Such fun living the high life (From Advertiser Series)

Such fun living the high life

8:26am Monday 8th June 2009

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he last time I’d visited Blackpool I ended up on the Big Dipper with an American called Richard Rodriguez, who was aiming to break his own world record for continuously riding the roller-coaster. He stayed on it for three months, day and night!

Richard had been on the Big Dipper for five weeks by the time the hen party I was with joined him on it. He didn’t look well. Last week I returned to Blackpool for a day out. This time there were no roller-coaster record-breakers but, walking past the Pleasure Beach, we heard screams from the Pepsi Max Big One – Europe’s tallest, fastest roller-coaster – as a carriage load of thrill-seekers plunged down a 235ft vertical drop at breakneck speed.

My nephew and niece, Alex, 12, and Ellie, ten, were buzzing with that blend of fear and excitement you get with a jaw-droppingly massive roller-coaster. It was a treat to be in Blackpool; I loved it as a child and still get excited by the sight of Blackpool Tower – and the Big One – rising in the distance.

We caught a tram to Central Pier, where we wandered around the amusement arcade and enjoyed a ride on the dodgems. Over at Coral Island, a family entertainment centre with a huge skull on its pirate-themed facade overlooking the sea, we had fish and chips at the Buccaneer Bar, a Fifties-style diner.

Next door was Blackpool Tower, the UK’s most famous seaside landmark and centrepiece of the town’s illuminations. Built in 1894, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, it’s 518ft high and can be seen from 30 miles away.

I’d never been to the top of the tower before so it was a thrill to climb the cast iron structure inside its glass lift, looking out as the seafront got smaller. We got out at a viewing platform, where we braved the ‘Walk of Faith’ transparent floor; two sheets of laminated glass looking down to the street below.

From the platform, on a clear day, you can see the Lake District, North Wales and the Isle of Man. Unfortunately the top viewing platform, 450ft high, was closed so we went back down in the lift and wandered around Jurassic Walk, a simulated dinosaur landscape, before entering the magnificent Tower Ballroom. It’s beautiful, with glittering crystal chandeliers and ornate designs surrounding the dance floor, and has an old-fashioned charm. Couples waltzed around to the sounds of the Wurlitzer organ.

The BBC’s Come Dancing programme, and the final of the second series of Strictly Come Dancing, were televised from the Tower Ballroom. I tried to get Alex up for a waltz but he was horrified by the idea of dancing in public, especially with his auntie. The oldest part of the building is the aquarium, part of a Victorian menagerie which the tower was built around. It houses 60 species of fresh and salt water fish. I’m not keen on seeing creatures in captivity, so it wasn’t really for me.

We caught a tram along the Golden Mile to the Pleasure Beach, a place I’ve loved since I went on the Alice In Wonderland ride at the age of four.

With Alex and Ellie I started off on the Cat And Mouse – a complete bone-shaker – then the Big Dipper, which has thrilled generations since the early 20th century. We moved on to the Avalanche, a bobsleigh sending us twisting along at 50mph. I’ve always been spooked by the Gold Mine ride, but I plucked up courage to go on it with the children – only to find it was closing, even though it was only 5pm. We were also disappointed to discover that the Pleasure Beach itself was due to close at 6pm, when we’d paid nearly £100 for three wristbands and a pass. A sign outside said it was open until 10pm. Equally annoying was the fact that, as we were leaving, the car park toilets were locked. Thankfully, we had time for The Big One before we left. After a 30-minute queue, we were hurtling around on the Pleasure Beach’s biggest, fastest, scariest roller-coaster. Three minutes of adrenaline-charged terror – the best way to end a fun day out.

Factfile

Blackpool Pleasure Beach opening times and prices vary. Wristbands for adults, children and senior citizens provide access to all rides. A £5 Pleasure Beach Pass covers limited attractions including the Pleasure Beach Express, and can be topped up with tickets for rides or upgraded to a wristband. For more information, ring 0871 2221234 or visit pleasurebeachresort.com.

Tickets for Blackpool Tower cost £12 for adults and £10 for children and senior citizens, which includes entry to a circus show. For more information ring (01253) 622422 or visit theblackpooltower.co.uk.

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