blackpool pleasure beach educational visits

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Blackpool Pleasure Beach Theme Park

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0871 222 8787

525 Ocean Blvd Blackpool, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 1EZ

MONTHS OPEN

Enjoy a thrilling educational or end of term treat day out at one of the UK’s favourite theme parks, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has its own dedicated Education Academy.

Listed under: Art and Design | Business Studies | Day Trip Destinations | Design and Technology | Drama / Performing Arts | Educational Tours | Engineering | English | Environmental Studies | Geography | History | ICT | Leisure and Tourism | Mathematics | Outdoor Education | PE (Physical Education/Sport) | Reward Trip | Science | Special Educational Needs (SEN) | Team Building | Technology | Textiles | Theatres | Theme Parks | Themed Attraction | Tourism Organisations |

What we offer on a school trip

With over 125 rides and attractions at the UK’s favourite amusement park, mixing cutting edge technology with traditional rides, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the perfect place for your school trip.

From the excitement of the UK’s only  Nickelodeon Land  and wild adventures through  Wallace & Gromit’s Thrill-O-Matic , to the thrills and spills of our double launch coaster  ICON  and the world’s best dark ride,  Valhalla . We have something for everyone, with our mix of classics and spectacular modern attractions.

Pleasure Beach is also the home to spectacular shows and entertainment. From July to September, our  Hot Ice Show  brings together a cast from across the globe to create a dazzling show on ice. During November and December, our Globe Theatre becomes the home of the incredible Aladdin the Pantomime . Special performances and school rates available.

Whether it’s a thrilling reward trip, or an opportunity for learning outside of the classroom, we’ve got it covered!

Themed attraction Blackpool Theme parks North West Leisure parks Blackpool

What makes us a great choice for education

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a family-owned amusement park established in 1896, with a wealth of history and heritage to explore. With departments ranging from plumbing to engineering to costume design, we encompass a world of opportunities and possibilities, making this the perfect place to bring learning to life, whatever your chosen subject.

There is a variety of interactive sessions and workshops, with visual and practical activities designed to bring learning outside the classroom to life! Delve into the world of structures and forces in  Science of Rollercoasters , journey into the history of Pleasure Beach in  History & Geography  and explore the flourishing world of gardening in our brand new outdoor workshop  Ready, Steady, Sprout!

With one secure gate entrance and exit, teacher zones and dedicated school wristbands, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a great day out for students and teachers alike.

Accreditation and Awards

We are certified members of BALPA, IAAPA and proud holders of a Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge.

What is typically included on our school trips

An educational visit to Blackpool Pleasure can be comprised of a variety of different components, and can always be tailored to suit the needs of the group.

Some popular options are:

• Unlimited Riding
• Talk, Presentation or Workshop (60mins)
• Talk, Presentation or Workshop and Unlimited Riding
• Talk, Presentation or Workshop and Park Tour (90mins)
• Interactive Session (up to 4 hours) and Unlimited Riding

Group Sizes Catered For

Minimum group size 15.

Materials, Resources & Information Provided

Blackpool Pleasure Beach Education Pack and worksheets for English, Math and Science across Key Stages 1-3 are available to download free of charge from our website.

Digital lesson plans and resources (KS1-3) for a week-long thematic unit are included with all Cinderella the Pantomime school performances.

Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions

Photos, videos and audio may be taken for educational use only, and in compliance with the Health and Safety regulations on park.

Risk Assessment Details

Risk assessment visits can be pre-booked via the Education Department. In addition to this, an information guide for risk assessment is available to download from our website.

Education Officer Information

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has a dedicated Education Team who deal exclusively with school visits:

• Alison Paterson
• Andrea Godfrey

Email:   [email protected]

Tel No:  0871 222 8787

Pricing Information

Blackpool Pleasure Beach offers exclusive discounts to schools, colleges and universities. Discounted school rates available for Park tickets, Adventure Golf, Hot Ice School Matinee, Cinderella the Pantomime and Ice Skating.

To receive any educational discounts, all products must be booked and paid for prior to the visit.

Clothing Requirements

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is an outdoor attraction so please be prepared for all weather conditions. We recommend appropriate shoes for walking.

First Aid Information

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has trained first aid personnel on site.

