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    Blackpool Illuminations

    4.0 (45 reviews)

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    Qype User (Helbel…)

    Considered by many to be 'the greatest free light show on earth', Blackpool Illuminations are the primary reason Blackpool enjoys an extended season. The 'Lights' are switched on the Friday after August Bank Holiday and shine along 6 miles of Promenade for 66 nights. Dubbed 'Artificial Sunshine' by reporters when the first show shone in 1879, they have grown year upon year to become a mesmerising light, sound and special effects show which enthrals children and reminds adults of their own special childhood memories. Weekends, especially during school holidays and the beginning and end of the show can be busy leaving you sat in traffic for hours, so visit midweek if you can. If you do want to see them, but don't fancy sitting trapped in a car with your kids all night, buck the trend and drive along from the North to the South to avoid the queues. Another great way to see the Illuminations is on an open top tram - although it can be cold on the Prom so wrap up warm and cosy. Rainy nights may not seem the ideal time to head out, but the wet surfaces reflect the millions of lights and make the show extra special. On night like this, take a walk along the tableaux at Bispham and grab a great bag of chips at Bispham Kitchen on Red Bank Road to warm you up. Loads of events take place during the Illuminations and in the week prior to the Big Celebrity Switch On concert with BBC Radio 2 - World Fireworks Championships, loads of vehicle record attempts, Ride The Lights, Illuminated Beach Volleyball and much more. See the Visit Blackpool website for a full list and make the most of your visit - all the evets are FREE! One thing - don't let your kids stand up and stick their heads through the sunroof as you're driving along. I see this every night during the Illuminations, and I also see a lot of kids hurting themselves as the traffic is constantly stopping and starting. Everyone remembers the first time they saw Blackpool Illuminations, and if you haven't seen them yet, you should definately treat yourself to the memory.

    Qype User (LCRW19…)

    I loved the illuminations as a child and took my daughter this year. We spent the day in Blackpool and then had fish n chips on the beach front and then drove through them from top to bottom not long after 730 which was when they came on earlier in the year. The traffic was fine with us being ready just after they came on and I think our direction of travel helped too as there were far more cars going bottom to top. Maybe it was because I was driving or just a bit more grown up but I was slightly disappointed this year, but my daughter liked them so thats the main thing I guess.

    I love the illuminations in blackpool, and I feel like a big kid when driving or walking along them all. Any time we go to blackpool I actually cant wait for it to get dark! I used to visit Blackpool all the time as a child and always remembered the postman pat and my little pony lights from about 20 years ago then when going back for the first time in years around 4 years ago I was delighted to see they were still there! My boyfriend thought I was crazy! I love spotting one of the lit up trams I think they are great and always wanted a ride on one of them! When it comes to blackpool illuminations, the tackier the better for me!

    The Illuminations are a great sight, and with it getting darker earlier when they are displayed, you can easily take the kids without it being way past their bedtime. If you're willing to brave the cold you can walk down the promenade and see them, eating some fish & chips always makes it even better! And of course there are plenty of arcades and other things to do in Blackpool whilst you're there. But the Illuminations themselves are free to view. If you prefer you can drive through in your car, there may be a bit of a queue in traffic at peak times, but this only adds to the experience really as driving through slowly gives you chance to properly have a look and take some photos if you so desire.

    Qype User (Rockba…)

    Blackpool Illuminations is in my opinion a good night out for the family. The lights are fairly intresting even if a little tacky. There's got to be about 3 miles of lights on the seafront. Had some nice fish and chips while I was there too. It's not somewhere to go reguluarly but if you've never been it's worth a butchers just to see a bit of classic Brittish culture, however tacky.

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    Photo of Paul R.
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    3 years ago

    Always worth a visit and free to see. Best seen by walking or on one of the many trams.

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    17 years ago

    Its free, its famous, and its a good evening out. Walk along the prom, get some good sea air with some chips. Nothing else like it!

