About Blackpool
Blackpool is a world-famous seaside town in Lancashire. Situated along the Irish Sea coast, Blackpool holds over 140,000 inhabitants and is Lancashire's largest town, as well as being the fourth biggest in North-West England.An enormous amount of electricity is used to power Blackpool, especially renowned sites like its beach and the amazing Blackpool Tower.
Blackpool is the main centre of attraction for millions of tourists. You can find more hotels and bed & breakfast places in Blackpool than any other town or city.
Blackpool is still the most popular seaside resort in the UK.. Each year, The Pleasure Beach draws 6 million people. It is the ideal spot to visit on a weekend when the weather is nice.
Best sites
Blackpool Tower – This is one of Blackpool’s major highlights. Blackpool Tower is lit up every year, when the town and seafront are decorated with electric bulbs which brighten up the Promenade across a distance of six miles. The tower is over 518 ft. long and can be seen from Barrow-In-Furness in Cumbria, across Morecambe Bay. It is very closely modelled on the Eiffel Tower, but it has its own identity, as well, because at its base lies the building for Blackpool Tower Circus and at the Tower’s highest point is a flagpole.
There is so much to choose from inside Blackpool Tower. The Tower Top, located 380 ft up the Tower, has three more levels to ascend and from here, you can see The Lake District, The Isle Of Man and North Wales in all their glory, as well as Furness Peninsulas and Bowland Fells. There is a restaurant, a gift shop, the Tower Heritage Trail which offers visitors a look at the Tower’s illustrious history, an aquarium which contains 57 different species of fresh and salt water fish and the Tower
Lounge Bar, a fantastic pub which can hold up to 1400 people.
There is also a 3-D cinema and Jungle Jim’s, which is a play area for the children.
Blackpool Tower has been host to some very famous people. Diana, Princess Of Wales, visited the Tower in 1992 and the pop group Busted played there. Bolton-based comedian Peter Kay has performed at Blackpool Tower and his show was specially recorded for DVD. The Lee Evans film Funny Bones made excellent
use of the Tower which was also the backdrop to a fight scene in 1947’s Dick Barton Strikes Back.
The Pleasure Beach – If you are looking to relax and enjoy the scenery as you walk along in the sand, then there is no better place than The Pleasure Beach. On the other hand, if you are looking for the ride of your life, then this is the place to come to in Blackpool! There are the old-fashioned wooden rides like the merry-go-round, modern steel roller-coasters, small family rides, highly-advanced thrill rides and ancient rides still in original working order. At the moment, new rides and shows are being developed, as well as a casino.
The Pleasure Beach has recently undergone some refurbishments with wooden rollercoasters being re-painted and walkways being resurfaced. Last year saw the introduction of "Infusion" - a Suspended Looping Coaster, relocated from Pleasure Beach's now-defunct sister park, Pleasureland, in nearby Southport.
Amongst the best rides at the Pleasure Beach are Avalanche, which is a bobsled rollercoaster, the Big Dipper, Irn Bru Revolution and the Pepsi Max Big One which is a hyper-coaster that can reach 235 ft. above sea level and has the highest speed of 74 mph.
There is also the Steeplechase, a three-tracked racing steel rollercoaster of which there is no other in this country.
The best water rides are River Caves and Valhalla, which has a Viking theme.
There are plenty of amusement arcades to entertain yourselves at where you can play a selection of games, from simulation ones to fruit machines. There is also a variety of restaurants, from the American-themed Coasters and the Italian Job restaurant to Pizza Hut and the glamorous White Tower. If that’s not enough, there are fast food places that serve fish & chips and hot dogs.
The Pleasure Beach has a number of impressive accolades to its name. It was voted as joint fifth best amusement park in the world in the Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards. Pleasure Beach was the only British park to feature in any category. Pleasure Beach was also the highest ranked European park in the awards. Also, Pleasure Beach became second best seaside park in the world. The Pepsi Max Big One was no.44 in the Top 50 Steel Rides chart.
The Winter Gardens – Situated at Blackpool’s town centre, this is home to the theatres and conference facilities of the town. It holds the space-filled Olympia, which has high ceilings, natural light and is easy to get into. It is used for many UK trade shows and exhibitions. There is also the Opera House Theatre, which is the largest in the UK and has seen sell-out shows by the likes of Peter Kay, Ronan Keating, Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey.
Big productions such as Grease, Cats and Joseph have been staged here. One of the main delights of the Gardens venue is the Empress Ballroom. It has played host to party political conferences and pop concerts. Its wonderful and tasteful architecture has drawn huge audiences on many occasions. There are chandeliers, pristine parquet flooring and ornate balconies.
