Coral Island calls itself Blackpool's largest free admission attraction, and on a wet day on the prom that matters. It is a vast indoor arcade dressed as a pirate port, with the Pirate Flyer soaring over the crowds, the Pirates Quest ghost train, a Sky Rider, the Camel Derby and rows of 2p pushers. Walking in costs nothing. Everything after that does.
The machines take cash or a Play Card, loaded with £5 to £50, and the card also stores the tickets you win for the prize shop. Those tickets do not expire, so they can be saved up across visits. Food is where it earns its keep: under 10s eat free with every paid adult meal across the Coral Island restaurants, including the new Captain Jack's grill.
It opens at 10am on weekdays and 9.30am at weekends, until late, and it is right on the Central Promenade, so it pairs easily with the beach or the Gruffalo Clubhouse along the prom.
What it costs: No entry charge. Rides and games are paid individually, by coin or a Play Card loaded with £5 to £50. Kids Eat Free: one under-10 meal free per paid adult meal at The Buccaneer, Coral Harbour, the Traditional Chippy, The Big Fish Trading Co. and the new Captain Jack's Bar and Grill, no voucher needed.
Santa's grotto at Coral Island on Blackpool prom, with a gift, goody bag, a £5 play card and 50 prize tickets in the price. £9.50 for 3 and under, £11.50 from age 4. Book through Eventbrite.
Worth knowing: The adult gaming area is 18+.
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