The Best Arcades in the UK

There are few things more nostalgic than a classic arcade, and the UK is home to some of the best in the business. From classics like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong to more modern fare like Dance Dance Revolution, there’s something for everyone at these top-notch arcades. And if you’re looking for a little friendly competition, many of these establishments also offer competitive gaming tournaments. So whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just looking for some good old-fashioned fun, be sure to check out one of these great UK arcades.

Arcade Club Bury

Originally opened at the back of a computer shop in Haslingden during closing hours, Arcade club started with around 100 original arcade machines from the golden age of video games. In October 2015 it moved to the current location of a converted mill just outside Manchester to accommodate over 300 classic and modern games. Now the largest video and pinball arcade in the UK offering iconic game machines like Pong, PAC-Man & Space Invaders. Spread over 4 floors, featuring retro consoles from Nintendo 64, PC Engine, PlayStation & Sega Saturn to more modern large cabinets like the twin sit-down deluxe Outrun 2. Once inside all games are free to play!

Location: Ela Mill, Cork Street, Bury, Manchester. BL9 7BW

Year Opened: 2014 (Haslingden).

Opening Times

  • Mon-Wed: Closed
  • Thurs: 4pm-11pm
  • Fri: 6pm-12am (Adults Only).
  • Sat: 11am-11pm
  • Sun: 11am-8pm

Summer opening times between 28th July to 29th August are from 11am Thursdays, Fridays & August Bank Holiday Monday https://www.arcadeclub.co.uk/summer/

Cost

  • Adult: £16
  • Child (Under 16): £8
  • Family (2 Adults, 2 Children): £40

Arcade Club Leeds

Located just north of Leeds at Abbey Retail Park in Kirkstall, you will find a huge arcade experience. From deluxe cabinets you can ride & play on to classic arcade machines, pinball and modern games. There is something for everyone, you can stay as long as you like and once inside all games are free to play. There is also reasonably priced food & drink available throughout the day.

Location: Unit 3, Abbey Retail Park, LEEDS. LS5 3RP

Year Opened: 2019

Opening Times

  • Mon-Wed: Closed
  • Thurs: 4pm-11pm
  • Fri: 6pm-12am (Adults Only).
  • Sat: 11am-11pm
  • Sun: 11am-8pm

Summer opening times between 28th July to 29th August are from 11am Thursdays, Fridays & August Bank Holiday Monday https://www.arcadeclub.co.uk/summer/

Cost

  • Adult: £16
  • Child (Under 16): £8
  • Family (2 Adults, 2 Children): £40

Arcade Club Blackpool

Bringing classics like Space Invaders, Pac Man & Outrun back to Blackpool! You’ll find all your favourite arcade games from the 80s and 90s, plus modern classics such as Air Hockey Basketball and Pinball. There are over 200 games on offer and once inside all games are free to play. Whatever your age, you will find something nostalgic from 80’s Donkey Kong & Mario Bros, 90’s Wrestlefest & Area 51, 00’s Guitar Hero Arcade right up to the latest gaming experiences.

Location: 74 Bloomfield Road, Blackpool. FY1 6JL

Year Opened: 2021

Opening Times

  • Mon-Wed: Closed
  • Thurs: 4pm-11pm
  • Fri: 6pm-12am (Adults Only).
  • Sat: 11am-11pm
  • Sun: 11am-8pm

Summer opening times between 28th July to 29th August are from 11am Thursdays, Fridays & August Bank Holiday Monday https://www.arcadeclub.co.uk/summer/

Cost

  • Adult: £16
  • Child (Under 16): £8
  • Family (2 Adults, 2 Children): £40

Four Quarters Peckham

London’s first arcade bar opened its doors in June 2014 offering cocktails and craft beers alongside lovingly restored arcade cabs. Here you can find 15 originals dating from the late 70’s up to the early 2000’s and 10 retro retro consoles to enjoy! Four Quarters have regular events with DJ’s, live music & comedy as well as private hire available.

Location: 187 Rye Lane, Peckham, London. SE15 4TP

Year Opened: 2014

Opening Times

  • Mon: 17:30-23:00
  • Tues: 17:30-01:00
  • Weds: 17:30-01:00
  • Thu: 17:30-01:00
  • Fri: 17:00-02:00
  • Sat: 13:30-02:00
  • Sun: 15:30-23:00

Cost:

£1.50 for x4 game credits (some console games are free to play).

