Major UK theme park announces it is closing rides and cutting opening hours

Visitor numbers have not recovered since the pandemic

Last month, the park revealed that five smaller rides - the Eddie Stobart Convoy, Alpine Rallye, Thompson Carousel, Gallopers and Red Arrows Skyforce - would all be shut during the 2025 season, which began in February half-term. 

The historic attraction was opened in 1896 and has stood proudly on Lancashire's sea front, welcoming visitors for nearly 130 years.

However, visitor numbers have never recovered since the Covid pandemic.

Other rides will open later and close earlier this year as the venue attempts to reduce costs and warned the cost-of-living crisis was 'depressing non-essential spend'.

The park is also bracing itself for staffing costs to soar next month due to the increase in national insurance contributions (NICs) for employers and the minimum wage rise which is impacting a lot of companies.

Despite its struggles, the park recently unveiled ambitious plans for a new £8.7million spinning pendulum ride, dubbed 'Project MMXXVI', which will reach 138ft when it opens next year. 

New accounts filed for the latest financial year - the 12 months to March 24, 2024 – showed the park had a turnover of £32.1million, up from £31.8million the year before.

But the Companies House return last Friday also revealed it made a pre-tax loss of £2.7million, which worsened significantly from a £520,000 loss the previous year.

Director Jonathan Gray, writing on behalf of the board, said: "Trading in the current year has been extremely difficult due to many external factors beyond our control. 

"The cost-of-living crisis is ongoing. We do not foresee any short-term change. We continue to review our operation with a view to making the business more efficient and sustainable.

"The company has instigated a headcount review and a review of the assets on park. As a result, a number of rides will be closed for the forthcoming season.

"We are also looking at how we profile the opening and closing times of both individual rides and the park itself with a view to maximising efficiency (and therefore cost) whilst balancing it with achieving great customer satisfaction."

The report also revealed a series of 'energy efficiency actions' the Pleasure Beach has undertaken, including LED lights and a new staff canteen with a ground source heat pump.

Gray added: "The company continues to ensure that all our guests receive a quality experience and value for money. This is monitored through a comprehensive programme of guest research and satisfaction surveys.

"The company continues to invest in its infrastructure to ensure that the business is well promoted through marketing and improved control systems to ensure we are able to maximise our returns and reduce our exposure to potential loss."

Tickets cost from £30 for adults or from £25 for children under 12 - going up to £50 and £40 respectively on the day.