Blackpool Pleasure Beach VLOG | April 2024

We went to Blackpool Pleasure Beach in April 2024 to check out the latest Ice Blast and River Caves situations, as well as experiencing some of the better attractions at the Pleasure Beach. River Caves has been shut since opening weekend for unexpected maintenance reasons, and Ice Blast has remained closed for "planned maintenance" for the whole season so far.
© Your Experience Guide / Pleasure Beach Experience. All rights reserved. No part of this video can be reproduced or redistributed without permission from Scott Bickerton, the owner and creator of this Your Experience Guide & Pleasure Beach Experience. For permission requests, email [e-mail]. Use without consent with or without credit is in direct violation of copyright law.

[@thesaint5619]

Scott i feel your falling out of love with PB never thought id see the day

[@Kat-bx5mn]

I live in Blackpool and haven’t been for 20 years and I have just booked tickets for me and the kids because of this video x

[@yourexperienceguide]

Have a great visit

[@samdimmock2240]

If avalanche closed I’d be gutted. Not for the ride but the bears and the music 😂

[@jordanpearson1910]

River caves is a classic Blackpool shouldn’t lose that one

[@Mitjitsu]

The ride itself is sacrosanct, but I have nothing against it being completely re-themed.

[@richards9750]

Troubling days ahead for BPB. You’re paying nearly £50 to enter the park, and multiple rides are closed. You, Scott, must call them out for the massive lack of investment. If they do not invest seriously soon, it’ll be in danger of closing. Just because of its history doesn’t mean it can continue to bleed visitors, fans, and holidaymakers dry for a substandard product, and BPB is currently substandard - Alton Towers and Thrope invest (Yes, I know they’re Merlin). Still, even other Amusement/theme parks invest regularly.

[@Fanriffic2020]

So sad to see the park so empty. They must be hoping that they have a bumper summer season coming up to boost the coffers. Having so many old rides closed for maintenance maybe a sign of things to come and it's not sustainable. The park seriously needs investment and from someone with very deep pockets full of money. I've got a soft spot for Blackpool Pleasure Beach so I hope they can turn things around.

[@yourexperienceguide]

I really hope they can find some investors to help them

[@Fanriffic2020]

@@yourexperienceguide Absolutely, anything is better than nothing. Even a sponsorship or shared ownership. Forgot to mention on previous comment, that £50 for the Grand Prix evening, they must be extracting the urine.

[@colinevans39]

Sorry but they have had and have the money they are very rich owners it's down to them 👍🙏 I have a soft spot for Blackpool but the owners aren't poor 👍

[@shanepower3114]

So sad to see Pleasure Beach like this. Totally agree there’s been too many ride removals and rides mothballed. Massive change in direction needed. It’s lost its spark at the moment.

[@aldorfc220]

Love your channel Blackpool has many good memories for me thanks to my gran and not forgetting these rainy days stuck in the caravan lol

[@glenclough9080]

I was there today, I have to admit I thought things were great today, everything was open, operations were quick, park was pretty quiet. I had a great day 🤷‍♂️

[@yourexperienceguide]

Everything? 👀 Glad you had a good day.

[@adamtrue7691]

I love going on Avalanche and seeing DUSTY THE OWL... its the owl animatronic in the rafters of the station and its covered in cobwebs

[@Darklord666123]

Its really sad seeing Pleasure Beach in this state...and tbh its the backbone thats keeping Blackpool itself out of the deep water in my opinion. They really really need to sit down and come up with some kind of future plan because if and potentially 'when' Universal set up shop.... PB are going to struggle....

[@technoandrew]

Really enjoyed the vlog, thanks guys. I was particularly chuckling along to Stephen's antics ('breaking rides' and running off) ;). It is really sad to see the park in such a bad way though. Both how quiet it is, and the number of SBNO rides as you highlighted. I was quite surprised to hear how bad you thought the Big One's turn around was as well. It's particularly stark when the likes of Alton Towers and Thorpe Park seem to be going from strength to strength at the moment. The park really need to sort themselves out. I'd love to bring my parents in on a walk-around style pass so they could just do the train, Wallace, River Caves and the like. Not worth spending £86 + on full tickets though when they'd have no interest in the coasters.

