Visitors to Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier will soon be able to get away from it all by immersing themselves in a new state-of-the-art virtual reality experience.

The popular seafront attraction is unveiling a virtual reality (VR) experience zone on Saturday 8 December which will offer visitors a chance to try the latest in VR technology with exciting simulation and game play.

The first VR experience centre of its kind in Somerset features six full-motion experience pods where guests wear the latest headsets and are teleported into worlds beyond their imagination.

The technology is far superior to anything found in a 4D ride or home style VR headset. The experiences show you full 360-degree view with incredible detail that will make you believe you are thousands of miles away from Weston-super-Mare.

The Grand Pier’s Cinema Zone will provide guests with a choice of six VR experiences, all created by Immotion Studios in Manchester and Los Angeles.

Each of the experiences lasts between four and five minutes, and include:

• Elf Power Inc: especially for Christmas. Guests get to join a team of Santa’s helpers as they embark on a journey to spread the joy of Christmas far and wide
• Delta Zero: a high-octane space battle adventure
• Jinxed: a VR twist on the classic ghost train
• Dragon Island: a magical ride on the back of a dragon, ideal for younger guests
• Legend of Lusca: an educational deep-sea adventure with a few surprises thrown in
• Snow Coaster: a high-speed, white-knuckle, VR rollercoaster set against a breath-taking frozen landscape

Martin Higginson, from Immotion, said:

“Families will most probably not have experienced this level of virtual reality before. Immotion’s amazing breakthrough VR animations paired with cutting-edge technology will be a great addition to this iconic theme park.

“It offers incredible virtual reality content with stunning wrap-around sound and multi-directional movement, a truly unique, immersive environment.”

Tim Moyle, General Manager of the Grand Pier, said:

“We are always looking for new and exciting additions to the wide variety of attractions we already have here on the Pier, so that we have something to offer people of all ages.

“We’re particularly excited about the VR experience centre, as it is a truly state-of-the-art experience, with options for thrill-seekers and younger guests alike.

“We can’t wait to see people’s reactions to the VR experience centre. Hopefully, guests will want to try out all six of the VR experiences on offer. We look forward to finding out which one they enjoyed the most.”

Tickets cost £5 per person per ride and can be bought at the ride or, from Saturday 8 December onwards, can be bought in advance from the Grand Pier’s website. (Note the £1 entry to the Pier is not included in the £5 charge).

Tim said:

“If you’re struggling to think of an idea for a Christmas present with a difference, why not buy someone a VR experience?"

For more information about the wide range of attractions activities and events at the Grand Pier, visit www.grandpier.co.uk