Tam O’ Shanter

Guest accommodation in Blackpool……………………….. Telephone 01253 620341

Archive for March, 2008

Stanley Park

Welcome to the Stanley Park Blackpool Information

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Discover a secret garden, where colourful floral carpets have been laid across nature’s floors. Stanley Park, a little more than a mile from the noisier coastal trappings, is Blackpool’s own green encampment. Stroll through pathways galore and relax in its many and various quiet corners. Watch the fountains in the Italian Gardens, admire the perfumed glory of the Rose Gardens, or check out the species growing in the colourful conservatories. We’ve got the most graceful birds on our very own Swan Lake and there’s a playground for the kids to let off steam. Crazy golf will have everyone smiling or try your hand at tennis, pitch and putt or crown bowling.At the edge of Stanley park is a place where tall stories mix with small stories - the delightful Model Village which fires the imagination of all ages as they peep at the goings-on of life in a scaled down, but believably bustling community.

Louistussauds waxworks

Welcome to Louistussauds waxworks Blackpool

We have hundreds of modles located in themed rooms, So come on down and get close to your favourite celebrity.

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Hooray for Hollywood

Some of Hollywoods brightest stars welcome you as you enter Louise Tussauds Waxworks. Savor some of their greatest film moments and learn about their highs and lows.
Do battle with Dalth Mour and join the Star Wars cast for a souvenir photo, Dare you stand in the mighty hand of movie legend as he peers through the window at unsuspecting visitors?
You will find yourself in the middle of all the action in such flicks as Terminator and James Bond. You may have to stand back to take a photo of the giant Jaws from the hit Moon Raker.

Celeb City

Visit Celeb city to feel as you are in the middle of a celeb party, where you can take you picture with your favourite star.
Faces from T.V and film are brought together to celebrate all that is glitzy. Posh and Becks join Gordon Ramesy whilst Elton John provides the entertainment.
You can purcahse a camera from our gift shop so you can remember your day.

Movie Premier

George Clooney, Angelina, Brad and Samual L Jackson welcome you to a street lined with paparazzi as you enter a movie premier, starring the biggest names from the movies.
Move inside and mingle with Tom Hanks and Johnny Depp before taking a ride to the second floor to be greeted by Superman and Leonardo on the Bow of the Titanic.
Two great challanges await you dare you cross the pit of doom to meet Harrison Ford as Indianna Jones or brave the explorers hut where the prehistoric creatures have taken over.

Coronation Street

Take a stroll dawn the nations favorite street and meet Jack and Vera outside their house before meeting Alic in the Rovers return. The new look tribute to Coronation Street allows you to get behind the bar of the Rovers and have your picture taken with Alic Gilroy.

Here you can pause for a moment and have a couple of minutes will Roy and Hailey for a cup of tea or coffe, cakes and sandwiches.

We have loads more rooms such as the Rock facory, Oh i do like to be beside the seaside, the Regal room, the studio and the horro room.

You can call us on 01253 625953 for any information

Blackpool Piers

Welcome to Blackpool’s South, Central and North Pier information blackpool-south-central-north-pier.jpg

Three of the best - a taste of traditional entertainment
Three magnificent piers whose salt soaked wooden boards have welcomed visitors to Blackpool since Victorian times.
Why not take a stroll, you’ll find yourself stopping along the way because these boardwalks are a magnet of fun with an entertainment mixture of theatres, offering star quality live shows, and a splendid selection of restaurants, shops arcades, bars and attractions.
North pier, a Grade II listed building retains a romamnce and splendour from a bygone age. The traditional pier, with its old fashioned carousel and traditional Pier End Theatre offers a short stroll into a quiet retreat from excitement of Blackpool’s busy Promenade. North Pier was the first to grace Blackpool back in 1863 and is one of the first major attractions to have appeared in Blackpool.

Central pier is a fun packed family attraction with plenty to keep everyone entertained. Dominating the vista is Blackpool’s Big Wheel, a traditional favourite offering a breathtaking ride and amazing views all in one attraction.

Entertainment for all the family is provided in the Pier End Family Bar where live acts and children’s entertainers keep everyone amused.

Evening entertainment is provided by Legends. Professional look and souns-a-likes perform in the ‘Stars In Their Eyes’ style show from June until October.

South pier really picks up the pace and is a must for any adrenalin junkie! Skycoaster, Scad Diving, Skyscreamer and the UK’s only purpose built bungee tower can all be found at the end of South Pier, and you are guaranteed to find a thrill here you have not experienced before!

If you need any information on the shows on at the Legends Show bar central pier please contact the hotel on 01253 620341 we will do our best to find out the information you are lookin for.

