UNDER THE PIER SHOW: SOUTHWOLD PIER
There’s something irresistibly childlike about stepping into the Under the Pier Show in Southwold. A sense of wide-eyed wonder and eager anticipation takes over as you survey the array of peculiar machines, each promising a unique and often hilarious experience. Since my visit to Novelty Automation in London, I knew a trip to Southwold Pier to experience more of Tim Hunkin’s creations was a must.
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Our Unforgettable Experience at The Under The Pier Show
Entering a room full of quirky coin machine’s really does bring out the inner child – limiting ourselves to a handful of machines made the experience that much more exciting. Which machine will be worthy of our coins!? Which are the best ones to try, when they all look so fun!! But, as we often return to Southwold, we wanted to leave something for our next visit, so we’re excited to return to play another set next time!
On a recent trip, we indulged in five of the Under the Pier Show’s most intriguing machines. So, here’s a look at the machines we played:
Rent-a-Dog:
You hop onto a treadmill, leash in hand, and embark on a virtual dog walk. The mechanical canine, with its delightfully clunky gait, trots ahead, casting reassuring glances back over its shoulder and a wag of the tail. Two screens enhance the experience: one visualising your “journey,” the other offering a hilarious “dog’s-eye” perspective. The experience oozed Hunkin humour, though I suspect the real entertainment lies in watching others take the lead.
The Expressive Photobooth:
Who doesn’t love a photo booth? Photo booths always bring back memories of cramming in with school friends, a tradition that’s clearly followed me into adulthood. But, the Expressive Photobooth takes it to a whole new level, triggering mechanisms for truly priceless expressions. I won’t spoil the surprises, you just have to try it yourself, even if it’s just two of you!
The Bathyscape
We stepped aboard The Bathyscape, a submarine simulator, and with a turn of the handle, dove into the depths, finding ourselves immersed in a world of bizarre underwater sights – triple-tailed fish, a giant fish encounter, and even a ‘no he didn’t’ moment – all narrated with amusing, David Attenborough-esque commentary, a distinctively Hunkin style.
Revolution
A game of skill and patience, Revolution challenges you to guide a large ball bearing into five specific tracks. It’s trickier than it looks, and with only seven lives, precision is key. It’s frustratingly simple, yet addictive. We managed four out of five, can you do better?
Whack-a-Banker
Here, the age-old game of whack-a-mole into a delightfully chaotic race against pop-up bankers, challenging you to hit as many heads as possible in 30 seconds. The moment the game begins, it’s as if all external noise and distractions fade away—I have a job to do, and I’m focused! While the novelty is irresistible and nostalgic, the experience is surprisingly exhausting—my arm ached, and those bankers suffered!
About Tim Hunkin
Tim Hunkin, a British engineer, cartoonist, and inventor, is the mastermind behind this mechanical menagerie. A true renaissance man and inventor of joy, he’s renowned for his eccentric and often comical coin-operated machines. His journey began in the 80s, crafting wacky machines for London’s Cabaret Mechanical Theatre. Inspired by a childhood dream, he opened the “Under the Pier Show” in Southwold. You’ll know a Tim Hunkin machine when you see it. After just a few, his style clicks – that quirky humor, the amazing mechanics, and the sly social commentary. He blends art, engineering, and fun into something you won’t forget. Later, he opened “Novelty Automation” in Farringdon, which features some guest machines alongside his own.
Where is the Under the Pier Show?
Southwold is located in Suffolk, a charming coastal county in the East of England, and it’s on Southwold Pier that you’ll find the unique and entertaining Under the Pier Show.
Where can I park for The Under the Pier Show?
Pay to park:
📍Southwold Pier Carpark: 27 N Parade, Southwold IP18 6LT – be aware that spaces can be difficult to find, especially if you don’t arrive early.
📍Godyll Road Carpark, Southwold IP18 6HN – a pleasant short walk (approximately 15 minutes) along the seafront to the pier.
Free to park:
There are many roads and side streets offering free parking. Here are a couple of examples:
📍Pier Avenue, Southwold IP18 6BL
📍North Parade, Southwold IP18 6BN
Important Note: Always remember to carefully check the local street signs, as some roads may have parking restrictions in place.
How Much Does the Under the Pier Show Cost?
The great news is that strolling onto Southwold Pier and even stepping inside the Under the Pier Show won’t cost you a penny! To actually play the fantastic machines, you’ll need pound coins, with each go ranging from £1 up to £3. Don’t worry if you’re short on change, though – there’s a handy note machine that dispenses those all-important pound coins.
Curious for More Quirky Creations?
My journey into the world of Tim Hunkin began with a visit to Novelty Automation in London. The Under the Pier Show is a natural extension of that experience, offering a similar blend of whimsy and ingenuity. If you’re intrigued by the Under the Pier Show, I highly recommend checking out my blog post about Novelty Automation: NOVELTY AUTOMATION: More Than Games, It’s a Wondrous Whimsyland.
Until Next Time, Southwold Pier!
The Under the Pier Show is an unforgettable experience, a delightful escape into a world of quirky coin-operated machines. It’s a place where you can rediscover your inner child and embrace the joy of simple, silly fun. With so many machines to explore, I’m already looking forward to my next visit to Southwold Pier.
The Under the Pier Show is undoubtedly a highlight of Southwold Pier, but there’s so much more to discover on this iconic landmark! To help you make the most of your visit, I’ve written a blog post all about the best things to do on Southwold Pier. Head over to SOUTHWOLD PIER: Quirky Charms and Free Smiles to learn more.
Have you been to the Under the Pier Show? What was your favourite machine?