Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool: We tried the world’s longest indoor water rollercoaster

Situated right across from Blackpool Pleasure Beach on Blackpool’s South Promenade, Sandcastle is the UK’s largest indoor waterpark, and it’s packed with enough slides, waves, and lazy rivers to keep the whole family entertained.

Having first opened in 1986 and heated up to a consistent 84-degree climate it offers year-round indoor escape from the unpredictable British weather and is widely recognised as one of the UK’s most accessible attractions with planning tools on the website there to help those with additional needs.

And whether it’s the adrenaline rush of the Master Blaster, the laid-back vibes of the lazy river or the adults-only spa, there’s lots to keep all the family right from toddlers to teens and through to parents and grandparents happy for the whole day too.

For thrill-seekers, the Master Blaster - aka the UK’s longest indoor rollercoaster-style and vertical drop water slide - is a beast of a ride stretching and hurtling an impressive 250 metres around the park with jets of water shooting you around stunning twists and turns at high speed while offering incredible airtime to boot. We decided to start our adventure here and weren’t disappointed. The ride had us soaring up and down and tightly gripping the float handles as we were shot around each bend.

Once you’ve got your heartbeats properly racing, head over to Aztec Falls where the suspense of sitting in a closed tube before the ride starts is all part of the excitement. You’ll be plunged into darkness, twisting and turning before being spat out into a giant bowl where you’ll swirl around ahead of finally splashing down. It’s an exhilarating mix of speed and spins, and perfect for those who love a bit of mystery with their thrills.

Another major highlight is Montazooma, a high-speed, fast, and furious body slide on which you’ll experience sharp drops and tight turns at breakneck speed, and which will leave your hearts pounding.

Then there’s the Sidewinder - an iconic pirate ship style slide that combines the thrill of a half-pipe with the wet and wild fun of a water slide and where you’ll drop into the ride at high speed before sliding up the wall on the opposite side, then back down again in a series of heart-stopping swings. Take a double dinghy with you when queuing so you can experience double the fun with a dare-devil companion. The Fort Riptide is another great spot with smaller slides and water features. It’s also perfect for helping younger children to build up confidence before tackling the bigger rides.

Family fun

Looking for a relaxing float with the kids? Then head to The UshiGushi River Creek, the park’s lazy river, where you can drift along the gentle current and take in the tropical-themed surroundings. Little ones are catered for in a specially designed interactive play area which includes the Caribbean Storm Treehouse - a massive, interactive play area with water cannons, slides, and a giant tipping bucket that soaks everyone below. For a bit of wave action, head over to Typhoon Lagoon, the park’s massive wave pool. With waves that range from gentle ripples to a full-on surf, it’s a great spot to splash around or just bob along in the water. It’s fun for all ages, and a great way to cool off and enjoy something a bit more laid-back.

All that splashing around is bound to work up an appetite too - we thoroughly enjoyed dining at the Waterfall Cafe located inside the park and which has a range of of hot and cold snacks (think sharing pizzas, hot dogs, burgers and jacket potatoes alongside sandwiches including gluten free options)

at affordable prices.Our visit made it clear why this is a top choice for a fun-filled family day out and with thrills, spills, and plenty of laughs, we can’t wait to dive back in at half term for another weekend watery fun.

TOP TIPS

• Book in advance online to save time on ticket queues and for cheaper, discounted tickets

• Arrive early at your designated time to get the best spot in the wave pool and enjoy the rides for longer before the late morning crowds pick up.

• Towels are available to rent but it’s much easier (and cheaper) to bring your own to dry off with between rides

• Prebooking lockers you can access whenever you need for the day means you’ll have a safe place to stash your stuff while you’re off enjoying the slides

• The floors can get a bit slippy so be sure to pack the kids flip flops and water shoes to avoid any trips (though the first aid desk is excellent)

HOW TO BOOK:

Visit Sandcastle Waterpark,

South Beach, Blackpool, Lancashire

FY4 1BB. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.sandcastle-waterpark.co.uk

with adult prices starting from £24.95, children aged over three from £15.95 and free admission for children under three.

