Review - Clacton Pier's horror mazes prove a five-star scare

Clacton Pier launched its seasonal Clacton Fear horror attraction this month and I was invited to try out its opening night.

At the end of the pier, the historic Jolly Roger building has been revamped into two horror mazes - the Laughing Gas Toxic Circus and the Mourning Manor Hotel.

Entrance - Clacton Pier (Image: Newsquest)

The mazes held an ungodly concoction of all things scary that appealed to all five senses - much to my disgust.

But before you even get to the mazes themself, you have to get through Mullins & Sons Deadwood.

Dozens of zombies lined the boardwalk, swinging axes or revving real chainsaws in visitors’ faces.

I was spooked walking along the dark pier, surrounded by swirling waves—it was hugely atmospheric.

I felt especially uneasy when I realised a chainsaw-wielding zombie was following me.

Creepy - the creepy clowns at Clacton Fear (Image: Newsquest)

At the end of the pier, the Jolly Roger building has been transformed into a five-star scare experience.

For my first scare-maze experience, I chose the killer-clown maze—and was thoroughly impressed.

You have to traverse through fog-filled rooms, with plenty of jump scares along the way.

My least favourite (and the best) part was the jail-themed room with consistently flashing strobe lights, cold and loud smoke machines and creepy clowns.

Everything seemed like it was moving in slow-motion due to the lights playing tricks on your eyes - and I had to cling on to the walls to get through it.

I got stuck at a dead end and, when I turned around, found a drooling clown staring back at me.

I rushed past them onto the next room - that featured a tight and meshy fabric that we had to push ourselves through.

Once I had escaped the maze I was eager to try the other room - Mourning Manor - that proved a more immersive experience.

With plenty of jump scares along the way, a wailing maid and a vintage doll that sprang to life, I found myself in an offal-filled kitchen and a very ugly chef.

Spooky - the owner of Mourning Manor (Image: Clacton Pier)

They pushed us through the kitchen and into the small, tunnelling incinerator - which I did not enjoy as a claustrophobe.

I wish the mazes were longer as I had so much fun making my way through each horror-filled adventure.

Afterwards, I had time to wind down on the Clacton Pier rides that were open for the scare night.

I was really impressed with the experience and found it to be really fun! I would highly recommend for those who enjoy scare mazes.

And for those who don't, why not give it a try?

Clacton FEAR is scheduled for seven nights: October 17, October 23 and 24, and October 29, 30 and 31.

Tickets are priced at £30.