We attended the media night on Thursday 23 October 2025 to see what this year’s event has in store, including the new scare attraction Abyss.

This year’s event is condensed into a smaller section of the park, which should create a more intense and atmospheric experience. The FY4 plaza remains the main hub, featuring the live entertainment such as fire breathers, roller skaters, musicians and the ever-popular DJ. The roaming character Lougarock the Werewolf was once again a big hit with guests, while the Opening Ceremony and Witches Parade added some welcome structure to the evening’s entertainment.

The park has once again delivered an impressive presentation with 500 pumpkins, handmade costumes, and a cast of over 110 performers bringing the event to life. However, the absence of the fountains in the main plaza was a noticeable loss. In previous years, the combination of fire, water and lighting effects brought an energy and movement that really helped tie the area together.

Abyss (New for 2025)

Descend into Darkness. River Caves have returned… but not in the way you remember. What was once a passage through distant worlds has transformed into a one-way descent to the depths of hell. The gatekeeper awaits your arrival, desperate to drag you deeper into the abyss. Do your best to crawl back from eternal damnation.

The headline addition this year is Abyss, which offers guests the rare chance to walk through large sections of the historic River Caves attraction. It’s a really clever use of one of Pleasure Beach’s most iconic rides and added something truly different to the lineup. The eerie setting of the 120-year-old ride worked so perfectly for a horror overlay, and it was great to see such heritage used in a new way.

Twisted Tunnels

Far below the surface of Pleasure Beach Resort is a forgotten labyrinth dating back more than 100 years. These tunnels are the lair of unspeakable horrors from bygone times, long buried but never truly at rest. As you navigate the winding passageways you’ll discover that the hidden alcoves hold more than just shadows: You are not alone down here, and they have waited long enough. The disembodied noises of the amusement park high above will do nothing to calm you – they are simply a terrifying reminder of a place to which you may never return.

Still one of the event's most atmospheric walkthroughs, Twisted Tunnels retains its moody, claustrophobic setting and strong theming. The use of offensive language directed towards guests has returned this year. While it may add shock value for some, it can detract from the experience for others.

Cabinet of Curiosities

Curiosity has gotten the better of you, and you cannot resist a journey to the dark heart of a macabre collector’s warped obsession. These narrow corridors are home to the inexplicable and the bizarre, each gruesome creature more disturbing than the last. Spend too much time in the company of these dreadful treasures and you might just become one of them, so you’ll be forced to flee through the maze of horrors. After all, you know what they say: Curiosity kills.

Returning for another year, this walkthrough remains one of the more detailed and theatrical experiences at the event, with plenty of lively performances. The set design is generally very strong, although the storyline felt a little harder to follow this year.

Down the Rabbit Hole

Alice has gone insane. The once whimsical Wonderland has become a nightmarish world inhabited by grotesque figures, still locked in an eternal tea party of madness. The Mad Hatter is deranged; the White Rabbit is violent; and the Cheshire Cat now a skeletal spectre, taunting with his sinister smile. Stumble deep down the rabbit hole where horrors lurk around every corner and reality and insanity blur. Will you escape Wonderland… or find yourself, like Alice, lost to the madness of your mind?

A returning favourite, this twisted take on Alice in Wonderland continues to stand out for its creativity and frankly, strangeness! We missed the giant rabbit this time around, however the ride itself offered one of the best jump scares of the night.

Ghost Train: Vault of Shadows

The world’s first Ghost Train is notoriously one of the most haunted attractions in the world, where the line between living and dead is terrifyingly thin. Staff members report feeling watched by unseen eyes, and the unnerving sensation that the ride’s twisted animatronics have somehow awakened. Legend has it that malevolent spirits hide in the shadows… and even if you’re lucky enough to escape, you’re left with the chilling feeling that the spirits might just follow you home…

The park’s classic Ghost Train once again proved to be one of the standout attractions of the night. The additional actors and updated scenes were very effective, maintaining the spooky charm of this vintage ride.

Rides After Dark

The ride lineup for the 2025 event includes Launch Pad, Grand National, Derby Racer, and Flying Machines. The inclusion of unlimited rides continues to be a real highlight, allowing guests to break up the scares with classic thrills.

Final Thoughts

There’s no doubt that Journey to Hell remains a major event on the UK Halloween calendar, and Pleasure Beach Resort continues to show passion and creativity in its delivery. The new Abyss experience is an inspired addition and a great use of the park’s historic setting, while the returning mazes still offer solid scares and high production value.

That said, the overall experience felt a little uneven this year, some areas lacked atmosphere, storylines were occasionally unclear, and small operational choices impacted the immersion. Despite these aspects, Journey to Hell still provides an enjoyable, memorable night of scares and remains a must-visit for fans of live Halloween events.

As usual, we concluded our night by visiting the Pasaje del Terror. This additional attraction remains a firm favourite for Halloween fans and it was great to see the entrance and queue area of the attraction has seen some additional TLC ahead of the spooky season.

Guests can enjoy Journey to Hell until 31st October 2025. Tickets start at £39.50 or £51.50 with the Pasaje Del Terror added.

Find out more and buy tickets at blackpoolpleasurebeach.com