Clarence Pier, Southsea’s beloved seaside attraction, is gearing up to celebrate 80 incredible years since it was rebuilt by the Manning family after World War II. Since 1945, the pier has been a cornerstone of family entertainment, innovation, and iconic British seaside charm.
As World War II ended, Billy Manning returned to the bomb site adjacent to Clarence Pier with his friend, and fellow showman, Billy Butlin. Together they introduced a large fairground and attractions that would serve as a beacon of joy for generations.
Today, day-to-day operations are run by Jill Norman (Patricias daughter), her husband Jimmy Norman, and nephew West Manning, proving that this truly is a family venture that has stood the test of time.
Patricia Shufflebottom, Billy Manning’s daughter and a current director of Clarence Pier, reflects on the piers inspiring history:
“We literally built it from ruins. My family worked hard to provide generations of families with wonderful memories. It’s amazing to hear so many stories, even those of couples who met their spouse here.”
Over the years, the Manning family expanded the fairground and created new entertainment spaces, shaping the pier we know today, with its eccentric yellow-and-blue space-age tower and coastline pier opening in 1961.
Clarence Pier has played host to countless unforgettable moments. Iconic rides like the Skyways Coaster, was a staple from 1980 – 2018 and was even experienced by Mr Bean in an episode filmed at the fair. Others included the UK’s first looping coaster, Super Loop, which thrilled visitors from 1984 to 1993, and Rodeo Switchback; this ornate, Spinning Top Switchback ride entertained some of the piers earliest visitors from 1948 to 1973 and is still considered one of the most historically important fairground rides to have survived, as it currently sits in the Dingles Fairground Heritage Museum.
Other notable attractions included the largest dodgems in the country which were built for The Festival of Britain celebrations in 1951, and of course the iconic Solent Wheel which gave people the chance to view the city and the sea from 35 metres high from 2016-2020.
In its heyday, the pier wasn’t just about rides – it was also a popular hub for entertainment. The space where the Golden Horseshoe arcade currently resides, hosted weddings, parties, and live performances by local bands, and even showcased shows from Rod Stewart and David Bowie early in their careers.
In the 70s, King Charles even visited the pier. As part of his naval training, he responded to a reported break-in at the pier with police. Charles admitted he’d never been on a helter-skelter and proceeded to climb up. Followed by his bodyguard, he slid down, much to the amusement of owner Billy Manning who was now waiting at the bottom.
Billy remarked, “You’re the spitting image of Prince Charles,” to which Charles replied,” A lot of people say that.”
The pier even made its way into pop culture, serving as the filming location for almost the entirety of a 1993 episode of Mr. Bean, “Mind the Baby”. It was also a filming location for 1973 film ‘That’ll Be the Day’, starring David Essex and Ringo Starr, as well as hosting the S Club Juniors for their music video “Fool No More” in 2003. Singer Lily Allen also made a stop at the pier after a gig in Portsmouth back in 2014.
Clarence Pier has always adapted to changing times, from becoming one of the first UK fairgrounds to introduce a token system during the 1971 decimalisation and transitioning wooden rides and platforms over to modern materials for better durability. Billy Manning was also the first to begin galvanising his rides; a method which majority of ride engineers still use today.
Today the fairground, open March-October (weather dependent), features a mixture of thrill rides, like the speedy Mad Mouse coaster, and traditional children’s rides, as well as hosting beloved vendors like Loaded Donuts and Seaside Delights.
The pier continues to innovate, with the recent launch of The Putt Hutt in 2023, an 18-hole indoor adventure golf course inspired by classic seaside rides and Clarence Pier’s heritage. With views of the sea and a fully licensed bar, it offers a new and whimsical experience for visitors (and an escape from the British weather at times).
Beyond the fairground, Clarence Pier is also home to three expansive arcades, packed with everything from classic 2p pushers to cutting-edge VR machines, plus a four-lane bowling alley for even more family fun.
And no visit would be complete without a stop at the iconic Wimpy restaurant—one of the last remaining in the South—where visitors can enjoy tasty, nostalgic dining in a true British seaside setting.
Patricia Shufflebottom, now 91, has been part of Clarence Pier’s journey since she was just 14, working hands-on with everything from cleaning galloper rods to being a guinea pig for new and prospective rides, admitting that she always had a soft spot for the Waltzer’s.
Pat also reflects on how times have changed: “Back in the 1940’s, rides cost just a sixpence, and today it’s from £1.50”.
Still a great price in today’s world but it demonstrates the time passed. Pat also says one of the biggest differences is the maintenance of rides and platforms, which would constantly warp and rot due to being made of wood. Today, concrete, steel and fibreglass structures have replaced most wooden materials.
When asked what she’d bring back from the past, Pat mentions the Wall of Death, a motorcycle show where multiple riders would race around a fishbowl structure as guests watched on in horror from above, and “Peggy”, the one-legged high diver who would dive into a flaming water tank from great heights – thrills you simply couldn’t see today.
As Clarence Pier celebrates its 80th year, Patricia hopes the attraction will continue to entertain new generations:
“My hope is that families will get away from their screens at home, and experience real-life thrills and entertainment like they used to.”
This year, new attractions like the Big Wheel and Runaway Train are bringing the nostalgia back to life, offering fresh thrills for a new generation—especially families with young children.
To celebrate the 80th anniversary Clarence Pier will host a series of competitions and celebrations to honour its rich history and bright future. They are also encouraging the public send in any photos or fond stories of Clarence Pier to share by emailing info@clarencepier.co.uk