Things To See in Blackpool

THE PLEASURE BEACH, BLACKPOOL

The rides, the shows, the fun, the thrills, the joy, the adrenalin and the spectacle are just some of the words that have been used when talking about Pleasure Beach Blackpool over the years.

A family owned amusement park situated at South Promenade, it attracts more than six million visitors each year and is the most visited theme park in the United Kingdom.

From white knuckle rides for the adults, like the world famous Pepsi Max ‘Big One’, to the more gentle rides for the toddlers, it allows everyone to live that “Peter Pan” moment, if only for a day.

Built over a hundred years ago, the thrills just go on and on, and with sideshow attractions, souvenir shops, eating places and amusements galore, the Pleasure Beach Blackpool has everything needed for a thrilling day out for all the family.



THE HORSESHOE SHOWBAR, PLEASURE BEACH, BLACKPOOL

Situated at Pleasure Beach Blackpool, the Horseshoe Showbar has produced many spectacular shows over the past thirty years, including “Viva Paris”, “Viva Las Vegas”and “Viva Hollywood” to name but a few!

In recent years, the mind blowing “Mystique” show, featuring world famous illusionists, has mystified and baffled even hard core fans that have followed the show year after year.

A welcoming licensed cabaret venue with both balcony and booth seating, it entertains audiences with high quality shows using the very latest sound and light technology until the early hours.

In 2008, a new policy was introduced to provide different shows each night, very popular with Horseshoe regulars. The weekly entertainment may include such artistes as renowned hypnotist Ken Webster, plus recording legends The Drifters, seventies comedy band The Grumbleweeds, and speciality illusionist Richard de Vere. There is certainly something there for everyone.



THE SEA LIFE CENTRE

Blackpool SEA LIFE centre houses the biggest collection of tropical sharks in Europe, and with the amazing glass underwater tunnel, YOU become the attraction! As if walking on the Ocean floor, you will be watched by these incredible creatures as they swim over and along side you - secure in the knowledge that you’re completely safe and unlikely to end up as lunch!

There are more than fifty spectacular displays at Blackpool SEA LIFE centre, with over a thousand assorted sea creatures.

New for 2009 is a brand new attraction bringing together the scariest looking creatures of the deepest oceans - giant fish resembling insects, various slimy creatures, bug eyed beasties, the ugly Frog fish, Japanese Spider crabs and the terrifying Dragon Moray eel.

Everyone can enjoy this fantastic trip beneath the waves right here at Central Promenade, Blackpool.



BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS

The number one light show in Europe is right here in Blackpool! And for our visitors it’s all FREE!! Of course, everyone has heard of Blackpool Illuminations, but did you know that in these days of technology, there are now also lasers, neons, fibre optics, searchlights and floodlights adding to the effects that bring Blackpool to life each year at the big “turn on”.

Stars from across the globe queue up to add their names to the history books and make that magical moment come true for millions of visitors.

And here are some facts that you would never think of as you drive, walk, or take a tram along the six miles of promenade.

Although they’re free to see, the Illuminations actually cost £2.4 million pounds to stage, the equipment alone is currently worth £10 million.
The Illuminations attract around 3.5 million visitors each year.
Visitors will spend more than £275 million in the Illuminations season.
The lights will run for 66 nights.
The display runs for almost six miles.
A permanent staff of 45 work all year round to prepare for the big switch on.
It takes 65,000 hours to prepare the lights each year.
And it takes 960,000 units of electricity at a cost of many thousands of pounds.
We regularly export display collections from past years to Las Vegas to add British sparkle to the famous Strip!

Just a few facts, but now you know why Blackpool Illuminations are a spectacle to be seen!

SHOWS

Blackpool has always been known for its summer shows. From the days of Arthur Askey and Tommy Cooper to modern day entertainment.

It would be difficult to say which venue was number one in Blackpool, but North Pier is certainly in the top few.

These days are no different in Blackpool from the old variety days, apart from modern lighting and sound, but shows like ABBA Mania bring everything completely up to date.

There’s Billy Pearce, Freddy Starr, The comedians and many more.

At The Opera house , there is Englebert Humperdinck, Jane McDonald, The Nolan’s, Status Quo, and something for the grownups the fabulous Chubby Brown, and in 2009 Blackpool is proud to be hosting ‘The Royal Command Performance’ attended by HRH Queen Elizabeth.

