Coach travel to Blackpool

While it may be roughly half the size of the Eiffel Tower, a trip to the top of Blackpool’s famous landmark is still a must. There’s a lot to do at many different levels of the tower, too. Start with a visit to the ghoulish Blackpool Tower Dungeon, where you can get lost in a mirror maze, take part in a court case or try Drop Dead, a suitably gory ride on the hangman’s noose.

Next, head to the magnificent Blackpool Tower Ballroom, a grand rococo venue that could have come straight out of Beauty and the Beast. Then head up to the Tower Eye to catch a 4D film about Blackpool’s history, before taking the elevator up to the observation deck with its heart-stopping glass floor.

Because it would be strange to go all the way to the coast without seeing some marine animals, SEA LIFE is a must-visit. This aquarium has 2,000 marine creatures including sharks, rays, octopuses and sea horses. SEA LIFE also covers a variety of different habitats, including Blackpool’s own ecosystem to the mysterious depths of the ocean. When you’ve seen enough fins and flippers, enter the leafy Amazon rainforest area for turtles, chameleons and Poison Dart Frogs. Intrepid visitors can even don a snorkel and flippers and go diving with the sharks.

With a year-round temperature of 84-degree, Sandcastle Waterpark brings some much needed tropical heat to Blackpool all year round.

As the UK’s largest indoor waterpark, Sandcastle has 18 slides – including 4 especially created for thrillseekers. Montazooma is an Aztec-themed mat slide with 360° loops and back-to-back turns, while Aztec Falls plunges you in pitch darkness. Sandcastle Waterpark also set world records with Masterblaster, the world’s longest indoor rollercoaster waterslide, and Sidewinder, the world’s first indoor vertical waterslide.

Fancy a gentler ride? Check out the Ushi Gushi River Creek or the Dueling Dragons. For younger visitors, there’s an interactive adventure game and water cannons aboard the HMS Thundersplash.

A permanent, free exhibit under Blackpool Tower, the Comedy Carpet is a huge mosaic of over 800 funny quotes, one-liners and classic catchphrases from comedy legends – many of whom have performed in Blackpool.

Comedy connoisseurs should look out for Morecambe and Wise, Alexei Sayle and quotes from television classics such as Blackadder, Fawlty Towers and Dad’s Army. Hollywood may have its Walk of Fame, but Blackpool unites visitors with a laugh and a joke. Take your time and see if you can find a favourite.

Get a selfie with a celebrity without infuriating their bodyguards at Madame Tussauds. Because they’re waxworks, you can discuss space with Brian Cox, pose with Freddie Mercury or put two fingers up behind Ed Sheeran’s head until your heart’s content.

Hardcore Coronation Street fans will be delighted to visit The Rover’s Return and hang out with stationary cast members old and new. Those looking to move up in the world might want to head for HRHs William and Kate.

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