Major UK seaside theme park slammed for ‘disgraceful' £25 non-rider fee
A new admission fee at Blackpool Pleasure Beach has sparked strong reaction online — with some on social media calling it 'daylight robbery'.
The seaside theme park, which welcomes around 5 million visitors each year, was previously free to enter, but a Non Rider eTicket has been launched, offering basic park access for a flat price of £25.
This is separate to standard adult admission, with unlimited rides and entertainment, for £30 when booked in advance or £50 on the day.
Up until 2009, the resort allowed guests to walk around for free, charging between £2 and around £10 per ride (although unlimited wristbands were available at certain points).
For £25 (both when booked in advance or on the day) this ticket includes: Entry to the park (without rides)
£5 in Pleasure Beach Pounds to redeem towards food
Discounted show tickets
Nickelodeon and PB character meet and greets
Unlimited transport around the park via the PB Express
Access to the Chinese Puzzle Maze, Bella's Learning Garden and Spectacular Dancing Fountain Water Show
Access to entertainment such as Summer of Slime, PAW Patrol Month, Summertime Games, live DJ, and fireworks.
Anyone visiting the park between July 10 and September 13 will also get a free matinee performance of the spectacular Hot Ice Show included in their ticket.
It later introduced £5 and £10 non-rider passes, but these were axed in 2019, allowing guests to enter Blackpool Pleasure Beach for free once more.
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The new Non Rider eTicket was designed to offer guests greater 'flexibility when planning their day out.' It also includes £5 worth of 'Pleasure Beach Pounds' to put towards food, discounted show tickets and attractions like the Chinese Puzzle Maze.
But some don't feel it offers value for money. On the Pleasure Beach Resort's Facebook, Peter Burrows wrote: 'Having to pay a massive £25 to spend more money is beyond belief. Charging non riders is greed, nothing less.'
'£25 is way over the top,' added Jennifer Samuel, while Lindsay Davies called the change an 'absolute joke.'
Many on the Welcome to Blackpool page were similarly outraged, with commenters describing the non-rider fee as 'ridiculous', 'disgraceful' or a 'rip off'.
'Absolutely disgusting that you have to pay just to walk round,' added Julie Pearce. 'It's daylight robbery.'
This is what you can expect to pay for a day out at each of the UK's main theme parks. Adult day ticket : From £30 when booked in advance or £50 on the day
: From £30 when booked in advance or £50 on the day Junior day ticket (for kids aged 11 and under): From £30 when booked in advance or £45 on the day
From £30 when booked in advance or £45 on the day Non-rider day ticket: £25 Standard day ticket : From £29 when booked in advance or £68 on the day
: From £29 when booked in advance or £68 on the day Junior day ticket (for kids under 90cm): Free with an adult ticket
Free with an adult ticket Non-rider day ticket: Not available Standard day ticket : From £29 when booked in advance or £66 on the day
: From £29 when booked in advance or £66 on the day Junior day ticket (for kids under 120cm): Free with an adult ticket
Free with an adult ticket Non-rider day ticket: Not available Standard day ticket : From £29 when booked in advance or £66 on the day
: From £29 when booked in advance or £66 on the day Junior day ticket (for kids under 90cm): Free with an adult ticket
Free with an adult ticket Non-rider day ticket: Not available Standard day ticket : From £27.50 when booked in advance or £45 on the day
: From £27.50 when booked in advance or £45 on the day Junior day ticket (for kids aged 2-3 years): From £15
From £15 Infant ticket (0-23 months): Free
Free Non-rider day ticket: Not available Standard main season day ticket : £46 when booked at least a week in advance, or £58 when booked less than two days before your visit.
: £46 when booked at least a week in advance, or £58 when booked less than two days before your visit. Standard low season day ticket: £30 when booked at least a week in advance, or £38.50 when booked less than two days before your visit.
£30 when booked at least a week in advance, or £38.50 when booked less than two days before your visit. Junior day ticket (for kids aged 3 and under): Free
Free Non-rider day ticket: Not available Adult day ticket : £45 when booked in advance or £45 on the day
: £45 when booked in advance or £45 on the day Junior day ticket (for kids under 100cm): Free
Free Non-rider day ticket: Free
There were others who felt differently though, including Jason Bowler who wrote: 'I think it's a good day out for the price… I don't want loads of people walking around for free causing queues for food and drink and taking up space. I don't know any other theme parks that let you in for free.' More Trending
In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for Pleasure Beach Resort tells Metro: 'The cost of operating a clean, tidy and safe environment has increased significantly over the years. We really value guest feedback and introduced the Non Rider eTicket in response to this, in a way that is viable for us in 2025. We're really pleased to be the only major UK park offering non-riders a lower priced ticket.'
It comes just months after the theme park announced it would be closing a number of attractions for the 2025 season: Eddie Stobart Convoy, Alpine Rallye, Thompson Carousel, Gallopers, and Red Arrows Skyforce.
The company also began offering afternoon tickets to try and encourage more people through the doors, alongside unveiling plans for the £8.72million Project MMXXVI ride, set to open in 2026.
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