Last night, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Journey to Hell 2025 at Blackpool Pleasure Beach — and what a night it was!
From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere was electric. The pre-show set the tone perfectly, building suspense with clever lighting, eerie sound design, and an energetic cast who really knew how to engage the crowd. It was the perfect way to kick off an evening of screams and surprises.
This year’s event debuted an all-new scare zone, ‘Abyss’, and it’s an absolute must-experience. Set inside the 120-year-old River Caves ride, this zone invites brave guests to journey through in near-total darkness. The setting alone is spine-tingling, but combined with live actors and unsettling sound effects echoing through the tunnels, it’s pure nightmare fuel — in the best way possible.
Returning favourites also packed a serious punch. ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ transforms the park’s charming Alice in Wonderland ride into a twisted, nightmarish version of itself, complete with disorienting visuals and unsettling live performances. Meanwhile, ‘The Ghost Train: Vault of Shadows’ takes guests into the world’s first Ghost Train — a fittingly chilling experience given its haunted reputation and the legend of ‘Cloggy,’ the former ride operator whose footsteps are still said to echo in the dark.
‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ was another standout — a disorienting trip through the lair of a deranged collector, complete with a haunting house-of-mirrors escape sequence that left everyone on edge. Then there’s ‘Twisted Tunnels’, which transports you back to the Victorian era through a 100-year-old underground passageway that’s usually off-limits to the public. Its authentic setting alone makes it one of the most atmospheric zones of the night.
In addition to the scares, guests could enjoy unlimited after-dark rides, including the newly reimagined Launch Pad, the classic Grand National rollercoaster, Derby Racer, and Flying Machines — though Pleasure Beach cheekily warns that riders may not be entirely alone in the dark.
The entire park came alive with live music and entertainment, from roaming actors and fire breathers to the always-popular witch parade and rollerskaters. The highlight for many was the return of Lougarock, the towering seven-foot-tall werewolf who once again stole the show.
All in all, Journey to Hell 2025 was a spectacular night of immersive scares, great performances, and thrilling atmosphere. The new additions fit seamlessly with the returning favourites, and the creativity behind each zone was outstanding. Whether you’re a horror fanatic or just love a good fright-filled adventure, this event is absolutely worth the trip.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach has once again proven that when it comes to blending history, horror, and heart-pounding entertainment — they’re truly in a league of their own.
Journey to Hell opened on Thursday October 23 and runs nightly until Saturday November 1.
Tickets start at £39.50 and can be booked online at www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/events/journey-to-hell/
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