Trains to Blackpool Pleasure Beach
A trip to the seaside town of Blackpool, with its illuminations and pebbly beaches, is not complete without a ticket to Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The unique thrill of climbing high into the sky on the famous Big One, watching the sunset over the Irish Sea, and then hurtling hundreds of feet to the ground is what draws tourists back year after year. The park is the perfect blend of adventure and nostalgia, come along with CrossCountry to find out why.
How to Get to Blackpool Beach by train
The closest CrossCountry station to the theme park’s very own mainline station, Blackpool Pleasure Beach station is Manchester Piccadilly, which makes the theme park accessible to visitors all over the UK. To reach Manchester by train, visitors can travel from several major stations, including Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, and Southampton Central, as well as many other locations beyond. Upon arriving at Manchester Piccadilly, passengers can choose from a number of northbound services to Blackpool.
Blackpool is the perfect destination for a weekend staycation with an array of high-quality and affordable hotels. The Boulevard Hotel and the Big Blue Hotel are both located right outside Blackpool Pleasure Beach, making them ideal destinations to book for a thrill packed weekend.
Things to do at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is one of the oldest and most thrilling theme parks in the UK, continuing to provide fun and adventure to families and friends just as it did in its early days. Boasting a total of ten rollercoasters - more than any other theme park in the UK—it offers a range of exhilarating experiences. Some of the standout rides include:
- The Big One: Formerly the biggest rollercoaster in the world, this hypercoaster drops riders 253ft through the air and is an iconic element of the Blackpool skyline.
- ICON: Built to reflect the G-Force a Formula 1 driver might feel, ICON was opened in 2018 and subsequently upgraded in 2022, when a spinning car was added to the back of the train.
- Infusion: A white-knuckle medley of loops and drops that completely suspends riders over water.
- Grand National: A golden oldie - the iconic wooden racing rollercoaster that has been delighting guests since 1935 is an exciting and nostalgic experience not to be missed.
In addition to rollercoasters, there’s plenty for families with young children to enjoy. Nickelodeon Land features a variety of themed rides perfect for younger visitors. Climb aboard the Bikini Bottom Bus Tour for an aquatic adventure among coral reefs and sea creatures, or ride the Fairy World Taxi Spin, which whirls riders around a giant star on its way to a magical realm.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is known for its spectacular live entertainment, from ice shows to captivating circus acts. During the summer, the park hosts events like Twilight Thrills, a late-night rollercoaster riding experience, and Summer of Slime, where visitors can win prizes and get messy in Nickelodeon Land’s Slimeulator. The festive season brings even more magic, with annual pantomimes and a Christmas grotto where children can meet Santa and share their holiday wishes.
For refreshments, visitors have a variety of dining options. There’s the Big Pizza Kitchen, ideal for chowing down on some deep-dish delights, or Ice Lounge, for a selection of treats perfect for a day at a theme park. There are also several fast-food outlets, including Burger King, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
About Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool Pleasure Beach opened way back in 1896 and has been a beloved destination for thrill-seekers ever since. Founded by William George Bean, the park aimed to emulate the excitement of American-style parks like Coney Island in New York City. One of the very first rides to grace Blackpool Pleasure Beach was Sir Hiram Maxim's Captive Flying Machine in 1904, which still operates today as one of the oldest continuously working amusement park rides in Europe.
Over the decades, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has grown significantly, continuously adding new attractions and rides to keep visitors coming back. The park's mission has always been to make adults feel like children again and to provide a place where families can create lasting memories together.
Throughout its history, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has led the charge for amusement park innovation. In the 1920s and 30s, the park introduced several groundbreaking rides, including the Big Dipper wooden rollercoaster, which remains a favourite to this day. The 90s saw the addition of The Big One, which held the title of the world's tallest and fastest roller coaster at the time of its opening in 1994.
If you’re planning a trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
