We spent 48 hours on the seaside visiting every one of the major attractions to find out if Blackpool really does ‘have it all’.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Where better than to start than at the Pleasure Beach. From small rides to some of the more daring ones the Pleasure Beach certainly tries to cater for everyone.
Whilst it was in the midst of the school break queues were not as long as expected. On the bigger rides you may need to wait for 30 minutes or so but on the whole waits were limited to ten minutes.
Of course if you want to beat any queues you can purchase a VIP speedy pass. A good idea for those wanting to hit the big rides throughout the day.
For everyone else we would just try to get there early as the crowds really start to build up in mid-afternoon.
Some great little food places but the Fish and Chips restaurant as soon you enter was the clearly the best – quiet with very polite staff. Many people will miss it as they have their eyes firmly fixed on getting on the first ride.
The £16.25m rollercoaster ‘Icon’ is coming soon to the park next year.
Top Tips: Go online and purchase in advance and make a great saving.
Also just buy the band that gives you access to any ride. Makes things so much simpler.
Sandcastle Water Park
The Sandcastle Waterpark is dubbed the largest Waterpark in the UK with 18 rides and attractions.
There is loads for keeping people young kids and teenagers entertained and you can actually lose track of time with the amount of things there are to do. For those with young kids you might find yourself wading through a great little ‘rapids’ feature. Strangely addictive.
Queues for some of the rides can be off-putting at first but they move pretty quickly.
Top Tips: Get in before 11am or visit after 3.30pm to beat the crowds and the queues. If you don’t fancy the swimming you can relax in the Sauna areas. Very quiet and relaxing.
Sea Life Blackpool
Clearly one for the kids this one. Young children will enjoy it but your teenage children may well spend the whole visit on their mobiles. Some great highlights include the ‘Stingray adventure’ and ‘Ocean tunnel’ where you can get up close and personal with the sharks.
The whole visit can be completed in under an hour but it can get busy at peak times. Staff at friendly and courteous and are keen to explain to the young children some of the fascinating facts of sea life.
Top Tips: Best to look at going when it is little less busy as it can get a little stuffy.
Blackpool Tower
Was not expecting much of this visit but it did turn out to be a little better than expected. The 3D experience can be quite enthralling for young kids and the effects are pretty decent. It is the tower itself with its stunning views which is unmissable. The see through floor is not for the fainthearted.
Blackpool Tower Circus
The Circus continues to draws in big crowds from across the country. Yet, it isn’t at the top of the list when you think of visiting Blackpool. Having been to the circus a number of times in the past few years we were expecting more of the same but we have to admit it was very different.
Led by the world famous clown Mooky and brother ‘Mr Boo’ the circus turns out to be something completely different. They continue to ramp it up on each performance and long realised that to reach out to a modern audience they need to try more daring acts.
It included a spectacular glow in the dark performance by their team of highly trained acrobats. There was also number of heart stopping moments when one performer walks upside down forty feet in the air with no safety net or harness!
The circus is still in our opinion the best attraction on offer here for young and old as it showcases performances by highly skilled artists you are unlikely to see anywhere else. A must see.
Top tips: It is a great view anywhere you sit but if you want to really see the best of the action reserve your seat on the front two rows. You won't regret it.
Blackpool Zoo
You can’t really go wrong with Blackpool Zoo. There is ample space for the kids to run around from one area to the next and as soon as you think you have seen everything they will soon spot something else.
It is a good idea to time your stroll around the zoo with the talks they have going on. The Sea Lion feeding time was very popular with a lot of the children. If the children do get bored the Zoo has a playing area in the middle of the complex and there are a number of eating and drinking areas throughout the zoo.
Top Tip: It is always good to get in before 11am and head straight for the Gorilla enclosure. As everyone else is at the beginning of the park you can spend time watching the apes in peace!
The Resort Pass
There are a fair few ways to see Blackpool but one of the best ways is to get yourself a resort pass. It gives you access to most of the resorts (it depends which ones you want to see!) and it takes the whole headache out of queues or worrying about if you will gain entry. It is also a great way to save money.
Some useful details: The Blackpool Resort Pass is available from £55 per person, saving up to £35, and allows one visit to six attractions over seven days. Attractions include Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Nickelodeon Land, The Blackpool Tower Eye & 4D Experience, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Blackpool, The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
The Blackpool Resort Pass Plus includes entry to nine attractions including all of the above plus Sandcastle Waterpark; Blackpool Zoo; and the Blackpool Model Village & Gardens saving up to £55. Additional attractions can be bolted on to the pass for an extra cost.
More Here
For more information visit www.visitblackpool.com
Where to Eat
Nando’s Blackpool
You can’t really go wrong with Nando’s. This one is based walking distance from the Tower amongst the hustle and bustle of the town’s high street. Spread out over two floors. Not halal this particular Nando’s though.
The Beach House Bistro
If you are looking for al fresco dining as well as amazing views of the beach and seas then The Beach House Bistro may well be something for you.
Based opposite the tower the restaurant gives stunning views across the sea front.
Menu features a range of freshly prepared Mediterranean style dishes as well local favourites such as simple fish with chips.
Where to Stay
Imperial Hotel
Blackpool has its fair share of hotels. But one of the most iconic and still within a reasonable price range is The Imperial Hotel.
Based within walking distance of Blackpool Tower and the North pier attractions the grand 19th Century hotel is very spacious and has ample parking.
The hotel enjoys spectacular views over the beach to the sea, and is close to all major attractions in the area.
Hotel staff are always keen to assist with any issues you may have. You are unlikely to find a hotel class anywhere else for this price.
It also looks like a great venue for Asian weddings with ample space and eye-catching views across the beach. Might well be something to consider when planning a wedding.
Upcoming events that might be of interest
Ride The Lights (29th August)
Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On (1st September)
World Fireworks Championship Blackpool (8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th September)
SLIMEFEST (21st - 23rd October)
Images: Visit Blackpool, Merlin Entertainments, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Asian Image.
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