[@keiranhyre750]

Brilliant vlog

[@polshach]

Glad too see im not the only one who felt that big one was more rough than last time 😭 like i love the ride but after the turn it was dreadful.. such a shame

[@seashore895]

I’ve been visiting since 2022 on weekends in the school holidays, and with the exception of Easter Saturday this year, it’s been pretty quiet. Worried those in charge have lost their passion for rides and they could end up like Camelot and American Adventure - once you stop investing and visitor numbers drop significantly, how do you bring the place back? Given how many rides are closed, and having issues throughout the day you think they’d at least ditch the staggered opening times of rides in the morning and get the rides they do have open. I really hope they’re going to invest soon, and I think they need to go BIG. They need to get their joy and competitive edge back and aim for something groundbreaking that will get the public excited to visit again. The Big One was such a big deal when it first opened, we need that kind of spirit once again. I love this place and hate the idea of it shutting.

[@TachedBrit]

The park was certainly busier today!

[@yourexperienceguide]

It’s a real shame to see

[@MarcusDET]

All of your buddies you include in your videos are great. Miss mike but these guys are great.

[@yourexperienceguide]

You’ll see a lot of Mike over the summer when we go to America 😊

[@nikki827827]

I was there yesterday and everything was walk on , really sad how quiet it was 😢 a lot of Valhalla effects weren’t on , icon ran Ensor train all day from opening and I don’t think I saw 1 rider on it ! However the ghost train changes were fab , the monestry creeped me out so much 😮 big one was a bit rough and infusion was brutal 😮

[@AdamHickman78]

For the Gramd Prix event, surely they would make more money at either a cheaper price point, or open the ride up one last time for free, but they would make more money with a boosted attendance for that day. Maybe I'm wrong and the bookings for it have been exceptional 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@colinevans39]

Oh hope your scan is good 🙏

[@sincerelyinsincere9268]

Given events like 'The Final Lap' don't occur that often, why not take the hit (from a business perspective) and make it more affordable so more people can attend? According to the blurb there's going to be snacks, a glass of prosecco (I assume they'll have a soft drink as well), music, DJ sets and of course the Grand Prix and Icon stuff with certificate. So a few things going on, however if they'd even made the event £25 per person it would be more palatable than £50 which, in the current economic climate, is on the steep side.

[@yourexperienceguide]

I think at £25pp I’d have booked

[@MatthewRambles]

It’s sooo tricky with PB. If I was in charge with a limited budget, I wouldn’t know what to do. There’s nowhere that showcases the evolution of rides like they do here, which I think is a huge asset that they don’t advertise. I agree with the comments about introducing deals and the stubbornness. But I think overall it needs a major new ride, a new giro swing themed with Valhalla surely would do wonders. I know it’s the post-Easter lull, but I think PB needs something new ASAP. And there hasn’t been a sausage for a while now.

[@yourexperienceguide]

6 years since ICON, 9 since Skyforce. They need to be putting in a new ride every 2 years to keep up with their competitors.

[@jamieah152]

God the park really is in a sorry state. What a shame. We only first went to BPB two years ago. We loved it but even then we were shocked with how old and tatty (not the historical, seaside quirky way!) and it just seems to get worse. The naming inconsistentency as shown with the jumper is so embarrassing. Hope the park can turn a corner!

[@JoshBellgolf]

So sad to the PleasureBeach, we are all used to and have memories of like this

[@wattstransportenthusiast621]

Brill video Scott. Hope the MRI went well. In my view I don’t know what the Guinness world record would say about hyperia overtaking the big one. But in my view it needs to have certain criteria’s. Length ride time height well they got that speed that too but one that would be questionable is type of ride as we know it’s Mack for Thorpe pb is arrow dynamics. So that in my view it might stay I might be wrong. I don’t know what they might think, but if it was similar track manufacturing then they would probably do it. So I’m going to wait when it’s fully official.

[@MusicRelatedCandy]

Hope the MRI scan isn't for anything sinister. Thanks for another blog. Keep 'em coming!

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thank you 🙏 Hopefully nothing too serious with the scan

[@seany84uk]

The Grand Prix event needs to be £20 max and more than 1 ride on it for sure.

