Sharing is caring!

We have just returned from 36 hours in Blackpool with the kids so what did we do!

Where we stayed!

We stayed one night in Blackpool, on a Saturday night at the The Big Blue Hotel, which was located just next to the Pleasure Beach near the sea front. The family room was a really good size, with bunk beds for the kids in a separate area of the room. The kids had a TV each (although both TV’s have to show the same channel), a playstation (games available from reception to hire) and a magnetic snakes and ladders board to use. The staff were very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Breakfast was included in our room rate and was excellent. Tons of choice for children and adults. The only downside was that due to a private function we could not book into the restaurant on the Saturday night but apart from that we would definitely recommend the Big Blue.

Sea Life

We spent nearly 2 hours at the Sea life Centre in Blackpool with 3 children age 7, 6 and 5. We had passes for all attractions and both Sea Life and Madame Tussauds were big hits with the kids. We have visited a few sea life centres and found this one was one of the best. It feels very spacious, is interactive and packed with things to do. We were there at February half term and although it was busy we didn’t feel cramped or rushed at all. The Sea Life Centre in Blackpool has just opened a brand new £150,000 attraction, ‘Sea Stars’. The display features starfish of all different shapes, sizes and colours, such as a giant Californian Sunstar which grows to 3ft wide!

Madame Tussauds

We really wanted to visit the waxworks but weren’t expecting to stay long as we thought the kids would be bored, especially as they were quite young. Not so! We all had a brilliant time and we stayed for hours! This place is great fun! Again it is very spacious and well laid out, so even at the popular attractions (penalty spot kicks with Jo Hart) the kids still got a turn. There are tons of different activities in each section for the kids to amuse themselves with (Jamiroquai Hats, drum kits, karaoke) whilst the adults actually get time to look at the sculptures and read the information. We had a drink in the Rovers Return Pub- where Bet Lynch is behind the bar and Deirdre Barlow is sat in the window! The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable.  This is a must see!

Sandcastle Waterpark

We visited the Sandcastle on Sunday afternoon at 2.30pm in February half term and it didn’t feel too busy. A really good idea is that you can put money onto an electronic wristband (which is also your locker key) to buy drinks/food/slide passes whilst you are inside without having to go back to your locker for cash. The changing rooms were warm and clean and the showers were hot! We stayed for 2 ½ hours but we could easily have entertained the kids for most a of a day. There is plenty of fun stuff to do- a great wave pool, rapids, awesome rides and flumes and a fantastic shallow pool with lots of adventures to keep the littler ones happy.

The Tower Ballroom

We are Strictly Come Dancing fans so we could not wait for our Sunday morning visit to the ballroom and it did not disappoint! It is simply spectacular. It was VERY busy but that was part of the fun. We found seats on the front row upstairs in the gallery and the kids and I sat for an hour or so and watched the amateur (and some not so amateur!) dancers whirl their way around this stunning room. We took snacks to keep the kids happy- although there is a bar serving the usual stuff and the tables were all laid out beautifully for afternoon tea later that day. It’s not a place you would stay for ages but it has to be seen if you are dancing fans!

The Tower Eye

The 3D video at the beginning of this ride is just brilliant! The kids loved wearing the 3D glasses and they were delighted when it snowed! It really sets the scene and gets you in the mood for a trip to the top! There’s a little bit too much waiting around (I think one lift only was in use on the day we visited- could have done with 2 really) but the views from the top are awesome and well worth seeing. The glass floor was a challenge for some of the kids (the adults too!) but we all had fun for an hour or so. It’s not too long an attraction so can be squeezed in without too much trouble to a busy weekend/day!

We had a fabulous 36 hours in Blackpool with the kids. Did we miss out any of your favourites?

Why not PIN this

NB: This is a guest post by Kate and Kate received tickets to the Tussauds attractions in order to review but all views and opinions are her own.