Aviktas Officially Opens At Pleasure Beach Resort
Pleasure Beach Resort has officially opened its newest thrill ride, Aviktas, marking the arrival of the tallest ride of its kind in the UK.
The record-breaking new attraction launches riders 138ft into the air, reaching angles of up to 120 degrees, creating a huge new skyline feature for the Blackpool park.
Aviktas becomes the largest ride of its type in the UK, almost doubling the height of Drayton Manor’s Maelstrom, which previously held the title.
The ride was first announced in May 2025 and has been eagerly followed by fans ever since. The former Bowl-A-Drome arcade and amusements building was demolished to make way for the attraction, with construction reaching a major milestone in November when the ride’s four 16-tonne legs were installed.
Pleasure Beach Resort has invested £8.72 million into Aviktas, making it the park’s biggest single ride investment since ICON opened in 2018.
Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, said: “Pleasure Beach has always had a reputation for going big and pushing boundaries - Aviktas is no exception. Its sheer size and presence speaks for itself, there is simply nothing like it in the UK.
“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 ride features a unique design engineered to maximise thrills, with restraints designed to create a greater feeling of freedom as riders soar towards the 138ft peak.
Aviktas also offers impressive views across Pleasure Beach, Blackpool and out towards the sea, making it both a major new thrill ride and a striking new visual landmark for the resort.
The opening forms part of Pleasure Beach Resort’s ongoing evolution, following recent investment into classic attractions such as Launch Pad and Valhalla. The park is also celebrating a major milestone in 2026, marking 130 years of operation.
Guests can experience Aviktas now at Pleasure Beach Resort, with tickets available through the park’s official website.