Available Facilities

We have a variety of cafes and restaurants on site, and schools are also welcome to bring a packed lunch with them on their visit. We also offer discounted food vouchers and restaurant bookings such as Big Pizza Kitchen.

There is also a fantastic choice of retail shops including the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land shop and the world’s only Wallace and Gromit shop.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a cashless venue. Students can exchange cash for a pre-paid card during their visit, which is accepted at outlets across the park.

Accessibility & Disabled Facilities

Disabled toilets are available across the park. For those guests who have a recognised medical condition which prevents them from being able to queue, we are able to offer an Easy Pass service which allows the student and one other person to enter the ride via the exit or Speedy Pass gate. The Easy Pass card will be marked with a time at which you can go on your next ride. The time represents the current queue time of that ride; this process is then repeated at each ride.

Pleasure Beach will do everything possible to ensure its guests have a safe and pleasurable stay. However, certain rides and attractions in our Park are physically demanding and vigorous.

For further information, a guide for guests with disabilities is available to download from the website.

Opening Hours & Information

Opening times for Blackpool Pleasure Beach vary for the park throughout the season. Dates and times are available on our website.

Our Pantomime typically runs from the last week of November to 24 December with a variety of performance times available.

Please check the website or call 0871 222 8787

Testimonials

“Our students work hard and deserve the best, that’s why we choose Blackpool Pleasure Beach. It’s great value for money and the service is top notch! They take the stress out of trips!”

Silver Springs Primary Academy – Stalybridge, Cheshire

“We are a special needs school and our whole experience was handled with precise timing, professionalism and courtesy.”

Crosby High School – Liverpool, Merseyside

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School Travel

Blackpool 2 Nights

Give you students an exciting break away from the classroom and gain valuable outdoor learning experiences.

Three days is a perfect period to explore all that Blackpool has to offer, with many attractions all in close proximity to each other. You can count on your students having an amazing time, in addition to learning something new. Let us help with the planning and preparing, making this an easy stroll down the promenade for all busy teachers.

Amazing Attractions, Educational Workshops, and Beautiful Sea Views

Looking to offer your class a trip that is different and unique? Somewhere they can experience award winning attractions, gain insightful knowledge on British history and culture, and get away from the hectic cities.  Let your students explore the iconic Tower, discover animals in the Sea Life Centre, and feel the unique buzz that only Blackpool can provide.

With many of the main attractions on the sea front, you will be spending more time learning and memory making than travelling to each visit. With years of experience putting together itineraries to suit your learning objectives, we know that Blackpool is an ideal place for your class.

Your private coach will take you to Blackpool.

Your adventure will start with a visit to the magical Madame Tussauds. After learning about the rich and famous it is time to travel to your accommodation to check in. Then relax and have the evening at your leisure.

After breakfast, you will spend all day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Amusement Park, which will include a visit to the study area. After a fun filled day, the evening is free for you to enjoy.

After breakfast, take a trip to the legendary Blackpool Tower before heading back to school.

Price from £ 275 PP

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WHAT’S INCLUDED?

• Travel by private coach
• Travel by train may be possible, please ask
•  2 nights Half Board accommodation
• Entry to places of interest
• 1:10 free places for supervising adults

TAILOR YOUR TRIP

CALL US NOW ON 01384 398 893 OR  EMAIL US  TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS FURTHER

WHAT’S EXTRA?

• Insurance (Let us know if you want to include this)

LIKE THE IDEA OF 2 NIGHTS, BUT LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE DIFFERENT? WHY NOT TRY OUR OTHER UK DESTINATIONS.

Isle of Wight 2 Nights

Cardiff 2 Nights

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T: 01677 427334 E: [email protected]

Home » School-trips » North West England » School Trip to Blackpool

School Trip to Blackpool

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Blackpool is the most well-known of the seaside resorts in North West England, renowned for the Blackpool Tower (of Strictly fame!), illuminations and Pleasure Beach which draw thousands of visitors per year. Blackpool is perfect for a school visit as many of the attractions are contained within a small area so reducing the need for travelling and there are a wide range of activities to choose from. 

