Adventure Island is one of the best theme parks in the UK but generations of families will recall fond childhood memories of when it was known as Peter Pan’s Playground.

These photos show dozens of rides from the Barracuda to the iconic space man and the Crooked House – which is still a huge part of the theme park – which provided families with joy for decades.

Echo: Youngsters enjoy a water ride at Peter Pan's in 1986 Youngsters enjoy a water ride at Peter Pan's in 1986 (Image: Newsquest)

But the park has developed and enhanced over the decades, overseen by the Miller family, who have been the custodians of Southend’s famous fun park for more than 40 years.

Echo: Revellers enjoy the rollercoaster in June 1986Revellers enjoy the rollercoaster in June 1986 (Image: Newsquest)

The park now boasts more than 50 rides and attractions and the current site of the amusement park flanks the north end of Southend Pier.

Adventure Island started out in 1918 as the Sunken Gardens, a seaside garden that in the 1920s installed a handful of children’s rides.

Echo: A man and woman walk their dog through Peter Pan’s Playground in 1986 A man and woman walk their dog through Peter Pan’s Playground in 1986 (Image: Newsquest)

In 1976, the land to the west of the pier was purchased by the Miller family and in 1995 the park was vastly expanded when the land to the east of the pier was purchased to form part of the park.

In 1999, the park launched the highly popular roller coaster, the Green Scream.

It was once described as the park’s signature ride but this title has now been taken by Rage, which opened in February 2007.

Echo: Thrillseekers queue for the Barracuda in March 1996Thrillseekers queue for the Barracuda in March 1996 (Image: Newsquest)

It is one of the biggest investments the park has made, with the ride costing in the region of £3million and is located on the former Raging River Log Flume site.

It was named Rage after a competition in the Echo to decide a name for the ride.

Echo: The theme park in the 1970sThe theme park in the 1970s (Image: Newsquest)

In 2014, Adventure Island demolished the Pirate Boat – which was one of the oldest attractions – to make way for a new soft play and indoor ride area, named Adventure Inside, which opened in spring 2015.

Echo: Peter Pan’s Playground in August 1975 shows Whip and The Crooked House, which remains hugely popular todayPeter Pan’s Playground in August 1975 shows Whip and The Crooked House, which remains hugely popular today (Image: Newsquest)

And last year, ahead of Christmas, the City Wheel opened to a trumpet fanfare and has been a huge hit since. It stands at 36 metres tall, with sweeping views of Southend, and cost in the region of £1million.

Echo: Waves - June Miller, wife of owner David, in 1984Waves - June Miller, wife of owner David, in 1984 (Image: Newsquest)

Its newest attraction - The Sky Tower - will be even bigger at 40 metres tall and could be in situ as early as next year. It is expected to sit close to the City Wheel and offer unrivalled views of Southend and out to the Thames Estuary.