Overview

Blackpool – Seven Miles of Heaven

Think of UK as a cold, rainy place full of ‘Stiff Upper Lips’? Visit Blackpool to see that image turned on its head. With the Golden Mile, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and the Blackpool Tower mixed in with some serious amusement options this small seaside town attracts nearly six million beach combers every year. There is something for everyone here - the racy young tourists, big families on a break from domestic mayhem and for seniors looking for a quiet spot by the sea! The stiff upper lip got left behind in the city!

Blackpool is like a living entity, breathing, expanding and contracting with the influx and out-flux of tourist from high to low season and there is a marked difference in the city’s population between the two seasons. People come here to get away from it all, to comb its beautiful beaches, to get the adrenalin running at its gazillion roller coaster rides, to shop for some fun stuff and to enjoy the region’s ruddy cuisine.

Getting to Blackpool is easy as a pie and there are more beds in the city than all of Barcelona to accommodate all the traffic! With a beach at hand and water parks and a zoo there is everything here to make for a perfect weekend getaway. So what are you waiting for? Pick up that straw hat, pack in some sun block and the season’s hottest beachwear and get to Blackpool!

The Black Story

The popularity of Blackpool as a vacation town can be safely attributed to three things – the practice of sea bathing as a way to restore poor health, the development of that prudish contraption called the ‘bathing machine’ and the construction of a private road to the town by two enterprising men – Thomas Clifton and Sir Henry Hoghton.

For centuries before all of the above occurred, Blackpool was just another pretty village on the sea coast occupied in succession by the Setantii -which interestingly means “water dwellers”- who were a pre-Roman sub tribe of the Brigantes; and the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons. Several place names existing from the 9th and 10th century suggest that the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons may actually have lived side-by-side in peace! Perhaps had something to do with the tranquility in the air!

Around AD 80 the Romans occupied the area, then covered in deep oak forests and bogs, and left their unmistakable mark on the territory in the form of a fort of Dowbridge in Kirkham. From that time onwards, Blackpool, which is a part of the Fylde, grew as a notable Anglo-Saxon settlement, parts of which were even recorded in the Doomsday Book in 1086.

The medieval era saw Blackpool emerging as a collection of farms on the coast, not being called ‘Blackpool’ till 1602 when entries in the baptismal register of the Bispham Parish Church mentioned its old name ‘ poole’ and the new ‘Blackpoole’. The city’s notable landmarks like Foxhall was built towards the end of the 17th century and an Act of Parliament in 1767 enclosed the area between Spen and Dyke as a ‘common’. Land was allotted to various landowners and the construction of several roads like Lytham Road and St. Anne’s Road began around this time, though Blackpool was still the country yokel’s land!

Then came the 18th century and with it the new fad of bathing in the sea to cure various diseases and Blackpool found itself at the center of the new panacea! The 1781 construction of a private road to Blackpool and the regular stagecoach services to Blackpool from Manchester and from Halifax in 1782, made it easier for the bourgeoisie to travel to Blackpool for repairing fraught nerves and general ill health. The town saw decent development in the early 19th century when Henry Banks started developing the city; four hotels came up along with an archery stall and bowling greens – making the town more suitable for longer stays and for vacations other than those that were medically driven.

Most of this real estate development can be traced back to Henry Banks who was responsible for several new constructions like holiday cottages and giving new life to the Lane Ends Estate and the Lane Ends Hotel. His work was carried on by his son in law Dr John Cocker who built the town’s first assembly rooms at the corner of Victoria Street.

However, the real surge in tourism came when the town got its first railway connection to the industrial towns of the north in 1840. Railway connections to Poulton and subsequently Lytham turned it into a destination with mass appeal and transformed it into a darling resort of the rich and the not so rich.

While the railway was snaking its way into the heart of Blackpool other developments were taking place in the city too - St John's Church was consecrated in 1821, the Victoria Terrace (1837) and St John's Market (1844) were constructed and amenities like gas light and piped water appeared by 1864.

A promenade along the sea front was built as well as the now famous North Pier and Central Piers were opened between 1856 and 1870. Other famous landmarks like the Raikes Hall Garden and the Winter Gardens were opened to public between 1872 and 1878. Meanwhile Blackpool got its Mayor and Corporation in 1876.

The appearance of electric lights in 1879 was quite an event as electric lights were the newest and most exciting invention of the decade and pulled in more visitors to Blackpool. Other events that cemented Blackpool’s reputation as a perfect holiday destination were the opening of the electric tramway in 1885 and the construction of the First Opera House in 1889. South Pier opened in 1893.

