What's on in the area

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

14 Feb - 3 Apr 2009; Weekends only (various dates)

Hours: Feb-Mar: weekends only
Apr-Nov: daily
Opening hours vary according to season - please visit the park's website for details

Established in 1869, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has become one of Britain's top tourist attractions. More than seven million visitors every year flock to its restaurants, cafes, bars, themed shops and, most importantly, its huge range of rides and attractions.

The park prides itself on being the "Roller Coaster Capital of The World" and it's not hard to see why. Look out for the £12-million Pepsi Max Big One, the 210-foot, £2-million PlayStation - The Ride, the 360-degree loop Revolution and the high-speed, turbulent bobsleigh ride, Avalanche.

Children don't get left out - a smaller version of the ever-popular Log Flume, known as Beaver Creek, takes pride of place in the kids' own park, Funshineland, along with bungee trampolines, bumper cars, a monorail and a mini millennium dome.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach