Blackpool Pleasure Beach Named 'Best of the Best' at Major Theme Park Awards

Blackpool's Pleasure Beach has been awarded the 'best of the best' title at the Park World Excellence Awards 2026, marking the first time a United Kingdom park has received this prestigious honor. The historic seaside attraction, established in 1896, also saw its new ride, Aviktas, named 'best ride of the year'.

Aviktas, a giant gyro swing, stands at 138 feet tall, making it the tallest ride of its kind in the UK. The park boasts a variety of attractions, from classic wooden roller coasters to modern thrill rides like the 213-foot-tall Big One hyper-coaster. The resort offers donkey rides, five 'dark rides', five water rides, and 12 Nickelodeon-themed rides, along with various dining options and event nights.

This recognition follows Blackpool's success at the UK Theme Park Awards earlier in the year, where the resort secured eight accolades, including best new attraction and best seaside resort. Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, expressed her pride in the achievement, stating that being named 'best of the best' is a significant accomplishment for the park, highlighting the dedication and hard work that has sustained it for 130 years. She encouraged visitors to experience Aviktas, now recognized as one of the world's best rides.

Other international parks recognized at the awards included Parc Asterix in France, which won for best live entertainment with 'Asterix and the Starry Potion,' and Germany's Europa-Park, named best large park of the year. Saudi Arabia's Aquarabia Qiddiya City received the award for best waterpark of the year.