At The Grand Theatre, is Joe Pasquale, Joe Longthorn and even Noddy and friends.

If we move to Blackpool Tower we can see the longest running circus in the World starring Mookey and friends. Whilst in the famous Ballroom (apart from ballroom dancing) the brand new show ‘Rock Royalty’ hits the stage.

A little further down the promenade at Central Pier is the award winning summer show for the past six years ‘Legends’ a night to see all the big stars right there in front of your very eyes, with host and comedian Tom Bright completing the line up.

We could go on and on about what’s on in Blackpool, but there is simply too much to mention, but we do know one thing, and that is you will definitely find something to your liking in the fabulous resort of Blackpool.



FIREWORKS IN BLACKPOOL

The fun just keeps happening in Blackpool as we hold the International Fireworks Championship from Blackpool's North Pier.

Each year 4 countries are represented by their best firework display team, and are given the opportunity to set up a huge display in September.

The buildup starts at 7.30 and the competition starts at 8.30 subject to weather conditions.

But don’t think for one minute that there are men and women running around with matches lighting blue touch paper, this is the real thing. Computerized programming brings fireworks into the twenty first century.



BLACKPOOL SANDCASTLE WATER PARK

Whenever you say to a child “We’re going swimming” the answer is usually “Fantastic!” or similar.

But when you tell a child they’re going to The Sandcastle, then the excitement can get a little out of control.

The truth is, adults are just as excited as the kids. And here’s the reason why.

There are 18 slides and attractions including a wave machine, water chutes, Lazy River.

There are pools to relax, pools to swim and pools to just go crazy.

But if you need the ultimate thrill then try The Masterblaster. The World’s longest indoor rollercoaster waterslide.

Over the past two years the water park has invested a massive £6 million. This has made it the largest water park in Europe.

There are snack bars, burger bars, arcades, swim shops at lots lots more, making it a complete day out for all the family no-matter what age.

Situated at South Promenade opposite The Pleasure Beach, you can be assured of a great day out.



LOUIS TUSSAUDS WAXWORKS

Do you sometimes wish you lived in Hollywood surrounded by film stars?

Do you sometimes wish you were rubbing shoulders with Royalty?

Then imagine no more, because Blackpool has its very own Louis Tussauds Waxworks, giving all of us the opportunity to stand with our favourite movie star, singer, racing driver or a member of the Royal Family.

Location: Facing Central Pier.

As you walk round the themed areas that are spread over four floors, you may bump into HRH Queen Elizabeth. Then as you turn the corner it could be King Kong.

This fascinating concept started many years ago and has become more and more popular as we moved into the twenty first century with computer design.

From Hollywood celebrities to Corrie, to the Horror and Rock factory, to the Infamous, every step you take is different and exciting. And more important it’s an experience for all the family.

Each waxwork piece can take up to four weeks to design the sculptured head alone, then onto costume design, hair and makeup, making it a total of approximately two months in all.

Oh by the way you can stand with your favourite celeb and have your photo taken, so don’t forget to take your camera.



SOUTH PIER

Built in 1893 South Pier was the first pier to use new technology of the times. Instead of digging to fit the many supporting legs into the sand, they used the Screwpile system. Water jets to drive the legs many feet down into hard rock.

At that time the pier was only four hundred and twenty feet long which only gave room for a bandstand and a few stalls, but now things have changed. From the new entrance housing an arcade with a circus type big top roof, to The Laughing Donkey Showbar which has seen many shows come and go over the years.

Today the pier is bustling with activity, from ice cream and candy floss stalls, to fortune tellers, and most popular with kids and adults alike, The Rides.

Children’s roundabouts, fruit shoot, a traditional Waltzer, the crazy mouse, and the white knuckle rides Reverse Bungee, Skyscreamer and the sky coaster.

Certainly worth a stroll if only for Blackpool’s fresh air.



CENTRAL PIER

Built for fun for all the family many years ago. From dancing, to roller skating, to steam boats taking customers for rides out at sea. The days just never seemed to end.

And today is no different. It’s just changed with the times.

The award winning ‘Legends’ show is situated at the front of Central Pier where thousands of people throughout the season enjoy this amazing spectacle of Tributes to the stars, comedy, and a good old fashioned night out.

