Pleasure Beach Blackpool, for many the premier amusement park in the country.

It costs £30 to get in and now £5 to enter as a "spectator" which is quite cheeky, the family deals don't take much off either, small reductions are to be had by booking online though and what you get is a access to a huge sprawling futuristic landscape filled with towering thrill rides, add the always appropriate music the smell of waffles, candyfloss and hotdogs cooking and the place blitzes the senses. There are magical experiences to be had in this great atmospheric place.

Parking is very expensive near the park costing upto £8, however coming in from the M 55 onto yeadon way you will be presented with south shore parking signs, this huge car park is much better value and only ten minutes walk away.

The best thing about the Pleasure Beach is the monstrous collection of white knuckle roller coasters, many historically important in the dna of todays newest rides.

The massive Big One is much vaunted but after the first drop offers nothing, the infusion is excellent and quite possibly the country's second best inversion coaster after Kumali at Flamingoland then there's the excellent avalanch, revolution, the wonderful Valhalla, average Steeple Chase, great Ice Blast, the fabulous Bling etc.... all of which tickle the senses. Height restrictions are reasonable with an average eight year old able to ride all but The Big One, Bling, Ice Blast and Revolution.

For the smaller Kids beaver creek is a must, there are some mini versions of the big rides like the log flume and mini dipper plus a big assortment of other kiddie rides that hit the mark.

The Pleasure Beach's aces are 3 in number starting with the "Roller Coaster" a classic woody which although quite smooth offers more than some of the massive steel constructions of today. The Big Dipper is world famous and offers a great if bumpy ride beating the Big One hands down and the best of all Grand National, this is one of the best coasters ever made with two cars side by side racing over a perfect track offering the most thrilling experience of all. The top tip is always to get as near the back of the carriage as possible for maximum seat lift.

Food is very expensive even along new south promenade near the Pleasure Beach but a fifteen minute walk north towards the tower sees a big reduction from the promenade cafes, restaurants, and speciallity eateries.

A couple of points to note is the mistake they made removing the large logflume for the Infusion, this was one of the best logflumes in the land and is missed by many and don't bother queuing for Space Invader 2 as its the worst ride in creation and offers nothing, its a small slow roller coaster in a dull capsule.

Queues are big for the top rides and 30/50 minutes are usual but if you dont go in July, August, September, October you should find it quiet enough.

NB: Been back recently, just as great, huge fun, wondeful place.