Six weeks ago we were sent tickets to take our lot to Blackpool to meet with
the newest exhibit at Madame Tussauds ~ Bear Grylls. We were due to go on the Saturday, but on the Tuesday night my partner became ill with Meningitis. Tussauds were very understanding and said we could keep the tickets and go whenever we were ready ~ last Sunday we were finally ready for
our day out!
I've always wanted to go to Madame Tussauds, but as a child my parents never let me, and I simply haven't previously got around to it as an adult so I've been looking forward to it at least as much as any of the children.
When you first go in, you are met with a whole variety of TV show presenters and you can sit or stand with the models and have your photo taken 'on set'. I was instantly stunned at how 'hands on' it was, I really just expected to walk around and look at the models from a distance as if we were in a museum.
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| Some of the TV shows that you can 'take part in' at Madame Tussauds |
All throughout the whole building you can 'join in 'with the waxwork models and take some amazing photo's and have a real laugh.
It wasn't long before we bumped into the man we'd specifically gone to see - Bear Grylls himself! All the children recognised him immediately, even our 3 year old!
Bear is wearing clothing donated by the actual Bear Grylls, and features as part of the Documentary Drama Zone at Madame Tussauds. He arrived on June 20th and the Bear Grylls display area took more than a year and cost around £150,000 to make.
Continuing on through the building (which spans 5 floors and has 14 different themed areas), you find a host of stars from the worlds of sport, music, TV and film. ..
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| Sports Stars at Madame Tussauds |
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| Music Stars at Madame Tussauds |
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| The 'Best of British' stars at Madame Tussauds |
You can learn how the models are made, and even come face to face with Madame Tussaud herself...
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| How the bodies for models are made |
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| Choosing the right hair and eyeballs |
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| How the faces are moulded from wax and finished by hand |
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| Madame Tussaud |
You can sit down and relax and have a soft drink and a bag of crisps in the Rovers Return - you don't actually get served by Bet Lynch though, so bring change for the vending machines!
For the younger children there's a chance to meet some of their favourite characters....
You have ample opportunity to be the star of the show!
And you can see what it would be like to be a participant in a game show....
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| I'm a celebrity....what's in the hole? |
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| Definitely The Usual Suspects! |
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| A new 'extra' on the set of I'm A Celebrity |
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| And a Beatle I don't quite remember.... |
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Madame Tussauds, Blackpool also houses the most amazing Hall of Mirrors.
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| Boy no.4 had just run headlong into a mirror! |
It would be criminal to end my review without a mention for the staff. From the moment we went in through the front door we were greeted with big smiles and lovely comments. Everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful and patient. It was a real pleasure and I will most definitely be going back to Madame Tussauds again. My whole family had a great time and I would recommend it as a fantastic 2-3 hours for anyone, young or old.
Madame Tussauds in Blackpool is open daily all year from 10am (except Christmas Day). Closing times vary throughout the season. It is accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs, although there is a large area to cover and it is located on 5 floors. On the day entry costs £15.95 for adults/£12.95 for children. Tickets are cheaper if you
buy online in advance. Merlin also offer
Big Tickets and other special deals where you visit more than one attraction and save far more money.
