Do they still have donkeys on the beach at Blackpool?

Yes, donkey rides are still a popular, licensed tradition on Blackpool beach, typically operating from early spring until late autumn. Located on the sands near the Golden Mile and Central Pier, they are available for children under 14 or 8 stone (approx. 50kg). The donkeys are well-regulated, rested on Fridays, and work restricted hours to ensure their welfare.

Are there still donkey rides on Blackpool beach?

The tradition of donkey rides on Blackpool beach began in the late 1800s and has been a beloved attraction for over a century. It is one of the few remaining places in the UK where visitors can enjoy a donkey ride on the beach.

Do they still do donkey rides on the beach?

Donkey rides are a traditional feature of seaside resorts in the United Kingdom. Children are allowed to ride donkeys on a sandy beach for a fee in summer months while on holiday, normally led in groups at walking pace.

Is the Big Dipper still at Blackpool?

Big Dipper WILL BE closed through to mid October 2025.

What beach has donkeys?

Family Business Since 1886

We provide Donkey rides on Weston-super-Mare beach, for most of the year. Discounts available for Schools or Children's Parties.

Meet the Seaside Donkeys on Blackpool Beach

Why is donkey meat not eaten?

Donkey meat is considered to be of low quality, so donkeys are usually not raised specifically for meat production, except in arid regions where they represent an important food source. Since the donkeys are typically slaughtered at the end of their useful life as working animals, their meat is frequently tough.

Is the donkey sanctuary closing down?

Several donkey parks and sanctuaries have recently closed or faced closure, notably the Tamar Valley Donkey Park in Cornwall (shutting end of August 2025 due to owner retirement) and the Shifnal donkey sanctuary (closed August 2023 after lease issues), while The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth remains open but closed some activity centers. These closures often stem from owner retirement, lease problems, or financial/operational challenges, leading to rehoming efforts for the animals.
 

Why is the Big Dipper closed?

For the last 12 months (maybe longer), Big Dipper has been restricted to one train operations. This extended closure will hopefully see BPB have time to iron out any operational issues and get it back up to two train ops for the busier days.

Is the log flume still at Blackpool Pleasure Beach?

💦 This classic arrow flume ride operated from 1967-2006 and was a brilliant ride. The attraction was removed by the park to make way for Infusion 🎢 I wish they had kept it and re done the whole system as it was iconic Blackpool flume.

How much are donkey rides at Blackpool?

Parents can now pay £2.50 for rides on Dillon the donkey with a contactless credit or debit card. Mark Ineson, owner of Real Donkeys, asked Barclaycard at the beginning of this season to give Dillon a technology make-over. The numnah is extended beyond the back of the saddle to take the contactless machine.

Is donkey beach clothing optional?

The secluded location made it a perfect spot for nudist or clothing optional beach goers. However, the beach has never been great for swimming.

Do donkeys enjoy being ridden?

Do donkey's temperaments make them suitable to ride? Behaviourally, donkeys are different to horses and a lack of understanding of their natural traits can leave donkeys vulnerable to poor welfare practices. If ridden, tightly bonded pairs may need their companion to accompany them.

Why is Valhalla closed in Blackpool?

It was originally due to reopen for the 2021 season, but this was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ride reopened on 12 April 2023 for "technical rehearsals". Whilst the ride was open, not all effects were present or operational. The ride's official grand reopening was on 10 May 2023.

Do you still have to pay to walk around Blackpool Pleasure Beach?

To visit Blackpool Pleasure Beach you will need to purchase an eTicket for each person coming to the park.

Has Blackpool got a nudist beach?

This officially tolerated naturist beach is located at North Beach, St Anne's, Lancashire, south of Blackpool.

What rides are no longer at Blackpool Pleasure Beach?

Past Attractions

• Noah's Ark. Classic rocking fun house (1922-2008)
• Gold Mine. Mine cart themed dark ride (1971-2011)
• Space Invader 2. Space themed indoor rollercoaster (1984-2008)
• Bling. High spinning ride (2004-2011)

When did Black Hole shut down?

Following a special enthusiast event to say goodbye to the ride, Black Hole was closed in March 2005. The tent remained in place for several years, being utilised Boiler House and Carnival of Screams scare mazes for Scarefest 2011, before finally being torn down to make way for The Smiler which now sits on the site.

Did Lagoon get rid of the log flume?

Log Flume was a Log Flume built by US manufacturer Arrow Development previously located at Lagoon in Farmington, Utah, USA. It operated from 1975 to 2022.

Why is Rip Rockit closing?

You can no longer ride this fan-favorite coaster at Universal Orlando. What's coming next? Universal Orlando's Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit permanently closed on August 18, 2025. The reason for the closure is to make way for a new attraction, though details are scarce.

Is Blackpool Pleasure Beach losing money?

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has reported a pre-tax loss of £1.7m according to latest accounts for the year ending March 24, 2024. The historic amusement park also said that turnover remained flat at £37.3 million, while costs rose sharply.

Has Valhalla reopened?

It eventually returned to the lineup with a soft opening for tech rehearsals in April 2023, and officially opened in May 2023. It still wins awards, but it's always been a ride that causes debate amongst theme park fans.

Which zoo in the UK is closing down?

The UK has seen several recent zoo closures, with Axe Valley Wildlife Park in Devon permanently closing in October 2025 due to financial difficulties, while the historic Bristol Zoo Gardens closed its original site in 2022 to relocate and develop its new Bristol Zoo Project. Additionally, South Lakes Safari Zoo closed at the end of 2024 after facing welfare issues and financial struggles, and Cumbria Safari Zoo (now known as South Lakes Safari Zoo) also closed around late 2024, with concerns raised about animal welfare. 

Is Paignton Zoo in financial trouble?

As you will know, Wild Planet Trust announced at the beginning of Autumn that it was seeking investment to secure the future of both Newquay Zoo and Paignton Zoo, after financial challenges resulted in the charity no longer being able to operate both sites.

How much does the CEO of the Donkey Sanctuary get paid?

The Donkey Sanctuary's CEO salary varies by source and time, with older reports citing around £91,900 for Dr. Elisabeth Svendsen, while more recent data suggests figures closer to £150,000 for the current CEO, reflecting a significant increase as the charity grew, though exact figures require checking recent annual reports for current leadership (like Marianne Steele).