Blackpool Horror Crypt Review

If you stroll far enough along Blackpool's Ocean Boulevard, past the South Pier and the entrance to the Pleasure Beach, you might be forgiven for thinking that you've reached the outer rim. The swathes of attractions soon give way to a handful of eateries and gift shops. Don't be fooled. Don't turn back. Within this strip lies the Horror Crypt, a small seafront sanctuary for horror lovers. For the eerily-inclined, a trip to Blackpool without visiting this attraction would be sheer blasphemy.

Given the aforementioned location, the Horror Crypt's facade has a great deal of heavy lifting to do. Though it succeeds in attracting attention, it actually somewhat belies the experience within. Gargoyles and skulls sit atop the entrance, and the walls are adorned with gothic castle style bricks, very much akin to a ghost train. However, the attraction itself is more a museum of oddities and artifacts; a love letter to the horror genre which combines informative setpieces, special effects, animatronics and props. Just imagine Captain Spaulding's Museum of Monsters and Madman and you're pretty much there.

Scare attraction fans will undoubtedly enjoy the effects and animatronics, while horror film fans can revel in being face to face with some of their favourite characters, as well as viewing some original props (the hand from Dog Soldiers was a high point for us). Serial killer enthusiasts will also feel at home here. But the real joy of the Horror Crypt is being immersed in an environment which has been lovingly created by a true fanboy. Owner Kurt Walsh is clearly a huge horror fan, with a passion for the genre and all the spooky paraphernalia that comes with it. There's heart and soul in the detail here, if you take the time to look. It's an unpretentious presentation of everything Kurt loves, and his genuine desire to share it with people is inspiring.