Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort is marking the upcoming solar eclipse with a large-scale viewing event, complete with extended opening hours and free glasses for guests. The event takes place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, when a partial solar eclipse will be visible across the whole of the UK.
Eclipse viewing details
The resort is inviting guests to gather on its overpass, located beside the 'Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic' ride, in an attempt to create one of the largest group gatherings to view the eclipse in the North West. Pleasure Beach will hand out 1,000 free solar eclipse glasses in preparation for the Moon's movement across the Sun.
Thanks to extended opening hours, the eclipse can be observed "in its entirety" from inside the park. Each Wednesday in August, Pleasure Beach is open until 8pm, meaning guests won't need to cut their visit short to catch the display.
What to expect
The partial eclipse will almost be total, with around 90-96% of the Sun being obscured by the Moon at the maximum. The amount of coverage depends on your location within the UK and Ireland. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, this will be the most coverage seen from the UK in 27 years, with viewers in Blackpool expected to witness over 90% of the sun covered.
The eclipse will begin at around 6pm, peak at approximately 7pm, and end at 8pm. A clear view to the western horizon is needed, as the Sun and Moon will be setting and therefore low on the horizon.
Tickets and offers
Guests can view the eclipse from inside the park, with tickets starting from £18. Those entering later in the day can take advantage of a two-for-one offer: two tickets and unlimited ride access are available for £60 from 4pm on the day of the eclipse.
Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, said: "Eclipses of this kind are a rarity, so we want to give our guests a truly unique experience to remember the occasion by. Few places can offer this experience surrounded by so much excitement, so we'd love for all guests to join us on our overpass and celebrate the special occasion together."
