Blackpool Illuminations
Promenade
Blackpool
Lancashire
United Kingdom
Each year between September and November, six miles of Blackpool’s Promenade from Starr Gate near the Pleasure Beach to Bispham, are transformed into a spectacular carnival of light. Blackpool’s association with electric lights dates back to 1879 when the town was illuminated for the first time, predating Edison’s patent of the electric light bulb by twelve months. Today, more than 3.5 million visitors each year come to Blackpool Illuminations. The scale, density and content of the Illuminations improves each year and the development of new ideas and new themes is continuously evolving.
Blackpool Piers
Blackpool
Lancashire
United Kingdom
Blackpool boasts three piers, each with its own unique character. The North Pier, the oldest of Blackpool’s piers, retains its Victorian charm and is famous for its theatre and seasonal shows, shops, restaurants, bars and of course its sunbathing. The Central Pier offers a traditional seaside experience with its gigantic Big Wheel, a show bar and amusement arcades for all ages. The South Pier is perfect for family fun, with its circus-marquee entrance and spectacular rides including the Adrenaline Zone.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
525 Ocean Boulevard
Promenade
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY4 1EZ
United Kingdom
Tel: 0871 222 9090
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is officially the UK’s busiest tourist attraction; more than six million people experience the thrills of this 42-acre exhilaration paradise every year. Its 145 rides and amusements include 10 roller coasters, one of which being the outrageously fast Pepsi Max Big One, once Europe’s tallest and fastest roller coaster. For younger visitors there is a dedicated theme park for toddlers. Blackpool Pleasure Beach is also home to powerful, exciting live entertainment; thrilling ice shows, sensational circus musicals, magical illusion shows and on-site live entertainment.
Blackpool Tower
Promenade
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY1 4BJ
United Kingdom
Tel: 01253 622 242
Soaring above the Promenade, the majestic Blackpool Tower epitomises Victorian architecture and engineering. The Tower is a grade I listed building and is surely one of the country’s most enduring landmarks. Those with a head for heights will enjoy the breathtaking views of Blackpool, North Wales, the Lake District and beyond from the top of the Tower. Britain’s highest post box can be found at the summit, and daring visitors will be amazed by the Walk of Faith challenge, a glass floor 380 feet above the promenade!
Also to be found at the Tower is the International Tower Circus, with its golden Arabesque walls housing what has been consistently voted the UK’s best circus. Home to the Mighty Wurlitzer organ and now complemented by the world's most advanced organ, the Tower Ballroom has been described by many professional musicians as the best in the world. World championship Ballroom dancing appears throughout the year.
With a magnificent aquarium, indoor adventure playground, family bars and amusements, it is not difficult to understand why Blackpool Tower is such a well-loved attraction.
Blackpool Zoo
East Park Drive
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY3 8PP
United Kingdom
Tel: 01253 830 830
Situated two miles from the sea front, Blackpool Zoo is just ten minutes from junction 4 of the M55. The zoo is home to more than 1500 exotic animals including lions, tigers, elephants, gorillas and rare primates. Animals, reptiles and exotic birds live in naturalistic environments surrounded by 32 acres of mature parkland and lakes. The zoo also features a miniature railway, a children’s petting zoo and the Play Zone.
The Great Promenade Show
New South Promenade
Blackpool
Lancashire
United Kingdom
Tel: 01253 478 104
Scattered along a two kilometre stretch of the Promenade from Squires Gate to the Sandcastle, the Great Promenade Show is an outdoor exhibition that has ten features from established and emerging artists and designers; the unique lighting features, sculptures and constructions are interpretations of Blackpool’s natural and man-made environments.
The Grundy Art Gallery
Queen Street
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY1 1PX
United Kingdom
Tel: 01253 478 170
The Grundy Art Gallery is one of the most delightful small galleries in the country and houses Victorian oils and water colours, contemporary prints, modern British paintings and displays of old Blackpool. In addition, an annual programme of special exhibitions including traditional, modern and contemporary art complement the gallery’s permanent collection.
Sandcastle Waterworld
South Promenade
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY4 1BB
United Kingdom
Tel: 01253 343 602
The Sandcastle Waterworld in Blackpool offers a wealth of fun activities for children and adults and is among the town’s most popular places to visit. There are 18 slides in total as well as pools, a wave machine and a lazy river, while there is also a shop and various places to grab a snack or drink after your dip in the water.
Stanley Park
West Park Drive
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY3 9HQ
United Kingdom
Stanley Park offers a haven of peace and tranquillity amid the bustle of Blackpool’s attractions. Situated less than two miles from the seafront, the 256 acre park is the place for more leisurely pursuits. From the 26 acre lake, perfect for a quiet cruise by motor boat, rowing or pedal boat, to the show piece Italian Gardens, six superb bowling greens and two 18-hole putting greens, there is an activity to suit everyone.
Trams
Blackpool
Lancashire
United Kingdom
Electric trams have been operating along the entire length of Blackpool promenade since 1885 and until fairly recently, the Blackpool tramway was the last tram service to survive in England. The line runs for approximately 11 miles and in the summer months up to 65 tram-cars are in operation. The Blackpool trams provide a service to some 7 million passengers for 362 days every year and the tram-cars are perhaps at their most magnificent during the Illuminations, when they are festooned with light bulbs.
Winter Gardens
97 Church Street
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY1 1HL
United Kingdom
Tel: 0844 856 1111
Originally opened in 1878 as just gardens and an open-air skating rink, the beautiful Victorian Winter Gardens have changed over the years and are now home to Britain's largest stage, the Opera House with its world class shows, the Arena and the famous Empress Ballroom. The Winter Gardens have been restored to their original pristine glory; partly Tudor England, partly Strauss’ Vienna, partly Seville in its golden age and partly ancient Rome but wholly fantastic and wholly Blackpool.