[@andrewbrazier9664]

🏁Grand Prix is very low capacity ride compared to Big Dipper on 1 train. If GP special event ticket sales are very low, park may reach out to annual passholders with a reduced rate. You need a crowd for atmosphere for the local bands & live DJ sets.

[@Mitjitsu]

£50 is unlikely to deter the enthusiast crowd.

[@andrewbrazier9664]

@@Mitjitsu It's more a nostelga event than a traditional theme park /coaster enthusiast event. I'm sure it will go alright.

[@RidesUK]

Great video guys, its genuinely upsetting that BPB appears to be not turning the corner in a number of ways, from ride offering atm to value for money generally for what they are charging. Non rider tickets are a must to bring back but I agree they are probably too stubborn to consider it. The Grand Prix event for £50 is an absolute joke, it should IMO be open for one final weekend and allow everyone to enioy it. I worry that even another large coaster (not that I think it will be) won't be enough now to bring BPB back from the rut the park seems to find themselves.

[@ELB116]

We were there Friday, Saturday and Sunday, had a fantastic time, most park staff were super friendly but some looked like they would rather be elsewhere. National and dipper both running great and had some good and extremely rough rides on big one 😅still best park in the uk in my opinion 🎢

[@colinevans39]

But if you were staff on peanuts wouldn't you want to be somewhere else working with modern life people is tough for staff I think I would wish I was somewhere else too. Well done staff 👍🙏❤️

[@kkrispy2009P]

So sad to see a closed group of rides and awaiting parts or updates. I wonder if it's an enthusiasts day 4 grand prix but yes I agree 50 quid too much that's like a day pass price but u only get 2 rides thanks 4 sharing

[@yourexperienceguide]

It’ll be interesting to see how it goes

[@keighlancoe5933]

I didn't realise how big that place actually is. I honestly thought it was like a funfair type thing with a big rollercoaster, I didn't know it was like an Alton Towers type thing.

[@DjShamusUK]

its a Crying Shame to see Pleasure Beach going Down hill like this as years goes on ,,& everything they doing at the moment just doesn't seem to be a right decision & trying be to Greedy on the Entry Price when nothing in full operation or looking great. sry to say but this is Defo looking like R.I.P. Pleasure Beach. Thanks for the Vlog Scott 👍👍

[@colinevans39]

The reason why Blackpool as a whole is because of greed lack of investment and social decline all these factors summont to a big downturn 😤🙄😤

[@davidGPS95]

Scott watched your Universal Studios UK video , if they do build a Universal in UK how do you think that will impact Blackpool Pleasure Beach and what should they do to up their game ?

[@stamfordplace5]

BPB has always been my no.1 “go to” for a touch of fun and nostalgia. At the moment I’d be inclined to give Alton Towers a blast as it appears BPB has definitely lost some spark and appears a touch unloved to say the least. Love your VLOGs and enthusiasm!

[@flaw3dgenius222]

Towers is another park that has totally lost its way. Very bland coasters and poor and lack of flat rides.

[@Mitjitsu]

The park seriously needs some money spend on it in terms of investment and upkeep, but then the question arises if the money is even there.

[@yourexperienceguide]

A terrible situation brought on by stubbornness and a lack of investment IMO

[@Backwardly]

Interestingly the Twilight Thrills logo had Ice Blast on it when it was released...so I was happy but now that has been withdrawn and replaced with one with coaster track

[@yourexperienceguide]

Oh dear 😳

[@ApolloT-vp5dn]

When it comes to parking at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, where do you recommend? Where would you normally park on your visits? Parking at the Pleasure Beach itself looks expensive.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Side streets

[@LeetheLank]

Few car parks pretty close too usually a fiver for a full day

[@iane8913]

Cheer up boys

[@yourexperienceguide]

We had a good laugh 👍

[@kblackie]

hahaha. im saving my next enso shot till 25th may as hitting 250 shots

[@yourexperienceguide]

Think of all the new creds you could be getting on instead 👀

[@kblackie]

@@yourexperienceguide yeah. Think how mad my bank manager would been when I blown our saving for LA on enso. ☠️☠️

[@ballbag]

You've spent over £3500 on enso? Seek mental help

[@jacobshaw8825]

