Penny pushing young people are driving revival of UK seaside arcades amid threat of rising costs

Generation Z has fallen in love with the seaside arcades and penny pushers beloved by their great grandparents, new research reveals. And the government’s plan to hit the promenade essentials with serious tax rises would be hugely unpopular. 

As millions prepare to flock to the seaside this bank holiday weekend, research commissioned by UK trade association Bacta reveals that 81% of Brits believe seaside arcades are part of our culture and heritage, and it is young people leading the charge, with 90% of 25–34-year-olds backing their importance. 

Key findings include: 

72% of adults say they would visit an arcade on a trip to the seaside – rising to 91% 25–34-year-olds; 84% have enjoyed arcades with multiple generations of their family; seven in ten Brits believe arcades play a key role in regenerating seaside towns, especially amongst younger people (85% of 18-24s).

55% believe arcades offer great value for money, ahead of cinemas, bowling alleys – making them the UK’s most affordable family day out; 50% of 18–24-year-olds, a seaside trip is not complete without an arcade visit. 

Photo courtesy of Unsplash.

Seaside arcades continue, however, to face a perfect storm of challenges from rising energy and staffing costs, plus the new threat of increased taxation as suggested by former PM Gordon Brown. 72% of Brits say local councils and government should do more to protect them – with 86% of 25-34s calling for urgent action. 

Joseph Cullis, President at Bacta, says “Britain's seaside arcades are a vital element of our proud tourism industry, a modern cultural icon,- and have been a fun family activity for more than a century. t's brilliant but not surprising to see young people are embracing them with all the enthusiasm of their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents before them.”

“we’re fighting to protect our seaside arcades from the threats of rising costs and from those who wish to tax them out of existence. We hope that local councillors, MPs and the Treasury will heed the wants and needs of the British people and protect these vital institutions."

Elliot Ball, who co-owns and runs Clacton Pier with his brother Billy, said other attractions would be at risk if the arcades were taxed even more, including the children’s playground. 

“I’m the fifth generation of my family - on both sides - involved in amusement arcades so this is a labour of love.  But the threat from the government to raise taxes on arcades would put at risk a traditional family day out to the seaside.”

“Trips here have been making memories for generations, and it’s great that younger people are finding the same safe, harmless fun on the pier that has been raising a smile and lighting up eyes for years and years. We’ve bounced back from the pandemic and the rise of staycations helps, but many of Britain’s most beloved seaside attractions will be put at high risk if gambling taxes rise.” 

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Hospitality and leisure will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.