Everything you need to know as Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s legendary ride Valhalla gears up to reopen this month following a £4m refurbishment

When was the news confirmed?

Blackpool Pleasure Beach officially confirmed Valhalla is back for 2023 during its annual season launch event.

When will the ride reopen?

The UK’s wettest ride is set to reopen this April following a £4 million investment.

Valhalla will initially open for technical rehearsals, meaning the ride may operate intermittently throughout the day and some elements of the attraction may not be functioning.

How has the ride changed?

The ride will still feature many of the exciting elements that made the ride so popular when it first opened in 2000, but the team at Blackpool Pleasure Beach have hinted that there are some surprises in store now that the ride has been truly brought into the modern era.

Riders can expect to be taken on a fantastical journey to Valhalla, boarding a longboat and journeying into a parallel world guided by a brave Viking named Ivàr.

There, they will encounter the spirit of Odin and pass into the afterlife to try to make it to Valhalla.

While on their journey, riders will get to experience the elements – fire, ice and lots of water.

What has Blackpool Pleasure Beach said about the refurbishment?

Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, said: “We know how long fans have been waiting for us to announce the reopening of Valhalla, and we’re confident they won’t be disappointed with our reimagining of one of the country’s best-loved rides.

“The team has been hard at work behind the scenes, and we can’t wait to have the famous Valhalla waterfall back on in the park once more. Guests will be able to experience the ride through technical rehearsals this April.

“Valhalla has well and truly been given the reimagining it deserves, now boasting some exciting new features and impressive sustainability credentials to help ensure the ride is more environmentally friendly - without compromising on the sense of adventure for which it’s been known for many years.”

Adam Slevin, Director of Creative, Design & Experience at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, who has headed up the Valhalla project, added: “The reopening of the UK’s most beloved water ride has been a tricky secret to keep, so it’s fantastic to be able to confirm we will be bringing back Valhalla for the 2023 season.

“We appreciate our guest’s patience as we’ve carried out this huge project, working alongside countless industry experts to enhance ride experience and give guests a well-deserved surprise.

“The legend has returned to Blackpool Pleasure Beach and we couldn’t be more excited.”

When did Valhalla first open?

Valhalla opened in 2000 and cost £15m to build, making it Britain’s biggest privately funded millennium investment.

Combining special effects, including fire and snow, dramatic drops and gallons of water, Valhalla was one of the longest water rides in the world.

In September 2019, Valhalla was named the Best Water Ride in the World for the fifth year running at The Golden Ticket Awards.

When did Valhalla close for refurbishment?

Blackpool Pleasure Beach announced the ride would be closed during the 2020 season for a major refurbishment in 2019.

It was set to reopen for Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s 125th anniversary year in 2021, but plans had to be put on hold owing to the pandemic.

To book your tickets, visit www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/