Blackpool Shopping

Welcome to Blackpool Shopping information

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Bring your biggest bags or buy them whlle you are here because in Blackpool shoppers are certainly spoilt for choice. All those major High Street names jostle for your attention alongside many more specialised outlets and markets aplenty.Also our Hounds hill refit with Deenhams is due to open soon bringing more big name shops.The New Hounds Hill shopping centre

Houndshill Shopping Centre is situated in the centre of Blackpool, beside the Blackpool Tower complex and is literally one minute from the main Blackpool promenade.

At the heart of Blackpool Town Centre, Houndshill is the only enclosed shopping centre in the town and is supported by the town’s multi-storey car parks. Retailers include Debenhams, Next, River Island, Primark, Dorothy Perkins, Superdrug, Claire’s and the Early Learning Centre.

Grand Theatre Blackpool

Welcome to the Grand Theatre information

The Grand Theatre is an 1100-seat theatre designed by Frank Matcham in 1894. This amazing space is a wonder of restoration and revival, presenting a full range of every performing artform, as Blackpool’s community theatre, Lancashire’s preferred opera house and Britain’s National Theatre of Variety.

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OUR MISSSION

Our mission is to continue our historic success in conserving the integrity of the irreplaceable Grade II* Listed Victorian theatre, welcoming theatregoers by presenting a discerning programme of popular, thought-provoking and progressive theatre for Blackpool and the North West

Built 1894, Architect Frank Matcham

The Grand Theatre, Blackpool is one of Britain’s premier heritage theatres:

Listed Grade II*, the Grand is in the top 8 per cent of all listed buildings in England, and one of only thirty listed buildings in Blackpool. We are one of only nine large theatres listed Grade II* or above, north of London.

The Grand Theatre is a product and symbol of the late nineteenth-century boom in theatregoing and the expansion of live entertainment at Blackpool, Britain’s biggest show town after London’s West End. This monument to pleasure is a very special form of ‘public space’. More than most theatres of whatever age, the Grand’s post-Baroque neoclassical architecture creates an emotionally charged atmosphere in which over 200,000 theatregoers each year learn about life, culture, politics and romance, through what is shown and implied almost on stage. The popular entertainments, dramas, operas, circuses, ballets, dances, pantomimes and music presented at the Grand represent ideals, possibilities and pitfalls, whilst the opulent Grand Theatre housing them reflects a tangible expression of hope and dreams.

With Blackpool Tower and the Winter Gardens, the Grand Theatre is one the three crowning architectural achievements of Blackpool. The exterior is a visual landmark of the town centre; whilst inside, architect Frank Matcham’s decorations and four-tier 1,100-seat intimate auditorium creates an atmosphere of festive spirit for what is also a cultural landmark. Going to the Grand Theatre is almost as important as the shows people come to see: from the moment theatregoers arrive to collect their tickets, there is a sense of something special, a feeling that to step inside is to enter another time and place…

Today, the Grand is owned by a community organisation, Blackpool Grand Theatre Trust Limited, which reopened the theatre in 1981 following the gargantuan volunteer efforts of the Friends of the Grand who saved the theatre from the brink of demolition. They refused to believe that life in Blackpool would be better without this wonderful theatre.

For information TELEPHONE

Box Office 01253 290190
Group Bookings 01253 743232
Administration 01253 290111

Winter Gardens Blackpool

Welcome to the Winter Gardens Blackpool Information

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The Winter Gardens is one of the most extensive and magnificent buildings of its kind in the world. With the Grand Theatre and Blackpool Tower, it is one of three architectural masterpieces of the town.

Welcome to the Winter Gardens, Blackpool home to europes second largest theatre, The Opera house and 12 self contained venues each with their own style, there is something for everyone weather it’s business, leisure or pleasure.

Built on the six acre site and opened 11th July 1878, The Winter Gardens is steeped in history
Over the years the Winter Gardens has seen many changes making it one of the most present day unique venues.

The Winter Gardens is open everyday and is host to shows, competitions, conferences and private functions.

For any information please call 01253 625252

Blackpool Sealife centre

Welcome To Blackpool Sea Life Information

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Fancy a dive beneath the sea with out getting wet? You will come eyeball to eyeball with everything from shrimps to sharks and learn ton of things with the sea life experts so why not visit Blackpool sea Life centre.

Blackpool Sea Life Centre is home to one of the lasrgest collection of tropical sharks in Europe.Explore a magical world with over 50 displays of the finest tropical and fresh water creatures including Sharks, Jellyfish, Rays, sea horses and piranhas.

Displays include Kingdom of the sea horses, Amazon and the amazing lost city of atlantis, where you will come face to face with tropical sharks up to 8 feet in length when you pass through our 180 degree tunnel.

PIRATE INVASION

Pirates have invaded the SEA LIFE in Blackpool and even having sunken pirate ships in their big ocean tanks, and skeletal pirates just like Captain Barbosa’s cursed crew in Pirates of The Caribbean.