Grand Prix is out of here, so the sooner they get it ripped out and replaced with a ride for 2024+ the better. They need a big response to Hyperia. I don’t think PB is too expensive but they need people in the park. It’s great when you’re there and it’s walk-on to most rides but the park surely cannot sustain the levels of visitors they look to have this year. Don’t agree with free entry but I think a £15 walk around would be sensible. Get some atmosphere back in the park. I’m not a moaner about BPB, I love it - but looking at the state of it - River Caves, Ice Blast : where is the love?? Could it be the River Caves could go if there’s a massive ride on the way? Cant imagine they’d have a final ride day for Grand Prix and not River Caves. Very strange. Haven’t been this year but the park felt good last summer, it looks atm like they’re slowly closing the whole thing down. So strange!

[@Thrillingexplorer]

What would you like to see Avalanche replaced with? (If it gets removed)

[@yourexperienceguide]

Something modern with good capacity

[@Visualeuphoriastudio]

Do you think they will announce the new ride during the Final lap event?

[@yourexperienceguide]

Possibly but I’m not sure

[@Visualeuphoriastudio]

I hope they do, a booster they need ASAP!

[@niallh8129]

How busy was it outside on the promenade? Mark is correct they need to start allowing a £10 non rider entry pass, otherwise we are watching and witnessing the slow demise of a once great amusement park 😢

[@AderfiaMusic]

Went a week ago with my mate. Agree with revolution looking a bit worn could do with a lick of paint infusion included as well. Feel the big one is getting rougher recently even the new track parts felt it not sure if that’s something to do with the trains really like you say gave off a right judder in some parts. Was my first time going on icon and I must say what a brilliant launch coaster! My favourite coaster there by a mile. Really looking forward to seeing what they do with the Grand Prix site, would like to see a coaster there for sure hopefully one which features some inversions? Would there be room to build a vertical drop coaster there? Think it would be good to introduce a second one in the uk similar to oblivion but longer 🤷‍♂️

[@yourexperienceguide]

It’s great to see more good reviews for ICON, it was a very good investment

[@stamfordplace5]

£50 for the final Grand Prix event is rich considering the returns that the PB has had back on their original investment. I would think it needs a serious spruce up before that event?

[@sarax4186]

Most people that I see go to Blackpool on the day, plans are not made a week in advance so 50 pounds is supper expensive and esp if there is whole family consisting of 10 or more people it’s not worth it! Super sad that the park is going in this direction. I enjoy BPB but since my encounter with owner I have been put off!

[@timduncan9745]

I went yesterday Scott.. every ride was near enough walk on..many staff seemed miserable too..not a happy place at moment...I rode valhalla 3 times in a row walk on..every ride hardly any effects working..including the big finale .. Way too many dark bits.. I even heard people behind me on one of the rides saying I thought it would be better than this why is it all so dark...seems like the park aren't even bothered about this ride now which is bad to say how much they hyped it very very recently

[@paulclover2839]

Just don't no why they can't tell the public what's happening with ricer caves good blog thanks

[@jordanmorley7571]

Hi how long are the queues for say the big one and Valhalla

[@glenclough9080]

Valhalla was a walk on all day and big one was about 10-15 mins

[@yourexperienceguide]

Nothing was above 20 minutes

[@alanpeel3972]

Are UNIVERSAL going to buy the BIG ONE

[@conniefoster9733]

They can NOT take River Caves out… There’d be an uproar, it’s one of their most historic rides

[@yourexperienceguide]

They can’t anyway due to its location, it’s interlocked with other attractions

[@michaelsullivan1631]

SO THE BIG ONE WAS FINALLY ON THEN, IT HAS BEEN TOO WINDY ALL WEEK FOR IT TO BE ON.

[@yourexperienceguide]

No wind on Saturday 💨

[@daviddownes8429]

Sad to see the park like this , when Geoffrey Thompson ran the show he was a rides man and the rides got you excited with expectation . Amanda has done some fantastic things with the park it’s is cleaner still has a good feel about it. I think the biggest issue us the new rides done take your breath away , when avalanche ,Valhalla and especially the big one were launched there was a buzz about them and you just don’t get that now. Icon is a good ride but I can name half a dozen in this country that are better. Love pleasure beach hope it picks up soon 👍🏻

[@samspires]

It’s really sad to see the park like this! The Grand Prix event does upset me somewhat, to close a ride without announcement and then charge a premium for a final ride seems in very bad taste

[@Lewism4a]

Why can’t u walk around the spirals?