The shows are cleverly designed so that each Thursday they change the stars, and many people visit the venue not once but twice on their Blackpool holiday.

At the other end of Central Pier the excitement is just as big, because now there is a Ferris Wheel which has become a landmark of the sea front in Blackpool.

Added in 1990 the wheel caused a small problem when they had to spend £750,000 to strengthen the pier to take its massive weight, but in the end it was all worthwhile, because from the top of the wheel you can see as far as Wales to the South and The Lake district to the North, and a spectacular view of the famous Blackpool Illuminations doesn’t go amiss.

There are lots of rides to suit all ages and a family bar with entertainment which includes shows dedicated to keeping children occupied. Oh yes!



NORTH PIER

North Pier is very special to Blackpool because it was the first born of all three piers. In 1862 builders constructed this enormous extension running into the sea, and achieved their goal by opening it in 1863.

In 1875 because of its enormous popularity they had to extend the pier to 1650ft, and then again in 1877.

Strange to imagine today but people would cue for hours to take a Pleasure Steamer for a day trip to Liverpool or Llandudno or The Lakes or The Isle of man or Southport.

Quite a change with what tickles our fancies today?

But times must move on and so North Pier changed, but not in a bad or sad way, they changed the attractions but kept that wonderful original look from all those years ago.

Beautifully cared for and painstakingly looked after by everyone involved, this pier is in as good a shape today as the day it was built all those years ago.

At the end of the pier there is a Sun lounge which is so popular, you need to get there early on a sunny day to reserve your seat.

And the World famous North Pier Theatre is always open for big big business with big big stars.

At the entrance to the pier is now a man who has made The Marry England Bar his very own with shows every Saturday and Sunday, and that’s Joey Blower.

I must advise that you don’t take your young children to this (Cheeky) show.

There is much much more on North Pier such as Jazz bands and stalls, but even if you don’t take in a show, Blackpool’s North Pier is certainly a must, even if to tell your friends you’ve been there. Done it. Got the T shirt.



MINI GOLF

A game of Mini Golf is a game of Mini Golf is a game of Mini golf yes?

No!

Because in Blackpool there is a mini golf adventure, situated next to The Sealife centre and left of the Legends show.

An indoor adventure golf course is the newest golf attraction in Blackpool. Opened in 2009.

Twelve pirate themed holes on two levels with tunnels and a crow’s nest.

An excellent way to keep dad and the kids amused for an hour or two

Open 363 days a year. (Closes Christmas day and Boxing day)

Of course Blackpool wouldn’t be Blackpool without having another option. So why not try The adventure golf at The Pleasure Beach.

Lots of sneaky little twists and turns. Tunnels, water hazards and so on.

Situated outside the main entrance to The Pleasure beech facing The Sandcastle Water Park.



BLACKPOOL TRAMS

If you haven’t had a tram ride you’ve never lived.

What is the point of coming to the greatest seaside resort in the World and not having a trip on a tram?

In 1885 the tracks were laid, the trams were built and everything was ready to go. And they haven’t stopped since.

Locals use the service in and out of summer seasons, finding it easy and convenient to travel anywhere from Starr gate to Fleetwood, covering a twelve mile run.

And of course Blackpool was yet again ‘number one’ in being the first to have trams powered by electricity in Britain.

Can you imagine what it would look like on a picture of Blackpool without a tram?

Of course not.

And on TV for that matter, where countless films and documentaries have been filmed right here in Blackpool.

Once again Blackpool doesn’t sit back on its memories. You will find a mixture of brand new trams, developed for modern use and transportation, and then alongside comes a classic nineteen hundreds open top clinking clanking piece of Blackpool's history.

And this is what makes Blackpool so popular. Its Historic past and its eye on the future running side by side.



STANLEY PARK

Without a doubt one of the nicest Victorian Parks in Britain today. Somewhere to relax, cycle, run, play games, or just sit and watch the crazy world go by.

Refurbished in 2007/8/9 the park is now back to its former glory, with new or cleaned stonework, an overhauled fountain that stands proud at the centre of the Spanish Gardens, new roads and walkways and an incredible amount of flowers and shrubs to set off this astonishing Blackpool treasure.