More to See

• The Blackpool Tower Eye
• The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
• The Blackpool Tower Circus
• The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
• SEA LIFE Blackpool
• Peter Rabbit Explore & Play Blackpool
• Madame Tussauds Blackpool
• Blackpool Zoo

Other Trips in This Region

Depart for Blackpool with late morning visit to Blackpool Tower Dungeon for a 60-minute journey through 1,000 years of Lancashire’s murky history, as the cast of entertaining theatrical actors brings to life hilariously horrifying stories from the depths of Blackpool’s past. After lunch visit Blackpool Tower Circus for afternoon performance including legendary clowns Mooky and Mr Boo. Continue you onto your accommodation for evening meal followed by free time in the evening.

Post breakfast, head into town to explore SEA LIFE Blackpool where school visit can include subjects such as plastic pollution and understanding sea creatures. Afterwards head to nearby Madame Tussauds   for their learning experience and have your photo taken with the stars. Late afternoon experience the heights of The Blackpool Tower Eye with its breath-taking SkyWalk and see if your students can brave the glass floor 380 feet in the air. Before you head up in the lift, visit the 4D cinema and learn all about the history of Blackpool and its infamous Tower. Travel back to the accommodation for evening meal following by walking tour of the town. 

After departing your accommodation head to Blackpool Pleasure Beach for a morning of fun at this world famous amusement park. After lunch continue your journey back to school.

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Relieve the Stress

Here at School Trips UK our dedicated school trip team have over 20 years’ experience in the travel industry and we pride ourselves in delivering bespoke tips that make learning fun and engaging.

At the start of your enquiry we will research the best accommodation for your chosen destination as well as transport providers if required, and one agent will keep in touch with you throughout the process to ensure you are happy and kept in the loop right to the end of your visit.

All trips can be arranged around a particular subject or subjects and we can include workshops, talks, company visits and other relevant activities accordingly. Everything for your trip would be individually sourced, from local restaurants for your meals to evening activities such as ghost walks or ten pin bowling.

Before you depart on your trip you’ll be provided with detailed itineraries, all booking information, travle maps if required and 24 hour emergency contact details.

We Include:

• Quality Accommodation
• Entry to attractions
• Evening meals
• Packed lunches
• FREE teacher places
• Information packs
• Personal guides available
• Risk assessments
• 24 hour support

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Home » Blackpool Pleasure Beach – School Trips

Blackpool Pleasure Beach – School Trips

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Perfect for all age groups

It has to be Blackpool Pleasure Beach! Home to the mega-coaster that is the Big One, the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land and the Wallace & Gromit ride, Thrill-O-Matic, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is full of world firsts.

We have so much to offer from educational workshops to reward trips with one of our unlimited ride wristbands!

Testimonials

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We are ready to organise your special event for you and answer any queries you may have.

Please complete the enquiry form below and someone will get back to you.

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Pleasure Beach Resort

Ocean boulevard, promenade, blackpool, lancashire, fy4 1ez.

There’s something for everyone at Pleasure Beach Resort.

For the ultimate of thrills, why not brave the UK's tallest rollercoaster, The Big One? Experience the park's newest coaster, ICON; hold your breath as you board Infusion, the exhilarating five looping coaster suspended completely over water; Brave the reimagined Valhalla, the world’s most spectacular dark ride, featuring splashtastic special effects; or feel the thrill of one of the world’s only remaining twin track coasters, the Grand National, plus lots, lots more!

Valhalla – The legend returns

Brave the adventure as you travel through the Best Water Ride in the World, as voted for an amazing six consecutive years in the Golden Ticket Awards.  These global awards recognise and shine a spotlight on the ‘best of the best’ in the international theme park world.

Get ready to experience fantastic special effects and extreme elements like no other ride. This high speed, multi-sensory dark water ride takes you on a journey through scenes of fire, snow and freezing mists whilst you travel in Viking long boats on this six minute journey.  Complemented by a new stunning soundtrack to complete this multi-sensory experience – get ready to brave Valhalla – Back for 2023!

Hot Ice – Amore Amor Amour

Take your seats and enjoy the must-see ice skating spectacular, Hot Ice, and this year’s show Amore Amor Amour. Taking place in the purpose-built ice theatre, Pleasure Beach Arena, Hot Ice is the world’s longest-running ice show and this, its 87th year, promises to be as fast-paced and beautifully spectacular as ever.