[@anthony2806]

Lets give them little time to get the 2024 season going because up to yet its been a disaster just look at online reviews of the park

[@michaelsullivan1631]

I WAS WONDERING IF THE RIVER CAVES CAN'T OPERATE, PERHAPS IT SHOULD BE A WALK AROUND EXHIBIT.

[@yourexperienceguide]

They should throw everything at getting it back open

[@dougbriglmen716]

I know I keep saying this but there either needs to be someone else in the family running it or a change of ownership because it cannot carry on like this.

[@masterknife8423]

Carry on like what?

[@yourexperienceguide]

It’s a terrible situation

[@royalrecordings4307]

Universal studios Bedford?

[@yourexperienceguide]

Made a video about it the other day 😉

[@royalrecordings4307]

@@yourexperienceguide do you think they will put this on the merchandise ? Like bpb Lancashire?

[@LeetheLank]

@@royalrecordings4307it’ll be ‘Great Britain,’ I reckon, if it was London then Universal London Resort, but Bedford doesn’t have the international recognition that say Paris/London has. Most places don’t tbf

[@FifeFlyer75]

What's it going to take for park management to see that the current business model is failing horrendously. Get the non-rider pass back and get people back through the gates. Sad to see.

[@evostu7814]

The big one should of been replaced before they started wasting money on the retrack, don’t get me wrong the first drop is awesome but the ride is over after that, most people just want to get off as nothing else good happens.

[@briandennehy9296]

They should RMC it and make it a few feet taller for obvious reasons!!!

[@yourexperienceguide]

Removing it is not cost effective or good for marketing. Made a video that covered that subject and more a few weeks back; kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWG8hH-fotZpfq8

[@misterchippie]

I hope they can turn the place around soon, it's beginning to look like end-days. Almost derelict in places. And dropping 'Blackpool' from the official merch and marketing seems like a terrible decision. Bad management? Or a managed deterioration? I can't believe it could ever close, not with such a rich history, but maybe it's past its sell-by date? I think it needs some new blood at the top and some massive investment.

[@KimberleyEdwardsfacecakes]

I really want to go but all the closed rides makes me sad 😔 doesn't warrant paying the extortionate train fares 😢

[@andrewbrazier9664]

I came up from West Midlands on National Express once last year . They have great off peak fares I did Birmingham to Manchester/Blackpool Also look at Northern advance train tickets to from Blackpool

[@madmike6266]

The park is a mess what a shame.

[@royalrecordings4307]

Has mark ridden the grand national or does he watch it and say yep best woody in the country 😂😂😂

[@yourexperienceguide]

None of us did it on Saturday

[@royalrecordings4307]

@@yourexperienceguideit was shockingly bad a few weeks ago

[@Vote.ReformUK]

The current owners wont be owning it for very long, they've ran the place into the ground.

[@Crazycrafter13]

Seems the way things are going. Hungry for money, closing rides and things falling into a state.

[@Bodegroes]

OMG River Caves not running. This really is a slow death. Ice Blast, Grand Prix, Wild Mouse, River Caves.......🤢 How do you justify the prices...

[@Bodegroes]

OMG again, the lettering of the Ride has been taken down!

[@davidGPS95]

​@@Bodegroes what do you think is happening?

[@Bodegroes]

@@davidGPS95 No money due to poor policy choices, no interest from the public, its a fairground at the end of the day. I used to go lots with school trips 1994 to 1999 as a teacher - its was epic, beat Alton Towers hands down, packed but you got on everything. The focus was on keeping rides going because it was pay per ride. Watch the old BPB TV series......brilliant.

[@yourexperienceguide]

Classic amusement park attempting to be a theme park

[@davidGPS95]

@@Bodegroes the BPB tv series was great , the park has completely changed since then and not for the better, love the PB so sad to see it so quiet with rides closed , need to get non riders back in the park , more people more money 💰💰💰

[@jonathonfisher1443]

I’ve no real interest in visiting BPB in this state. I know the are spending a kings ransom keeping existing rides going but these has been nothing new in years.

