Blackpool Pleasure Beach axes staff, closes rides and cuts opening hours (2025)

The popular theme park announced the changes following their end of year results.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has cut its staff numbers as well as shut down several rides and reduced opening hours amidst the cost of living crisis.

The popular theme park announced earlier today that there will be changes made this year due to rising costs.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach will get rid of staff and close some rides this year as the cost of living crisis bites.

To make savings, there will be a reduction in staffing and certain rides will open later and close earlier than usual at the park on Lancashire seafront. The rides which will be affected by the changes have yet to be announced.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which opened in 1896, said the current financial climate has made customers more hesitant, and does not believe this will change any time in the near future.

Financial reports submitted on March 21 highlighted that theme park is struggling financially. It posted a turnover of £37.2m, the same as the prior year, while it went from making a pre-tax profit of £286,912 to a loss of almost £1.7m.

A statement by the board read: “The continuing cost-of-living crisis has made customers hesitant. Poor weather during key trading periods also acted as a contributor restricting visits to the park and the hotel. High inflation, high interest rates and significant increases in the minimum wage puts additional stress on our cost lines, making profit harder to achieve.”

The board believe a lack of disposable cash their customers have available and bad weather have added to their financial struggles.

The statement continued: "The financial year… [saw] the continuation of the challenges felt in the previous year with the continuing cost-of-living crisis putting a squeeze on the disposable income of our customers.

“As a result our attendances have remained relatively flat whilst increasing cost pressures as a result of high inflation and most notably the increase in National Minimum Wage makes trading again very challenging.”

While attendance rose by two per cent last year, cost of sales jumped by 11 per cent, meaning the Pleasure Beach made a pre-tax loss of £2.7m.

The statement continued: “The company has instigated a headcount review and a review of the assets on park. As a result a number of rides will be closed for the forthcoming season. We are also looking at how we profile the opening and closing times go both individual rides and the park itself with a view to maximising efficiency (and therefore cost) whilst balancing it with achieving great customer satisfaction.”

Last week the Pleasure Beach announced that it will be home to the biggest swinging pendulum ride in the UK.

Theme park fans will be able to experience the £8.72 million ride, a giant spinning pendulum that swings 120 degrees and reaches a terrifying 138 feet at it's highest point, from next year

A spokesperson from Pleasure Beach Resort said: “It has been a challenging few years of trading across the entire industry, and we have undertaken the necessary actions to continue to offer the same amazing experiences to our guests.

“We have already undertaken a strategic review and implemented changes; this has now concluded. The changes referenced in the accounts have all been actioned and completed, furthermore there are currently no plans to close any further rides.

“We are confident there is lots to look forward to at Pleasure Beach Resort for the immediate and long-term future, beginning with the opening of Launch Pad this spring, and our announcement of an £8.72M Gyro Swing, opening in 2026.”

The Gyro Swing will seat 40 riders who face outwards with their legs dangling, and bosses at the popular park say riders will experience an exhilarating feeling of flying.

Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, said: "We're thrilled to confirm the addition of a Gyro Swing at Pleasure Beach Resort, with work already underway. We're well known for doing things on a large scale, so becoming home to the largest Gyro Swing in the UK made complete sense. The Gyro Swing is one of the most exciting flat rides in existence – it's dynamic, fast, and incredibly high, as well as being completely weightless at the top.

"It will be a fantastic addition to our ride line-up and we can't wait to see people's reactions when they experience it for the first time. We'll be announcing more details soon and we're very excited for the future at Pleasure Beach Resort."

The theme park has been contacted for additional information.