Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Tom Grieve, Cinema Editor
Both a thrillseekers paradise and family friendly day out, the landmark Blackpool Pleasure Beach is home to over 125 rides and attractions. Located on the seafront, opposite South Pier, the park is probably most famous for The Big One, a steel hypercoaster which was the tallest and steepest in the world when it opened in 1994. It remains one of the highest coasters in the country and a place of pilgrimage for serious adrenaline junkies.
If The Big One is the headliner at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, it certainly isn’t the only act in town. The park also plays host to Nickelodeon Land which features thirteen rides aimed at younger visitors, complete with tie-ins with characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and the PAW Patrol crew. Meanwhile the Thrill-O-Matic brings all of the trademark charm of Aardman Animations, as it takes riders on an action-packed trip through the adventures of stop-motion duo Wallace and Gromit.
The Pleasure Beach has been running since 1986 and it is still family owned and operated. Nowadays the park combines historic rides and classic amusements like log flumes and dodgems with the latest in thrillseeker technology. Visitors can find the largest collection of wooden roller coasters in the country sitting alongside the spinning 360-degree Red Arrows SkyForce, as well as newer additions like ICON, the UK’s first double launch coaster, which promises riders the same acceleration as a Formula 1 driver.
There’s more than rides here too. The arena hosts seasonally themed shows all year, including theatre, pantomime and the spectacular Hot Ice skating show, now going over 80 years strong. Food and drink options range from fine dining to fast food, so you can grab a quick bite on the go or sit down for a three course meal should you choose. Entry prices vary from simple access passes to full ride wristbands, but do shop around ahead of your visit as discounts can usually be found online.
Need somewhere to stay near the Pleasure Beach? We’ve got a host of great options for you.