[@michaelsullivan1631]

I ASSUME THE GRAND PRIX EVENT WILL BE ANOTHER MONEY MAKING EVENT, BECAUSE THEY SAID YOU CAN RIDE ON ICON AS WELL. SO CLOSE THE RIDE THEN EVERYONE IS SAD IT IS GOING,CHARGE THEM TO GO ON IT AGAIN, THERE WILL ALSO PROBABLY BE A LOT OF PEOPLE THERE SO THAT WILL TAKE A LOT OF TIME TO GET THEM ALL ON IT. I HOPE IT DON'T BREAK DOWN PEOPLE WERE WALKING THE TRACK ON THURSDAY, I WONDER WHAT THEY WERE PLANNING?

[@yourexperienceguide]

I’ll be surprised if there’s a big turnout but I won’t be there to see either way

[@christopherpenketh959]

Pleasure beach is a hard place to love for me at present. It's not worth the entrance fee

[@yourexperienceguide]

Same, none of us are likely to renew our passes next year sadly

[@michaelsullivan1631]

£50 WHAT A RIP OFF, FOR TWO RIDES AND A GLASS OF DRINK AND TWO PHOTOS.

[@flaw3dgenius222]

I fear they are spending millions on the big one and by the end of it it's still not going to be anywhere near as good as the 1994 version...I think they should of pulled it down and put something else up... I do realise they want to keep it for Geoffrey but in the long run I think it's money wasted. The Grand Prix event will be for us oldies that grew up on it when we was like 3-10... i dont think its aimed at todays kids. However its still not a ride that i remember that fondly growing up...the amazing things at BP for me as a kid was the Log Flume, Wild Mouse, Octopus, Fun House. Playstation needs replaced with a huge modern Drop Tower. Hope everything went alright with the MRI scan mate.

[@dougbriglmen716]

Just seems like stubbornness. That’s exactly what I’ve been saying, stubbornness arrogance and just being out of touch. I would argue that the non-rider pass needs to come back all the time not just when it’s quiet, they’re just alienating too many people that could otherwise come in and spend money.

[@masterknife8423]

You can't just automatically assume that stubbornness and being out of touch are the main reasons

[@yourexperienceguide]

Refusal to bring back the entry pass is going to be a problem over the summer

[@Andy5634]

£50 per person is scandalous for goin on the grand prix .closing or non closing i wouldnt pay that its a joke.the pleasure beach is getting worse day by day the more you are filming the less footfall your seeing .keep it shut and concentrate on improving the park than ripping customers of for a final ride a glass of presecco and a photo OH and a go on icon.laughable gents really is a joke x but great vlog as always you 3 ❤🎉🎉

[@yourexperienceguide]

Thank you Andy

[@andybullyuk4831]

They better not take out river caves

[@Heavyweight37716]

£50 for a grand prix farewell, yeah sack that

[@yourexperienceguide]

It’s a lot

[@atid42]

PB looks completely empty, All the people moaning at the other people for saying PB has too many old rides will only go once or twice a year if that, PB needs investment and new rides, it's just not sustainable to have 4 wooden coasters which are practically all the same, with other rough and old coasters in their place, add that to the lack of themeing and lack of flat rides it's just not worth going more than once a year.

[@markmcfc1062]

Bit of a depressing vlog this one sadly 😔

[@ballbag]

It's hilarious to see you saying the big one will be unrideable if the turnaround isn't done. This is coming from the guy that would defend that ride in any condition previously and now is only criticising it because you're in full Merlin ass kissing mode at the moment. When the wind changes you'll be back praising BPB again 😂

[@yourexperienceguide]

Bare in mind it was walk on at points on Saturday and we walked past it, not on it. Your endless attempts at trolling this channel contribute to its success btw, so please carry on 💪

[@stuartmckelvie446]

You all look so pissed off and bored with the place.

[@yourexperienceguide]

We tried but it’s hard when there’s so many issues letting BPB down

[@stuartmckelvie446]

Always honest reviews about the place which everyone appreciates. Can’t see it improving anytime soon.