THOUSANDS of visitors flocked to a new pier attraction over the weekend.

A new 18-hole mini golf course has been installed at Southend Pier.

The course, which was moved from Bournemouth's Boscombe Pier to Southend, opened on Saturday.

READ MORE

The UK’s longest pleasure pier welcomed 3,723 visitors over the weekend, with many trying their hand at the new course.

The refurbished mini golf course is a wonderful upgrade for the end of the pier,” councillor Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment, culture and tourism, said.

“The course now has 18 holes instead of 12, and anyone can play for just £5 a round.

“These updates are part of the council’s plans to make Southend Pier a top attraction for residents and visitors alike.

Echo: 18-hole fun - The new pier course18-hole fun - The new pier course

She added: “As the weather warms up it’ll be great to welcome more people to the pier and seafront, plus with the latest addition of the first electric pier train there’s lots of new things to see and do for all the family.”

The new crazy golf course just one of a range of new attractions which have been introduced or refurbished in recent months.

In April, a £3.2million project has saw two eco-friendly pier trains opened to the public, with capacity for more passengers, and better access for disabled people.

Southend Pier has also seen a new burger hut open, with thee restaurant at the end of the pier also revamped, while work is due to start on a new viewing platform and improved toilets.

The crazy golf renovations come as part of Southend Council’s £336,000 investment in the pier, which extended its opening hours last week to mark the beginning of the summer season.

The attraction is now open from 10.15am until 9pm each day.

Southend Pier Crazy Golf is currently only open on weekends, from 10.30am until 7pm on Saturday and Sunday, with prices set at £5 per person or £15 in total for a group of four.

After a record-breaking number of visits in January, council bosses have high hopes for the pier to record its highest ever number of summer visitors.