Blackpool Tower Ticket Review
Blackpool Tower Ticket
Reviewed by Jo Knox
I reviewed the Blackpool ‘Tower Ticket’ to review this weekend. I was staying in Poulton-le-Fylde, not far from the centre of Blackpool. We had to collect the ticket from the visitors centre so arrived at the Tower reception for 10am. Parking in the city centre was relatively easy. We found the shopping centre was reasonably priced compared to some of the larger car parks off the Promenade. A small queue was already formed but this didn’t take too long to get to reception. It gave us the chance to look up to the top of the Tower which was overwhelming in height when you are stood at the bottom of it. We were using The ‘Tower Ticket’ gives access to the following attractions:
The Blackpool Tower Eye and 4D Cinema
The Blackpool Tower Circus
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
Jungle Jim’s
We got our tickets and were ready to get going. We had to book into the circus first and decide which showing we wanted. We opted for 1pm so decided we would have time to go and do the Tower Eye and Jungle Jim’s beforehand.
We stopped by for a look at the ballroom on the way which was very grand. The ballroom had beautiful paintings and the dance floor had about 6 couples on waltzing around the floor. This would be something exciting of you were going to have a dance and afternoon tea but this part of the ticket didn’t interest the children much if I’m honest.
Then we went to Jungle Jim’s and there were various timeslots which you can book in for and you get a coloured wristband for if you wanted to come to one later in the day. The time slots available are dependent on what is available for booking on the day. My children are 12 and 8 and they sped off and we didn’t see them for at least 20 minutes by which time they were thirsty from all the activities in the ‘jungle’. The glide slide, black slide and Aztec themed tunnels and walkways certainly kept the kids entertained. We had coffee and a cake whilst the kids went off to play, reasonably priced.
After our time in the Jungle we went to book in for the Tower Eye, not much of a queue and before and first job was to have our photo taken. It was one of those pictures where we had to point in a particular way against a green background and you collect them at the end. We were then taken to a holding room to collect some 3D glasses and waited in a room which had exposed tower beams and some of the history of the Tower. Who knew painting the Tower would take 7 years! I certainly didn’t.
We were then all ushered into the 4D cinema. It was a standing show and there was plenty of standing room. The show was an introduction to the Tower and its main attractions and a little look round Blackpool as well. There was floor shaking, water spraying and cold air blowing. All the things you expect in 4D. Then it was off to the lifts up to the top of the 380ft structure. I did chuckle when the lift attendant on our way up said it would take an approximate 69 seconds. I this that is pretty specific!
There was a window on the way up so you could get a good feel on how high you were going. We were really lucky to have a really clear day which meant when we got out we could see for miles. The first level from the lists was all enclosed with windows to look out of. Just outside the lift is the glass sky walk. We were told on the way up it was 5cm thick and it could hold up to 5 tonnes so would have no problems holding us. I’m not great with heights so the sky walk was one step too far for me. However, my husband and eldest felt very exhilarated going on, taking pictures of their feet and looking all the way down to the floor. We walked round the 360 degree corridor and then went up to the next level. This was more open with only a metal mesh around the wall but you could feel the air and I was surprised that it wasn’t much windier. Then up we went again, this was the highest level and the views were amazing. It was as if you got braver and braver the more you climbed. We got some amazing pictures from the top and it was well worth overcoming any issues I had with heights to go and take in the views.
After the Tower Eye, we needed to get lunch and because we needed to go to get our circus seats by 12.30, we decided to eat in the Tower at Burger Kitchen as we had a 20% discount with the Tower Eye ticket. There was only a couple of people in front of us in the queue so we thought we would have plenty of time to sit and eat our food. The lady who served us mentioned we could take our food into the Circus which turns out was a saving grace because the food which was 4 burgers and 4 fries took almost 25 minutes to get to us. People walked out of the queue whilst we were waiting for our food. Whilst it tasted alright when we received it, the waiting was actually painful given our order was relatively simple.
Off to the Circus we went and after another photograph opportunity, we got some great seats in the stalls. Whilst waiting for the show there was an opportunity to purchase spinning plates and be taught how to use them and face painting. The Circus itself was in the base of the Tower with some of the girders tastefully painted to blend in. Once the show started, we had live music from the bandstand, with some amazing acrobats, being flung up into the air, having you pause for breath to ensure the one flying landed unharmed. We also had tightrope walkers, lasso rope show, motorbike riding in a ball and much much more. The intervals between the act kept the audience amused with the comedy duo clowns Mooky and Mr Boo who were funny to watch and weren’t clowns in the traditional sense which was refreshing. The show lasted two hours and we had some excellent performances. This was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Our final stop was the Blackpool Dungeons, a creepy, eerie tour back in time with theatrical acting along the way. We learnt more about the plague and its tragedies, how people were tortured, how people were judged and more about Vikings of the north. We went through tunnels and it gave the impression we were going into the depths below the tower. A labyrinth of mirrors and a dark room where we were questioned by Captain Johnson whether we were good enough to become one of his smugglers. At the end of the tour, we learn more about the Pendle Witches and there is a thrill seeker ride which shoots you up in the air, you suspend for a short while before dropping suddenly meant to mimic the hangings of the witches. My youngest wasn’t tall enough so I waited with her but my eldest and husband thoroughly enjoyed this. The pictures afterwards of their horrified faces said it all!
We thoroughly enjoyed all the activities available on the ‘Tower Ticket’ and it is good value for money for all the activities providing you buy it online. Bearing in mind it was Easter Weekend, we weren’t faced with long queues and we had a great day. I think paying for each activity separately would be expensive for my family of 4 but if you purchase this ticket online is currently £30.00 for adults and £25.50 for children and this is value if you compare this to the cost of the activities separately. I would give the Tower Ticket a 4.5/5.
Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets cost: £41 child (£25.50 online, saving 38%), £53.45 adult (£30 online, saving 44%). The Tower Ticket is valid for 90 days for 1 visit to each attraction.
For more information or to book tickets online visit www.theblackpooltower.com.
The Blackpool Tower, The Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 4BJ | 01253 629233 (enquiries)
