2026 season launched with a bang in Blackpool as attraction ticket prices become more affordable than ever
Blackpool’s 2026 tourism season launched with a bang today - as the resort’s tourism leaders ‘promised better days ahead’.
Stars, attraction bosses and tourism leaders gathered at the Winter Gardens Conference Centre to look ahead at Blackpool’s visitor offering for 2026.
Crowning Blackpool as the best UK visitor destination, it was clear there were more reasons than ever for visitors and families to visit, stay and return to the resort.
Led by Blackpool Tourism Limited, the operator of all of Blackpool Council attractions, managing director Kate Shane acknowledged the tourism industry’s tough start to 2026 but said when attractions and accomodation providers work together to provide the best possible experience for all the future looked bright.
She also told all those in attendance she had visited Downing Street last week to meet with Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock MP to share first hand experience of the difficulties facing the sector as well as to discuss future policy changes.
Kate Shane MBE said: “As a sector we’ve had a difficult start to 2026 but I think it is important to recognise where we are now.
“Blackpool has always been value for money, but now the challenge is different, people need to know if it is affordable in the first place.
“That’s why we’ve launched the new Blackpool Ultimate Ticket for just £65.
She added: “I’m biased but I think Blackpool is the best UK destination.”
Kate added Blackpool Tourism Limited’s mission was to support businesses and make the destination accessible, as well as to ensure every visitor enjoys a world-class experience.
She said the town could achieve this by working collaboratively, investing in quality accommodation, attractions and events, and promoting itself as an affordable, vibrant destination.
How is the town hoping to attract visitors in 2026?
That’s simple, it wants visitors to know it’s affordable so ticket prices at some of the biggest attractions are being slashed.
Kyle Murray, Marketing Director at Blackpool Tourism, said: “In 2026, Blackpool Tourism is making attractions more affordable and accessible than ever.
“We’ve launched the new Ultimate ticket - one ticket for multiple iconic attractions, including the UK’s largest indoor water park, Blackpool Tower, Tower Circus, Tower Dungeons and the Pleasure Beach - for just £65.
“After launching our Wave Rider ticket last year - the first of its kind ticket combining sancastle water park and the Pleasure Beach.
The response was incredible. It sold out within six weeks and more than 90% of its visitors were from less than 90 minutes away.
“Building on that success we’ve introduced two new tickets. Our Sky Rider and Sky Thrills tickets at £50 offer even more attractions and value, while our Annual Pass gives year-round access for £149.
“Coupled with our year-round destination campaign, which reached 55 million people across the UK last year, we’re providing clear reasons to visit, stay and return, showing that Blackpool offers world-class entertainment for all audiences and budgets.”
What is the Ultimate Ticket?
Do more, see more and save more with the new Ultimate Ticket from Blackpool Tourism Limited. Visit all of Blackpool's leading attractions for just £65 and enjoy the best of what Blackpool has to offer.The Ultimate Ticket grants you entry to 6 of Blackpool's top attractions, including:
- Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort
- Sandcastle Waterpark
- The Blackpool Tower Top
- The Blackpool Tower Circus
- The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
- Madame Tussauds Blackpool
Further information:
- The time you are booking now is for the Blackpool Tower Top & 4D Cinema Experience
- Pre-book your entry to other attractions by using the booking link in your confirmation email.
- To enter the Pleasure Beach Resort with your Ultimate tickets, please take your ticket to their reservation desk, where they will exchange this for your entry ticket to the resort.
- Your remaining tickets will be valid for 90 days from initial purchase date to visit the remaining attractions.
2026 marks many major milestones for attractions in the resort
Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort marks it’s 130th year as well as the 90th year of Hot Ice in 2026. The theme park is also about to open it’s new £8.72m mega ride Aviktas this Spring.
Sandcastle Waterpark also marks it’s 40th year and more stars, theatre productions and cabaret shows are to be launched at venues across the town.
Stuart Cumming, Sales Director at the Pleasure Beach Resort, said: “2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for us at Pleasure Beach.
“We’re launching a brand-new family ice show, Alice in a Frozen Wonderland, bringing the magic of theatre and ice to a new generation.
“We’re also introducing a new after - 2pm gate ticket so visitors who have spent the morning at attractions like Madame Tussauds can extend their day and keep the smiles going into the evening.
“For locals, we’re bringing back Wylde Coasters, allowing local residents to get the online price at the gate and expanding our Locals Gold Pass - now £85 and including nearly every Saturday.
“Younger adventurers are covered too, with under-twos riding free on seven attractions. And of course, there’s our £8.72 million investment, Aviktas, which will see riders swinging up to 138 feet - an exciting addition not just for Pleasure Beach, but for Blackpool as a whole.”
Record year for Blackpool Zoo
Last year was a record year for Blackpool Zoo with more visitors passing through the gates than at any point in its 53-year history, helped in part by the birth of an adorable elephant calf Zaiya and several other new arrivals.
Looking ahead to 2026, Blackpool have invested more than £500,000 in the new Kidepo Trail, expanding their giraffe habitat and creating a high-level walkway for a more immersive visitor experience.
Big things happening at the Winter Gardens
This year is also set to be one of the biggest years in modern times for the Winter Gardens with one of their busiest and most diverse programmes yet.
At the Opera House we’ll welcome major touring productions including Mamma Mia!, Annie and Dirty Dancing, alongside first-time UK tours of Waitress, Mean Girls and Burlesque as their Christmas show, plus Miss Saigon in June.
Live music will also expand across the venue with artists such as Alfie Boe, Beverley Knight and Jane McDonald, while the Olympia continues to grow as a venue for contemporary acts.
Alongside established events like the Rebellion Festival they’re launching a brand-new 80s weekender festival featuring various artists.
The year will also mark the 100th edition of the Blackpool Dance Festival, reinforcing the Winter Gardens’ role as a major international destination for live entertainment.
Key Blackpool attraction prices:
- The Blackpool Tower Circus: Adult tickets start from £13.50, child tickets from £9.50.
- The Blackpool Tower Top: Advance booking prices start from £12.50 per person.
- Blackpool Zoo: Family tickets (2 adults + 2 children) are £68.99, while adult tickets start from £15.99 online.
- Central Pier: Individual ride tickets start from £1.10.
Big Tickets - £50 per person
SkyRider - Includes access to all The Blackpool Tower Attractions (Tower Top, Circus and Dungeons), Pleasure Beach Resort and Madame Tussauds Blackpool
SkyThrills - Includes access to all The Blackpool Tower Attractions (Tower Top, Circus and Dungeons), Sandcastle Waterpark and Madame Tussauds Blackpool.
WaveRider – Includes access to Sandcastle Waterpark and Pleasure Beach Resort (On sale from 27 March).