On the top floor is the Spanish Hall, where wedding receptions and banquets have taken place. It is extremely lavish and almost resembles a village, with its three-dimensional frieze. You will also find a mirrored entrance and the Windsor Bar.
Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks – Here, you can find exact models of movie and TV stars, sportsmen and pop stars, as well as the notorious Chamber of Horrors.
North Pier – One of Blackpool’s leading piers, it includes a small shopping arcade, a small tramway and the North Pier Theatre at the end. The pier end also used to have a helicopter pad.
Central Pier – The middle pier which includes a large ferris wheel and shops.
South Pier – Directly opposite The Pleasure Beach, it also has a theme park which has bars, electronic arcades, dodgem cars and other thrilling rides.
Best areas
South Shore – This is where you can find The Pleasure Beach and it is also near Bank Hey Street which is home to Blackpool Tower. South Shore has a lot of pubs and clubs, as well as hotels and guest houses, making it an ideal place to stay. Blackpool F.C. play their home games at their Bloomfield Road stadium is also in South Shore. There is also Blackpool FC’s stadium and Blackpool tramway.
There are a large number of shops and stalls and fast food outlets along South Promenade and also a large shopping area on Lytham Road. There are many pubs in this part of town including The Manchester, the Foxhall, and Yates Wine Lodge.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach railway station can also be found at South Shore.
Bispham - The village has a few attractions, with the tram station and the highest cliffs on both the Fylde coast and the North West Coast. There are a number of hotels and guest houses mostly around the seaward end of Red Bank Road and on Queens Promenade. The Red Lion pub also houses a Premier Travel Inn.
Bispham Rock Gardens is at the top of Knowle Hill on Devonshire Road and runs downhill toward the back of Bispham High School, with views from the top towards The Bowland Fells, Beacon Fells and Pendle Hills.
There are parks where you can play football, basketball and tennis. There is also a golf course, as well as North Shore Golf Club, which is just on the outskirts of Bispham.
If you want to socialize and generally enjoy yourself, there is Bispham Conservative Club where there is plenty of entertainment. You are likely to make new friends here and taste the finest drinks around. There is also bingo, snooker, pool and darts.
Grange Park - Grange Park features the best wildlife activity you can find in Blackpool. If you are interested, you can visit the Genesis Wildlife Haven. There is also a nature conservation area which was specially created for the local school children and community. A variety of birds are to be seen at the haven including Blue Tit, Great Tit, European Greenfinch, Blackbird, Blackcap, Chaffinch, House Sparrow, Jay, Kestrel, White Wagtail, European Robin, Song Thrush, Sparrowhawk and Wood Pigeon. Last year, school pupils built a small pond in the haven..
Layton - The north of Layton has many shops and other businesses outside the town centre. In this area, there is also a library, several churches and public houses. Layton also has several small parks and a number of bowling greens. The main fire station for Blackpool is at the south of the district. Layton also has a large park, Kingscote Park which is the second largest park in Blackpool[1], and the largest park in Layton, itself.
Layton also has its own small railway station on the line that leads to Blackpool North station about a mile further to the west.
Stanley Park – This park is designated by a central, circular Italian garden. There is also a fountain surrounded by a number of flowerbeds and small statues. The steps leading down to this garden from the north are flanked by
two ornamental lions believed to have belonged initially to Pope Leo X and are said to have been created in 1500.
Stanley Park also has a large lake which is home to many water birds and is used for boating and fishing. The lake contains islands reserved exclusively for wildlife. Around the lake are situated a "trim trail" (open-air exercise facility), a bandstand with a large amphitheatre, a small golf course and two elaborate rose gardens.
At the north of the park is an 18-hole golf course which is home to an established golf club, although non-members are also permitted to play. There are also six bowling greens and the park's central cafe. The cafe, Lidstones, is housed in an art deco building which has recently been re-opened after years of disuse by the family who originally operated it from the 1920s. The cafe is close to a car park at the end of Mawson Drive. Next to the car park is the visitors' centre, opened in August 2005 by the 19th Earl of Derby..
Situated at the west is the site of a 5000-seater cricket ground, home to Blackpool Cricket Club. Stanley Park Sports Arena (which hosts a number of athletics competitions) and the Blackpool sports centre which holds three halls, a gym and a climbing wall. All three are located to the south of the cricket ground and this area also contains a putting green, table tennis tables and a conservatory.
Best hotels
Chequers Plaza Hotel – Located on Queens Promenade in Bispham, this is a luxurious and comfortable hotel. We have recently achieved some amazing accolades. The exterior of the hotel has been refurbished to give it a more modern look and upgrading has taken place of the foyer / reception area, the bar and sun lounge, as well as the Hawtrey Restaurant.