In the final years of the 19th century, Blackpool grew at an amazing rate with its population reaching 14,000 in 1881 and 147,000 by 1951! This was also the time when some of its most famous landmarks like the Blackpool Tower and the North Promenade were built. At the turn of the century more buildings of tourist interest came up – the Blackpool Town Hall in 1900, Grand Theatre in 1904, the first cinema opened in 1905 and the Grundy Art Gallery in 1911. The early 1900's also saw the development of the Pleasure Beach when the very first rides were installed with more to come.

In the period between 1920 and 1940 the city added more tourist attractions like the Blackpool Carnival, Stanley Park and Louis Tussauds Waxworks to its kitty. With all these attractions, miles of sunny beaches and so much to do, Blackpool today is one of your best bets for a carefree, affordable holiday.

The Best Time to go

Being close to the sea gives Blackpool an advantage over other holiday destinations in that there is a beach! But like English weather anywhere on the island, Blackpool’s weather is given to tantrums and capriciousness. The best way to minimize loss of fun on account of weather is to plan your trip between Mid March and November; the remaining months can be quite an exercise in restraining your temper!

Although some indoor attractions like the Blackpool Zoo are open all year round, squalls and strong winds can easily spoil a day at the beach or the pleasure park so aim for a time when schools are shut, winds are down and the rains are absent – some workout, huh?

The holiday season gets crowded during July and the madness hits the roof by September all through to November when nearly every family this side of the pond descends on Blackpool. Do book in advance because even with more beds than Barcelona, hotels are usually splitting with guests during high season.

How to arrive

Arriving in Blackpool

Blackpool is accessible both by rail and road and if you choose the latter, then opt for a bus instead of driving because you know what? The Brits drive on the left! Most overseas visitors would most likely be taking a bus from London which would get you about six and a half hours of either sleep or shameless gawking at the beautiful English countryside. You could also take a bus from either Liverpool or Manchester to Blackpool and get to the Central Coach Station on Talbot Road in less than two hours: less gawking and little sleeping but you get there faster.

If time is of essence take a train to Blackpool and hit Blackpool North on Talbot Road in about 1 ¼ hrs from Manchester or 1 ½ hrs from Liverpool. Alternatively if time is of essence and money is not, take a chartered flight from one of the following destinations: Alicante, Dublin, Belfast, Faro, Geneva, Girona, Ibiza, Isle of Man, Mahon, Malaga, Murcia, Mallorca or Tenerife.

Pillow Space

Finding a place to stay in Blackpool isn’t hard though during high season we recommend you book ahead to get good rooms. The accommodation offering ranges from cheap to affordable to really luxurious and there is a hotel or a Bed & Breakfast to suit every pocket. The most talked about hotel is undoubtedly the Big Blue Hotel right next to Pleasure Beach where €69 to € 105 will get you a double or a family room, the latter complete with a PlayStation and individual TVs for the kids bunks! More centrally located is the Old Coach House on Dean Street where you get a more intimate and cozy set up for €97.

Cliffs Hotel on Queen’s Promenade is housed in a beautiful turn of the century building and among other things has a cabaret room – quite a hit with revelers (€52). The Homecliffe Hotel on Wilton Parade has been recently renovated and offers well-appointed, comfortable rooms along with a conference center, a well lit, huge bar and a sun lounge. Try for a suite with a Jacuzzi and you won’t regret it. We would also strongly recommend the Carousel Hotel on the New South Promenade that has been born again with a spate of renovations and is now one of the top 3-Star hotels in Blackpool. Perfect for families, the Carousel offers proximity to the Pleasure Beach as well the beautiful Fylde countryside and the rooms spell luxury in a new way (€87).

At €75 the Best Western Carlton makes for a great experience. There is a tram stop right in front of the hotel and most rooms offer great sea views so you get a lot of tranquility, great scenery and just a little bit of exercise to get to the thick of things via the convenient tram from the hotel! Another good place to get some shut eye is the Claremont Hotel (€115) on North Promenade. The hotel boasts of several sea facing rooms and though you’d have to pay a bit extra for these, the views are worth the money. With a helpful, well-trained staff, good, clean rooms and delicious food, Claremont gets the thumbs up from most visitors.

Your place of stay can make or break happy memories for a holiday. Keep yours good with Belroy Hotel on Hull Road. Run by a friendly couple, Belroy offers clean, comfortable rooms, well stocked with amenities and designed innovatively. Being located close to the center of all things fun gives the Belroy an added advantage and its warm, homey atmosphere makes staying here a truly memorable experience.

Another one garnering positive reviews from travelers is Liberty’s on the Square situated as its name suggests on the Cocker Square, close to the North Promenade. Spotless, comfortable rooms, a helpful staff, great food and great location make this one a big hit with revelers (€35). We would also recommend trying the Elgin Hotel on Queen’s Promenade which has the unique distinction of being in a quieter part of town yet never too far from all the fun because cabs, buses and trams are all available right outside its door. The staff is helpful, the rooms comfortable and the food great (€153).

