Its long way up...and a long way down!!! (Blackpool Tower)

Member Name: Crocquen

Product:	Blackpool Tower
Date:	04/09/09 (46 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good value day out

Disadvantages: Lift no running when bad weather

Getting there: Whenever we go to Blackpool we always play the "who can spot Blackpool Tower first" game. Whether arriving by train or car, the Tower stands out in the distance. If arriving by train its about a 10 minute walk to the tower from Blackpool North station. Just head down Talbot road and then turn left aiming for the prom. If driving go to the end of the M55 and parking is clearly sign-posted. On a windy day it's advisiable to use the entrance on the non-prom side of the Tower - it can get very blustery - hold on to your hats!!!
Admission: There are a number of vouchers available for the Tower, ie Tesco free child entry with full-paying adult. If using these the full price is payable - ie £16.95 adults. If not using vouchers there are currently some promotional rates available. From now (Sept) til the Tower closes in November (excluding half-term) you can get tickets for £10 online or on the door £12 adults and £10 concessions. During half-term the on-door price increases to £16.95 and concessions £13.95 or £15 and £12 online and the Tesco vouchers aren't redeemable. When we've been before we've got a family ticket which they have available for combinations of adults/child ratios so look out for them. Circus admission is included in the Tower entry and you get a reserved seat so if there's a few of you of you make sure you book together to get your seats together in the circus.
What's to do when you're in? One you've handed over your money you're in and ready for a fun-packed day. If entering from the "non-prom" side the first attraction is the Aquarium. Last time we went my son commented that some of the fish seemed a bit big for the tank, but we saw Nemo and Dory so that was OK!
Emerging from the Aquarium is a small amusement arcade and cloakroom. Prams and pushchairs can be put in here for free (you can't take them in the circus). Other items can be left for 50p each. In the past we've put all our coats in one bag to save carrying them around all day.
Up to the next floor is the Tower ballroom where you can dance the day away or just sit and watch as other's glide around the dance floor - well not always glide in fact it's quite fun when some of the routines don't go to plan and one of the partners storms off in a huff! In the ballroom is a licenced bar serving beers, lager etc. At the other end of the bar is a tea shop serving tea, sandwiches, cakes etc. Also in the ballroom don't miss the organ descend into the floor as the organist finishes and another begins.
Up to the next floor and into 1491 eating area. It's a self service restaurant selling traditional meals, sandwiches, burgers, etc. It's reasonably priced and the food's OK, nothing special though.
Walking through the eating area takes you through to every kids favourite bit of the day - Jungle Jims. They're is a wristband system where each different coloured band gives an hours play. But when your hours up you can always go back and get another colour later in the day. Jungle Jims was re-done a couple of years ago and is the style of a lost world. Ball pools, slides, ropes, climbing etc are all in here and there's a little seperate play area for toddlers. There is a seating are for adults and a licenced bar and coffee shop, which is very civilised when your young ones run off and abandon you for an hour to go and play. The seating area also has a few TV screens so you can see inside the play area and monitor what little Jack and Katie are up to!!
When the kids are exhausted from Jungle Jims the next port of call has to be the top of the Tower lift ride. However sometimes when the weather's not brill the lift doesn't run, but they usually tell you this on admission. The lift takes you so far where you can do the walk of faith - basically walk on a piece of transparent perspex so you can see the ground a long way below you. Which is a bit fun looking a long way below. If you're feeling fit there are 2 more flights of stairs to take you even higher and you can walk round to take in all the views. If you go when the illumnations are on it's quite a sight looking over Blackpool and seeing all the lights.
The Circus is perhaps the more famous part of the Tower - this year called the Circus of Dreams - there are acrobats, jugglers, even animals - not really ones though! And of course Mooky the Clown and Mr Boo, who my youngest adores. Before the circus and at the interval they sell souviners, popcorn, candy floss in the circus ring and you can even have your face painted like Mooky.
All in all it is a good day out and is definetely good value for money. You could easily pay more for just a show ticket that lasts a couple of hours compared to the price of the admission to the Tower.

Summary: Probably best bit thing in Blackpool