Visitors to Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort have a new white-knuckle ride to enjoy following the official launch of the park’s latest attraction.
The much-anticipated ride, named Aviktas, welcomed its first guests today, adding a new dimension to the coastal skyline.
The latest addition to the Lancashire theme park opened to the public on 21 May, exactly a year after the initial announcement of its development. Thrillseekers travelled across the country to be among the first to board the Intamin Gyro Swing, which pivots passengers 138 feet into the air.
Operating at angles of up to 120 degrees, the installation is now the tallest ride of its kind in the UK. Aviktas is almost double the height of the country’s previous record holder in this specific ride category, Maelstrom at Drayton Manor.
Major investment in park infrastructure
Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, commented on the launch. “Pleasure Beach has always had a reputation for going big and pushing boundaries – Aviktas is no exception. Its sheer size and presence speak for themselves; there is simply nothing like it in the UK,” she said.
“We wanted to build something that sets us apart from anywhere else and gives our guests a genuine must-visit reason to come to the park. This project is another reminder of our commitment to making Pleasure Beach one of the world’s greatest theme parks.”
The development represents an £8.72 million investment for Pleasure Beach Resort. This marks the largest single financial commitment the park has made in eight years, following the opening of its double-launch roller coaster, ICON.
Engineered to leave riders feeling weightless as they reach the peak, the ride features a unique restraint system designed to give a sense of freedom. Following the first day of operations, initial feedback from theme park enthusiasts has been positive.
Scott Bickerton, a rollercoaster enthusiast who runs the YouTube channel Your Experience Guide, was among the first to experience the attraction. “Aviktas is a must-ride,” he said. “It combines airtime, hangtime and intense thrill to provide a completely fresh experience. When you’re up at 138 feet, the views across Pleasure Beach and out to sea are spectacular. Not only is it an incredible thrill ride, but it is also already becoming a striking visual landmark for the town.”
Experience Aviktas
Here is a sneak preview of Aviktas – enjoy a virtual ride on this Point-of-View (POV) video:
Installation
Preparation for the installation began shortly after the May 2025 announcement. The site was previously occupied by the Bowl-A-Drome arcade, the former Black Hole structure, and a toilet block, which were demolished to make way for the new structure. By November, the four 16-tonne legs of the new ride had been erected.
Aviktas is part of a broader strategy of ongoing evolution at Pleasure Beach, which celebrates 130 years of operation this year. The park recently updated older attractions, including the 210-foot Launch Pad and the Valhalla water ride. Pleasure Beach was also recently named the best UK theme park in the Tripadvisor Best of the Best awards.
