Blackpool - Las Vegas of the North
Blackpool is a seaside town in the North West of England just above
Manchester and
Liverpool. It is most famous for its entertainment facilities including funfair rides and bingo halls. In the 1950s, Blackpool’s popularity peaked then laterslumped due to the introduction of cheap airline flights to holiday destinations overseas. Since then it’s fair to say that Blackpool has managed to maintain its enthusiasm for entertaining its visitors but it would welcome more tourists to help sustain its economy.
Getting around
Blackpool is easy to get around. Whether you want to hop on and off the local bus service from your hotel to the major sights, or alternatively take a tram ride along the Golden Mile, it is easy to navigate. My personal recommendation would be to ditch the public transport and instead explore by foot, while at the same time taking in the sea air
The Unmissable Attractions
Blackpool Tower - Bank Hey Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 4BJ
Blackpool Tower is the stand out moment of the whole of the coastline. Originally constructed in 1894, the Tower is filled with beautiful architecture, but it offers more than that! Inside (an under) the Blackpool Tower, there are five major attractions. Enjoy the Tower Eye and 4D cinema experience, which tells you the history of the region, before you gasp in wonder at the views from the top of the tower and across the Irish Sea.
Not one for heights? No problem. Instead of heading up to the top of the tower, explore one of the world’s most renowned ballrooms. The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is a delight to behold and often holds world-class events.
Heading even further down, you can explore the Blackpool Dungeons and have a giggle at tales of witches and the plague, cleverly told by actors. Finally, under the Tower you can find a Victorian Circus, dating back to 1894. Stare in wonder at the amazing finale! Tickets for Blackpool Tower start from £23.60
Cultural delights
If you prefer something a little different to the shining lights of the promenade, Tower and Pleasure Beach, then we suggest you head to one of the following sights, for a little bit of art and culture:
Grundy Art Gallery - Queen Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1PX
This excellent and ambitious gallery features work from both local artist as well as established artists from the UK and abroad. There a diverse range of collections so something for every taste – jewellery, contemporary art and watercolours to mention but a few. Admission is free
Opera House and Winter Gardens -Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1HL
One of the country’s largest theatres, with nearly 3000 seats, the Opera House has hosted many world famous stars over its illustrious career, which started in 1939. If you are heading to Blackpool, make sure you check upcoming events.
The Winter Gardens compliment the Opera House beautifully and has recently undergone a £1.25million refurbishment. During the refurbishment work from renowned film set designer Andrew Mazzei was uncovered, and now this quirky art work has become a feature of the rooms.Admission is free, although check online for specific ticket costs for events
Enjoy a bite to eat
Being on the coast, Blackpool naturally has a wonderful array of fish to enjoy. However, if you are not a fan of the classic Fish & Chips, worry not! Blackpool offers wonderful quintessential British dishes, but also caters for the more international palate.
Beach House -Festival House, Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, UK, FY1 1AP
Situated directly on the beach front, makes Beach House quite a special venue. The interior of the bistro & bar is chic and vibrant with great vibe. In addition to the restaurant and bar, Beach House also hosts live music events, which just further adds to the wonderful atmosphere.
Michael Wan’s Mandarin -27 Clifton Street, Blackpool, Lancs, FY1 1JD
For those of you with more exotic tastes, why head to Michael Wan’s Mandarin. Either though this restaurant offers a taste of China in the North of England, it is equally part of the heritage of the area, as it opened its doors to customers over 50 years ago! The ethos of the restaurant is all about local produce and freshly made sauces. Need I say more? If you have a little more time available and fancy trying some of the dishes yourself, the restaurant also offers 3 hour cooking courses from £40.
Time for a good night’s sleep
All that sea air can be exhausting, and there are plenty of excellent hotels to choose from along this coastal region. To help you decide where to stay, check out our recommendations:
Hotel Mode -45 South Promenade, FY8 1LS Blackpool, United Kingdom
Located just opposite St Anne’s Beach, Hotel Mode is an excellent 4-star offering for the area. For those of you who enjoy sand between your toes, either head to the beach, or enjoy the bunkers on the Royal Lytham & Saint Annes Golf course, which is situated only 0.7 miles from the hotel. Inside the hotel you will find a sophisticated bar and restaurant space, and rooms decorated to a high standard.
The Melville Hotel -Adelaide Street 70-72, FY1 4LA Blackpool, United Kingdom
Set slightly away from the hustle and bustle of the promenade, The Melville Hotel offers a cosy, home-away-from-home feel. If you don’t feel like exploring Blackpool and would prefer a quiet meal in the hotel, The Melville Hotel offers a beautifully wood-paneled restaurant which includes many options for vegetarian diners. All windows are sound-proofed so you won’t be woken up by the nightlife of Blackpool. Also, the hotel boasts a lively bar area, where you can relax and unwind after a long day