best photo opportunities, with the Isle of Wight visible in the background, making it an unforgettable spot for photography.
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Top Activities
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- Ride the Classic Rides: From the Mad Mouse rollercoaster to the dodgems, there’s a great mix of family-friendly attractions.
- Try Your Luck at the Arcades: The pier has loads of fun arcade games, perfect for all ages.
- Upside Down House: Take a quirky walk through the first-ever Upside Down House in the UK, where everything is flipped!
- Eat and Drink by the Sea: Grab some fish and chips or enjoy a coffee at one of the nearby cafés, like Southsea SeaFront Café.
- Explore the Nearby Beach: After enjoying the pier, take a stroll along Southsea’s lovely beach or visit the nearby Southsea Common for a peaceful picnic.
Follow the signs towards the seafront and step into a world where everything is turned upside down!
Nearest Places to visit
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- Round Tower – 4 minutes walk
A historic coastal defense tower offering great views of the harbor and the Solent. - The Portsmouth Ghost Walk – 4 minutes walk
Take a guided tour through the haunted streets of Portsmouth and learn about the city’s eerie past. - Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery – 2 minutes walk
A fascinating museum showcasing Portsmouth’s history, culture, and art, including maritime exhibits. - Southsea Common – 3 minutes walk
A spacious, open park with beautiful views of the sea, perfect for a leisurely walk or picnic. - The D-Day Story – 4 minutes walk
A museum dedicated to the events of D-Day, with moving exhibitions about the Normandy landings during World War II. - Southsea Rock Garden – 4 minutes walk
A tranquil and picturesque garden by the sea, featuring unique rock formations and a range of plant species.
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Nearest Hotels
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- Premier Inn Southsea – 1 minute walk
Comfortable and budget-friendly hotel located just a short stroll from the seafront and attractions. - Holiday Inn Portsmouth, an IHG Hotel – 2 minutes walk
A modern hotel offering stylish rooms, a restaurant, and great amenities, located close to the historic dockyard. - The Queens Hotel Portsmouth – 2 minutes walk
A charming Victorian hotel offering seafront views, elegant rooms, and a welcoming atmosphere. - Rydeview Hotel – 2 minutes walk
A small, family-run hotel offering a cozy stay with easy access to the beach and local attractions. - Becketts Southsea – 2 minutes walk
A boutique hotel known for its personal service, contemporary rooms, and great location near the pier and seafront.
Popular Hotel & Resorts
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Nearest Restaurants
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- Clarence Pier Brewers Fayre – 1 minute walk
A family-friendly pub offering classic British dishes, located conveniently on the pier. - Browns Burgers – 1 minute walk
Enjoy gourmet burgers and a variety of sides, just a short walk from Clarence Pier. - Southsea SeaFront Cafe – 1 minute walk
A cozy café with seaside views, serving light bites, coffee, and fresh pastries. - Wimpy – 1 minute walk
A retro fast-food joint serving up classic British fast-food favorites, including burgers and fish & chips. - Seaside Fish and Chips – 1 minute walk
A popular takeaway serving delicious, traditional fish and chips, just steps from the seafront.
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FAQs Clarence Pier Southsea
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Q: What are the opening hours for Clarence Pier Southsea?
A: Clarence Pier Southsea is open daily from 10:00 AM. Food service ends at 6:00 PM (Sunday–Thursday) and 6:30 PM (Friday–Saturday).
Q: How much does it cost to visit Clarence Pier Southsea?
A: Entry to Clarence Pier Southsea is free, but rides are priced separately with tokens starting from £1 each.
Q: What is there to do at Clarence Pier Southsea?
A: You can enjoy a variety of fun rides, arcades, the Upside Down House, and food options along the pier.
Q: Where is the nearest parking to Clarence Pier Southsea?
A: There is free parking nearby, though it can be limited in peak seasons. Paid parking options are also available around Southsea.
Q: How do I get to Clarence Pier Southsea by train?
A: Take a train to Portsmouth & Southsea Station, then it’s a 20-minute walk or short bus ride to the pier.
Q: Is Clarence Pier Southsea open year-round?
A: Yes! Clarence Pier Southsea is open all year, but it’s especially popular during the warmer months.