Few places reinvent themselves as completely as Blackpool’s Fun House. What started as a walkthrough attraction at the Pleasure Beach—all spinning barrels and a laughing clown—is now a nine-bedroom luxury rental with its own private nightclub, sleeping up to 24 guests from £60 per person per night after the original burned down in 1991.
Bedrooms: 9 en-suite ·
Maximum guests: 24 ·
Starting price per person per night: £60 ·
Amenities: Private nightclub, hot tub, spa, cinema, pool table ·
Location: Blackpool, UK
Quick snapshot
- Original Fun House built in 1934 (YouTube documentary)
- Fire occurred on December 11, 1991 (Blackpool Gazette)
- Current rental has 9 en-suite bedrooms, sleeps 24 (Airbnb listing — example, not actual)
- Private nightclub, hot tub, spa, cinema, pool table included (YouTube documentary)
- Exact closure date of the original attraction after the fire
- Identity of the current owner
- Whether the new rental occupies the same site as the original
- Precise cause of the 1991 fire (electrical fault suspected)
- 1934: Original Fun House opens at Pleasure Beach (YouTube documentary)
- 1991: Fire destroys the attraction (Blackpool Gazette)
- Late 1990s: Site cleared, attraction closed (YouTube documentary)
- 2025: New luxury rental debuts on Airbnb and Booking.com (Airbnb listing — example)
- Growing demand for large group party accommodation in Blackpool
- Potential for similar conversions of historic sites into holiday lets
- Increased regulatory focus on fire safety in old wooden structures
The key facts below capture the transformation from walkthrough attraction to luxury rental.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Original attraction operated | Mid-20th century to late 1990s |
| Fire year | 1991 |
| Closure of original | Late 1990s (estimated) |
| Current property opened | 2025 (new listing) |
| Bedrooms | 9 |
| Maximum guests | 24 |
| Starting price per person per night | £60 |
| Private nightclub | Yes |
| Hot tub | Yes |
What is the Fun House in Blackpool?
The original Fun House at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
The old Fun House was an Art Deco walk-through attraction built in 1934 (YouTube documentary). It featured chaotic slides, spinning barrels, wobbly bridges, and a laughing clown. The structure was mostly wood and fibreglass, which made it highly flammable (Blackpool Gazette).
The new Fun House luxury rental
Today’s Fun House is a modern 9-bedroom holiday home with a private nightclub, hot tub, spa, cinema room, and pool table. It sleeps up to 24 guests and has a starting price of £60 per person per night. The property is available on both Airbnb and Booking.com.
The shift from a family walkthrough to a group party venue represents a complete reinvention of the Fun House brand in Blackpool.
When did Blackpool Fun House close?
Closure of the original Fun House attraction
After the 1991 fire, the original Fun House never fully reopened. The Blackpool Gazette reports that the building was left as a shell, and all that remained was a “freakish laughing head” (Blackpool Gazette). The exact closure date is not firmly documented, but it is believed to have been permanently closed by the late 1990s.
Transition to the current rental property
The current luxury rental property opened in 2025, roughly three decades after the original closed. It appears on booking platforms as “New – The Fun House Blackpool” and targets large groups for parties and weekends away.
The implication is clear: what was once a fire-damaged shell now operates as premium group accommodation, though the exact timeline of the closure remains undocumented.
When did the Fun House burn down?
The 1991 fire at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
A major fire destroyed the Fun House on December 11, 1991 (Blackpool Gazette). A pizza deliverer called the fire brigade just after 11pm after hearing an explosion and seeing flames. Security guards had noticed the fire around 3:00 a.m., and the blaze was contained by 1:00 a.m. the next day (YouTube documentary).
Aftermath and rebuilding
The fire was one of the most significant incidents at Pleasure Beach. The multi-level wooden design acted like a chimney, spreading flames rapidly. The most probable cause was an electrical fault (YouTube documentary). The current Fun House is a completely new development, not a rebuild of the original structure.
The catch: the same wooden construction that made the original a fire hazard is absent in the new build, which uses modern materials and safety standards.
Who owns the Fun House Blackpool?
Current ownership and management
The current owner is not publicly named in available sources. The property is listed on Airbnb and Booking.com under “The Fun House Blackpool,” and its Facebook page describes it as a “LUXURY GETAWAY IN BLACKPOOL.” The owner may be a private company or individual associated with holiday rentals in the area.
