The UK seaside resort with the ‘best water ride in the world’ and family-friendly shows
“YOU will get wet, you may get soaked,” the sign at the front of the queue reads.
Soaked? After four minutes of high-speed thrills on a Viking longboat, my family and I were absolutely DRENCHED.
We were at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, riding the Valhalla log flume, billed the best water ride in the world.
I’ll certainly vouch for it being the wettest.
As we hurtled towards the finale, we passed through a fiery hell – nearly hot enough to melt our plastic ponchos – and even that couldn’t dry us out.
But fun? You better believe it.
The Pleasure Beach was the first stop on my weekend away in the northern seaside resort with my missus and our kids, Maia, 17, and Rian, 16.
Feeling a little soggy, we were relieved that The Boulevard Hotel was within walking, or squelching, distance of here.
The hotel has cosy doubles, spacious family rooms with bunk beds and, most importantly, sparkling en suites with a bathtub to warm up in after wet adventures.
There’s also a bar, which shakes up an excellent passionfruit martini, and a 140-seat Beachside Restaurant, where I tucked into a succulent feather blade of beef with dauphinoise potato.
I was shocked to see the restaurant was far from packed that evening because it’s certainly a gem and well worth a visit even if you aren’t staying there.
Fed and watered, we headed into town to see what Blackpool’s nightlife had to offer a family of four.
We weren’t disappointed.
On night one we took in mind-blowing illusions at The Evolution of Magic Show, created by duo Craig and Elizabeth (once semi-finalists on Britain’s Got Talent).
Together, they gave us a night to remember, with a series of tricks and illusions, followed by an impressive laser show thrown in for good measure.
Craig must have been a parent’s dream as a kid because he wouldn’t have needed any pocket money, having perfected the art of magically turning one coin into hundreds.
He’s still providing value for money now it seems, with his show costing £16 per adult and £13 per concession (see blackpoolpleasurebeach.com).
If you’re not much of a magic enthusiast, then the Hot Ice Show at the Pleasure Beach Arena is sure to wow, starring some absolutely first rate performers, including former Olympic skaters.
The costumes were incredible, the music was fantastic and the skating routines and choreography were the icing on the cake.
It certainly impressed some of the audience when one of the male cast members took part in a rather steamy bath routine.
I can now see why it’s called the Hot Ice Show.
STAYING THERE: Double rooms at the Boulevard Hotel cost from £97.75 per night, while family rooms, sleeping two adults and two children, cost from £153 per night, both on a room-only basis.
See boulevardhotel.co.uk.