Exclusive:
Richard Jackson and his family dive into the playground of the North, trying out Merlin Pick ’n’ Mix Passes and visiting the Sea Life Centre, Madame Tussauds and the imposing Blackpool Tower
We do like to be beside the seaside – and old-school favourite Blackpool has been a top choice for generations of families. But the reliably unreliable British weather means the beach is not always an option, and there are only so many coppers you can sink into those addictive 2p machines (although, believe me, my children put that to the test).
So luckily, leisure giant Merlin has come up with a host of ideas to magic away a few days. The theme park group has several weather-proof attractions in the town, including the Sea Life Centre, Madame Tussauds and (if you have a head for heights) the imposing Blackpool Tower.
There’s a nice mix of things to do – for kid-friendly charging around on the promenade, there’s Peter Rabbit: Explore and Play and the Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse.
For all ages, the Sea Life Centre is always a favourite while Madame Tussauds was great fun (although I was mildly disappointed that the waxworks were so good, with the exception of a monstrous Alan Carr, and so recognisable!). The Blackpool Tower Circus was an unexpected treat. The jokes were corny, and seem to have been written sometime in the mid-90s, but my seven-year-old girls were left literally wide-eyed by the incredible trapeze artists, contortionists and stunt performers from around the world.
We only lasted about five minutes in the genuinely spooky Tower Dungeons, so that’s probably not one for most youngsters.
But for real fear, there’s the Tower itself and its Skywalk, a glass-bottomed viewing platform 380ft up in the air (you can see for miles around, into the Irish Sea, and for what seems like miles straight down). My children loved it. I did not, staying as far away from the glass floor as was possible up there.
But if you don’t have vertigo, the views are SPECTACULAR. Apparently. I had my eyes closed. To get more bang for your buck, Merlin offers Pick ’n’ Mix Passes so you can cram in as many attractions as possible. They cost from £35 each for a day, or from £45 each for two days, and are a must if you are feeling active (although pre-booking entry times online, which I did not do, will save you a fair bit of waiting time).
Our family stayed at the recently opened Holiday Inn Blackpool. Unlike some parts of the town, which look a little faded, it is shiny, bright and welcoming. The rooms were comfy and more than big enough, with a fantastic self-service breakfast (held in the Marco Pierre White-branded “New York Italian” restaurant.)
It’s in a great location, just a quick five-minute stroll downhill to the famous promenade, but far enough away from the stag/hen-fuelled hustle and bustle to ensure a good night’s sleep for your kids.
And although we drove there, Blackpool North train station is just outside the hotel doors – which would have meant avoiding the stress of the M6. For getting around, the tram stop is also outside. But all of the Merlin attractions are between the North and Central piers on the prom, so you can easily walk it.
Outside of the Merlin attractions, there is plenty to do. We all know what Blackpool is. It’s a silly, fun (and – yes – sometimes a bit tacky) place. But that’s part of the charm, particularly for holidaying families not looking for anything too serious. You’re never very far away from an ice cream, a tray of fish and chips, or places to donate your unwanted 2ps.
And while you’re waiting for a Mr Whippy or chips, you’re literally standing on the names of giants, some of Britain’s legendary entertainers. The beachfront Comedy Carpet illustrates some of the old-school greats that brought your grannies and grandpas to Blackpool.
Laurel and Hardy, Morecambe and Wise… Cannon and Ball! (who are great, too, as an underrated variety act in their own way – check them out on that there YouTube!) And, obviously, there’s the piers and a surprisingly clean sandy beach, and from September, too, the town is lit up by the famous Illuminations.
But Blackpool is always a bright idea, whenever you choose to go.
Book the holiday
