The foundational Era – 1896-1929
In 1895, John Outhwaite and William Bean, two aspiring business partners, decided that they wanted to build a theme park modelling budding American theme parks, such as Cedar Point and Coney Island. To do so, John purchased around 40 acres of land to develop into a small seaside funfair in Blackpool, next to a tram terminus.
The park’s first ride, The Switchback Railway, opened in 1891, which was well before the park officially opened. Soon after, the park was built up around it, and officially opened on August 23rd, 1896.
In 1903, an additional expanse of land was purchased, which was used to make the theme park bigger, and after visiting Coney Island, they decided to add more rides and sideshows, which further grabbed the attention of visitors.
In 1904, the first pivotal attraction opened to the public: Sir Hiram Maxim’s flying machines. This attraction is still partially operational, and is enjoyed by people today. It became a Grade 2 historic building in 2017. It is a rotary swing ride, designed by the inventor of the same name.
Through the following years, the business expended, with Bean and Outhwaite opening two further theme parks in other UK locations. During this time, Pleasure Beach developed with frequent large investments, like the Velvet Coaster and House of Nonsense.
In 1911, John Outhwaite died, leaving the park to William Bean and in 1923, the park would see William’s final investment: The Big Dipper, which is still operating today. It was designed by John A. Miller, and in February was announced it had become the oldest rollercoaster in the UK.
Sadly, the park would see nothing new in many years after Bean died in 1929 due to pneumonia. Following his death, his daughter Doris inherited the park.
The development stage (1930-2003)
In 1931, the Outhwaite family sold their share of the park to the Thompsons, giving them complete control and ownership of the business.
The following year, Watson Road was built alongside the park, which resulted in the closure of Velvet Coaster. Velvet Coaster’s structure was reused in the construction of Roller Coaster, which opened in 1933 and was designed by Charles Paige. Thompson’s next major investment was the construction of Fun House in 1934, and Grand National in 1935, a wooden coaster designed by Charles Paige.
During this time, Thompson hired Joseph Emberton for the park. He worked on the Casino Building, Noah’s Ark and the Ice Drome, a 2,000-seat ice rink. Emberton continued to design for Pleasure Beach up until his death in 1956.
Investments steadily decreased during World War II; however, the park remained open throughout the war. The park then returned to prominence in 1958 with the debut of Wild Mouse.
After many successful years as the managing director of Pleasure Beach, Leonard Thompson died in 1976, having run the business for 47 years. Following Thompson’s death, Doris Thompson was appointed chairman of the business. Their only son, Geoffrey Thompson, inherited his father’s role, and became the new managing director.
He hired Keith Ingham to make extensive alterations to the Casino Building, which was reimagined as the Wonderful World Building (though it has since reverted to its original name of the Casino Building).
Further investments followed at Pleasure Beach, including Spin Doctor in 2002, Big Blue Hotel in 2003, and Bling in 2004.
Later years (2004–present)
Amanda Thompson, Geoffrey’s eldest daughter and director of the park for over 15 years, took over the Pleasure Beach business in 2004 following her father’s death.
During Amanda’s years of ownership, the park has seen vast redevelopment, including the removal of numerous rides such as The Whip, Space Invader 2, Turtle Chase, Spin Doctor, Trauma Towers, Noah’s Ark, Black Hole, Bling, Wild Mouse and Super Bowl.
In 2006, the family closed Pleasureland Southport, had not turned a profit for several years. This move coincided with the closure of Pleasure Beach’s log flume Drench Falls and the introduction of Infusion, the park’s first new roller coaster in 13 years.
In 2011, the Thompson family signed a contract with Viacom, owners of Nickelodeon, to open Nickelodeon Land, a 4-acre children’s area situated within the main park. Nickelodeon Land was a £10 million redevelopment of the park’s previous children’s area, Beaver Creek, which closed in 2010.
In 2015, the park partnered with the Royal Air Force to open Red Arrows Sky Force, a Gerstlauer Sky Fly ride themed to the air acrobatic team. The ride was the first of its kind in the United Kingdom.
In 2019, a second hotel called Boulevard Hotel was built on the site of the former Star Pub. In February 2024, the park rebranded from Blackpool Pleasure Beach to Pleasure Beach Resort. On 6 March 2024, The Big One sadly lost its title as the United Kingdom’s tallest roller coaster after 30 years, with the completion of Hyperia at Thorpe Park.
In 2025, the park confirmed a number of rides would not reopen for the season, including Red Arrows Sky Force, Gallopers, Thompson Carousel, and Alpine Rallye. The park also entered a partnership with Coca-Cola to become its new soft drink partner, ending a previous partnership with PepsiCo and Britvic that had been in place since 1994.
And so, in 2026, Pleasure Beach celebrates its 130th birthday by opening a new ride called Aviktas, which is described as the UK’s tallest gyro-swing. It is said to open in Spring of 2026, an official date is yet to be confirmed.
Written by Emma & Mia
April 1, 2026 @ 9:25 am
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Thank you all so much for reading this article! Hope you all have enjoyed it as much as we did writing it!❤️