Why Blackpool is still a towering attraction
GEMMA JALEEL enjoys a traditional seaside summer break with her family
Blackpool – the home of fish and chips, sandy beaches and, of course, the famous sticks of rock.
For more than 150 years, families have flocked to this quintessential British seaside resort and, although not as popular as it was in its heyday, the town is experiencing a revival among families looking for a fun day out and value for money.
In the past 10 years, millions of pounds has been invested into improving and preserving some of the resort’s most popular attractions including the Blackpool Tower itself.
My husband spent many a summer holiday playing hide and seek in the Tower building, playing in the arcades on the piers and eating fish and chips on the prom, so he welcomed this hit of childhood nostalgia.
We stayed in the three-star Carousel Hotel in a double room with an immaculately clean ensuite bathroom with a camping bed for our little girl to sleep on and a great view of the sea and the promenade.
The room was very basic - with a kettle to make hot drinks, Freeview television and free Wifi - but great if you’re just looking to lay your head for the night.
You can also enjoy entertainment in the evening while you dine in the hotel’s restaurant, Cafe Bar 663, and in the morning a breakfast buffet is laid on – you can’t beat their full English which was extremely tasty.
Our hotel was on the quieter South Shore of the resort away from the sometimes rowdy hen and stag parties and with a tram stop just outside. It was ideal to hop on and take a short ride to attractions including the Pleasure Beach, Sealife, Madame Tussauds and of course the Blackpool Tower.
The Grade I listed building opened its doors on May 14, 1894 and now houses the Tower Circus, Ballroom, Jungle Jim’s and Dungeon as well as the Tower Eye and 4D Experience.
But it is the thrilling SkyWalk in the Tower Eye, 380 feet in the sky, that will leave your heart skipping a beat as you take tentative steps out on to the glass walk way which can take the weight of two elephants.
I have to admit, every instinct was screaming at me not to stand, there but it was exhilarating to look down on the tiny cars and people below as well as taking in a great view of one of Blackpool’s biggest art installations – the Comedy Carpet.
Even my husband, who is afraid of heights, bravely dared to tip toe onto the five centimetre thick glass for a better view of the Irish Sea and the promenade below.
With breathtaking views over Bowland, up to the Lake District and on a clear day down to Liverpool and across to the Isle of Man – you can’t visit Blackpool without going up the tower.
Another attraction that is not to be missed is the Tower Circus, now in its 126th year, and located right at the base of the Tower’s four legs. Having arrived a few minutes late to our seats, we were ripe to be picked on by the resident clowns Mooky and Mr Boo who had the audience howling throughout the packed show which included a tightrope walker, juggler and acrobatic acts.
But it was the trapeze artist which left me watching from behind my hands as he walked across the ceiling of the arena with no harness and safety net.
The water feature finale is also a spectacle to behold with the circus arena filling with more than 42,000 gallons of water in less than a minute.
After all that excitement it was nice to sit down and relax with a spot of afternoon tea in the Tower Ballroom (£50 for two people), which I’d only seen on Strictly Come Dancing.
It’s unbelievable to think that this elegant ballroom with spectacular architecture dating back to 1894 still attracts ballroom dancers from across the world.
We sat down for a freshly brewed pot of tea with sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam and pastries, loaded on to three tiers and were in awe of the sounds from the Wurlitzer organ and the couples gliding around the sprung wooden dance floor.
My little girl couldn’t resist twirling around and even persuading Daddy to foxtrot while narrowly avoiding dancers that had obviously been coming for years.
Our second day took us to the Tower’s Jungle Jim’s – an indoor adventure playground with climbing frames, ball pools and tunnels – and an absolute dream for our active three-year-old.
Later, I prepared myself for a tour around the Blackpool Tower Dungeon. This is not for the faint-hearted and they recommend only children over eight enter so my husband and daughter took themselves around the nearby arcades while I delved into Blackpool’s dark past.
The walking tour brings to life Lancashire’s scary history with smells that invade the nostrils and sensations that make your skin crawl and hilarious laughs thrown in too. The attraction features 10 live action shows and finishes with a 26ft drop ride that will leave your heart in your mouth.
But no trip to Blackpool would be complete without a visit to Harry Ramsden’s, who have been serving up tasty fish and chips for generations.
The brand’s northern flagship restaurant features a modern take on a seaside design and a packed menu including burgers, bangers and pies plus a wide range of gin, craft beers and cocktails on offer.
I opted for a refreshing ‘goldfish in a bag’ cocktail and plumped for what is probably the best haddock and chips I’ve ever had with mushy peas and a side of curry sauce, which did not disappoint.
Even with a standard portion (£10.49), I was rather full but managed to squeeze in a Knickerbocker Glory with strawberries, fresh fruit and vanilla ice cream, smothered in a strawberry and cream sauce, topped with a chocolate flake and sprinkles (£5.99). Delicious.
With so much on offer for families, it’s easy to see the appeal of this seaside town. Delve deeper and there are gems for all the family to discover over and over for years to come.
We’ll definitely be going back.