WHERE TO EAT

MARCO’S NEW YORK ITALIAN, BLACKPOOL

(http://www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk/our-brands/new-york-italian/blackpool)

Since opening its doors earlier this year below Blackpool’s new 127 bedroomed Holiday Inn, Marco’s New York Italian has swiftly cemented itself as the gastronomical-go-to eaterie for locals and out-of-towners wanting both indulgent, flavoursome meals and a dining experience full of swagger.

Inspired by Pierre White’s own Italian heritage and his love of New York, the restaurant does a brilliant job of blending rustic Italian homecooking with classic American comfort food with the kind of unpretentious plates Marco has built his brand on.The result is a fabulously broad menu that feels both nostalgic and modern, with hearty dishes of freshly rolled pasta and indulgent wood-fired, handmade pizzas sitting alongside charred and succulent 32oz Manhattan-grill house style Tomahawk steaks perfectly paired with vine-roasted tomatoes and crispy Koffman fries and unapologetically American BBQ ribs delivering a bold and satisfying meaty hit.

Designed by Black and White Hospitality’s creative team, sultry art-deco inspired interiors mix dark wood panels, carefully chosen framed vintage travel posters of the Italian coastline and velvet fabrics with brass lamps and glowing pendants, it’s a slick and upscale setting for a post-theme park La Dolce Vita.

We’re greeted by Rochelle, our glamorous and wonderful host for the evening who swiftly whisks us over to a white marble corner table flanked by backlit, buttery leather banquettes - the kind that wouldn’t look out of place in Little Italy - and where we’re perfectly positioned for prime people-watching with just the right amount of privacy. Once we’re fully settled, a thoughtful cocktail menu helps kicks things off in style. The sweet and smoky Salted Honey Old-Fashioned (Highland Park 12 whisky, honey syrup, and a hit of sea salt) is astonishingly good as is the zesty Tidepool which delivers a crisp combo of Highland Park, Lillet Blanc, and apple juice.

A light and velvety starter of Butternut Squash Velouté is elevated by sharp Italian cheese, crunchy croutons, and fresh chives and the richly layered Aubergine Parmigiana with basil and tomato is to-die-for.If you’re hankering for something truly traditional, the baked Chicken Saltimbocca comes wrapped in Parma ham and is served with earthy sage and Italian sausage for a touch of authenticity.

The ever-evolving seasonal menu also includes a delicate main of sea trout allaSiciliana with crisped skin and tender flaking flesh and is accompanied by forkfuls of sweet bell peppers and briny capers.

Our server, Dennis, reads the table intuitively throughout the evening and is attentive, witty and friendly while making excellent wine recommendations to boot.When it’s time for dessert, we finish off with a slice of New York Cheesecake topped with blueberry compote and a simple but tasty classic Espresso Affogato where hot espresso is poured over a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

It’s dining with a difference and you’ll be won over - like us - by everything from the superb service to the delicious and decently priced food footsteps away from Blackpool’s iconic attractions.

HOW TO BOOK: Visit Marco’s New York Italian, 85 Talbot Road, Blackpool, FY1 1LL. Call 01253 208 050 or visit https://www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk/our-brands/new-york-italian/blackpool for reservations.

GETTING THERE

Whether you’re herding the kids into the car or hopping on a train, getting to Blackpool from Birmingham is easy. By car, it’s just a two-and-a-half-hour drive up the M6 with plenty of public car parking nearby

Trains run from Birmingham New Street to Blackpool North daily and take just over two hours with a quick change at Preston. From Blackpool North you can either hop on a tram which practically drops you off at the entrance or take a brisk walk along the promenade.

Blackpool is undergoing £2b regeneration scheme which includes the addition of a speedy and easy tram service from Blackpool North train station- the seaside town’s main station - to Pleasure Beach Resort Blackpool and the iconic Blackpool Tower. For more information visit http://www.marketinglancashire.com/