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Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Ocean Boulevard,
Promenade,
Blackpool,
FY4 1EZ
Tel: 0870 444 5566
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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, 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.
The park is open from March until November; opening times vary.
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Blackpool Tower
Promenade,
Blackpool,
FY1 4BJ
Tel: 01253 622242.
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Soaring above the Promenade, the majestic Blackpool Tower epitomises Victorian architecture and engineering. The Tower is a Grade One 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.
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Blackpool Illuminations
Promenade,
Blackpool
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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.
The 2005 Illuminations run from 2 nd September – 6 th November
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The Golden Mile
Promenade,
Blackpool
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The brash and bustling Golden Mile is the slot machine capital of Britain; giant leisure centres and casinos are interspersed with the latest video technology as well as discos, cabaret spots and exhibitions. Latest additions to the famous Golden Mile include the £6m Sea Life Centre with its thrilling "shark tunnel". Experience the Golden Mile on foot and savour all the sights, sounds and smells so characteristic of traditional British seaside fun. Why not experience the glitz again from a tram or one of the fleet of horse-drawn landaus?
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Sandcastle Waterworld
South Promenade,
Blackpool,
FY4 1BB
Tel: 01253 343602.
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Even on the coldest days the tropical Sandcastle Waterworld, winner of Blackpool’s coveted Attraction of the Year Award 2004, is kept at a constant temperature of 84°F. Brave the Barracuda and the Serpent white knuckle water chutes, ride the two 300ft Gentle Giant water slides and tame the Typhoon Lagoon wild wave pool. Splash into the Sleepy Lagoon children's fun pool or simply relax on a sun lounger by the poolside; there is entertainment for all the family.
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The Piers
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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.
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Trams
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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.
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The Grundy Art Gallery
Queen St,
Blackpool,
FY1 1PX
Tel: 01253 478170.
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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. Please contact the Gallery for further details.
Monday – Saturday: 10.00am - 5.00pm.
Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Free admission
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Winter Gardens
97 Church Street,
Blackpool,
FY1 1HL
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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 .
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Stanley Park
West Park Drive,
Blackpool,
FY3 9HQ
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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.
All facilities open at 10.00am and close at 7.30pm with the exceptions of the boats and crazy golf, which close at 5.00pm.
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Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks
Central Promenade,
Blackpool,
FY1 5AA
Tel: 01253 625953.
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With over 150 waxwork figures of stage, screen and television, sporting greats, rock and pop stars, historical figures and royalty packed into five floors, the world famous Louis Tussaud’s is open daily throughout the season from Easter until the end of October. A visit to the Chamber of Horrors with its blood-curdling exhibits is definitely not for the faint-hearted! Don't forget to take your camera.
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The Great Promenade Show
New South Promenade,
Blackpool
Tel: 01253 478104.
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Scattered along a 2km 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.
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Blackpool Zoo Park
East Park Drive,
Blackpool,
FY3 8PP
Tel: 01253 830830
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Situated 2 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.
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