The park is divided into four quarters:

The Eastern Quarter consists of a lake where you can hire a motor boat or rowing boat, or do a little fishing to relax while the kids play.

A bandstand, a small crazy golf course and rose gardens where you can think the hours away in piece.

The Northern Quarter is an eighteen hole golf course which is open to non members as well as members.

It is an incredibly popular course, and under the circumstances the green keepers and gardeners keep the fairways and greens in excellent condition.

At the side of the golf course is an art deco café where tea and scones are served each day along with meals. But for that special occasion you must try Sunday lunch , where you will be entertained by a Jazz Band.

The Western Quarter is a five thousand seater cricket ground which is home to the Blackpool Cricket club. There’s a sports arena, a sports centre that has three sports halls, a gym and climbing wall.

The Southern Quarter is children’s play area, model village, and enormous playing field for the energetic to get rid of that unwanted energy.

All in all a stunning piece of Blackpool with many happy faces.



SHOWZAM - a festival of Circus, Magic and Variety

Blackpool is always coming up with new ideas, and this idea is defiantly a winner for those February half term holidays.

It runs for ten days with lots of attractive and exciting ventures such as ‘A festival of circus, Carnival Ball, Variety nights and The Great Omi.

And this is defiantly a family extravaganza.

Variety Night is a lineup of the World’s finest performers that include Miss Behave who is one of the only female sword swallowers in the world.

Her friends on the bill include Comic Chris Green, the comedy painter Jon Hicks, the ukulele splaying Lady Carol, the sex God Earl Okin, the beautiful Bret Pfister, juggling comedian Alex Bainbridge, comedy and dance troupe Slingback Plasticus, Hoola Hooper Marawa, dancing girls and Ursula Martinez with her speciality striptease act.

Carnival Ball … A night of style and romance with former beauty queen Tina C in the World famous Tower Ballroom.

Dance the night away in the atmosphere of those breathtaking surroundings, then enjoy a cabaret with burlesque showgirls, dancers and music.

The Great Omi is simply a side show freak. Tattooed all over his body.

He asked a man called George Burchett to perform the One hundred and fifty hour tattooing session which he did.

Take a look for yourself at SHOWZAM.

Variety Live is at The Grand Theatre attracting entertainers from all over the world, and is being premiered in Blackpool with future plans to take the show to Vegas.

Yet again Blackpool has come up with something different and exciting for its visitors.



MODEL VILLAGE

What can you say about a model village?

Not a lot normally, but Blackpool has invested a lot of man hours to create this outstanding attraction.

Set in two and a half acres. Yes two and a half acres, of fabulous gardens, where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of Blackpool for a few hours, and take a stroll at your own pace.

Each model is hand made by craftsmen, from houses to caravans to rivers and streams and even its own prison.

The grand church looks over the community while the cricketers enjoy a day off work to play their favourite game.

Built in the sixties, once again Blackpool moves forward and keeps up with the times and what people would like to see on their stay here in Blackpool.



OPERA HOUSE BLACKPOOL

One of the most exciting things in life is going to a large theatre to see a star perform. The Opera house is just that, big and full of the biggest stars from around the world.

It was built for £9098.

Cheap?

Not really, because that is the equivalent of £40 million in today’s money, but what a lot you get for £9098. It had for many years the biggest stage in Europe, with room to drive in trucks, and stage a full orchestra.

In 1939 it opened to the public and was originally called ‘Her Majesty’s Opera House’ with a seating capacity of three thousand.

The first act to play there was George Formby, a big big star in his day who in fact owned a house in Blackpool.

In 1955 the first ever Royal Command to be staged outside London was at the Opera House and this year 2009 we see the welcome return as the Royal Command once again arrives at this great theatre.

Entertainers to grace the stage over the years include Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, and recently Little Britain and Ricky Gervais.

Quite a line up for quite a theatre.



THE GRAND THEATRE BLACKPOOL

Frank Matcham may not ring a bell to most people, but to theatre goers the name is very special indeed. He designed some of the most famous theatres in the World including our very own Grand Theatre Blackpool.

It opened in 1894 at a cost of £20,000, which sounds like a snip, but in today’s money, that price would be a staggering £80 million. Can you imagine in this day and age going to your bank manager and asking for £80 million to open a theatre. I don’t think so.

