UK theme park hits back after heartbreak at rides closing

One of the UK’s most beloved theme parks has hit back after widespread disappointment at the news that it was having to close five rides.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach bosses have defended the move and explained that there’s plenty for visitors to the seaside town to be excited about with a new £9 million ride opening that will be the only one of its kind in the UK.

The theme park recently announced the ride closures after confirming a £2.7m pre-tax loss.

Concerns have also been expressed that entry fees are reducing footfall into the iconic tourist attraction. However, the Pleasure Beach, which opened in 1896 and now provides jobs for almost 1,000 local people, said the closures have allowed them to reinvest in the site to make it “bigger and better” for tourists.

It was confirmed earlier this year that the Eddie Stobart Convoy, Alpine Rallye, Thompson Carousel, Gallopers and Red Arrows Skyforce rides would close. But the attraction has now revealed that the average age of these rides is 44 years old – and that data showed they were the least popular rides at the theme park, with all but Skyforce only being open at limited times.

A Pleasure Beach Resort spokesman said: “Closing a small amount of our older and least popular rides has allowed us to invest in bigger and better things, beginning with the opening of Launch Pad this spring, and our brand new £8.72m Gyro Swing – the biggest and the only one of its kind in the UK – opening next year.

“Additionally, we have made it even more affordable to visit us in 2025, by lowering our online advance ticket price to £25 for juniors and £30 for adults, as well as introducing new ticketing options.

“Guest can now arrive later in the day and pay less with our new afternoon tickets, and those who prefer family rides to our big coasters can purchase a Nickelodeon Land ticket for £25. This gives them unlimited riding in Nickelodeon Land, access to character meet and greets, on-park entertainment, and admission to walk around the entire park to explore the bigger attractions without riding.”