Address
SEA LIFE Blackpool, Central Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 5AA

Telephone Number
01253 622445

E-mail Address
slcblackpool@merlinentertainments.biz

Opening Times
Open from 10am daily. Please call information line for seasonal closing times.

Sand Castle waterworld

Welcome to Sandcastle Waterworld Blackpool Information

Sandcastle Waterpark is one of Blackpool’s leading tourist attractions. The Waterpark features over 18 slides and attractions including water slides, fun pools, wave machine, lazy river, water chutes, burger bars, snack bars, arcades, swim shop and much much more. So, if you’re looking for things to do in Blackpool and fancy a great day out make sure you visit the Sandcastle Waterpark. We cater for families with children of any age and we can even organise birthday parties. The Sandcastle Waterpark is opposite the Pleasure Beach on the sea side of the promenade.

  

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Our Facilities

Arcades
There are a great selection of arcade games available in the main entrance area.

Baby changing facilities
Available in female toilets, female and family changing rooms.

Bottle and baby food warming facilities
We offer bottle and baby food warming facilities at all of our catering outlets.

Car parking
There is a pay and display car park located at South Beach. Various charges apply depending on the length of time you intend to stay, charges start from £3.00 please visit www.blackpol.gov.uk and search for car park charges.

Cash machine
There is a cash machine located in the exit arcade in the main entrance area.

Catering outlets
We offer a great selection of catering options from:

Waterfalls Café - serving a selection of snacks and refreshments, located in the entrance area,

Bongo Bongo Burger Shack - serving a great selection of hot and cold food located near the main entrance,

Snack Shack - serving a range of grab and go snacks, located next to Bongo Bongo Burger Shack.

Sandcastle Waterpark advises that, due to Health and Safety reasons, guests do not bring their own food into the waterpark.

Changing rooms
There are separate male and female changing rooms plus a family changing room. All of our changing rooms are equipped with hairdryers which are free to use.

First aid facilities
A fully equipped first aid room is situated on pool side with qualified and trained staff.

Hearing loops
Hearing loops for the hearing impaired are available at reception.

Lockers
All of our changing rooms are equipped with lockers, which require a refundable 50p to access. There are also some lockers located on the pool side for convenience.

Outside seating areas
There are plenty of seats outside the Sandcastle Waterpark for customers to enjoy a snack and watch the promenade life pass by.

PA Announcement System
There is a PA system available for any emergency messages.

Sauna
A unisex sauna is located behind the Caribbean Storm House.

Seating areas
There are a great selection of seating areas located around the pool side for spectating and enjoying any refreshments purchased.

Shops
Swim Shack - A great selection of swimwear and swimming accessories are available in the Swimshack, plus if you have forgotten to pack your own you may hire swimwear or towels for £2.50 per item or £4.00 for a towel and a costume, with a £5.00 refundable deposit, accessible via both the main entrance area and pool side.

Treetops Trading Post - Fantastic novelties and souvenirs available at pocket money prices, located in the main entrance area.

Swimming aids
Swimming aids are available on pool side, please ask a member of staff if you are unable to locate one. Aids can also be purchased from the Swim Shack.

Toilets
We have male, female and toilets located both on pool side and within the changing rooms. There are fully accessible disabled toilets located in the waterpark, mall area and changing rooms.

Blackpool Tower and Circus

 Welcome to Blackpool Tower and Circus Information 

Black Pool Tower that world famous Victorian landmark, recently restored to it’s former glory. The entertainment is first class and all holidaymakers visiting, think it’s great. Even the weather can’t spoil the fabulous entertainment that abounds within the Tower building. You’re sure to enjoy yourself.

You’ll be amazed… You’ll be enthralled…You’ll be astounded by Blackpool’s best value, all-inclusive attraction - at Blackpool Tower & Circus there’s something for everyone to enjoy in a clean, safe environment, making it the ultimate day out for families.blackpool-tower-and-circus.jpg

The basement auditorium holds the magical Tower Circus, it is part of the inclusive entertainment . There are several shows daily. Young and old alike will thrill to the marvel of the Circus.

Why not experience the fabulous and well known grade listed ballroom, with its ornate ceiling. Deep down below the stage, the mighty Wurlitzer organ rises and plays almost 19,000 numbers in a season. If you would like to dance, that’s great, or you can quietly sit and listen to the many tunes and enjoy yourself.
There’s only one admission charge for the whole building. You’ll find plenty to keep you and the children happy all day. Learn all about the creatures of the deep in the Tower’s magical undersea world. There are dozens of species of fish, including everything from the giant Pacu to tiny sea horses, living in a host of purpose-built tanks..Experience the UK’s ultimate indoor adventure playground, set within an amazing themed ‘Lost City’ - with giant Inca Gods guarding the entrance! Inside, awaiting all your brave explorers, is a fun-tastic range of swinging, sliding and climbing contraptions plus a fabulous interactive quest to find hidden treasure! SEE YOU SOON.
Tower Height 518 ft 9 ins. (To the top of the flagpole)
Tower Weight 2586 tons (2493 tons of steel, 93 tons of cast iron)
Building was Started on 29th September 1891
Time it took to build 2 years 6 Months
Original Cost £45,000
The Tower was first opened Whit Monday, 14th May 1894
Original Admission: 6d (2 & 1/2 pence)
No. of trips lift makes a year Approx. 50,000
Opening times from 10:00 am

