Attractions of Blackpool with Midi, Isobel & Hayley

 Attractions of Blackpool 

Today brought our first full taste of Blackpool. A visit to the iconic Tower Ballroom transported us back in time, with glittering chandeliers, ornate balconies, and the sound of the Wurlitzer organ as couples danced across the sprung floor. Tea, cake, and dancing followed before lunch and shopping in town.

 The afternoon Circus was a true highlight, packed with daring acrobatics, comedy, and spectacular stunts, crowned by a magical water-and-lights finale  and made even more special by a shout-out to JollyDays. 

That evening, we experienced one of Blackpool’s most magical traditions as we took a leisurely drive through the world-famous Illuminations. Stretching for over five miles along the promenade, the display transformed the seafront into a glowing ribbon of colour and light. Giant illuminated scenes, playful character displays, and sweeping light tunnels lined the route, each one more dazzling than the last. Neon reds, blues, purples, and golds shimmered and reflected off the wet road and shop windows, creating a constantly changing kaleidoscope of colour. As we travelled along the promenade, the atmosphere inside the minibus was full of excitement, with people pointing out their favourite displays and sharing memories of past visits. The Blackpool Tower stood proudly at the heart of it all, glowing in shifting colours as it rose above the lights, a true beacon of the town.

It was off to the ever-popular Madame Tussauds, which proved to be a real highlight for the group. The attraction was full of laughter from start to finish as everyone posed for photos with an impressive collection of lifelike wax figures. We began in the Strictly Come Dancing area, admiring the sparkling costumes and taking turns as judges, enthusiastically handing out “tens from Len.” From there, we moved through a variety of themed zones, meeting familiar faces from I’m a Celebrity including Ant & Dec, and even stopping for a photo with E.T. Classic British comedy brought plenty of smiles as we stood alongside legends such as Morecambe & Wise and The Two Ronnies, while the Marvel Superheroes Zone allowed us to get up close to Spider-Man, the Hulk, and other larger-than-life characters. A stroll onto the Coronation Street set saw us sitting inside the Rovers Return for a well-earned rest and a few more photos. Music fans enjoyed rubbing shoulders with Adele, Ed Sheeran, Freddie Mercury, and crossing Abbey Road with The Beatles, while the Royal Family display impressed everyone with figures of King Charles III, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the Prince and Princess of Wales. The newest addition, Taylor Swift, proved especially popular.

We stayed closer to home with a visit to Ribby Hall’s Wild Discovery Centre. We encountered fascinating animals including capybaras, leafcutter ants, rare crocodiles, and the intriguing binturong, learning about conservation along the way. 

Lunch at Billy Bob’s American Diner was a fun highlight, with towering waffles and pancakes in a retro setting. 

The evening brought glamour and energy at the Kings & Queens Tribute Show on Central Pier, featuring unforgettable performances from Elvis, Michael Jackson, and Robbie Williams which we all agreed to be the standout night of the holiday.

Today saw us return to Blackpool Tower for the immersive 4D cinema and breathtaking views from the top, with some brave enough to step onto the glass floor. 

After classic fish and chips on the promenade, we explored the Sea Life Centre, enjoying colourful marine displays, an underwater tunnel, and learning about sharks and Phoenix the giant turtle. 

Thursday took us further afield on a scenic journey to the Lake District. In Bowness-on-Windermere, we enjoyed a relaxing cruise across the lake to Lakeside, complete with fascinating commentary and beautiful autumn views. 

A nostalgic steam train journey on the Haverthwaite Line followed, with vintage carriages, countryside scenery, and the whistle of the locomotive adding to the charm.