High Adventure Experiences

Pleasure Beach Resort is giving guests the chance to experience some of the UK’s tallest rollercoasters like never before.  High Adventure Experiences take participants on guided tour of some of resorts tallest rollercoasters, covering many ups and downs and exploring parts of the ride that most visitors will have never been before.

High Adventure Experiences is the collective name for three separate thrilling experiences – Walk The Big One, Walk The Woodie and Walk The Big One XL.

Book your Pleasure Beach Resort tickets

Upcoming Events

Pleasure Beach Resorts run numerous shows and events throughout the year. Click here to view a full list.

Twilight Thrills

On select dates this season, all rides will be open until 9pm. Ride into the night on The Big One, experience ICON in the dark and enjoy an evening race on the Grand National! 

2024 dates TBC

Meet SpongeBob, PAW Patrol and more…

Enjoy the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land loaded with 12 rides and attractions, a Nick shop and home to a whole host of famous Nickelodeon characters including Chase, Marshall and Skye from PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not!

Discover a unique collection of strange, unusual and extraordinary exhibits as you journey through eight themed galleries, across two amazing floors and witness the astonishing world of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Hundreds of exhibits of the odd, the unusual and the just plain bizarre – Seeing is believing!

Adventure Golf

Each hole of our Adventure Golf offers unique hazards ranging from jumps and bumps to rivers and underground tunnels, all adding to the fun of the game. Look out for the water hazard on holes 11 & 6, and tackle the figure eight spectacular on hole 9 – a first in the UK!

Don't worry if you're new to Adventure Golf - both beginners and experts are catered for with different levels of difficulty to tackle on each hole!

Opening Times

* *Please note opening times are for guidance only and closing times varies depending on day and time of the year- To confirm please check on the day on 0871 222 1234 or visit www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/opening-times/

Main Season

01 Apr 2024 - 29 Oct 2024

Ticket Pricing

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Ocean Boulevard Promenade Blackpool Lancashire FY4 1EZ

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Information

• Access Guide - Big PIzza Kitchen
• Access Guide Arena
• Access Guide Coasters
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• Follow Pleasure Beach Resort on Twitter
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• Access Guide - Burger King

*Great savings can be made by booking for off peak periods, please see website for full details.

The Arena at Blackpool Pleasure Beach

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© 2024 Visit Blackpool

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

• Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 1EZ
• 0871 222 1234

Experience thrills and magic at Blackpool Pleasure Beach! Iconic rides, family fun, delicious dining, and breathtaking views await. Don't miss out!

Outdoors Attraction

Family Friendly Attraction

Accessible Attraction

Dogs Not allowed

Opening Times

Main Season

01 Apr 2023 - 29 Oct 2023

Day Opening Hours

Monday 11:00

Tuesday 11:00

Wednesday 11:00

Thursday 11:00

Friday 11:00

Saturday 11:00

Sunday 11:00

BankHoliday 11:00

Ticket Pricing

Ticket Type Price

Adult (Gate Price) £50.00

Adult (Online) From: £31.00

Junior (Gate Price) £40.00

Junior (Online) From: £27.00

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

More Information

There’s something for everyone at Blackpool Pleasure Beach! For the ultimate of thrills, why not brave the UK's tallest rollercoaster, The Big One? Experience the park's newest coaster, ICON; hold your breath as you board Infusion, the exhilarating five looping coasters suspended completely over water; New for 2023, brave the reimagined Valhalla, the world’s most spectacular dark ride, featuring splashtastic special effects; or feel the thrill of one of the world’s only remaining twin track coasters, the Grand National, plus lots, lots more!

Valhalla – The legend returns Valhalla is back for the 2023 season at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Brave the adventure as you travel through the Best Water Ride in the World, as voted for an amazing six consecutive years in the Golden Ticket Awards. These global awards recognise and shine a spotlight on the ‘best of the best’ in the international theme park world. Get ready to experience fantastic special effects and extreme elements like no other ride. This high speed, multisensory dark water ride takes you on a journey through scenes of fire, snow and freezing mists whilst you travel in Viking long boats on this six minute journey. Complemented by a new stunning soundtrack to complete this multisensory experience – get ready to brave Valhalla – Back for 2023!

