Kiss me quick hats, sticks of rock, and hen nights a plenty are what quickly spring to mind when most people think of Blackpool.
Image courtsey of Shutterstock
Not me.
I see a place of my youth, a second home for my family, and most importantly, a children’s playground.
For me, Blackpool is a British treasure, a seaside full of thrills and giggles. A place for children to discover delights on every corner.
Which is why I keep visiting, year after year. Because it is the perfect short break to suit the family.
(Well that and my gorgeous Aunt and two cousins and my baby half cousin live there!)
A day in Blackpool
Last week the children and I escaped to the coast for the day. We left buckets and spades at home, choosing to enjoy some more indoor excitement in the wind and rain. We had to hand a Blackpool resort pass, which allowed us entry to all the major attractions in the town for one day, so we planned on making the most of it. Visit Blackpool and Merlin Entertainments have teamed up and launched a summer campaign to prove #BlackpoolHasItAll for families to showcase Blackpool’s collection of world renowned, family attraction brands and offers, and it was our pleasure to review the campaign.
There is no shortage of fun to be had in Blackpool, and we kick started our day looking, as Libby-Sue described, at aliens underwater at the sea front Sea Life Centre.
The sharks shook fear into my three as they watched aghast as the mighty creatures circled above them in the underwater tunnel. My small one cooed in delight as she stroked starfish and sought out sea life information in order to fill her fun passport with stamps.
We all called out “Nemo” when we saw the popular clown fish, and all took a step back as we meandered past the piranhas.
Two hours of fun, where the children didn’t even realise they were learning….
When by the sea….
You have to have fish and chips, and Blackpool is home to one of the world famous Harry Ramsden’s restaurants.
The children’s menu offered more than just fish (for those with fussy eaters) but we all gulped down a healthy portion of double cooked chips and scrumptiously battered fish. Washed down with a British cuppa and followed up with an Ice Cream for the little ones.
Our tummies were so full, it was tempting to do nothing else for the rest of the day except watch the waves roll in.
But of course the children digest far quicker than us adults and were ready to carry on the adventure as their knives and forks clattered to a halt on their plates.
Meeting the rich and famous
We were en route to the place all kids want to flock to when they visit Blackpool – the famous Blackpool Pleasure Beach. But as we strolled down the front as the weather started to become kinder we couldn’t resist a quick nip inside Madame Tussards using our resort passes.
We sought fame with Bear Grylls, tried to find me a date on Take Me Out, but Paddy was a bit lifeless. Drank a quick brew with Deidre in the Rovers Return and enjoyed Festival Lands Karaoke with the main man, Olly Muir.
Riding the Big One
Then, after a short tram ride, we were on sight at the Pleasure Beach, a place I haven’t been for years.
It didn’t disappoint.
Rides of my childhood were still there, and they delighted my kids in a similar fashion. My six year old delighted in having The Little Dipper as a roller-coaster just for small people, and the older pair, shoved any apprehension aside and launched on heart stopping rides one after another, dragging their mum and Aunt with them.
My lord, I went upside down a thousand times, nearly cried with adrenalin based fear on The mighty Big One, and then got drenched from head to toe on the obligatory water rides at the end.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
The Pleasure Beach has it all! So many rides for all ages and set in a space small enough that you don’t need to walk miles to reach each ride.
We screamed in terror as we tore down Avalanche, waved with glee as we visited Alice and her friends, and giggled aplenty as rode our own cars around a track, badly!
It was a day to remember.
One filled with fun, family, and thrills.
If you want a short break to suit the family, forget about the Kiss Me Quick, and focus on the fun to be had in a British Seaside town that has so much for kids to do.
Thanks to Merlin Entertainments for allowing us to come back and visit.
And Blackpool – we will see you soon!