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.
Thrillseekers will also find the UK’s only Nickelodeon land and The Big One, a hypercoaster that once held the record as the tallest and steepest in the world, at the theme park.
Pleasure Beach Resort is the first UK theme park to win the “best of the best” award from the Park World Excellence Awards.
In 2025, Europa-Park in Germany took home the accolade, featuring more than 100 attractions and themed areas dedicated to different European countries.
The awards, which highlight parks in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, included categories from best waterpark of the year to best green initiative of the year and best live entertainment.
Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, 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!”
Standard online tickets for Pleasure Beach Resort start from £30, with the theme park open until late November.
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