Pleasure Beach or Alton Towers?

abi-em-mum83

Hi we are taking our 4 children to Blackpool at beginning of July for a week, and our budget has taken a big hit. We have decided we will only go for one big day out while there, but trying to decide wheres best?
Alton Towers: Parent queue share pass is a bonus as there are 2 adults and 4 children, aslo cheaper entry (have a 50% off voucher) but its a bit of a drive.
Pleasure beach:new Nickelodeon part looks good, very close to the park, but more expensive (£142 for all 6 of us) and they no longer allow you packed lunches on site.

Whats peoples opinions? We have children aged 3.4.7 and 9 years and want somewhere there is plenty for all of us to do!

darcys_mum

What about Camelot, that isn't too far from Blackpool? Plus if you search online there is usually somewhere offering discounted tickets. Hope this helps.

Teflon_mike

they are both good places... i'd think alton towers has more to offer ridewise but blackpool you have the beach to walk on and the peers which cost you nothing....
write down what rides / attractions both have to offer and see what offers the most activities.

mum26

You can take a picnic to blackpool but eat it outside the entrance if that helps? I assume they stamp your hand or something?

Don't forget Alton do the come back next day offer too if you can wangle a cheap travelodge / premier inn nearby.

superflygal

Alton Towers is brilliant. Quite far from Blackpool though! Having been to both, I think 'cheesy' and 'fairground' is more Blackpool, whereas, 'fun' and 'quality' is more Alton Towers!! Either way you will have a lovely time. If you go for Alton Towers, you can use BOGOF vouchers (lots of places giving them out at the moment) or buy tickets from eBay. That way you will greatly reduce your expenditure.

You can take picnics to AT. We recently went to Disney Paris, where picnics banned in the park, we bought food there and it took a 40 minute queue to get substandard food (partially heated paninis) and 40 euros to boot! So there is an additional risk of food outlets being unsuitable/poor quality.

HTH!

SFG x

balletshoes

superflygal wrote: »

Alton Towers is brilliant. Quite far from Blackpool though! Having been to both, I think 'cheesy' and 'fairground' is more Blackpool, whereas, 'fun' and 'quality' is more Alton Towers!! Either way you will have a lovely time. If you go for Alton Towers, you can use BOGOF vouchers (lots of places giving them out at the moment) or buy tickets from eBay. That way you will greatly reduce your expenditure.

You can take picnics to AT.
We recently went to Disney Paris, where picnics banned in the park, we bought food there and it took a 40 minute queue to get substandard food (partially heated paninis) and 40 euros to boot! So there is an additional risk of food outlets being unsuitable/poor quality.

HTH!

SFG x

who told you picnics are banned at Disneyland Paris? They aren't, you can take whatever food/drinks you like into the parks there, just no glass bottles etc.

I do agree with you, Blackpool is cheesy fun, Alton Towers is better quality fun . Its quite a drive from Blackpool to Alton Towers though isn't it? So you'd have your fuel costs to add to your expenditure for the trip.

eezer

I'd decide where to go on the heights of the kids. At Blackpool from what I remember if they are over 132cm they can go on anything. At Alton Towers they have to be 140cm for the big rides.

For some of the lesser rides Blackpool has a 117cm restriction, Alton Towers 120cm so if you have a child between this, Blackpool would be best.

Anyone underneath 117 then take your pick!

Remember that Alton Towers has introduced a new height restriction on the log flume. After 20 odd years at 90cm, the manufactures have now decided it should be 120cm which seems harsh.

Also, an extra pair of socks, bigger trainers and many other things can make a huge difference sometimes when it comes to height!!

Poly,put_the_kettle_on

I'd usually advocate AT over Blackpool anyday. However, don't underestimate the time it will take you & the cost to get there. Also, factor in the £6 car parking charge- and, this is the biggie: July. July at AT = coaches & coaches full of school trips. It can be incredibly busy. You'd be well advised to take a look on the Towers forums for advice.

life_in_termoil

Id second Camelot and its only 45 minutes from Blackpool

Intergalactic_Floozie

I love Blackpool, but you're permanently putting your hand in your pocket.

Although we were very impressed with the Circus in Blackpool Tower. We paid £28 and saw a 2hr show, which was excellent viewing and I thought that was good value for money (family ticket for 2 adults, 2 children)

Sharon87

I'd say Blackpool it's near, save on petrol and the food's not that expensive anyway. And no one's going to stop you taking drinks and a few snacks in.