One of the UK’s most iconic theme parks, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, has announced it will be closing some rides and reducing opening hours following a £2.7 million pre-tax loss.
The historic Lancashire attraction, which first opened in 1896, has struggled to bounce back after the pandemic. Park management cited falling visitor numbers and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis as key reasons behind the financial downturn.
In a bid to cut costs, some rides will open later and close earlier during the 2025 season, and a staff headcount reduction is also on the cards. The park is also preparing for a rise in staffing costs due to the upcoming increase in both national insurance contributions and the national minimum wage.
Despite the tough financial climate, the park remains committed to long-term investment. It recently revealed plans for a new £8.7 million ride, dubbed Project MMXXVI—a 138ft spinning pendulum set to debut in 2026.
Accounts filed for the year ending March 24, 2024, show the park brought in £32.1 million in revenue—slightly up from £31.8 million the previous year—but saw its losses deepen from £520,000 to £2.7 million.
Director Jonathan Gray noted in the report: “Trading this year has been extremely difficult due to external factors beyond our control. The cost-of-living crisis shows no signs of easing. We're continuing to review operations to make the business more efficient and sustainable.”
The park, famous for classic rides like the Big Dipper, Grand National, and the Big One, has been a staple of British tourism for nearly 130 years. It started life with a steam carousel and pedal-powered monorail, later expanding to include some of the world’s oldest rollercoasters.
The company says it’s also implemented several energy-saving initiatives, including LED lighting and a new eco-friendly staff canteen powered by a ground source heat pump.
“We're focused on maintaining a high-quality experience for guests,” Gray added. “That includes ongoing investment in infrastructure and guest satisfaction monitoring to ensure value for money.”
The news comes amid a wave of closures and financial struggles hitting UK amusement parks. Oakwood Theme Park in Wales recently shut its doors after 40 years, citing unsustainable costs and dwindling attendance. Meanwhile, Adventure Island in Essex has warned of a £600,000 loss due to tax hikes, while Wicksteed Park in Northamptonshire is also under threat.
Several parks have pointed fingers at increased operational costs and recent government tax changes, including higher employer national insurance rates and a bump in the national living wage.
Other beloved parks like Wet n Wild in North Shields and Flambards in Cornwall have also shut down in recent years, with owners citing rising costs and declining visitor numbers.
As UK theme parks face mounting pressure, the future of traditional attractions like Blackpool Pleasure Beach remains uncertain—despite their cultural legacy and loyal fanbase. Photo by BlackpoolJC91, Wikimedia commons.