What Are Arcades Called In The UK? Terminology Explained

Ever wondered what Brits call their Arcade Machines playgrounds? Short answer: they’re usually called Amusement Arcades, though you’ll also hear Penny Arcades by the sea or Gaming Centres in cities. From nostalgic seaside fun to neon-lit gaming hubs, here’s why these quirky names reveal so much about British entertainment culture.

The Most Common Term: "Amusement Arcades"

The Traditional Name for Seaside and High Street Venues

Across the UK, amusement arcades are the beating heart of traditional British leisure. You’ll find them buzzing with lights, laughter, and the rhythmic clink of coins along seafronts in Blackpool, Brighton, and Skegness, the classic family holiday spots.

They’ve been around for decades, evolving from mechanical pinball tables and coin pushers to full-blown gaming havens packed with amusement arcade machines, claw cranes, and racing simulators. These venues became symbols of carefree summer days, where parents sipped tea nearby while kids tried (and failed) to grab a teddy from the claw machine.

The name “amusement arcade” stuck because it captures the essence of British fun, low stakes, bright lights, and a hint of nostalgia.

How This Term Typically Implies a Mix of Video Games and Prize Machines

When someone says they’re heading to the amusements, they don’t just mean video games. They’re talking about a mix of video cabinets, coin pushers, and prize machines that turn a quick visit into a mini adventure.

Think of it as half retro gaming, half treasure hunt. You’ll find teens battling on Street Fighter beside grandparents dropping 2p coins into pushers. That blend of old and new is what keeps amusement arcades alive, they’re time machines that still feel modern.

The Modern Terminology: "Barcades" and Social Gaming Venues

"Barcade": A Portmanteau of "Bar" and "Arcade"

Fast forward to today and the arcade scene has had a glow-up. The rise of barcades, a mash-up of “bar” and “arcade”, has turned retro gaming into a social night out.

Venues like NQ64, Four Quarters, and Pixel Bar have popped up across major UK cities, bringing craft beer, cocktails, and classic machines under one neon roof. It’s nostalgia with a twist, adults reliving their youth with a pint in hand instead of a bag of chips.

Barcades are what arcades are called in the UK for adults, grown-up playgrounds where Pac-Man meets pub night.

"Social Gaming": A Broader Term Encompassing Darts, Shuffleboard, and Arcades

If you’ve been to a social gaming venue, you’ll know the vibe, groups playing shuffleboard, digital darts, or arcade classics, all between rounds of drinks and laughter.

These venues, like Flight Club and Boom Battle Bar, blur the lines between gaming and nightlife. They’re less about winning money and more about shared fun. It’s competitive, it’s social, and it’s redefining how Britain plays together.

Seaside and Family-Focused Names

"Family Entertainment Centre" (FEC): The Official Licensing Term

Behind every flashing light and jackpot chime, there’s a bit of paperwork. Officially, family-friendly arcades in the UK are known as Family Entertainment Centres (FECs), a term tied to the arcade license UK system.

They’re the wholesome side of the gaming world, with skill-based and prize machines instead of gambling-style slots. You’ll find them packed with families on weekends, the air thick with laughter and the sound of tickets spitting out of machines.

FECs are basically amusement arcades with a “suitable for all ages” label, fun, safe, and full of energy.

"Funfair" or "Pier": Often Used for Arcades on a Seafront

At the seaside, things get a bit more poetic. Locals might say they’re going to the pier or the funfair, even if they’re really heading straight for the arcade.

These words have stuck around from the golden age of British holidays. Picture Brighton Pier with its glowing signs, 2p pushers, and gulls crying overhead. For many, “the amusements” mean memories, a mix of arcade tokens, candyfloss, and sea breeze.

"Penny Arcades": A Nostalgic Term for Arcades with 2p Pusher Machines

Long before LEDs and VR headsets, there were penny arcade games, the granddads of modern entertainment. They first appeared in Victorian seaside towns, giving the working class a taste of mechanical magic for just one coin.

While inflation means you’ll now feed 2p coins instead of pennies, the magic hasn’t changed. Kids still squeal when the coins tumble and adults still claim they’ve “cracked the trick.” The phrase ‘penny arcade’ reminds us why arcades are called arcades, they were built purely for amusement.

How Terminology Differs from the USA

Why "Video Arcade" is More of an American Term

Across the pond, Americans tend to say “video arcade.” It’s a phrase that rose during the 1980s, when gaming meant digital screens and nothing else.

In the UK, however, the amusement arcade has always been broader, not just about joysticks and pixels, but about variety. You might play a racing game, then immediately switch to a claw machine or a shooting gallery. That mix is what makes British arcades unique, they’re mini worlds of fun, not just gaming halls.

The UK's Association of Arcades with Gambling and Prize Machines

Another big difference is the UK’s relationship with gambling-style games. Many adult-only venues, officially called Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs), are licensed under strict UK gambling laws.

These aren’t your typical family amusements, they’re for over-18s only and require an arcade license UK to operate. The mix of prize and skill-based machines means you can play responsibly while still chasing that adrenaline rush.

In short, while American arcades focus on play, British ones mix play with the thrill of the prize.

Slang and Regional Terms

Colloquial Terms like "The Arcades" or "The Amusements"

Ask any Brit where they’re off to on a rainy day, and they might say, “I’m going down to the arcades” or “the amusements.” It’s an unspoken ritual, one everyone understands.

In northern towns, you might hear “game halls,” while in Scotland, “game centres” still gets used. No matter the term, the meaning’s the same: a place where fun lives, coins drop, and time slows down for a bit.

FAQ: UK Arcade Terminology

What is the difference between an amusement arcade and a family entertainment centre?

An amusement arcade can include everything from kids’ rides to low-stakes adult gaming, while a Family Entertainment Centre (FEC) focuses purely on non-gambling, family-safe fun. FECs are licensed differently and must comply with arcade license UK rules to stay open.

Is NQ64 considered an amusement arcade?

Not exactly. NQ64 is a barcade, a fusion of retro arcade gaming and nightlife. You can play Pac-Man while sipping a cocktail, surrounded by neon art and vintage tunes. It’s an arcade for grown-ups, not a family day out.

Do people in the UK say "video arcade"?

Rarely. Brits prefer “amusement arcade” or simply “the arcades.” The American term “video arcade” sounds too narrow for the UK, where games go far beyond screens, from penny arcade games to VR booths and everything in between.

In short: Whether you call it a penny arcade, amusement arcade, or barcade, these lively spots remain a cornerstone of British leisure. Arcade machines might evolve, but the spirit of play, from the 2p pushers to the latest VR, still makes every visit feel like a win.