Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Resort celebrates its 130th season with a new mega ride

For generations of holidaymakers, a trip to Blackpool has meant a day at the Pleasure Beach. In 2026 the famous amusement park on the South Shore reached a remarkable milestone, opening its gates for its 130th season.

The headline addition for the anniversary year is Aviktas, a giant spinning pendulum ride that cost £8.72 million. It swings riders through 120 degrees and reaches 138 feet at its highest point, making it one of the most eye-catching new attractions on the Fylde coast this year.

The anniversary has also been an opportunity for the resort to rethink how families visit. Children under two now get free access to suitable rides, and a new Annual Pass replaces the old Season Pass, covering a full year of entry rather than a single summer.

There are rewards for those who keep coming back too. Repeat visitors receive a half-price return code by email, and a new Flex Pass allows guests to buy rides on the day through the resort's app, giving more freedom to those who want to dip in for a few favourites rather than a whole day.

The celebrations stretch beyond the rides. The Pleasure Beach's long-running Hot Ice show marks its 90th anniversary in 2026, a remarkable run for an ice spectacular that has entertained audiences since the 1930s.

The resort used its birthday to make a wider point about the importance of the visitor economy. As it launched the 130th season, Pleasure Beach Resort urged people to get behind Blackpool's tourism sector, highlighting how much the town's attractions mean to local jobs and to the character of the resort.

That message resonates well beyond the park's boundaries. The Pleasure Beach has been part of Blackpool's story since the 1890s, and its rollercoasters remain among the most recognisable sights on the seafront, alongside the Tower and the illuminations.

Tickets, the new passes and details of the latest rides are available through the Pleasure Beach Resort website, where it is worth checking ride availability before you travel. For thrill seekers and nostalgic families alike, the 130th season is a fine reason to return.