Keeping children entertained is no mean feat, but there's one attraction not far from Manchester that is being hailed as one of the finest in the world. Topping a new list of holiday destinations least likely to leave kids bored, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has ranked sixth globally while claiming the coveted title of the UK's number one attraction.
Figures from AttractionTickets' Banish Boredom Index reveal that Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Universal Orlando Resort and Disneyland Paris occupy the top three spots most likely to keep your children entertained this summer. Of the top 10 destinations, theme parks dominate the rankings, pointing to a clear trend of children craving immersive, action-packed experiences. While museum and heritage-based holidays continue to hold their own, beach and garden getaways have dropped to the bottom of the list, reports Manchester Evening News.
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Meanwhile, it appears that rollercoasters and water rides remain the ultimate crowd-pleasers for youngsters.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach boasts plenty of both, and will shortly be welcoming a brand-new addition later this month with the launch of Aviktas, a towering 138ft gyro swing that will send 40 riders soaring 120 degrees into the air, offering breathtaking views across the coastline.
Ticket prices to Blackpool Pleasure Beach depend on the day of the week and how far in advance you book:
Further UK attractions featured on the list include Diggerland, the Tower of London, Alton Towers, The Milky Way Adventure Park, Drayton Manor, Peppa Pig World and Warner Bros Studio Tour. Oliver Brendon, CEO of AttractionTickets, said: "Nowadays, keeping children entertained on holiday is more challenging than ever. With many kids accustomed to the instant gratification of iPad games and interactive television shows, traditional holiday moments, such as lounging by the pool or playing on the beach, often aren't enough to hold their attention.
"To take the guesswork out of planning, we created the Banish Boredom Index. By analysing hundreds of thousands of reviews, we identified the destinations and attractions that genuinely captivate kids and keep them engaged throughout the trip. The results are clear - the best family holidays are the ones where children are immersed in the experience from start to finish."
He added: "It's no surprise that destinations such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and Disneyland Paris top the list, as they each offer high levels of interactivity and imagination. For parents, that means fewer screen-time battles and more meaningful moments together. However, you don't always need to travel across the pond, as spots like Blackpool Pleasure Beach prove that the UK can deliver that same level of excitement and engagement closer to home.
"If you're hoping to break the iPad habit this summer, the data speaks for itself - swap wi-fi for rides, tower drops, or historical activities. Whether you're planning a staycation or a long-haul escape, real-world excitement is the key to banishing your children's boredom in 2026."
This is not the first honour bestowed upon Pleasure Beach in recent months.
Back in April, we revealed how the resort had been crowned one of the world's finest theme parks in Tripadvisor's 2026 Travellers' Choice Awards. The beloved seaside attraction secured sixth place in Europe and tenth globally in the Amusement and Water Parks category, cementing its position as the highest-rated theme park in the UK.
Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, said: "Pleasure Beach offers a feeling of excitement that you simply cannot replicate through a screen. Immersing guests of all ages in world-class thrills and adrenaline pumping experiences is at the heart of what we do.
"We've been entertaining families for 130 years - long before iPhones and tablets existed. With the opening of our new ride Aviktas, we're ready to captivate generations to come and continue our legacy as one of the world's top theme parks."