Hot Ice – Amore Amor Amour Take your seats and enjoy the must-see ice skating spectacular, Hot Ice, and this year’s show Amore Amor Amour. Taking place in the purpose-built ice theatre, Pleasure Beach Arena, Hot Ice is the world’s longest-running ice show and this, its 87th year, promises to be as fast-paced and beautifully spectacular as ever.

High Adventure Experiences Blackpool Pleasure Beach is giving guests the chance to experience some of the UK’s tallest rollercoasters like never before. High Adventure Experiences take participants on a guided tour of some of Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s tallest rollercoasters, covering many ups and downs and exploring parts of the ride that most visitors will have never been before. High Adventure Experiences is the collective name for three separate thrilling experiences – Walk The Big One, Walk The Woodie and Walk The Big One XL. Book your Blackpool Pleasure Beach tickets Upcoming Events Blackpool Pleasure Beach run numerous shows and events throughout the year. Click here to view a full list. Twilight Thrills On select dates this season, all rides will be open until 9pm. Ride into the night on The Big One, experience ICON in the dark and enjoy an evening race on the Grand National! Here are the Twilight Thrills dates for 2023 - we suggest booking ahead as they tend to sell out in advance. 8 April 27 May 5 August 23 September.

Meet SpongeBob, PAW Patrol and more… Enjoy the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land loaded with 12 rides and attractions, a Nick shop and home to a whole host of famous Nickelodeon characters including Chase, Marshall and Skye from PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Discover a unique collection of strange, unusual and extraordinary exhibits as you journey through eight themed galleries, across two amazing floors and witness the astonishing world of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Hundreds of exhibits of the odd, the unusual and the just plain bizarre – Seeing is believing!

Adventure Golf Each hole of our Adventure Golf offers unique hazards, ranging from jumps and bumps to rivers and underground tunnels, all adding to the fun of the game. Look out for the water hazard on holes 11 & 6, and tackle the figure eight spectacular on hole 9 – a first in the UK! Don't worry if you're new to Adventure Golf - both beginners and experts are catered for, with different levels of difficulty to tackle on each hole!

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The beginnings of Blackpool Pleasure Beach and how it's changed in 125 years

LancsLive takes a look at some iconic moments in the amusement park's history ahead of its re-opening on April 12 - including the time Walt Disney came to visit

• 10:02, 10 APR 2021
• Updated 19:16, 23 APR 2021

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Online interest in theme parks has increased by 65% in the past three months during the third national UK lockdown and no other attraction has been more sorely missed than Blackpool's Pleasure Beach.

After the town's tourism and hospitality industry was hit hard in the past year by the coronavirus pandemic, people have missed not only the thrills and fun of the fair but also its entertainment and interactive experiences.

Now however, one of the UK's most traditional and well-loved amusements parks is ready to open its gates on Monday April 12.

Not only is it ready for visitors but it is also celebrating its 125th year with new experiences for 2021.

These include the new Walk the Woodie experience which is an escorted, guided walk of the track and lift hills of one of the park's classic wooden roller coasters.

Preparing for the autumnal nights is also the new 'it's Friday night' weekly events which will see the park open from 4pm - 9.30pm.

The hub is also a new centre for park entertainment located in the middle of the grounds near the fountains. This will also welcome Oktoberfest in September.

Deemed as 'Covid-19 secure; good to go' a range of robust procedures have been put in place such as a capped number of guests a day, compulsory masks and temperature checks.

This will be a slow return to normality for the amusement park after it was uncharacteristically deserted in its longest ever spell closed.

Here at LancsLive, we take a look at the iconic history of the family-owned Pleasure Beach and its 125 seasons.

Vision of an American-style theme park

1890 - 1910

In 1896 William George Bean had ambitious plans to build a world-renowned attraction “to make adults feel like children again".

In conjunction with partner, John Outhwaite, he bought a forty-two acre plot of land where the park still stands today.

Alderman W.G. Bean was inspired to build an American-style amusement park and the local businessman travelled extensively to bring new rides and ideas to the Pleasure Beach.

