Coral Island is just one of the amusement arcades on Blackpools promenade.

~Location~

Coral Island is situated on the promenade between the North and Central Pier. It is a short distance from attractions such as the Blackpool Tower, Louis Tussauds and the Sea Life Centre. It is also nearby the main shopping area. The arcade can be accessed through many entrances with the main entrance being just off the promenade and featuring a huge skull design.

The full contact address for the arcade is :

Coral Island
Promenade
Blackpool
FY1 5DW

01253 293133

I cannot locate the opening times though I do believe Coral Island is opened til around 11ish at night and is open 7days a week.

~Facilities~

The main focus is on amusements within this arcade. There is something for every age and budget.

*Ride - a monorail runs around the arcade
*Prize bingo - cheap tickets with potential to win various prizes through collecting tokens (adults only can play)
*Food - there is an attatched fish and chip shop, a cafe and a restaurant serving various, dishes to suit all tastes
*Toilets - a few located around the arcade
*Over 18s - various sections for adults only with big money machines (water machines dotted around)
*Other amusements - more fruit machines from 2p, grabber machines with prizes, teddy machines, small roundabout type rides, donkey derby, coin push machines and more
*Interactive - open simulators, dancing games, guitar hero etc

The arcade is wheelchair accessible from every entrance and buggy friendly.

~My Opinion~

We went to Blackpool once a year when I was a child and I always looked forward to visiting Coral Island. I love the amusements and to me, Blackpool is a haven. My latest trip was in June for an overnight with my sister and I was adamant we had to visit Coral Island. We visited at night time and it was buzzing. It looked every bit as cool as I remember and very clean throughout. Unfortuantely the bingo was closed when we were there (on a Friday night) which seemed a little odd.

Anyway, I love the atmosphere in Coral Island and was amazed when I went in. Even as an adult, I still get excited by those typical amusement noises and could hear them before we even entered! During our visit we didn't eat in the arcade but previous experience and friends have confirmed the meals are affordable, decent enough and filling. The staff are friendly enough and can be approached for help, tea, coffee or you can visit the booths for change (or the change machines).

~Fun Fun Fun!~

There is something for everyone at Coral Island. As we didn't have the children with us, we stuck to the more adult amusements. The childrens amusements are spread throughout and reasonably cheap in comparrison to some arcades. There is lots of fun little rides to entertain even the youngest of children and I look forward to taking my son there as he will love it. Everything is so bright and spaced well out. The inside is much bigger than you would expect!

The over 18s area is ok if you have plenty of money as some of the machines are 30-50p a play. The prize money is better though and with the opportunity to get up on prize boards to win more, it is worth a shot. I had to set myself a limit though as it is easy to get engrossed and overspend! I won a few times on some machines as did my sister but I left with the same amount I went in with to be honest! I like the variation of machines as there are more complex ones and then traditional OXO and fruit machines.

The other amusement area with machines is for those who don't wish to gamble as much with 2p, 5p and 10p machines. I had a flutter and although the prize money is less (£1-£5.00), your credits last longer and it is fun! We ventured over to the interactive area where my sister thrashed out some tunes on guitar hero and then we had a shot on a simulator for £1.00 which is perfectly acceptable and some giggle!

~Conclusion~

I recommend Coral Island to anyone wanting some exciting fun. I didn't spend too much but it would be easy to go overboard. The bright lights and fun tunes are very tempting and pull you in. I do feel the little rides and the amusements are affordable but if you have quite a few children with you, it will cost you a fortune! The location and facilities are good and when we next go to Blackpool, we will be visiting to pass some time.

Thanks for reading :)

*Update - the popular trams stop on the promenade in front of Coral Island and there are bus stops and a taxi rank at the rear entrance (I don't live in Blackpool so cannot comment on bus numbers etc). As far as I could see the cafe was shut when we visited in June hence the reason I didn't get to sample the food there. Like I said, I have had friends and family who have been at times and stated the food was tasty, plenty of choice and well priced. *