UK seaside town attraction named Europe's 'most action-packed theme park'

A seaside town attraction in the UK has been named Europe's "most action-packed theme park". It beat competitors with an impressive 40% ratio of rollercoasters and high-thrill attractions to the total number of rides within the park.

Researchers from TUI have named Blackpool's Pleasure Beach at the top of the rankings, above Gardaland in Italy and Phantasialand in Germany. With 10 exhilarating rollercoasters, the attraction stood out as the continent's "most exciting". The theme park announced the closure of five rides earlier this year but bosses confirmed that money would be reinvested in the site to make it "bigger and better". This includes the construction of the brand new £8.72m Gyro Swing - the biggest and the only one of its kind in the UK - which will open next year.

As reported by Lancashire Live, Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, said: "We're known for packing a lot of action into a small space at Pleasure Beach. Our coasters sit tightly side by side and most even intertwine and interact with each other.

"With our attractions so close together, guests really can pack a lot of action into their day - less time walking around, more time riding. With the 235ft Big One, and Europe's Best Water Ride, Valhalla, we certainly know a thing or two about action and adventure."

Blackpool Pleasure Beach was slammed by visitors earlier this summer for introducing an admission fee for non-riders. A flat entry rate of £50 on the day, or £30 if booked in advance, was introduced and people dubbed the move as "absolute robbery".

For children under the age of 11, the costs are set at £45 and £30 respectively. Those who don't want to ride on the big rollercoasters can purchase a Nickelodeon Land ticket for £25 which gives access to entertainment and admission to walk around the whole park. It also includes a £5 voucher for food and drink.

However, Pleasure Beach bosses did slash prices at the start of the summer. Visitors who booked online got tickets at the same price as their children until the end of June.

The theme park also introduced new ticketing options which allows guests to arrive later in the day and pay less for afternoon tickets.