Detailed review by jessieleo
jessieleo(59)
United Kingdom89%
Blackpool is a failry traditional seaside resort on the North West coast of Englnad. In it's hayday, many years ago, it was be a thriving holiday resort with many visitors throughout the summer. Lots of these visitors came in the form of Mill workers during their work' s holiday close down. As fashions began to change Blackpool, unlike many other resorts, tried lots of means to keep visitors and extend the season. As a cold and windy resort the holiday season would have ended by September. However with dark nights Blackpool begins it's illuminations season and has a huge display of lights and decorations. Trams which run along the 'Golden Mile' sea front are also lit up.
The Pleasure Beach has been in operation many years. My Mum had visited as a young woman and she was born in 1917. My first visit was in 1966 as a fourteen year old. At that age the Pleasure Beach, for me, was magical. It's famous, or should I say infamous, ride was the Big Dipper. Of course I had to experience this. Despite the stomach churning and screaming I loved it.
Blackpool is one of those places that you either love or hate. Hubby has only visited as a day tripper a couple of tmes. The last time we visited on a work trip I asked him what he wanted to do, as we arrived. The answer was go home. Blackpool always was a little tacky and I think it is that to the extreme these days, but many people still love it.
The Pleasure Beach is at the South end of the 'Golden Mile'. It is a huge area of amusements and attractions. Of course the Big Dipper has been far surpassed these days with much bigger and scarier rides. It can be a costly visit and at busy times there can be long queues. There are plenty of places dotted around to get a snack but these can be a little pricey. If you wanted to you could probably visit Blackpool and spend a full day just visiting the Pleasure Beach. I would recommend packing up a snack to save some money for the attractions.
One of my memories of the Big Dipper is that as we travelled high in the air, along the slow part of track, the views over the coast and inland were terrific. Of course once it gets up to speed you do not see much really and that is probably true of the mega rides they have now. As an old foggie now I would not dare experience many of the fast and high rides. However there is a lot to offer for young and old who are adventurous. There is a good mix of old traditional attractions and modern stomach churners. I love the water ride.
If you visit remember the Pleasure Beach is a huge area and wear sensible footwear. If you visit late in the day it can end up with many drunken revellers, so pick the time and day of your visit well. Even if you choose not to ride any of the attractions there is still a good afternoon's entertainment to be had.
Recommended for lovers of theme and fun parks.
Pleasure Beach9
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