Well, I visited Blackpool for the first time over the weekend and went up the newly refurbished tower. With my Premium Annual Pass, not only was I allowed into the park during October Half Term, but my family were all allowed in at half price, which was a fantastic offer and saved quite a bit of money. Before entering the tower itself, you have to watch a 4D film whether you want to or not. As it happens, the film is brilliant. Cheesy, but brilliant. But I really don't get the 'no seats', especially after having to stand around in a queue for ten minutes beforehand. The film does get you quite wet, and unlike the London Eye's version, there's no way up the tower without having to endure it first, which is quite odd. After the film, the entire capacity of the cinema are crammed into two moderately sized lifts at the base of the tower, with no room to move and an attendant giving you information about the top of the tower. I don't understand why our attendant said "If you're brave enough... take the SkyWalk!". I really don't get where bravery comes into it, especially after informing us that the glass can hold up to four tonnes. (Needless to say, one gentleman cracked the 'better stay off of it, then, darling' joke to his wife :lol: )
The top of the tower (or 'The Blackpool Tower Eye' as they seem to be calling it now...) is still stunning after 117 years, with views spanning hundreds of miles. I also loved the 'body outline' on a roof below the SkyWalk... a very nice touch! After admiring the fantastic views for a good twenty minutes, we queued up to be crammed back into the lift and descend to the ground once again. Pity we were standing in the lift at the top of the tower for ten minutes because the other one was stuck at the bottom. Nonetheless, we purchased some souvenirs in the gift shop. A medal, a thimble, and a photograph of us sitting on a 'steel beam'. I've also saved the tickets, reciept and a plastic bag. I'm like that.
Later that night, we booked a taxi to take us through the illuminations. They are still brilliant, but nowhere near the spectacular scale they have been in years gone by. We actually spent three solid hours in the taxi, one of which was getting from our hotel to the South Shore. Which brings me to another point. Never stay at the Metropole Hotel. The rooms don't have basic features, mugs are dirty, breakfast is cold, there are no veggie options, parking is very expensive, if the car park isn't already full, which is most likely. Just don't stay there, it's awful.
We also walked along the North Pier, which has a very good chippy at the front. The North Pier is brilliant because it's still traditional, with views over the Blackpool skyline, and just has a really good atmosphere. Plus it's got a carousel for us enthusiasts! :lol:
Central Pier is also a great pier, though it's lost most of it's traditional value, we had a ride on the ferris wheel, which seemed high at the time, but appeared miniscule from the top of the tower.
I'm hoping to return to Blackpool in the future and visit attractions such as:
- PBB
- South Pier
- SEA LIFE
- Madame Tussauds
Yes, I'd strongly recommend Blackpool, especially if you have a Merlin Annual Pass. It's a fantastic town, and a great holiday destination, there's too much to do in just a few days. :--D
The top of the tower (or 'The Blackpool Tower Eye' as they seem to be calling it now...) is still stunning after 117 years, with views spanning hundreds of miles. I also loved the 'body outline' on a roof below the SkyWalk... a very nice touch! After admiring the fantastic views for a good twenty minutes, we queued up to be crammed back into the lift and descend to the ground once again. Pity we were standing in the lift at the top of the tower for ten minutes because the other one was stuck at the bottom. Nonetheless, we purchased some souvenirs in the gift shop. A medal, a thimble, and a photograph of us sitting on a 'steel beam'. I've also saved the tickets, reciept and a plastic bag. I'm like that.
Later that night, we booked a taxi to take us through the illuminations. They are still brilliant, but nowhere near the spectacular scale they have been in years gone by. We actually spent three solid hours in the taxi, one of which was getting from our hotel to the South Shore. Which brings me to another point. Never stay at the Metropole Hotel. The rooms don't have basic features, mugs are dirty, breakfast is cold, there are no veggie options, parking is very expensive, if the car park isn't already full, which is most likely. Just don't stay there, it's awful.
We also walked along the North Pier, which has a very good chippy at the front. The North Pier is brilliant because it's still traditional, with views over the Blackpool skyline, and just has a really good atmosphere. Plus it's got a carousel for us enthusiasts! :lol:
Central Pier is also a great pier, though it's lost most of it's traditional value, we had a ride on the ferris wheel, which seemed high at the time, but appeared miniscule from the top of the tower.
I'm hoping to return to Blackpool in the future and visit attractions such as:
- PBB
- South Pier
- SEA LIFE
- Madame Tussauds
Yes, I'd strongly recommend Blackpool, especially if you have a Merlin Annual Pass. It's a fantastic town, and a great holiday destination, there's too much to do in just a few days. :--D