Four Quarters Bristol

Bristol’s new arcade gaming bar hosts over 20 original arcade games and retro console booths. Spanning from the 70’s to the late 90’s you will find many classics including Space Invaders, Mortal Kombat 2, Crazy Taxi & Time Crisis 2. The venue prides itself on an extensive beer & cocktail menu featuring collaborations with local breweries.

Location: 132 Park St, West End, Bristol. BS1 5JA

Year Opened: 2020

Opening Times

  • Mon – Thurs: 16:00-00:00
  • Fri: 16:00-02:00
  • Sat: 12:00-02:00
  • Sun: 12:00-23:00

Cost:

£1.50 for x4 game credits (some console games are free to play).

Four Quarters Hackney

This canal-side location in East London boasts 20 fully restored original arcade cabinets including retro classics like Track & Field, Street Fighter 2 & Sega Rally Twin. There are bookable console booths that include Nintendo 64, Sega Dreamcast & Super Nintendo bringing you plenty of nostalgia to enjoy with some friends. There’s even a beer garden to make the most of the summer afternoons.

Location: Unit 8 Canalside, East Bay Lane, Hackney Wick, London. E20 3BS

Year Opened: 2017

Opening Times

  • Mon: 15:00-23:00
  • Tues & Wed: 15:00-23:30
  • Thurs: 15:00-00:00
  • Fri: 12:00-00:30
  • Sat: 12:00-00:30
  • Sun: 12:00-21:00

Summer opening times between 28th July to 29th August are from 11am Thursdays, Fridays & August Bank Holiday Monday https://www.arcadeclub.co.uk/summer/

Cost:

£1.50 for x4 game credits (some console games are free to play).

Four Quarters Elephant Park

Launched as part of the new development of Elephant Park the Elephant & Castle arcade bar has 20 original arcade and pinball machines. There are x4 outside console booths with another x4 inside and 2 big-screen gaming setups. The console booths can be pre-booked or booked at the bar if available. You will find many nostalgic retro games including Goldeneye 007, Ridge Racer 2 & Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles amongst many more classics. Find the full list of games available.

Location: 20 Ash Avenue, Elephant Park, Elephant & Castle, London. SE17 1GQ

Year Opened: 2021

Opening Times

  • Mon: 16:00-22:00
  • Tues – Thurs: 16:00-23:00
  • Fri: 15:00-00:00
  • Sat: 12:00-00:00
  • Sun: 12:00-22:00

Cost:

£1.50 for x4 game credits (some console games are free to play).

Thinking of starting your own arcade?

A good place to start is get in touch with our expert team at Arcade Direct. We can discuss all the options for long term hire of machines, including the servicing and maintenance of the hardware and software.

Mark Jackson

About Mark Jackson - Founder & Arcade Advisor

Mark is the founder of Arcade Direct and has over 16 years experience helping to advise customers and share his knowledge in the retro arcade market.

Nell JonesNell Jones
12:22 29 Jun 22
We used Arcade Direct for a Boxing machine at the NEC. We chose them party due to the competitive price but also for the quick quote and helpful, clear communication. The machine was fully branded and looked fantastic. It was an absolute draw at the show and remarked on by many as the best entertainment there, bringing a lot of attention to our stand. During the show there was a part broken (no-ones fault) and Mark's support was brilliant with a courier sent immediately with a replacement to our Air bnb during the evening in time for the show opening the next day. We will definitely work with them on any future shows.
Alice ChambersAlice Chambers
17:08 18 Aug 20
Highly recommend Arcade Direct. Mark was so helpful when i queried the status of an order of a Gaming Chair. As the delivery date was longer than expected i had to cancel however the customer service i received was fantastic.
Kat SmithKat Smith
08:48 17 May 20
I recently ordered a gaming chair & was really happy with the service. Mark was really helpful & the delivery was much quicker than expected!
Lee GiacopazziLee Giacopazzi
09:58 31 Oct 19
I have had the pleasure of working with Arcade Direct several times. I can personally attest to their customer service and I have seen first-hand how their arcade machines transform events and venue spaces. I often recommend them to my personal contacts and clients.
Emily TylerEmily Tyler
13:08 16 Oct 18
Would highly recommend Mark & the team not only for hiring their Arcade Machines but for their event planning and theming too which cannot be faulted!
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