The hotel has a very friendly atmosphere and the hygiene is second to none. The food is excellent and every single bedroom is of a high standard. The sun lounge is the place where you can relax and chat with family, friends and colleagues. There are also splendid views of Queens Promenade and the Irish Sea to savour.
You will always get the best service at the Chequers Plaza Hotel, whenever you have a drink, breakfast, lunchtime snack, afternoon tea or dinner.
There is a selection of board games and playing cards if you are feeling bored or if there is nothing else for you to do. Magazines and newspapers are also available.
This year, the Chequers Plaza Hotel won the “Investors In People Award” as a result of their help towards training and
developing colleagues. Two years ago, the hotel was a Gold Award winner, as a result of being the best one around.
The Centenary Hotel – Peace and tranquillity is what you can sample when you stay at the Centenary, which is also located on Queens Promenade in Bispham. All of the guest rooms are comfortable and en-suite. To many, this feels like a second home, because it has all the creature comforts that you would expect.
Most bedrooms have a sea view. As well as comfort and cleanliness, all the bedrooms operate a No Smoking policy, keeping the atmosphere fresh.
There are double rooms, triple rooms and twin rooms, as well as the single ones. In each room, you will find a television, DVD player, tea and coffee making facilities and a hairdryer.
Every length is taken by the staff to make visitors’ stay as enjoyable as possible, and there is plenty of flexibility in the services provided, so that you can get whatever you need.
The DeVere Herons’ Reach Hotel – Situated right opposite Stanley Park on East Park Drive, which means it is right next to 236 acres of impressive park land. There are 172 twin and double bedrooms in the hotel. As well as a bathroom, each room has Sky TV, free Interenet access, a Direct Dial telephone and beverage-making facilities. The hotel has some of the most exquisite suites. At the junior suites, you can have bathrobes, luxury toiletries and a complimentary newspaper, plus mineral water. The two main suites are worth every penny of your money. There’s the luxury-filled bedroom which has a nice sleigh bed and the separate lounge area has sofas and a dining table for six. The bathroom is made of marble and slippers are also provided.
The Herons’ Reach has absolutely anything you need. The surroundings are beautiful and you can while away the time by sampling the heated indoor pool, letting your hair down at the sauna or going to the spa. If you are in the mood for sport, there’s golf, tennis and squash.
It has two great restaurants which will satisfy your taste buds, whether you are looking to try a Brasserie menu, a light lunch snack or a relaxed dinner.
There is also the tantalizing Waterside Bar where you can have a quick drink before you go out on the town. This quiet and stylish bar is just as good for a cup of tea in the morning and an after-hours cocktail.
You can also enjoy the morning there with a newspaper and delightful cappuccino. There are also plenty of beers and cocktails.
The Herons’ Reach is ideal for business meetings and conferences.
The Imperial Hotel – Located on North Promenade and close to the main attractions of Blackpool, such as The Pleasure Beach and Blackpool Tower, this is one of Blackpool’s greatest top-class hotels, with an unbeatable reputation.
There are 181 rooms at The Imperial Hotel. Nine of them are luxury suites. Each room has its own tasteful and attractive décor, and every single guest, whether it be a holiday maker or businessman, ought to be more than happy with what the Imperial has on offer. Forty-one rooms face the sea and thanks to the Imperial’s recent £1 million renovation, each room is now a Premium room. Five suites and 80 other rooms have also been refurbished.
There are also some excellent sports facilities. The Bodysense Health & Leisure Club have a fitness suite, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and solarium, where you can get a taste of the sun.
Seaviews Restaurant is The Imperial Hotel’s prime dining restaurant. An à la carte menu of tasty contemporary cuisine is served in elegant surroundings. A more informal, but equally appetizing menu can be found at the Palm Cort Buffet Restaurant.
The Number 10 Bar is great for the odd light snack and drinks.
From the hotel, you can view the beach and its luscious sand in all its splendour. The Imperial is also perfect for business meetings and conferences, as well as functions, banquets and parties.
The Hilton – Situated at the Promenade City Centre and near The Pleasure Beach, the Hilton is where you can mix business with pleasure. There are 11 meeting rooms which can hold up to 900 people and you can also get wireless Internet access in public areas.
You can book a family room if you would like more space or a suite if you crave for that extra dining area. Each room has a Sony PlayStation which is fun for the kids. Each room has the Internet and a 21-inch television set. There is also a workdesk and an easy chair, as well as views towards the sea. For the young children, there is a play area and a special kids’ club to keep them occupied.
The Hilton has an indoor pool, as well as a health club where you can get a massage. There is a fitness room where cardiovascular equipment is accessible and ladies can enjoy a manicure.
The seafront Promenade Restaurant serves a juicy Sunday roast with all the wholesome goodness you need. There is also beef on the menu and goat’s cheese salad.