He introduced the Hotchkiss Bicycle Railroad to the site in July 1896 and Sir Hiram Maxim’s Flying Machines and Noah’s Ark which still stand today.

The Infamous Flying Machines are not only one of the oldest continuously working machines in the Blackpool Pleasure Beach but also in Europe.

125 years later W.G. Bean's Creation has brought joy to millions of visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

Still thriving through the first World War

1910 - 1930

The outbreak of the first world war saw Pleasure Beach face many challenges.

The exporting of rides from the United States eventually ground to a halt and i nvestment in the park stopped as a result of this and the mounting difficulties faced.

Always resilient through hard times however Blackpool found a way to overcome problems.

Against the odds and due its unwavering popularity, the amusement park's profits soared and it became one of the most prolific employers in the North West.

Escapism from war and handing down of the business

1930 - 1950

Throughout the war years, the Pleasure Beach remained open all year round.

Thousands of servicemen, evacuees and wider population would come through its gates to briefly escape the burden of the world war around them.

So much so signs around the park were written in Polish due to the number of Polish air force bases around the town at that time.

Once again, despite the turmoils of the external environment, this proved a great time of development for the park which started by the opening of Noah’s Ark and The Virginia Reel .

1923 also saw the introduction of a fast and modern ride like no other on the park. This was the Big Dipper which still operates today.

At the end of this prosperous decade for the theme park, W. G. Bean died in 1929. This is when Blackpool's most well-established attraction was passed on to his son-in-law, Leonard Thompson.

Disney Inspiration and influx of rides

The company saw continued success under Thompson when there was an intensive period of development including the building of the then, modernistic Casino Building.

Inspired by Walt Disney’s penultimate amusement park, ‘Disneyland’, Leonard concentrated on introducing several ground breaking rides including The Rollercoaster, The Pleasure Beach Express and the world famous, twin-tracked coaster, The Grand National.

Returning the compliment, the Pleasure Beach became so world renowned that Walt Disney himself came over to pay a visit.

The entrepreneur and animator came over to see it for himself and stated that he liked the fact it was a family park and that it was "a higher class of resort".

This resulted in him granting permission for the company to use Alice in Wonderland as inspiration for a ride.

The second world war had seen a temporary holt in terms of the rides and attractions development however it soon saw a return to prominence with the opening of the highly regarded Wild Mouse wooden rollercoaster in 1958.

This was then followed by The Derby Racer in 1959 which carousel has 56 horses, each one hand-carved at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Britain’s first commercial monorail and influx of popular rides

During the 1960s, Britain’s first commercial Monorail was built along here with an explosion of new popular rides including the Monster, the Astro Swirl and the world’s longest Log Flume.

Visitors were also wowed by an enchanting trip through the Looking Glass on Alice in Wonderland; the Grand Prix and the popular Tea Cup ride .

Europe’s first 360-degree looping coaster and the UK’s only bobsleigh ride

Geoffrey Thompson became Managing Director in 1976 and added several exciting and iconic rides to the pleasure beach.

These include the Steeplechase, opened by the racehorse Red Rum in 1977., then two years later, Europe’s first 360-degree looping coaster, the Revolution, which received huge acclaim.

This time also saw the introduction of infamous The Big One - the tallest, fastest rollercoaster in the world at the time of its creation and the Avalanche - the UK’s only bobsleigh ride.

This remains the only bobsleigh rollercoaster in the country and in the year the British bobsleigh team were competing in the Winter Olympics, 1988, Avalanche opened and carried over one million passengers during the first year.

The world's tallest, fastest rollercoaster

In 1994 t he Pepsi Max Big One opened at 235ft tall meaning it was the world’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster of its time.

This was part of Geoffrey Thompson's great legacy after he invested £12m in the gigantic ride.

The Big One changed the skyline of Blackpool’s seafront forever and attracted roller coaster superfans from all over the world.

Another UK first was also established around this time, the £2 million Ice Blast, which catapults riders 210 feet vertically into the air.

Millions continued to be invested in the Pleasure Beach from the 2000s and beyond.

Over £3m was invested in new rides, enhancements and attractions.

The notorious Valhalla ride opened in 2000 after a massive £15m investment, the biggest amount up until that point.

This thrilling newride was hailed as the biggest, most spectacular dark ride ever to be constructed by mankind.

