In 2011, the Thompson family and Blackpool Pleasure Beach entered into a landmark agreement with Viacom, the owners of the global Nickelodeon brand, to transform a section of the park into Nickelodeon Land. This 4-acre, £10 million redevelopment was aimed at creating a fun-filled, immersive experience for younger visitors. It replaced the former children’s area, Beaver Creek, which had closed in 2010. The new area was not only a fresh take on the park’s family offerings but also included several major updates to existing attractions. For example, the park’s Rollercoaster was completely rethemed and reopened as Nickelodeon Streak, while the former Space Invader 2 building, a once-defunct ride, was repurposed into a popular pizza restaurant. Many of the existing rides were either rebranded or given new paint jobs to tie them to Nickelodeon characters.
The opening of Nickelodeon Land was part of a broader effort to position Blackpool Pleasure Beach as a family-friendly destination, appealing to a younger demographic with a series of fun, interactive attractions. With a direct link to Nickelodeon’s beloved television characters, the new land introduced 12 exciting rides that catered to a wide range of ages. These included SpongeBob’s Splash Bash, the only ride in the UK with rider-controlled water cannons, and Krusty Krab Order Up, featuring a thrilling 15-foot vertical drop. Other attractions, such as Avatar Airbender and Dora’s World Voyage, offered a mix of adventure, thrills, and immersive experiences for the whole family. The area also features Rugrats Lost River, a splashy free-fall drop ride that became a highlight for many visitors.
In addition to the rides, Nickelodeon Land offers the chance for young fans to meet their favourite characters in person. The Team Nick Stage regularly hosts Meet & Greets with popular figures like SpongeBob SquarePants and the PAW Patrol crew, making it an ideal spot for family photos and memorable experiences. Families can also shop for official Nickelodeon merchandise, including items from hit shows like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Shimmer and Shine, and of course, SpongeBob SquarePants, not forgetting the iconic Nickelodeon Slime.
As the only Nickelodeon Land in the UK, this area has become a signature attraction for Blackpool Pleasure Beach, drawing in families seeking both high-energy rides and relaxing, kid-friendly experiences. Today, the park remains the UK’s most ride-intensive amusement park, offering a diverse mix of thrill-seeking adventures and family-oriented fun, all within the vibrant, colourful world of Nickelodeon. With its extensive range of attractions and ongoing appeal, Nickelodeon Land continues to be one of Blackpool’s most popular destinations for families.
There are more Pleasure Beach related posts on the timeline: The Big One, The Pleasure Beach, Pleasure Beach Fire, Thompson Family Takes Over Pleasure Beach, The Original Coasters Restaurant and The Frightening World of 1950s Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
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Text source: Wikipedia andNickelodeon Land
