Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort is set to overhaul its operational approach to Halloween for the 2026 season, marking the most significant format change in the history of its Journey to Hell event.
Rather than treating the scare season as a purely after-dark, separate-ticket attraction, the coastal park operator is shifting to a seamless full-day model designed to extend guest dwell time and streamline operations.
For the first time, the event will run continuously from 10 am to 10 pm, eliminating the traditional requirement for a separate evening admission ticket. Visitors will be able to purchase a standard park eTicket that covers the entire 12-hour period. This strategic pivot allows the park to offer a graduated experience that shifts from a family-friendly atmosphere during the day to high-intensity scares at night. By removing the hard stop between day and night operations, the resort aims to keep guests on-site longer, increasing the opportunity for secondary spending across retail and food and beverage outlets.
Unbundling the scare experience
A major component of this restructuring involves the unbundling of scare mazes. Aligning with a growing trend among UK scare events to drive secondary revenue, access to the mazes will now be an optional add-on. Guests can choose to purchase a comprehensive package that includes entry and all mazes, or they can buy a base ticket and pay for individual mazes separately. This separation allows the operator to market the event to a wider demographic, including those who wish to soak up the atmosphere without committing to the intense maze experiences.
The operational logistics will see the park split at 6 pm. The ‘South Park’ area will close, while ‘North Park’ will transition into the primary scare zone. This area will feature roaming performers, a live DJ, and the opening of the late-night scare mazes.
Importantly, the nighttime offering includes ride access to key attractions. The 2026 season coincides with the resort’s 130th anniversary and the debut of Aviktas, billed as the biggest ride of its kind in the UK. This new attraction will operate in the dark alongside the re-imagined Launch Pad, the ICON, Big Dipper and Infusion roller coasters, and much-loved classics; the Derby Racer, Alice in Wonderland, and the Ghost Train.
Pricing strategy and accessibility
The pricing strategy reflects this tiered approach, offering a low barrier to entry for general admission while monetising the premium scare content. A full-day ticket including all scare mazes starts from £57.00, while a night-only equivalent starts from £50.00. For guests uninterested in the mazes, a standard full-day entry is available from £32.00.
Individual maze tickets are priced at £15.00 for one, £25.00 for two, and £30.00 for three, with a family maze option at £5.00. Season Pass holders will retain free entry to the park but must purchase maze add-ons separately.
Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO at Pleasure Beach Resort, stated that the new format is intended to offer greater value and flexibility. She noted: “Journey to Hell has become one of our most popular seasonal events, and we want even more people to be able to experience it. This new format offers greater value and flexibility, and means visitors can enjoy a seamless transition from day to night.”
Thompson emphasised that the 2026 iteration of the event is designed to be “bigger, bolder and more terrifying than ever – and this is only the beginning.” Journey to Hell 2026 is scheduled to run from October 17 to October 31, with early-bird discounts currently available on the resort’s website. 17 October until 31 October. The resort is currently offering an early booking incentive, with a 10 per cent discount available via their website using the code JTH10.