The Big Blue Hotel opened its doors in 2002 offering luxury accommodation which also saw the 100th birthday of Chairman, Mrs L.D. Thompson. The 157-bedroom hotel has now established itself as one of the most popular hotels in Blackpool.

Sadly in 2004 Mrs L.D. Thompson M.B.E. J.P. and Geoffrey Thompson O.B.E. passed away and the company was passed to the Managing Director.

Amanda Thompson re-themed and refurbished the park and there has since been the introduction of Infusion - the world’s first rollercoaster suspended entirely over water, Nickelodeon Land, Red Arrows Skyforce and ICON - the UK’s first double launch rollercoaster costing £16.25m.

In 2019 The £12m Boulevard Hotel opened with 120 stylish rooms with views of the seafront or park, a 90-seat restaurant and state-of-the-art conference facilities.

The future and beyond

Now the team at Blackpool Pleasure Beach are hard at work in order to re-open the gates on April 12 after a tumultuous 12 months.

Staff have used lockdown as an opportunity to improve and enhance visitor experiences for its well loved guests down to replacing rollercoasters wheels and old pieces of track.

They have also implemented, and will maintain, a new unprecedented and enhanced deep cleaning regime to keep visitors Covid safe.

Despite possibly its biggest setback yet, the coronavirus pandemic, Lancs Live know the Pleasure Beach will continue to thrive for another century to come.

To find out more about Blackpool Pleasure Beach and its re-opening, please visit here .

Download the LancsLive app for free on iPhone here and Android here .

You can sign up for free daily updates with the LancsLive newsletter here .

To keep updated, follow LancsLive on Facebook and @LiveLancs on Twitter .

Have you got news for us? Contact our newsdesk on [email protected] .

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13 places to visit in Blackpool this summer if you haven’t already - including Blackpool Pleasure Beach

A fter being named in the top 10 UK holiday hotspots, we wanted to shine a light on some of the fantastic places you can visit in Blackpool.

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From amusement parks to famous monuments, the seaside town has much to offer visiting holiday-goers.

So here are 13 places to visit in Blackpool this summer if you haven’t already:

Access Card

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Blackpool Pleasure Beach

"Blackpool Pleasure Beach is an amusement park situated on the seafront in Blackpool, located in Lancashire in the North West of England. Established in 1896, and has been family-owned and operated since then. However, the Pleasure Beach is not a museum, it's full of thrilling white knuckle rollercoasters, including the newest ride 'ICON' and the UK's only Nickelodeon Land which includes 12 themed rides and attractions there really is something here for everyone."

Contact details

525 Ocean Boulevard Blackpool Lancashire North West FY4 1EZ United Kingdom

https://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/accessibility/

[email protected]

03330 032212

https://app.accesscard.online/apply/bpb/

Access Card notes

Access Card accepted as proof for those guests requiring an EasyPass and/or Essential Companion ticket.

A free registration is available at this venue as an alternative to an Access Card. Please use the link below to begin your application. Please note, if you already have an Access Card, you don't need to apply again. Simply provide your name and Access Card ID number to the venue. Click here to start your registration

Access guidance

• Access Cards can be accepted as proof for an EasyPass. For more information, please visit our website.
• We have a limited number of wheelchairs for hire. Please report to Ticket Centre, located on the ground floor of the Casino Building who will check availability. You will be required to leave a deposit for security on a wheelchair. There are a number of slopes and varied textured flooring throughout the park, all are accessible in a wheelchair. Some of our rides have alternative entrances for guests using a wheelchair.
• We are a 42-acre site, with slopes, steps and some narrow walkways. Accessible parking is available, as well as a full access guide to provide further details on access information for venues throughout the park.
• Accessible toilet facilities are available at a number of locations within the attraction, including an Adult Changing Facility in the park for our guests located in Nickelodeon Land.
• We do allow guests to bring Assistance Dogs or Guide Dogs. We suggest contacting us in advance to arrange any visits with Assistance or Guide Dogs. For more information, please visit our website.
• If a guest requires the assistance of a carer to access the rides then a single carer can be issued with admission to the park and rides for free. The Carer Pass is not available online. For more information, please visit our website.