Blackpool Pleasure Beach named world’s best theme park

Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort has been named the world’s best theme park at the 2026 Park World Excellence Awards. This marks the first time a UK-based theme park has received the ‘Best of the Best’ accolade, joining previous international winners such as Germany’s Europa-Park and Sweden’s Liseberg.

The Lancashire-based resort, which was founded in 1896, was recognized for its long-standing contributions and sustained success within the amusement industry. In addition to the top honor, the park won ‘Best Ride of the Year’ for its newest attraction, Aviktas.

Aviktas is a rotating pendulum ride that opened in May 2026 following an £8.7 million investment. As the largest ride of its kind in the UK, it swings passengers up to 42 metres (138 feet) into the air. CEO Amanda Thompson OBE described the recognition as a ‘massive achievement’ for the park.