Blackpool Pleasure Beach opened in 1896 by A.W.G. Bean and his partner John Outhwaite.
The park has remained family owned ever since and the current managing director, Amanda Thompson, is Bean’s great-granddaughter. The original park was built on the sand dunes along the promenade and consisted of a few roundabouts, a bicycle railway and several Gypsy stalls. However in 1903, after being inspired by a trip to Coney Island, Bean purchased 30 acres of land in Blackpool and set to work on expanding the park. Today, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is home to more wooden coasters than any other park in the UK, as well as a variety of other fantastic coasters and attractions. It’s a wonderful piece of history and remains as great a day out as ever. This makes it pretty tough to pick just five favourite attractions, but I’ve done my best within this list.
Quickly, before we start, I just want to mention three attractions that unfortunately don’t quite make this list. Alice in Wonderland and Ghost Train are almost like museum exhibits of theme park history. Both dark rides date back almost right to the park’s start, at least its start as we know it today. They may not be high tech, but for someone like me, they provide an almost time-machine-esque experience. On the other end of the spectrum, Wallace and Gromit’s Thrill-O-Matic opened in 2013 and is honestly one of the best themed dark rides in the UK. Ok, now onto those that actually make the list.
5. River Caves
Having opened in 1905, River Caves is one of the earliest remaining examples of a dark ride boat attraction. River Caves takes riders on a picturesque voyage of unchartered territory. It is a journey through time, both within the story of the attraction as you begin in prehistoric times and travel through ancient Egypt, Amazon jungles and more, and as a ride that takes you back to the early years of theme park history.
4. Steeplechase
Mount one of three horses and embark on a race along your track. This aerodynamics coaster opened in 1977 and is the only steeplechase coaster still operating. This unique coaster is just unmissable within a trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Although be warned, it’s not the comfiest. Also, quick question, is it three credits or just one?
3. Valhalla
Valhalla is a large indoor dark flume ride that opened in 2000. Unfortunately it has been closed for the past couple of years, however it is undergoing a huge refurbishment and promises to open up better than ever before in 2022. The ride takes you on a journey through the 4 elements, featuring fire and wind effects, fake snowfall and a water tunnel. As far as I’m concerned, it’s by far the best water ride in the UK.
2. The Big One
The Big One, formerly known as the Pepsi Max Big One, opened in 1994 as the tallest and steepest roller coaster in the world. At 235ft, it held the record until July 1996, when it was beaten by Fujiyama at Fuji-Q Highland in Japan. It still remains the tallest roller coaster in the UK. With an over 1 mile long track and stunning views of the nearby beach, as well as the park’s other coasters, the big one is a breath-taking experience.
1. Icon
Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s newest roller coaster, Icon, is the UK’s first double launch coaster. Having opened in 2018, this roller coaster is a brilliant addition to the park, providing a top tier modern roller coaster amongst all the classic attractions on offer. This Mack coaster is one of my favourites in the UK, providing an enjoyable and comfortable coaster experience.
My list may be notably absent of some of the park’s classic wooden coasters, but that’s because I just don’t think they ride very well anymore. Do you agree, or are you able to overlook the discomfort of The Grand National and The Big Dipper?
Comment and let us know what your favourite rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach are.
Click here to check out our complete guide to Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
