Calls for major change to iconic UK theme park as visitors demand free entry

Residents in one of the UK's most popular seaside towns have called for a major change to the area's iconic theme park.

Blackpool's Pleasure Beach theme park, which opened more than 100 years ago, is a major pull for tourists and an iconic fixture on the town's skyline.

But many locals have backed calls for the return of free entry to the park, which ended in 2009. Back then, people could enjoy the carnival atmosphere within and pay only for individual rides.

However, despite enthusiasm for bringing back the old policy, The Pleasure Beach has confirmed it won't be dropping the entry charge, and has defended hiking the cost of its 2025 season pass from £189 last year to £225, arguing that it represents value for money, they told the Blackpool Gazette.

But many residents and visitors aren't convinced its the right approach, with some suggesting it will put them off going.

Jan-Magic Owen said the decision was "ridiculous", adding that the park "should make it free to walk round again and charge per ride with a multi ticket discount for families like they used to. It was always packed then and so were the rides."

Another person said: "I stopped going when they started charging to get in, who do they think they are Disneyworld?"

In the comments on the article, the outlet asked whether people think you should have to pay to go in, to which one suggested charging £5 just to walk around, adding that they haven't been since the charge was introduced.

A separate commenter also supported a fee people can "realistically afford", but said they "totally understand about the charges and why they are enforced because of trouble makers".

One mum said she couldn't understand why they don't have two separate entry charges, arguing: People would still spend on food etc and the difference in the charge would encourage more families to walk round.

"I had to stop taking my 4 children as I couldn't afford it and I resented having to pay full price for me when I didn't go on any rides," she added.

Adult e-tickets (12+) for the park start at £33 and are £50 on the day, according to its website. Meanwhile, Junior eTicket (11 and under) start at £28 and are £40 when bought on the day, and Parent and Toddler e-Tickets are start from £30 and are also £40 on the day.

Express.co.uk has reached out to Blackpool Pleasure Beach for comment.