Attractions of Blackpool with Darren & Isobel

 Attractions of Blackpool

It was time to get up close and personal with some of our most loved celebrities from tv and sport. We couldn't believe how life like they were. 

We rubbed shoulders with the cheeky duo Ant & Dec and some legendry sporting stars. 

The Rovers Return was a big hit especially getting to stand behind the bar with Bet Lynch! 

Meeting Royalty was a highlight and we did our best curtsey and Royal wave.

The iconic Blackpool Tower  was a sight to behold; it is such an iconic landmark. We also couldn't resist a ride on the horse and carriage. We felt like celebrities as we waved at passers by. 

Our tour of the tower started with an incredible 4D cinema where we put on our glasses and watched as the special sensory effects and incredible filming which brought the history of the tower to life. It was an amazing experience and a first for some as we encountered wind, snow and water. Next, we made our way to the elevator which took us to 380ft into the sky to the thrilling Skywalk. We all felt very brave as we walked out onto the 5cm thick glass viewing platform to admire the stunning views of the promenade and the whole of Blackpool.

Ready for our underwater adventure at the Sealife Centre where an enormous and amazing collection of fish and marine animals awaited us. Our first stop was the rock pool area where some of us dared to touch some of the small crabs and starfish. We were amazed at all the different colours and sizes of the fish especially the ray pool where we sat whilst they came up to the side of the tank past us. It was thrilling to walk through the glass ocean tunnel whilst the sharks, rays and Phoenix the large sea turtle swam overhead. We took a seat inside where the large tank is and listened as the staff explained to us about plastic polluting our oceans and the dramatic effect it is having on our marine life. They also shared information about the sharks and fish and how Phoenix the turtle was celebrating her 25th birthday which is the equivalent of a teenager in human terms. 

The Tower Ballroom, one of the truly iconic venues of the 19th century was just spectacular to see in real life. We have been so used to seeing it featured on Strictly Come Dancing. As we took our seats, we enjoyed a hot drink and some cake whilst admiring its beautifully decorated ceilings, sparkling chandeliers and ornate balconies. We couldn't visit the ballroom without dancing on the famous dance floor to the sounds of the Wurlitzer organ. 

A visit to the circus was a must. We made ourselves comfortable waiting for the show to begin and it wasn't long before Mooky and Mr Boo the resident clowns appeared causing lots of mayhem and laughter. There were some amazing, incredible stunts, juggling and death-defying acrobatics. During the interval we enjoyed some popcorn and ice cream, and Leonore purchased the circus program, so we decided to try and get it signed by the clowns who were more than willing to oblige. 

It was game on as we hit the bowling alley for a few fun but competetive games. There were high score and a few strikes. It was too close to call at times!