Blackpool Pleasure Beach worlds best theme park says Park World Excellence awards
From: The Independent (UK)
A UK theme park has been named the best in the world – 130 years after it opened.
Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort was crowned “best of the best” at the Park World Excellence Awards 2026.
Founded in 1896, Pleasure Beach Resort was praised for its “sustained success and constant contributions to the theme park industry”.
The attraction, in England’s north west, also claimed “best ride of the year” after opening the opening of Aviktas in 2026.
Aviktas, a ride that swings riders 138ft into the air on a rotating pendulum, opened in May following an £8.7m investment.
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I love BPB for what it is… but I wouldn’t describe it as a theme park. Amusement park yes, but there’s no cohesive theming…
Chad, I presume the panel of judges are from the Blackpool Tourist Board.....? BPB is a great place but it is an amusement park not a theme park. Valhalla is certainly one of the best water themed rides I have experienced. The Caves opened at the beginning of the 1900s, while several of the iconic coasters and attractions opened in the 1920s and 30s so it certainly is one of the most historical parks in the world. I love it!