The iconic Blackpool Pleasure Beach has been voted as the best theme park in the UK in new global awards, which have also named it as better than Disney’s worldwide locations.
The Pleasure Beach, which features the Big One, Valhalla, Icon and more, has come out on top in the new TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, which have named it the eighth best amusement park or water park in the whole world.
TripAdvisor analyses 12 months of data to pick out the top attractions across the globe as decided by its users, which receive Travellers’ Choice Awards.
Placing in the top 10, the Pleasure Beach beat some notable theme parks across the world, including UK rivals Alton Towers which came 12th on the worldwide list, Drayton Manor which came 20th, and the lesser-known Milky Way Adventure Park in Devon which came 10th.
Also ranked below the Pleasure Beach were the likes of every DisneyWorld/DisneyLand resort on the planet, plus other American giants Universal Studios, Six Flags and Busch Gardens.
Kate Urquhart, general manager – experiences at Tripadvisor, said: “Experiences turn travellers into adventurers, connecting them with the local community and giving them unforgettable stories for years to come.
“With more than 300,000 bookable experiences in over 250,000 destinations worldwide, Tripadvisor helps people access the best things to do globally, and we’re committed to expanding that number of tours and attractions across every destination.
“These awards are a testament to the businesses dedicated to ensuring the Tripadvisor community enjoys the most memorable trips, and we’re grateful to everyone who took the time to share their reviews and help fellow travellers plan their next escape.”
The top spot on the global list went to Siam Park in Tenerife, which was described as being “set against a backdrop of spectacular Thai architecture, with everything from meandering rivers to free-fall slides” and offering “blissful relaxation and adrenaline-pumping thrills”.
Second on the list is Beto Carrero World in Brazil, the largest theme park in South and Central America, while in third is Beach Park, also in Brazil, which features among its rides a 14-storey water slide.
Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi takes fourth place, with is vast collection of racing memorabilia and the world’s fastest rollercoaster, while in fifth is Waterbom in Bali, Indonesia.
France claims sixth and seventh place on the list with Puy de Fou and Futuroscope, respectively, the first exploring centuries of European history and the latter firmly focused on tomorrow’s world.
Then comes the Pleasure Beach, followed by Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi in ninth, and Milky Way Adventure Park in 10th.
Universal Orlando can only make 16th on the list, with the Paris park Disney’s highest entry in 19th spot, and its Orlando site in 23rd.
TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards – Amusement parks and water parks top 10
- Siam Park, Tenerife, Spain
- Beto Carrero World, Brazil
- Beach Park, Brazil
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Waterbom Bali, Indonesia
- Puy de Fou, France
- Futuroscope, France
- Blackpool Pleasure Beach, UK
- Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Milky Way Adventure Park, UK
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