Coney Beach Pleasure Park

Coney Beach Pleasure Park stands on the coast at Porthcawl in South Wales, beside a broad sandy beach. It opened in 1918 to entertain American troops returning from the First World War. The name came from New York’s Coney Island, and early attractions included a roller coaster moved from another site, skating rinks, cinemas and donkey rides on the beach. A tall Water Chute ride dominated the skyline from 1936 until it closed in 1995. During the 1950s and 1960s the park drew crowds with boxing matches, firework displays and circuses. The park reached its peak when better roads and railways brought visitors from across Britain and beyond. In the late 1980s thousands arrived each summer, drawn by open-air markets and professional darts and snooker events. The Figure Eight wooden coaster ran for sixty years before being removed in 1981. The Water Chute’s fatal accident in 1994 led to its closure and demolition, marking the start of a long decline in fortunes. Visitors once found a mix of classic and modern rides such as the Beach Party Afterburner, Miami Madness and Wacky Worm roller coaster. The park also housed a Ghost Train, dodgems and a junior coaster called Go Gator. A large fun house and circus-style attractions added to the variety. The site now awaits redevelopment after its final closure in October 2025.