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    18 years ago

    Great. A lovely walk, on a winters night

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    Page 1 of 2

    Blackpool Illuminations Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Blackpool Illuminations

    They go in story themes and the big boards are great as they have moving characters from postman pat to an egyptian theme.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Village Gym Blackpool

    Village Gym Blackpool

    (1 review)

    I joined this gym as it was the only one with a pool in my area and I heard from my colleagues that…read moreit was really nice, but expensive. I personally did not find it expensive as it's full peak membership price is £37 per month, while coming from Dublin myself where gym prices for hotel gyms range in the €60=75/month bracket so it sounded like a good deal to me for what you get. An outdoor and indoor pool, a range of classes, well equipped gym and studio rooms, personal trainer, 20% discount for Village accommodation, 10% discount for the spa and restaurant, free wristband that locks the locker so no need for coins or locks... certainly not something you come across everyday! I've has experience with a range of gyms in different countries, and the Village very cheap yet high quality, which is great. The staff are very friendly and the gym is kept clean. The wristbands for the lockers are pretty cool as well. They work like a sensor, so you just touch this machine to unlock, then pick a locker and press the button with the sensor part of the wristband and it locks. It's rubber and hence waterproof as well, which is very convenient and secure. Most of gym equipment is new and everything as a tv screen and internet to watch youtube etc. The negatives are that the pool is crowded and full of kids most of the time. There are no lanes and the adult swim times are very limited, so I would not recommend it for any serious or pro swimmers out there. Another thing is the cycle machines peddles and very far back than usual so it puts a lot of pressure on the knees and their didn't seem to be a way of adjusting the seat backward or forward. There are also only 3 bikes, but like 20 treadmills and cross trainers... I guess those machines are more popular in general. Overall: Cheap membership prices, good quality gym with 2 pools and various discounts attached.

    Spindles Health and Leisure Club - Courtesy of www.britanniahotels.com

    Spindles Health and Leisure Club

    (2 reviews)

    West Didsbury

    So every now and again I decide to try looking for a gym in the vain attempt that I might actually…read morego.. Then a friend recommended Spindles gym in the Britannia Hotel, Didsbury and for £18 a month, no joining fee and no contract I literally couldn't not do it. Now there's no excuse to not go. All it takes is a number 43 bus ride, get off at Withington Golf Course and you're there. They have a decent sized heated swimming pool, a spa, sauna and steam room! Also, because it's in a hotel it's usually quite quiet and not that many people use it during the day. The gym is decent enough - they describe it as fully equipped and it seems to be.. unfortunately all I really do is use the cross trainer and running machine so can't give a better description of everything else. It's a simple gym though so don't go expecting power plates or any new gizmos and gadgets. There are also Aerobic classes (included in the membership) which I have yet to try and an instructor can configure a programme for you should you need it. There's a beauty salon offering Facials, Manicures, Pedicures, Massages & Waxing which is open Wednesday to Friday every week.

    Spindles Health and Leisure Club within the Britannia Hotel in West Didsbury, Manchester, should be…read morevery good, and with membership from only £20 per month it should be very good value indeed. However, the facilities are far from luxurious and would benefit from more regular and efficient cleaning and maintenance. There is a small swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room as well as a small but well-fitted gym. Spindles also offers 3 acqua aerobics classes and one aerobics exercise class per week. There is also a hairdresser and beauty salon. The gym and pool area can get quite busy as the facilities are open to hotel guests and non members as well as those with membership packages. Children are allowed in the swimming pool at certain times (and can also become members) and there is a baby pool. It could be very good indeed but.... Although the classes are advertised on the board and promotional leaflets and are included in the membership, time and time again one or other of the classes is cancelled at short notice with no alternative provision. Only two members of staff are qualified to take the classes so when they are on holiday or off sick there are no classes available (and no refunds or reductions to members who pay by direct debit). Shortage of staff often means that there are problems with the showers etc too. Oh and I didn't mention the parking. Although there is a very big car park it is used for airport parking so at holidays times it can be a nightmare to get a parking space. Some areas of the car park are in a very dire condition and never seem to be maintained. Also, quite often there are pool closures or the sauna, steam room or jacuzzi is not available for use. Currently the management have decided to close the swimming pool for two hour intervals at peak times over a four week period as it has been booked out to a company training swimming instructors. This is infuriating to members as we have to continue paying although we are denied full use of the facilities. The management do not respond to any complaints. There is no contract as such, you pay monthly and can leave without prior notice by cancelling your direct debit. It is a no win situation for members as they have to put up with the inadequacies or vote with their feet and go elsewhere. On the positive side there are some very good members of staff who have worked at Spindles for a long time and when you can actually access the swimming pool, steam room etc it can be a very pleasant experience.