Quality entertainment is also provided at the Cocktail Bar, which is open most evenings and during the school holidays. The highlights here include Tequila Sunrises and Singapore Slings. Snacks such as burgers and fries are also provided. There is a big-screen TV where you can watch all the best sports events, including this year’s European Championships football tournament, and over the summer and weekends, you can get all the greatest comedy and music acts at the Bar.
The Hilton is a more than suitable setting for parties and banquets.
Best night clubs
Sanuk – This is one of the trendiest haunts on the North Promenade and is close to The Pleasure Beach and Blackpool Tower. Sanuk is Thai For Fun, and that's exactly what Club Sanuk is all about. There are 7 bars, 5 rooms and 4 different music styles.
Sanuk is open 4 nights a week from 10pm till 4am. There are 10 local DJs our roster of 10 local DJs and the number of guests is without limits.
The Thai themed bar on the ground floor plays the best in current chart and Blackpool party. The Smirnoff RnB room on the mezzanine floor is home to R&B Hip Hop and Dance. The Smirnoff Arena on the top floor plays quality house music. The Studio provides all the old classics from the 70's onwards, and the Gallery is our VIP room for invited guests and Special parties
Enjoy the ultimate clubbing experience every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights!
Schofield’s Bar – Situated on Clifton Street which is in the town centre, Schofield’s is ideal for young people, especially Sixth Form students. Saturday nights are the best with DJ Dave Garthwaite banging out the best in funky, tough and electro house.
Schofield’s is also the best place to have a hen party. Girls can have their own decorated rooms with balloons, streamers and party poppers, as well as a ‘goody bag’ for every girl and a disposable camera to take photos. There will also be a ready-made cake for anyone who is celebrating their birthday.
There is also the Lock-In, held on Saturdays from 3am, which has the usual house music and even a dash of trance to round off the early hours.
There are also theme nights, with Schofield’s playing songs by bands, such as The Stone Roses.
Men and women who are celebrating something special are also guaranteed the 5-star VIP treatment.
Heaven + Hell – Another hip and happening haunt in Blackpool. Located on Bank Hey Street, right near Blackpool Tower, it's one of the most successful clubs in Blackpool with its two rooms and great music. The two rooms containing different types of music include heaven, pop chart hits and R'n'B music, as well as driving Hell hard core dance anthems.
The DJs are dynamite and the atmosphere is always fun, so why not come to Heaven + Hell where you’re guaranteed a flaming good time?
The Blue Room – Located on Church Street, this is very popular with students.
The Blue Room is believed by some to be the original meeting place of the men who formed what was to become the Blackpool Football Club. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. It serves a selection of traditional cask ales, together with all the usual favourites. The prices are very good.
Live local bands on a weekly basis and DJs play the best in new music, mixed with classic tunes from years gone by on Thursday and Friday nights.
The Blue Room is one of the best places around and is worth checking out for its alcohol prices.
The Tache Rock Venue – This is quite a rarity in a town like Blackpool. Situated at Cookson Street, the Tache is a heavy music and alternative rock club. Students are invited, as well as other adults and the place is so relaxed that you don’t have to worry if you’ve spilled your beer on the floor. Many a glorious headbanging night has taken place at this venue, with the music of legendary bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Metallica and Whitesnake being played, as well as alternate ones like Stone Temple Pilots and Nirvana.
Live bands play at the Tache, too, so you can have a listen to the new, in addition to the old. The Tache is open every night from 10pm till 2am, apart from Sundays.
Best festivals
The Blackpool Dance Festival - This 8-day extravaganza in Blackpool is the world's first and most famous annual ballroom dance competition, held at Winter Gardens. It is also the largest ballroom competition ever.
The Blackpool Dance Festival covers Ballroom and Latin American dancing, and holds the British Open Championships where couples, both amateur and professional, compete. In 2005 two new categories were introduced: the British Rising Star Amateur Ballroom and Latin Competitions. Two invitation events, the Professional Team Match and the Exhibition Competition, attract much interest.
The Junior Dance Festival, Blackpool Sequence Dance Festival, and British National Dance Festival are also held annually in Blackpool.
The annual World Professional Dance Sport Championship is often held in Blackpool, but is not directly related to the Blackpool Dance Festival.
Blackpool Illuminations - Blackpool Illuminations consisting of a series of lighted displays and collages arranged along the entire length of the sea front, seven miles (11km) in total, attract many visitors during the summer, autumn and early part of winter which is when most British seaside resorts' holiday seasons have already ended. This results in some spectacular traffic snarl-ups as most people now view the lights from cars and coaches which light up the sea front, particularly so at weekends and during school holidays. Each season, a famous person "flicks the switch" to turn the lights on in an opening night ʽSwitch Onʼ ceremony. Doctor Who actor David Tennant took his turn, last year.