Pleasure Beach Resort, formerly known as Blackpool Pleasure Beach, is one of the UK’s oldest and most iconic amusement parks. Established over a century ago, it offers a mix of traditional and modern attractions that draw visitors from across the country and beyond. This historic park combines nostalgia with contemporary thrills, making it a notable destination for families, thrill-seekers and tourists.
Pleasure Beach Resort was founded in 1896 by William George Bean, who envisioned a place where adults and children could enjoy quality entertainment. Over the years, the park has expanded and evolved, adding a variety of rides and attractions to keep pace with changing tastes and technologies.
The park is culturally significant as it reflects the development of British seaside entertainment. During the early 20th century, it became a symbol of the leisure industry, contributing to Blackpool’s reputation as a leading holiday destination. Several rides at the park hold historical value, such as the Grand National, a classic wooden roller coaster from 1935, and the Big Dipper, which dates back to 1923.
What to see at Pleasure Beach Resort
Visitors can expect a wide range of attractions catering to different tastes and age groups. The park is divided into themed areas, each offering unique experiences.
The park boasts numerous roller coasters, including the Big One, which was the tallest and steepest in the world when it opened in 1994. Other notable coasters include ICON, a multi-launch roller coaster known for its speed and smoothness, and Infusion, a looping coaster suspended over water.
For families and younger visitors, there are gentler rides such as the Alice in Wonderland ride, a journey through scenes from Lewis Carroll’s famous tale, and the River Caves, a tranquil boat ride through various themed environments. Nickelodeon Land is a dedicated area for children, featuring rides based on popular Nickelodeon characters and shows.
Pleasure Beach Resort offers a variety of live shows, including ice-skating performances at the Hot Ice Show, and family-friendly productions in the Globe. The park’s entertainment schedule varies, so visitors should check the current programme when planning their visit.
The park preserves several classic rides that provide a sense of nostalgia. The Flying Machines, operating since 1904, offer a unique flying experience, while the Ghost Train, introduced in 1930, is one of the earliest examples of a dark ride and the world’s first ride to bill itself as a ‘ghost train’.
Visiting Pleasure Beach Resort
Pleasure Beach Resort is on Ocean Boulevard just a five-minute walk south of Blackpool’s South Pier. It is easily accessible by public transport with a tram stop directly outside the park.
The park is open from March till November and opening hours vary depending on the season with longer opening hours during summer and school holidays and shorter hours during the off-season.
The admission price is more than you would normally pay for a seaside amusement park, but then, Pleasure Beach Resort offers a lot more than your average seaside amusement park. It is cheaper if you pre-book your tickets in advance and a couple of hotels adjoining the park offer packages that include free entry.
It’s a relatively large park with a good selection of places to eat and drink on site plus more dining options just outside the park.
Allow at least half a day for your visit.
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