Blackpool’s tourism fortunes rose when working class families began preferring it over other holiday destination. This trend continues today and includes single and budget travelers too looking for affordable accommodation. Blackpool offers more than a staggering 600 properties for this subset in the form of that beautiful concept called Bed & Breakfasts!

Located on St. Chad’s Road Kenley Hotel is a popular choice for its proximity to Pleasure Beach and Blackpool Tower, its warm atmosphere, excellent services and gracious hosts. Breakfast is included in the price (€21 – €33) and you also get free view TV, free Wi-Fi and en suite facilities. The rooms are tastefully decorated as is the bar/lounge area that is well stocked. While here treat yourself one night with a meal in the hotel’s delightful dining room that serves great homemade soups and desserts.

With its spotless surroundings, warm hosts and a world class service, Lolly’s Hotel is a delight to stay in. The rooms are clean and comfortable and located on Regent Road; Lolly’s is close to major attractions and shopping areas (€25). Glenwalden is a family run guesthouse situated close to North Promenade and prized for its quiet location as well as good service. Rooms start from € 61 and the guesthouse offers free Wi-Fi in well appointed rooms, a great lounge and bar as well as dining facilities.

Another one getting rave reviews all over is The Croydon Hotel on Empress Drive. A family run affair, the Croydon boasts of comfortable rooms with freeview TV, ensuite facilities and a full bar as well as home-cooked meals in its spacious dining room. Other Bed & Breakfasts we recommend are The Princess, The Edenfield Guesthouse, Hound dog Hotel, The Waterford, The Wilcott Hotel, The South Lea Hotel, King’s Court Hotel, Legend’s Hotel and Four Season’s Blackpool.

Self service apartments are another option to try especially if you are with family or in a large group. Some of the best ones to shop around for are: The Beach House Blackpool, Coast Apartments, Berkswell Apartments, Credlands Holiday Flats and Beachside En-Suite Holiday Flats.

Tootsies, Trams or Landaus?

With millions of tourists descending on its shore every year, Blackpool offers a host of public transport options ranging from buses, trams and trains to taxis and even the quaint landaus. While taxis are used more during late nights and for airport travel, trams and buses are more popular during the day time. If you have driven into town from another city you’d find parking is no problem and having a car at your disposal gets you everywhere faster.

If you choose to use public transport get one of the many types of travel-cards for trams and buses (valid from a day to a week) from one of the tourist offices or most news-agents. Check this site for more information. Blackpool’s trams are an attraction by themselves especially during the illuminations; quite a few in the fleet being from the original stock.

Trams are a great way to enjoy the coastline along the promenades, running from Stargate to Fleetfood. Buses allow affordable transit from most hotels to attractions and beaches and hamstrings permitting you could also try cycling to get you places. The surface is blissfully flat and cycling along with walking on good weather days is a good mode of transport; it is a great way to visit the promenades and other areas in the city.

Restaurants

Pigging Out

With a load of tourists on its streets at most any time of the year, there are bound to be eateries of every kind in Blackpool. The ones that stand out simply because of their numbers are the traditional ‘Fish & Chips’ stalls and you’d find hordes of people walking down the promenades with a load of it wrapped in paper.

But if you were looking for a sit down meal, Blackpool won’t disappoint you with its multi-cuisine choices like Chinese and Indian.

One of the best Chinese restaurants in the city is Michael Wan’s Mandarin on Clifton Street. Recommended by locals for a sumptuous meal and excellent service, The Mandarin has been in business for almost 5 decades; try the Sweet & Sour Pork and any kind of prawns here. Another place to sample eastern cuisine is the Ocean Palace on Talbot Road specializing in Cantonese cuisine.

Nothing beats a round of vinegary fish and chips and one of the best places to get it is The Cottage on Newhouse Road. Also try some of the stalls on the Promenade for this traditional British street food. Another must visit place for fish and chips is Pablo’s situated opposite the South Pier. Seniors on Normoss Road is a delight for fish & chips lovers and is wildly popular for its fare.

Being close to the sea means abundance of fresh sea food and a great place for shellfish delicacies in Blackpool is Robert’s Oyster Bar on the Promenade. Established in 1876, Robert’s, as it is fondly called, serves oysters, whelks, mussels, cockles and prawns in many delicious forms. Also try The Seafood & Steak Restaurant on Bond Street where you can some of the best lobster dishes as well as exotic sea food. The restaurant also serves steaks of all kinds and if that doesn’t suffice for you try the Texan Steak house for its popular Chicken Kiev. Sea food lovers would appreciate Blackpool for these delicacies as well as regular hearty fare sold in seafood bars that dot the city.

