Last week Coral Island, Blackpool gifted us (as a family) with an all expenses paid day to trial out and review their venue and it’s facilities. Although our day was fully comped, this is an honest review and all opinions within it are 100% our own.

Coral Island is Blackpool’s largest indoor free admission family attraction. 

Rides & Attractions

Mono-rail: Jump aboard your own mini-pirate ship and get a bird’s eye view of the entire indoor area on the Pirate Flyer. As well as exploring Gooney-esque caves and treasure coves as you make your way around. Theon absolutely loved this ride as it brought all his favourite pirate films and stories to life. My only nightmare was getting him out as he’d have happily gone round, and round all day long! I loved the attention to detail in the decoration. From the old shipmates pistols in each carriage to the caves donned with spider webs and treasure chests. It was an absolute imagination emporium. 

Kids mini rollercoaster: Another Theon approved ride, for under 5’s. Kids can chose from Firetrucks to trains or buses to ride as they zip up, down and around. What I liked about this one was that it was fenced off and gated. There was also huge attention to detail, with staff making sure that the children queued happily and were secured into their cars safely one at a time. It was a huge relief to me and made me very relaxed about letting Theon have a go at riding by himself without an adult by his side (for the first time).

Ghost Train: Famed across the UK for it’s quality of thrills and ghostly spills! I’m not gonna lie, stuff like this makes me crap my pants and I may have lost a couple nights sleep dreading having to ride and review it! So, imagine my delight when on arrival we were told it was closed mid week and only open at weekends. I’ve heard lots of good things though from paranormal thrill seekers, who enjoy having the Bejesus scared out of them! Just make sure that if you are a Ghost Train thrill seeker you ensure your visit falls on a weekend.

VR Machines: This was Yiannis favourite. A lot more expensive in comparison to a lot of the other rides however, he said the fun level was on par with the price.

Arcades

The arcade houses family friendly favourites such as

• 2p machines
• Cuddly toy claw grabbers
• Ticket collecting Tornado Booth
• Water gun zombie shoot ’ems
• Air hockey
• Basket Ball point scorers
• BIG style animatronic Fortune Tellers
• Camel derby

As well as more grown up attractions like

• An over 18’s casino
• Bingo

Most machines offer tickets after play which can be exchanged for gifts and toys at the end of your visit.

Facilities

Going to places like this, my biggest anxiety is always whether or not there will be suitable changing rooms for the kids. I also hate that it is nearly always down to me to change the nappies on family excursions. As most changing areas are located in the ladies toilets. It’s just another added ball ache, especially if you are already breastfeeding as it can become a bit of a juggle struggle! Coral Island however, had already considered this with multiple change areas dotted across the venue and not just in the women’s lavatories.

Another huge plus was the width of the walk ways, especially within the Buccaneer’s restaurant. For me with the buggy it was very accessible and easy to navigate. 

Restaurants

We ate at The Buccaneer Family Bar and Restaurant one of three main restaurants within Coral Island, where kids eat free. I was really impressed that kids were also welcome from open until close everyday. For me it was really nice to be in a child friendly, adult establishment.  And the food we ordered was epic! From Steaks and burgers to Veggie Lasagne and a Sunday carvery. I definitely recommend the shareable brownie sundae. It was bigger than T’s head!!!!

Other places to eat within the arcade include a street food stand, cold food and snacks within the Casino and Captain Jack’s Burger Bar & Grill.

Family Friendly Factor

With two kids under 3, both Yiannis and I agree that Coral Island for us is a definite 4.5 stars out of 5.

The older your kids the better as the more that they can do and enjoy. However, there is no entry fee to the arcade and for both P (10 months) and Theon 3 years there was a huge amount of sensory stimulation and activities geared toward them. From lights and sounds to interactive games and rides.

We will definitely be going back as I think as the kids get older the better each visit will be.

For a look at our full day out, check our vlog below. 

Berrit x