Blackpool Family Attractions

Here at Blackpool.com we bring you all the latest visitor news for Blackpool and the surrounding area as well as information and news for the main Blackpool family attractions.

Blackpool Tower operator takes over Sandcastle Waterpark

Merlin Entertainments operates Madame Tussauds Blackpool, Sea Life Centre and Blackpool Tower, however Sandcastle Waterpark will soon be added to their portfolio.

It has been announced that Merlin Entertainments will be the new operator of Sandcastle Waterpark, meaning the giant leisure company will operate no less than nine family attractions in Blackpool. Merlin have been awarded a contract to operate the council-owned facility for an initial period of two years and this will come into effect later this month. The waterpark had its most profitable year in 2021/22 and this enabled the attraction to pay a dividend of £900,000 to Blackpool Council, thus helping to boost this year’s budget.

Sandcastle Waterpark is the largest indoor water park in the UK and it features over 18 slides in a climate of over 80 degrees.

Council leader, Coun Lynn Williams, said: “The Sandcastle Waterpark is one of the council’s big success stories. Over the years, it has received significant investment to enable it to retain and grow its immense popularity with visitors and residents alike.

“On the national stage it is viewed as an exemplar attraction in terms of its accessibility for people with a disability. We have an established relationship with Merlin Entertainments in terms of operating some of our key tourism assets and we are confident that this appointment will take the Sandcastle Waterpark on to the next level.”

The waterpark is expected to break records this year with the facility taking advantage of a large increase in visitor numbers when compared to 2019.

Regional director for Merlin Entertainments, Kate Shane, said: “We are thrilled to be adding the UK’s largest indoor waterpark to our Blackpool portfolio. With eight top attractions already in Blackpool, we’re excited to put on our armbands and add a ninth to our guest offering.

“We firmly support Blackpool’s ambition to be the UK’s number one family seaside resort and this partnership is another step forward in delivering this vision.”