Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort crowned ‘Best of the Best’ at international awards ceremony
“Our industry is full of so much talent, so to be recognised among the best speaks volumes on the dedication and hard work that has kept us moving forward for 130 years”
Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort has won two top honours at an international awards ceremony.
It clinched the ‘Best of the Best’, as well as the ‘Best Ride of the Year’ prizes at the Park World Excellence Awards - a ceremony recognising the best of the leisure industry across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The prestigious ‘Best of the Best’ award is reserved for theme parks, rides, or tourist attractions recognised for excelling as the best of all time within their industry.
Park World Excellence organisers describe the award as “the absolute pinnacle, reflecting everything that is great about our industry” and is one of the highest honours to receive within the leisure and tourism sector.
Pleasure Beach Resort, proudly family owned and now in its 130th year, was praised for its sustained success and constant contributions to the theme-park industry upon receiving the award.
It becomes the first UK theme park to win the accolade, joining legendary attractions such as Europa Park, Siam Park and Liseberg as former recipients.
The ceremony also saw success for Pleasure Beach’s newest ride, Aviktas, which was named the ‘Best Ride of the Year’, beating off international competition from Germany, Netherlands and Spain.
Aviktas, opened in May 2026, came as a £8.72m investment and upon its launch, broke records for being the largest ride of its kind in the UK, swinging riders 138ft into the air on its rotating pendulum.
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Pleasure Beach Resort chief executive officer Amanda Thompson said: “To be named Best of the Best is a massive achievement for our park.
“Our industry is full of so much talent, so to be recognised among the best speaks volumes on the dedication and hard work that has kept us moving forward for 130 years.
“Avitkas has been a hugely valuable addition to the park and I’ve been delighted by its reception so far. If they haven’t already I’d absolutely encourage people to visit Pleasure Beach and give our ride, now recognised as one of the world's best a go.”
The wins continues a period of success for Pleasure Beach Resort, having already claimed two honours at the recent European Star Awards.
Again, Aviktas was named Europe's Best New Ride, while Valhalla was runner up for the Best Water Ride - its fifth podium finish in the category.
Pleasure Beach Resort remains open for the majority of September and October, excluding certain Mondays and Tuesdays outside of school holidays.
It is also preparing for its Halloween event, Journey to Hell, opening October 17. The immersive scare experience, returns this year with three new scare mazes and a selection of rides running from 10am until 9pm.