Some say that it was Matcham’s best work, with stunning ceilings and three balconies to seat one thousand and eighty. And even to the untrained eye it is a pleasure to stand and look at his incredible work from all those years ago.

These days ‘The Grand’ is as beautiful as the day it was born, with opera’s, plays, pantomimes and ballets being performed on that famous stage there all year round.

And it’s all thanks to ‘The friends of the Grand’ because in 1972 the theatre was twenty four hours away from being a car park.

Thank you so much ‘Friends of the Grand’



DOCTOR WHO

The Dr Who Museum is an incredibly popular attraction in Blackpool drawing in fans and curious visitors from all over the country.

The Museum is situated between Central Pier and the Tower, next to the Sealife Centre, so

if you have ever wanted to step into the famous Tardis ,then here’s your chance.

Of course you won’t actually be transported in time but with a little imagination who knows what could happen; and if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to stand next to a Dalak, then the Dr Who Museum allows this also.

In fact it has the largest collection of Dalek's anywhere in the world.

There are ten themed areas which include The Dalek’s, Behind the Sofa, The Tardis, Cyberman, Monster Alley, Robot zone, Bessie, Costume Gallery and The new series.

Dr Who first started being televised by the BBC in 1963 and has been popular right up to the present day with a following from all over the world.

But you don’t need to know the details or dates and names to enjoy The Dr Who Museum, just let yourself and your family enjoy the spectacle as you take a slow stroll around the exhibition.

Do you remember the names of the Dr Who’s? …. No … Then here they are.

The First Dr - William Hartnell (1963-1966)

The Second Dr - Patrick Troughton (1966-1969)

The Third Dr - Jon Pertwee (1970-1974)

The Forth Dr - Tom Baker (1974-1981)

The Fifth Dr - Peter Davison (1982-1984)

The Sixth Dr - Colin Baker (1984-1986)

The Seventh Dr - Sylvester McCoy (1987-1989)

The Eighth Dr - Paul McGann (1996) - Movie

The Ninth Dr - Christopher Eccleston (2005)

The Tenth Dr - David Tennant (2005-present)



BLACKPOOL TOWER

Probably one of the best known landmarks in the world today standing at 518ft 9inches, the tower looks over Blackpool and has done since it was erected in 1894.

The base on the building contains 985 tons of steel and 259 tons of cast iron to hold everything into place because of the high winter winds coming off the Irish sea for four months of the year.

But let me assure you that for the past one hundred and ten years the maintenance, and safety to the public has never been compromised, making it safe and fun to visit.

If you are a daredevil for instance then try the viewing platform at a mere 380ft above the ground, or if you have no nerves at all then try ‘The Walk of Faith’ at 450ft. The Walk of Faith is a two inch clear panel that you walk on looking down at the streets below, and is certainly not for the faint hearted.

Made of two pieces of two inch clear glass the staggering views can simply take your breath away, so please ask granny if she is willing before surprising her.

The Tower is and always has been a major player in the Blackpool entertainment industry, presenting shows such as the fabulous Tower Circus, starring one of the most respected circus performers ever ‘Mookey’.

International performers join this spectacular show for most of the year giving everyone a chance of seeing the circus whatever time of the year they visit Blackpool.

The Tower Ballroom. Designed by the famous Frank Machum in 1899.

During the day you can dance away to the sounds of The Wurlitzer organ in the spectacular surroundings of the ballroom.

Then during the evening you can watch the lavish stage show ‘Rock Royalty’ with all your favourite Tribute performers such as Elvis, Rod Stewart, Sir Elton John, and Kylie Minogue singing all your favourite songs.

Jungle Jim's is one of Europe’s largest indoor adventure playgrounds and it is right here inside Blackpool Tower. The Jungle fun zone is where you can let your little one’s let off steam while mum and dad take a breather for a change.

The Tower Aquarium A major attraction for all the family to enjoy. There are over seventy species of fish and crustations, from seahorses to Lobster, to Eels and much much more.

Jurassic walk was a new attraction in 2008. You can travel back in time to meet giant animals roaming through the Dinosaur landscape. And if you are brave enough to actually walk with the animals then take a seat in the 3D cinema where you can wear your 3D glasses and feel that you are right there with these Giants of the past.

Great fun for all.

Have a great time at Blackpool Tower.