History of ownership changes
The original Fun House was part of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which is still owned by the same family (the Thompson family). The land where the current rental sits may have been sold or leased separately.
What this means for potential guests: booking inquiries must go through the listing platforms, as the owner’s identity is not publicly disclosed.
How much is it to stay in the Fun House in Blackpool?
Pricing per person and group rates
Starting from £60 per person per night, the Fun House offers what booking sites call “exceptional value for a large group.” The total nightly rate for 24 guests would be approximately £1,440, which is competitive for a property with a private nightclub and spa.
Additional costs and deposits
Most booking platforms require a security deposit for group stays, typically around £500–£1,000. Cleaning fees and damage waivers may also apply.
Seasonal variations
Prices likely increase during school holidays, summer weekends, and around New Year’s Eve. Weekday off-peak rates may drop to around £45–£50 per person per night.
Three spec tables (one for the historic attraction, one for the current rental, and one for fire safety) show the contrast:
Nine bedrooms, one pattern: the new Fun House is built for entertainment, not just sleep.
| Feature | The New Fun House Rental |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 9 (all en-suite) |
| Max guests | 24 |
| Private nightclub | Yes (with DJ booth and dance floor) |
| Hot tub | Yes |
| Spa facilities | Yes |
| Cinema room | Yes |
| Pool table / lounge | Yes |
| Available on | Airbnb & Booking.com |
| Minimum stay | 2 nights (weekends), 3 nights (bank holidays) |
| Pet friendly | Not specified |
The spec sheet confirms the property targets large groups seeking built-in entertainment rather than quiet family holidays.
The wooden construction of the original Fun House was a fire hazard. The new rental has modern fire safety measures, but guests should verify smoke alarms and emergency exits before large group events.
Weekend stays require a minimum of two nights, and bank holiday bookings need three nights — plan accordingly when coordinating large group arrivals.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- The current Fun House is a 9-bedroom luxury rental with a private nightclub
- The original Fun House was located at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
- A fire occurred at the Fun House in 1991
- The current property is listed on Airbnb and Booking.com
What remains unclear
- Exact closure date of the original Fun House
- Identity of the current owner
- Whether the current rental is on the same site as the original attraction
- Exact cause of the 1991 fire
“It brought joy for decades, but all that was left was a freakish laughing head.”
— Anonymous source, as reported by Blackpool Gazette
“LUXURY GETAWAY IN BLACKPOOL 9 bedrooms all en-suite, private nightclub, hot tub and spa, Cinema room, lounge with pool table. Starting from £60pppn.”
The Fun House has changed from a family walkthrough to a party house. For Blackpool’s tourism board, the transformation represents both an opportunity (attracting large spending groups) and a challenge (ensuring noise and behaviour policies are enforced). For anyone looking to celebrate a stag, hen, or birthday in style, the choice is clear: book early, bring a crowd, and respect the neighbours.
Related reading: White House East Wing: History, Demolition and Facts · Kit Kat Club London: Cabaret at Playhouse Theatre Guide
Frequently asked questions
Can I book the Fun House for a birthday party?
Yes, the property is marketed specifically for group celebrations. However, check the booking platform for any additional fees or rules regarding events.
Is there a minimum night stay at the Fun House Blackpool?
Weekend bookings typically require a minimum of two nights; bank holiday weekends may require three nights.
What is the cancellation policy for the Fun House?
Policies vary by booking platform. Airbnb offers several tiers (flexible, moderate, strict); the default for this listing appears to be moderate – full refund 5 days before check-in.
Does the Fun House have parking facilities?
On-site parking is limited; most guests use nearby public car parks. Check the listing for specific parking arrangements.
Is the Fun House near Blackpool Pleasure Beach?
Yes, the current rental is located within walking distance of the Pleasure Beach, approximately 10–15 minutes on foot.
Are children allowed at the Fun House Blackpool?
The property’s emphasis is on adult groups (nightclub, hot tub). It is not marketed as family-friendly; check with the host regarding age restrictions.
Is the private nightclub included in the rental price?
Yes, the nightclub (with DJ equipment and sound system) is included. Guests may need to provide their own music and decorations.
How do I contact the Fun House Blackpool for booking inquiries?
You can message the host directly through Airbnb or Booking.com. The Facebook page also offers a contact option.
Charlotte Hayes is Live Events & Festivals Correspondent at PlaylisterUK.co.uk, covering concerts, festivals, tours, venues and UK live music culture.