In April 2011 Merlin Entertainments Group opened the UK’s second Madame Tussauds on Blackpool’s Golden Mile, taking over the building previously occupied by the much criticised Louis Tussauds wax museum.
The new waxworks sees a complete refurbishment and redesign of both the interior and exterior of the building. There’s also a set of completely new figures, all crafted by the same team behind the famous Madame Tussauds in London.
Unlike the London venue, which features a wide selection of models from all corners of the globe and walks of the life (Hollywood and Bollywood stars, superheroes, cultural figures, royalty etc.), the Blackpool attraction focuses on UK celebrities and TV shows.
There are sports stars (David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Alan Shearer, and Ricky Hatton), Blackpool favourites (Ken Dodd, Benny Hill, Barbara Windsor), TV stars (Gok Wan, Jamie Oliver, Lou and Andy from Little Britain), and pop stars (Peter Andre, Susan Boyle, Jay Kay, Tom Jones, Lady GaGa, Kylie Minogue).
There are also several interactive areas where visitors can join a mock-up of famous TV shows; pose with Alan Carr on the set of Chatty Man, take part in a Bush Tucker Trial with Ant and Dec, or stand behind the bar at the Rovers Return with Bet Lynch. You can even enter the Big Brother Diary Room and record your own video.
Madame Tussauds is open 7 days a week. Opening times are Monday to Friday 10 am to 4.30 pm, Saturday and Sunday (and UK school holidays) 10 am to 6 pm.
Walk up prices for 2011 are adult (15+) £14.40, child (3-14) £11.40, concessions £13.20. Buying tickets online from the official website gives a discount of up to 20 percent plus you get to beat the queue.
Other ticket options include combination tickets for Madame Tussauds and Sea Life Blackpool, group tickets (1 free entry for every 10 paying guests), and annual passes.
Merlin also offer an annual pass giving 12 months’ entry to all their attractions (Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, London Eye, Sea Life etc.).
For vouchers, further discounts, and promotion codes its worth checking out the official Madame Tussauds Blackpool Facebook Page. There are frequent postings here giving details of kids go free, 2 for 1, and other special deals and offers.
Madame Tussauds enjoys a central location on Blackpool’s Promenade, just opposite the Central Pier. The nearest car parking is the council-run car park on Bonny Street.
