Adventure awaits at the seaside
If I was to tell you I’d been snorkelling with sharks, you might presume I’d been holidaying somewhere like the Bahamas or Maldives, and not just returned from a break in Blackpool. Yes, I did say Blackpool – not an obvious shark spotting resort.
But isn’t the Irish sea too chilly for these sharp toothed fish? Although some species of shark are happy to go about their business in the deeper waters of the Irish sea, you’re more likely to find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow than see a Jaws-like fin slicing through the water by Blackpool’s Central Pier. However, we’ll talk sharks a little later on.
With more UK residents choosing to holiday closer to home, whether the sun’s shining or not, the Great British holiday can easily trump far off shores, and are much less fuss to reach. We’re accustomed to the British climate, it gives us something to natter about and bond over – we can take most things it throws at us, and ice cream tastes good whatever the weather – right?
Home of the world famous Illuminations, the nostalgic seaside resort of Blackpool has received quite a facelift over the past few years, and is currently undergoing a multi-million pound regeneration; old buildings and landmarks blended with newer, contemporary attractions, this charming traditional seaside town is flourishing, as I very quickly discovered.
We stayed at the Hotel Sheraton on the seafront, just a few tram stops away from the Blackpool Tower. The hotel has recently refurbished half of its rooms, ours was decorated in a fun, but tasteful nautical theme in shades of blue, with crisp white linen and homely cushions – very comfortable.
The resort is jam-packed with attractions and activities, so we took advantage of the Blackpool Resort Pass Plus which gave us access to nine of the attractions, and with a pass to suit all budgets, makes it one of the most cost-effective ways for families, groups and couples to make best of the entertainment – you can also add transport bolt-ons to your pass, so it’s even easier to get around.
Scream your lungs out on the Pleasure Beach’s newest ride ICON – not for the faint-hearted, and have your picture ‘papped’ with the stars at Madame Tussauds, then ‘marvel’ at the size of Hulk’s biceps in their latest Marvel exhibit – a must for comic superhero fans. Laugh and poke fun at Mr Boo with Mooky the Clown at the Tower Circus (think I might have had too much candy floss!), and jump the waves at the Sandcastle Waterpark, where temperatures are always tropical – who needs the Caribbean?
The iconic red Tower stands proud against the skyline, overlooking miles of golden sandy beaches. Learn about its history in the 4D cinema, before taking a trip to the top where you can view the panoramic views, the brave stepping onto the glass viewing platform a breathtaking 380ft up – look down if you dare.
At the Sea Life Centre there are plentiful strange and wonderful creatures to discover; hands are tickled by the cleaner shrimps in the shallow rock pools as they give you an underwater manicure, view the peaceful seahorses dancing through the aquarium bubbles, and keep a watchful eye on the fierce looking piranhas, lurking in the shadows.
Now back to the sharks. Wetsuits and snorkels on, we climbed down into the salty water for a ‘face to fin’ underwater experience.
White and black tipped sharks came to take a look at the unusual creatures, clumsily treading water, we were surrounded by an inquisitive underwater audience – I’m not sure who was actually observing who. A truly captivating experience.
With the Illuminations on and running until November 4, it’s an ideal time to experience the ‘bright lights’ and excitement of Blackpool.
Partake in a leisurely stroll along the famous Golden Mile, cone of chips in hand, or get wrapped up in the thrills and spills of the exhilarating attractions, whatever your preferred pace, there’s an adventure waiting!
Hotel Sheraton, 54-62 Queen’s Promenade, FY2 9RP. Rates start at £99 per person for 2 nights half board. Visit www.hotelsheraton.co.uk or call 01253 352723.
The Resort Pass Plus, giving access to nine attractions, is £89 per person and is available from www.visitblackpool.com/resort-pass/
Snorkelling with sharks at SEA LIFE Blackpool costs £50pp online, or £55pp on the day. See www.visitsealife.com
Tickets for Blackpool Tower Circus are £14-£19.95 for adults, £11.50-£16.95 for children and £46-£65 for a family of four. More from www.theblackpooltower.com
