Bargain breaks by the seaside; Days Out GRAHAM YOUNG finds the best things in life are still free in Blackpool.

Byline: GRAHAM YOUNG

THIS week's adventure took us a little bit further away from home than usual, but hey... it's good to take flight when there are bargains in sight!

Blackpool's current offers, for example, can offset your travel costs.

Our trip to enjoy the free Blackpool Illuminations by the seaside cost us pounds 40 in petrol, yet a family of five would pay pounds 28 to park and ride at Walsall Arboretum's Illuminations.

Stay in Brum to watch next month's Finding Nemo, and each Disney on Ice ticket will cost from pounds 11.50 to pounds 33.50 per person (only under twos can sit on laps).

But if you are keen to try every ride you can handle at Blackpool's Pleasure Beach for the all-in October bargain price of pounds 20 per head (usual price pounds 32 for adults and pounds 25 for children), you can also see the brilliant on-site Hot Ice show for free, subject to everyone else not having had the same idea first.

Running until November 1 and featuring more than 25 figure-skating stars from around the world, the mixture of spectacular moves, costumes and music leaves children rubbing their eyes in disbelief.

The arena's horse-shoe shape creates an intimate atmosphere with almost everyone sitting within flicking distance of the flying ice flakes!

Created, produced and directed by Pleasure Beach supremo Amanda Thompson, Hot Ice will enthral anyone who loves a dash of Saturday night Strictly.

If you want to bypass the Pleasure Beach itself, standard Hot Ice ticket prices range from pounds 5 to pounds 15 for matinees and from pounds 15 to pounds 25 from 7.30pm.

Next door in The Globe Theatre, wristband holders can see for free the sensual Forbidden - A Devil Of a Show, at similar prices, and also suitable for all ages.

During last weekend's balmy weather, Blackpool was heaving just like the old days.

Our first-night attempt to drive along the Doctor Who-themed, seafront Illuminations was hampered by the fact that a motorcyclist had hit a pedestrian.

But, after a quick detour down a couple of side streets, we were soon back on track. Some of the best billboard-sized displays for children, featuring characters like Noddy, are at the northern end of town from the Cleveleys/Bispham side.

Watching the Illuminations via tram on our second night cost pounds 5.60 (each way) for all five of us to travel from the Pleasure Beach to the Central Pier close to Blackpool Tower, home of the famous Ballroom and the world class circus.

At The Legends' show bar on the Central Pier, where Elvis was appearing with Buddy Holly, David Bowie and Freddie Mercury, the 'house full' signs were up.

Manager Mark Boden said: "If this is the credit crunch, bring it on - anything that stops people going abroad is great for us."

By the end of the decade, Blackpool's rebuilt seafront should be an irresistible visitor attraction.

The ambitious project is still ongoing opposite the admittedly now rather tatty-looking 'Golden Mile'.

But, if you want to see into the future, drive or take a tram up to Cleveleys.

When complete, the Fylde Coast sea defence barrier will be one of the 21st Century wonders of the world. And, yes, it will all be free.

Visitor Info

Website: www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com Show tickets: 0871 222 9090 Box office: 01253 341707 Groups of 15+ (up to 50 per cent off selected performances): 0871 222 8787.

Graham Young and his family stayed at the Pleasure Beach's own Big Blue, a 157-room boutique hotel with a range of fine evening meals from a locally-sourced a la carte menu, including beautifully-tender Pilling Marsh lamb.

For more information about special offer breaks which include wristbands, call 0845 367 3333, visit www.bigbluehotel.com or email: [e-mail] The Pleasure Beach will also host a spectacular fireworks show at 10pm on Saturday, November 1 and 9.30pm on Sunday, November 2 and there are Friday Fright Nights throughout October.

For details of Legends and other shows in town, visit www.attractionsblackpool.co.uk NOTE: October's pounds 20 Pleasure Beach admission fee (children under 1m go free) gives visitors access to unlimited rides and entry to one matinee or evening performance of either Hot Ice or Forbidden. Offer subject to availability, so book early. Non-riding disabled/carers can receive free park passes.

CAPTION(S):

LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT... the Blackpool Illuminations and (below) the spectacular Hot Ice show.; NOT TO BE MIST... the seafront from Cleveleys, with the Tower in the distance.