Throughout the year - Every weekend

General Enquiries
01253 622 242

Ticket Booking
0844 856 1111Buy Online

Groups & Parties
01253 299 277

Tower Top Weddings

One of Britain’s tallest and most iconic landmarks has been granted a license to hold weddings for the first time in its history. Blackpool Tower applied for the license a few weeks ago and following checks has had the license granted for ‘Tower Top’ meaning that couples will be able to tie the knot 380ft up.

The Tower is now looking for a lucky couple to hold the first ever legal wedding ceremony at the top. There have been several blessings take place over the years at the top of the Tower but no one has ever held the actual service anywhere other than the Ballroom. It is expected that the first wedding will take place in the autumn.
On Monday 27th May 1985 the Escapologist Karl Bartoni and Wendy Stokes had a blessing at Tower Top before descending down the structure in a cage and on the 17th August 1992 Caroline Sherhouse and Kevin Singleton held a blessing at Tower Top before abseiling down to the promenade!

Geoff Sage, Tower General Manager comments: “It is great for the Tower and the resort that we have been granted the license for Tower Top weddings and we can’t wait to host the first ever legal ceremony. It is going to be a hugely momentous occasion and will be an honour for everyone here in the Tower team to be involved in making history.”
What many people don’t realise is that as well as the steel structure of the Tower the building houses a state of the art play area complete with huge party galleons, a private cinema, the most magnificent Ballroom in the country and an award winning Circus so wedding parties will be able to hold a real day with a difference!

Due to the trading season of Blackpool Tower, Weddings will only be considered in our Winter months, November - April, Weddings during the Summer will incur a Room Hire Charge of £4,000+vat and are subject to dates / functions & current events at the time of enquiry.

Blackpool Zoo

Blackpool Zoo is just ten minutes from junction 4 on the M55 and 2 miles behind the seafront of Britain’s busiest resort. The Zoo is home to more than 1500 exotic animals that include lions, tigers, Asian elephants, gorillas, orang utans, camels, kangaroos, zebras, red river hogs, sea lions, tapirs, otters, llamas, capybara, large families of rare primates and much, much more. Here you will find a wonderful world of animals and reptiles, also exotic birds in naturalistic environments surrounded by 32 acres of mature parkland and lakes.

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Ciara, Sadbh (Sive) and Caionhe (Quiver), arrived recently from Fota Wildlife Park, Cork in Southern Ireland and have settled into their new enclosure really well.

They can be viewed from the high wooden walkway, or from ground level inside their house. You can really get up close to these amazing animals.

The “Pride of Blackpool”

Established in August, 2007, the Pride of Blackpool comprised our male lion, Negus, and three stunning lionesses, Rachel, Jasmine and Gillian, all previously resident at Blair Drummond Wildlife Park. Sadly, 22 year old Negus passed away in January, 2008, age having caught up with him.

However, the remainder of the pride benefits from the recently refurbished enclosure which now boasts a multi-surface paddock, pool and a “hot rock”, an artificial structure which can be heated during the winter so that the lions can enjoy the fresh air in comfort. New, thatched, viewing huts complete the renovation, each with a full glass wall along the lion paddock. Being stalked by a fully grown lioness with only a glass window for protection is an experience not to be missed!!

It is hoped that, in the not too distant future, we shall provide a home to another male lion who will again complete the pride.

Amazonia - Face to Face

Blackpool Zoo’s Amazonia was originally a free-flight aviary until it succumbed to the weather some years ago. Now topped with a steel mesh dome, this superb, walk-through exhibit houses several species of monkey, black-necked swans, conures and other waterfowl. All these species originate from South America, hence the name of “Amazonia”. The enclosure only opened in July 2006 and is proving very popular with visitors as they can be face to face with the animals.

Dinosaur Safari - Days Gone By

Blackpool Zoo’s Dinosaur Safari is a unique, walk-round prehsitoric garden with 32 life-sized dinosaurs and other creatures from the traissic, jurassic and ice age periods. Sounds, geysers and a spouting volcano complement the 13,000 plants and shrubs, all dating back beyond time itself, to create a memorable experience for young and old alike. “Jurassic Park” comes to life for the kids, whilst seating areas in the scented gardens provide a brief, quiet haven for mums and dads.

There is loads to see and do at Blackpool Zoo please call for details 01253 830 830

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