Blackpool is stil going strong over a century after it established a name as a holiday resort in Victorian times, attracting the factory workers of North West England with cheap accommodation, fresh sea air and fun. The old-style North Pier provides a glimpse back in time, whilst the southern end of the town is home to the huge Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Blackpool Tower is a must, with a wealth of attractions, as is a ride on a traditional tram along the seafront. Blackpool Sea Life Centre is great for a family day out, and kids will love the beachfront donkey rides in summer!
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The Wild Mouse opened in 1958 and is one of the oldest and scariest
rides in the world that feels truly dangerous - maybe because it still
runs on a wooden track. Designed before the days of health and safety, you experience the worrying sensation that the tiny cars might hurtle over the edge as they appraoch the impossibly tight corners at high speed.
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Blackpool Tower was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and opened
to the public in 1894. At 158 metres (518 feet) high, it can seen from
as far as 30 miles away. If you're visiting Blackpool, it's worth a
ride to the top top take in the great views that stretch as far as Cumbria and the Pennines. If the weather is bad then
a visit to the fantastic Tower Circus, Aquarium and Ballroom will keep you and the kids entertained.
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The Sea Life Centre on Blackpool's famous Golden Mile is a well organised and well run aquarium
which pumps fresh seawater from the Irish Sea through it's tanks. There are over 50 displays of
sea creatures from all over the world, including a coral reef and a
giant walk through tank containing sharks and shoaling fish. British
costal waters are represented with a series of evocative displays
including Rays and Dogfish, which swim with their heads out of the
water at feeding time!
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Blackpool's North Pier was first opened in 1863 as a basic promenade
pier and steamer jetty. It’s an older and more nostalgic place than
the central and south piers, with old fashioned sweet shops, amusements and a palmist along the way as well as a
children’s fun fair located at the far end. There are traditional wood and cast iron benches to sit on and deck chairs can be hired. At only 50p to get in, it's definately value for money.
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The world famous Blackpool Illuminations are switched on each year from early September
for 2 months when the Promenade is transformed to a colourful
wonderland. Blackpool Tower, buildings and even trams become festooned with bulbs and themed characters, from dancing girls to aliens. It's the best time of year to experience Blackpool's gaudy grandeur.
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Blackpool's famous Golden Mile stretches from the North Pier to
Blackpool Pleasure Beach and is the bustling heart of Blackpool. Amusement arcades and numerous novelty
shops selling tacky souvenirs line the promenade. Many of the Blackpool's main attractions can be found here, including Louis Tussaud's Waxworks and the Exhibition of the
Universe, rock, candy floss, burger stalls and fish and chip shops.
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If you have children, then they will enjoy having a go on one of the placid beach donkeys that plod patiently up and down the sands in the summer months. There are several operators which tend to cluster near the central pier. Prices vary but expect to pay about £2 for something every kid will remember.
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Different types of trams run along the sea front, but the best ones are the old green and cream coloured 1950's and 1960's open top models, either single of double decker. Get a lungful of bracing sea air and soak up the holiday atmosphere as you take in the sights.
Look out for the tram stops along the Golden Mile and Sea Front.
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The Infusion ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, isn't actually named
after the process of brewing a tea bag but claims to be "an
exhilarating infusion of the elements." Should that be fusion?
Semantics aside, this is a great white knuckle ride for thrill seekers,
with cascading walls of water and a sky high roller coaster. There are
five incredible loops and rolls, a lake below, and awesome water
effects.
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Either you are the sort of person who will find watching a
transvestite
variety show enjoyable, or you aren't. Funny Girls is very Blackpool -
brash, loud and in your face. People might join in and laugh
wholeheartedly, or find it funny in an ironic sort of way. Whatever
your point of
view, there is no denying that Funny Girls has been and remains
incredibly popular, making the show's founder a multi-millionaire.
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