    Jungle Parc

    Jungle Parc

    (2 reviews)

    The Jungle Parc is an absolutely amazing place for kids, and not too bad for adults too. I never…read moreeven knew this place existed until I was searching the net and then came across this place. I would strongly recommend this for age 7 - 10 though smaller ones are able to come along too, height restrictions do apply to certain parts of the adventure courses, so to avoid disappointed I would recommend you go onto their website and check first. This place is all about fun and fitness for the whole family. They have a massive high wire forest adventure course; which is set within the countryside and developed to encourage you to get moving, and trust me by the end you the adventure a good cuppa and sleep is what you'll need, though if it is for the family then keeping the kids active by getting them tired then Jungle Parc is the place to bring them. It is a very safe environment and with all the proper equipment it is very enjoyable. The X-plorer course is for anyone over 1.35m in height and the Adventurer course is for children from 4 years old and with minimum height of 1.05m. The Jungle Parc is situated in Croxteth Country Park which is only 10 minutes from the city centre.

    The Jungle Parc which (like Gemma) I also never knew existed until I came across a flyer, is based…read moreat Croxteth Country Park. The site is generally an incredible place for outdoor activities for those looking to burn off more than a bit of energy (adults and children alike). The premises consists of two different courses: X-Plorer course and Adventurer course (for the little ones). Each course is ideally designed with a practical element, almost like an assault course but with the fun involved. There are 40 amazing activities to enjoy as you glide through trees on rope bridges, zip lines and cargo! It definitely sounds exciting as it really is. Adults are just £20 and Juniors £15. Prices include full training and all equipment to make sure you are fully prepared and safe. Not bad at all for an adventourous day in jungle like surroundings.

    Manchester Aquatics Centre

    Manchester Aquatics Centre

    (34 reviews)

    £

    Oxford Road Corridor

    Sometimes you desperately need a short sharp shock of smushed fruit after your swim. Restorative…read moreVitamin C and lovely stuff. I kind of didn't want to walk all the way over to Amber Café on my way to Petersfield, and I'd noticed the little café at the Aquatics Centre a few times. It seemed to offer way more healthy treats than the archetypal vending machines at the South Manchester leisure centres (hey, they have those too. Hello Nice 'n' Spicy Nik-Naks!), and there was proper coffee too, so I sauntered up to the counter all exhausted with my hair all soggy (I refuse on principle to use my 20ps for hairdryers that wouldn't make a jot of difference to my multilayered thick hair) and asked about their smoothies. They could indeed do them to take away, but they only had about three options available on the generous list which didn't bother me in the slightest. I went for... come on, how could I resist the name?... THE IMMUNISER. It sounds like some kind of *machine*! It incorporated strawberry, kiwi and pineapple, three of my absolute favourite fruits, and it was awesome. Just the right portion and only a little over £2, how can one complain? I'll definitely be using this as regularly as my morning fruit shoot before breakfast. Thanks, Manchester Sports and Leisure! Nom.

    Have been coming here to the gym on and off for a while now…read more The gym is small and compact but as everything you need in it for a workout there is always an instructor avaliable if you need any help on how to use the machines there is air conditioning on all the time so you dont get to hot and at £5.20 pay as you go you can stay as long as you like. downstairs there are a couple of pools and you can start at a beginners course or you can go in the advanced side , they also do a ladies only night for those who wish to just be with the girls. next door to the gym is a keep fit class and down stairs is a cafe and drinks machines staff are always friendly and helpful.

    Blackpool Illuminations - localflavor - Updated May 2026

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