Behind The Scenes of The Haunted Hotel at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach

A good old-fashioned ghost train is a staple of any ride line-up; however, the dark ride at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach stands out as one of the most distinctive versions in the country.

Opened in 1993, The Haunted Hotel is a classic ghost train ride spanning two floors, using the original ride system provided by Supercar Leisure, which was purchased from Blackpool Pleasure Beach and installed in the early 1970s. The two-minute experience involves two passengers riding in a themed car along a track through the haunted hotel’s corridors. It features various haunted scenes, including a butler serving a skull on a silver platter and other eerie rooms. The ride includes a small balcony where the cars make a 180-degree turn before heading back inside for the final stretch, descending a small drop into the depths of the attraction.

In 1995, The Haunted Hotel featured in the British sitcom Keeping Up Appearances, where the comedy’s main character, Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced “Bouquet”), rides the ghost train in the episode titled “The Senior Citizens’ Outing.” In the episode, Hyacinth is subjected to the many scares within the attraction, accompanied by an enthusiastic senior citizen. Attempting to save face with esteemed company, she rides again, showcasing her characteristic determination to maintain appearances.

Behind the Scenes

As part of our visit to Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, Jamie Jones, one of the directors, kindly gave First Drop a guided tour of The Haunted Hotel. The attraction has undergone several revamps, including a significant refurbishment by Rex Studios in the early 2000s and another in 2019.

During the tour, Jamie explained how The Haunted Hotel remains one of Pleasure Beach’s most popular attractions alongside Rollercoaster and Snails and Fairy Tales, and how it is always evolving to keep up with the times. Recent investments have seen more figures installed to ensure the terror continues to reign for future generations. Further plans are in place to secure its future as part of the ride line-up for years to come, utilising the talent available within the team.

Walking the track and viewing the attraction with the house lights on, we were struck by the quality of the props and theming used throughout. While some of these elements may not look frightening under full lighting, when coupled with show lighting and sound effects, they create an unnerving experience for many. Jamie pointed out many of the spots where actors are utilised to provide a unique experience for guests visiting during their “Fairground Frights” Halloween event, bringing the attraction to life further through live theatre.

Although the ride may be in hibernation until spring, work on the attraction continues to ensure it’s ready for guests on opening weekend. This involves checks of each ride car, general maintenance, and tidying up. During our visit, the team were cleaning the fascia to ensure it’s in tip-top condition.

Preparing for the new season is more than just routine maintenance; it’s about preserving the magic that guests expect when they arrive and leaves an impression with each generation. Every detail, from the shine on the ride cars to the clean fascia, contributes to that immersive experience.

Experiencing behind-the-scenes access to attractions really drives home the immense unseen work that brings them back to life each year. It’s incredible how much passion and dedication goes into reviving these places annually that should be appreciated by all.