Hollywood Bowl

Large and well facilitated bowling alley, in the middle of a lively leisure park. Great for kids and adult groups, as well as the mobility impaired. There is an arcade, café and bar inside too, so you’ve really got everything you need. There is also music, shoe hire, and some kitsch touches that really add to the almost-​tacky-​yet-​charming ambiance. Book in advance for groups, and let them know if you have any particular needs. Also bare in mind — it gets busy, and it is often tough to park close by.

This place is located in the popular area of Basildon called the festival leisure park. They are everything you would expect from a bowling alley. They offer lane service for food and drink. They have an onsite bar that offers plenty for everyone. The prices are fair but it can get very busy at the weekends and is worth pre booking lanes of a weekend. They put on a luminous show in the evenings where everything lights up including the bowls. The food is not the greatest and there isn’t a huge amount of choice but serves its purpose. They do also have a arcade section available too

When the festival leisure park first opened this was an excellent bowling centre. I think it is in need of a refresh as it is starting to get a bit tired looking. The offer regular promotions on bowling, often group discounts and also discounts if you bowl at a certain time during the day. I always find that you have to go on a hunt for bowling balls that suit you as they are not very varied by the lanes. There is a place to eat but it is very limited in that it is largely fried foods. The bar areas is pleasant but often gets very busy on a Friday or Saturday night with a lot of young people. Not one of the best bowling lanes I have visited but it is good for children’s parties and large groups of bowlers.

I have been to the Hollywood Bowl, as part of a group, and a good place to let your hair down. As a novice to ten pin bowling, not very good. Just as much fun to watch other lanes to see how they are getting on. Great place for children. Offers a licenced bar and café. Plenty of free parking on Festival Leisure Park.