As a rare celestial event approaches the UK, a major Lancashire tourist destination is preparing to offer visitors a unique vantage point.
The focus is shifting to the skies as operators look to integrate natural phenomena into their regular guest experience.
Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort has confirmed it will host a dedicated viewing event for the partial solar eclipse taking place on Wednesday, August 12. Park management plans to gather attendees on the overpass located next to Wallace and Gromit’s Thrill-O-Matic dark ride.
The operational initiative aims to create one of the largest group gatherings to view the eclipse in the North West of England. To facilitate this, the resort will distribute 1,000 free solar eclipse glasses to those in attendance ahead of the moon passing across the sun.
Data provided by Royal Museums Greenwich indicates that this astronomical event will result in the most sun coverage seen from the UK in 27 years. Viewers located in Blackpool are expected to witness over 90% of the sun being obscured during the peak of the eclipse. The event will begin at approximately 6 pm, with coverage peaking at 7 pm before concluding at 8 pm.
Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, outlined the rationale behind the event. She said: “Eclipses of this kind are a rarity, so we want to give our guests a truly unique experience to remember the occasion by. Few places can offer this experience surrounded by so much excitement, so we’d love for all guests to join us on our overpass and celebrate the special occasion together”.
Extended park operations
To accommodate the timing of the eclipse, the park will utilise its extended summer operating hours. Throughout August, the resort remains open until 8 pm every Wednesday. This scheduling allows guests to spectate the entire event from within the park grounds without needing to cut their visit short.
Guests wishing to view the eclipse from inside the park can purchase tickets starting from £18. Alternatively, the park has introduced a late entry promotion for the afternoon. From 4 pm on the day of the eclipse, a two-for-one offer provides two tickets and unlimited ride access for £60.
The solar eclipse event falls during a busy period for the resort, which is currently celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2026. Founded in 1896, the park recently expanded its portfolio by opening Aviktas, which is the largest ride of its type from Intamin in the UK. This follows the 2025 reimagining of the 210ft former Ice Blast into Launch Pad, with an improved air mechanism and cosmetic improvements.
Alongside the eclipse viewing, visitors will have access to the site’s established attractions. These include the 235ft Big One, the Valhalla water ride, the ICON roller coaster, and the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land. The wider resort also continues to operate its two luxury hotel properties, the Boulevard and The Big Blue Hotel. Standard eTickets for the park start at £30.00 when booked online.
