Guide to Blackpool, England, UK

Blackpool is the archetypal British seaside resort in Lancashire, north west England. Known as the ‘Las Vegas of the North’, Blackpool was built upon a near-continuous stream of holidaymakers from the Lancashire cotton mills descending en mass during the ‘wakes weeks’ vacations, where every town would take it’s turn to shut down completely for a week in the summer.

Top reasons to visit Blackpool

See why Blackpool is Britain’s favourite beach resort, with over 12 million visitors per year and seven miles of beaches.

Visit the wide range of attractions, especially Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Blackpool Tower.

In the Autumn, drive or walk down the nightly displays of Blackpool Illuminations along the Golden Mile.

Main areas of Blackpool

Blackpool has developed along the sea-front promenade (or ‘prom’) and is defined by it’s three piers - North, Central and South Pier.

Most of the entertainment venues, restaurants and shops are along the promenade or set a short walking distance (within a couple of blocks) back.

When to go to Blackpool

Blackpool has a peak season to match the English Summer - June to late August - although the weather can be changeable. Although Blackpool is popular in the off-season for partying tourists (due to lower occupancy and costs) it can get cold, breezy and rainy.

High season is peak time for entertainment, school holidays and Christmas/New Year are also popular in the off-season. Note that some venues may reduce their entertainment offerings from Autumn onwards.

The term ‘Golden Mile’ (although it is actually 1.6 miles) is used to describe the length of promenade between the North and South piers, whilst the South Shore is where Blackpool Pleasure Beach can be found.

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Top Attractions in Blackpool

• Blackpool Pleasure Beach
• Blackpool Tower
• Sea Life Centre
• Sandcastle
• Piers - North, Central, South
• Golden Mile
• Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve
• Blackpool Zoo
• Blackpool Tower Ballroom
• take a donkey ride along the sands
• Blackpool Tower Dungeon
• Madame Tussaud’s waxworks

Shopping in Blackpool

No trip to Blackpool is complete without buying your souvenirs, from that ‘Kiss Me Quick’ hat or traditional Blackpool Rock.

Blackpool has all other British high street shops such as Marks and Spencer at Houndshill Shopping Centre, along with many other bargain and budget pound-type stores.

Eating in Blackpool

Blackpool local delicacies include:-

• Blackpool Rock - long sweet stick with printed names running through it
• Fish and Chips

Recommended restaurants include Cedars Cafe, Toast Cafe, Bispham Kitchen, Yorkshire Fisheries,Harry Ramsdens, Mandarin, West Coast Rock Cafe, Red Pepper, Sapori, Tasty Diner and Boonnak.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Blackpool

• Bars - The Layton Rakes, The Snooty Fox, Yate’s (South Shore and North Blackpool), The Soul Suite, The Gynn, The Red Lion, The Empress, The Auctioneer, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Burlington’s, Counting House, Kitty’s Showbar, Winston’s Bistro Bar, The Mere ParkRoxy’s, Swift Hound, Scruffy Murphys
• Cocktails - Blackpool Prom Prom
• Karaoke - Kings, Ma Kelly, and in most hotels in ‘high season’
• Clubs - Kaos Bar, Duple Club, Brannigans, Syndicate, The Philharmonic, Club Sanuk, Flamingo, Rumours
• Theatre - Grand Theatre, Winter Gardens, Blackpool Shows
• Art - Grundy Art Gallery

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