Arcade Club is an impressive spot for kids (and adults) who love gaming. It’s Europe’s largest freeplay arcade and sits over floors in an old mill building.
Once you’ve paid to get in, all of the games are free to play. Our sons were gifted a monthly pass each for Christmas so we enjoyed a few visits in January 2024 and here’s our take.
Arcade Club Bury Review – in a Nutshell
The kids rate it 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
And for me, it’s a 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (just on the basis of how difficult it can be to get on the more popular games sometimes).
Let’s dive in to the details.
Arcade Club Bury – What You Need to Know
| Place | Arcade Club Bury |
| Address | Ela Mill, Cork Street, Bury. BL9 7BW |
| Price | £9 for kids, £17 for adults. Family tickets available for 2 adults and 2 kids at £42. Monthly passes for kids at £22.50 for a single month |
| How the Kids Rated it | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| How I Rated it | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Getting There | It’s under a mile from Bury Metrolink station – walkable or a quick Uber. But honestly, this is one I tend to drive to. It’s easy enough to find and convenient for the M60. But be warned that parking can be tight at busy times. |
Let’s get into the good and the could-be-betters!
The Good
- The selection of games is just out of this world incredible. Unreal
- Lots of time included with your ticket - no tight time slots
- VERY reasonable food and drink prices
The Could Be Better
- It's so busy at times that you just can't get on the more popular games
- Parking can also be a little problematic at busy times
Arcade Club Gets Busy
It’s a great value day out, make no mistake. But it gets busy. You’d expect that given how awesome it is and of course we want to see these places thrive. But things like the basketball machines and the Luigi’s Mansion game we simply couldn’t get on at all on our visits (though I got on both during my return visit recently for beers and gaming in the Friday night adults only session).
At the same time though, even when it’s hugely busy, loads of the less popular games are well available. So you won’t go without something to play.
At busy times, it’s also worth noting parking can be tricky. There’s a small car park right outside the door, an overflow just behind it and then some shared parking outside the mill area itself. But it’s still tight at times.
The Food and Drink is So Well Priced
Honestly, this is one of my absolute favourite things about Arcade Club – you don’t get ripped off for food and drink.
🍕 Pizzas from £4
🍔 Burgers from £3.75
🌭 Hotdogs from £3
🧀 Nachos rom £2.95
Drinks are reasonably priced too. 300ml cans of things like Coke Zero are £1.25 and even a pint of Lost Lager is less than £4. Those prices seem pretty much unheard of most places these days.
Ultimately, I was able to get lunch for me and my two eldest sons (plus soft drinks for all 3 of us) for less than £15.
This is GAMING HEAVEN
Honestly, both me and the kids enjoyed this. I was playing games I’ve not played since I was a kid one minute and then on Guitar Hero the next.
The Pinball machine selection in itself would make this a place worth visiting and then add to that the hundreds (maybe over 1,000?) other games there too and this is just a gamers’ paradise.
For that reason alone I think this represents one of the single best value days out I’ve ever had with the kids.
Bear in mind if you go to a much smaller pay as you play type arcade in a seaside resort, you’ll be paying £1 to £2 per game. With kids for £9 entry and adults for £17, that’s incredible value. The kids easily played 20 games in the time we were there. And the unlimited time you get once in there within your ticket means you can stop for food, to chill, for a drink or fresh air and then just get back to it.
Add to that the fact there are just so many games to choose from and you really can easily fill hours of fun here.
Psst, there’s an adults only night
Not important during a post about kid friendly days out, maybe. But it’s worth saying that from 6pm to 11pm on Friday it’s adults only. I visited for that with a friendly recently. The combination of retro games and well priced booze made for a lovely night. But when you’re drinking, you’re not driving and you soon realise this isn’t the easiest place to get to and from on public transport. Thank goodness for Uber!
Arcade Club Age Suitability
I took my eldest two when they were 6 and 8. I think the 6 year old was probably just old enough to really appreciate it. Of course, different kids are different!
But for me, I’d say it’s great from age 6 and over.
Would we go back to Arcade Club?
We have done and will continue to do so. This is one of the best gaming themed days out within reach of Manchester.