On a splurgier note is the Promenade Restaurant at Hilton Blackpool as well as the toast of the town – Harry Ramsden’s which gives seafood an altogether new definition with its steak & kidney pudding, the mouthwatering plain salmon with tartar sauce and of course fish & chips. In the same bracket is the Twelve Restaurant which though located a little outside Blackpool in marsh mill village, is nevertheless wildly popular. Patrons are loyal to it for its patent superlatives such as Lakeland red deer and wild mallard with ravioli, as well as for its utterly glamorous and contemporary, chic décor.

September Champagne Bar & Restaurant is another place popular with locals and tourists alike and the reasons range from its ultra – sophisticated interiors to its excellent menu and the zestful champagne bar on the top floor. Other restaurants of note in the city are Frankie & Benny’s NY Italian restaurant, Jali – an Indian restaurant, Paparazzi Italian restaurant, The Excelsior, The Moghul Premier and Terry’s Balti House.

And then there were lights!

Although Illuminations are on only from September to November, the city shines with its nightlife throughout the year. Blackpool’s club scene rocks with plenty of options to suit every need. There is a broad range of entertainment and music venues catering to singles, couples as well as families! Most of the nightlife is aggregated around the central district but you can find bars and clubs in all areas of Blackpool. The atmosphere is light and chilled out and whether you are in a group or in multiples of two you can find a club, bar, disco, a cabaret or a karaoke venue to your liking.


Blackpool is one of one of the premier gay spots in the country and Hen/Stag parties are quite popular. Funny girls, the country’s first transvestite bar is hugely popular and very entertaining and you must step in at least once to see what real fun is all about. Other gay night spots in the city includes Pride Colors, Kaos Bar, The Flying Handbag, The Flamingo and Pepes Bar. Also check out venues like Roxy’s and Taboo for assured fun.

 Blackpool’s roaring nightlife is thriving and busy…just follow Bacchus’ flock and you’ll get to all the right watering holes and one of them is likely to be Pump & Truncheon – a popular pub in Central Blackpool. The Jolly Sailor Pub and Mariner’s Bar are two more regular haunts of tourists and locals alike as are Schofields’ Café & Bar and The Beach Tavern on the Promenade. One must visit place is the Cahoots Bar on Market Street where you not only get great cocktails and a good selections of beer but also a dance glass floor! How cool is that? Other bars to pick from are: Old Bridge House, ONeill’s Irish Bar and The Boardwalk. We’d never be able to list all the night clubs and bars in the city but one we would recommend is the Springs Nightclub at the Hilton – a snazzy, cool place to spend a great evening in.

If you are born with two right feet, Blackpool is the place for you to be in because discos and dance clubs punctuate the city like commas. For starters get to the Promenade to try One Eleven, Palace and Sanuk – three of the most popular dance clubs in the city. The unbeatable king of all dance clubs in Blackpool however, is ‘Beat’ situated on Corporation Street just above the Rose & Crown. Famous for being the preferred venue of performers like James Lavelle and Scratch Perverts, Beat hosts nearly 350 people a night who jam to Electro, House and Hip hop till the wee hours. Hard as it may be to get out of Beat, it’s a must so that you can also sample The Syndicate Super Club on Church Street – one of the best dance clubs in the city. This gigantic place can hold upto 5000 people on its two levels – one of which has a revolving dance floor. The music ranges from Techno and House to Hip hop and Electro. The Peppermint Lounge in Teanlowe Center is another must visit club in Blackpool. The crowd zips on from 18 to 60 and the club’s music ranging from Funk, Hip hop to House keeps every age group happy.

Other options for night time entertainment include Heaven & Hell where crowds sway to popular chart music ranging from classic rock and trance to rhythm and blues. Brannigans plays similar music and appeals to the same clientele, as does the Palace and Jellies Nightclub. If dancing is not your thing, relax with some cocktails and live music at Tache or the Flagship Showbar which has an exciting atmosphere and plays brit pop, chart music and even disco.

Things to do

Shimmering Blackpool

Pleasure Beach Blackpool: One of the best known attractions of Blackpool, this one is for the real adventure lovers. The amusement park boasts of one of the roller-coasters in Europe – ‘Pepsi Max Big One’ and offers rides like ‘Infusion’ and the ‘Zipper Dipper’ for kids. Once a simple fairground with merry-go-rounds and knick knack stalls, Pleasure Beach today entices young and old with adrenalin pumping rides, a casino, food stalls, restaurants and cafes – perfect for a day out with the family.

The Sea Life Center: The Sea Life Center on Central Promenade is another supremely entertaining attraction and is popular among kids as well as adults. Home to a fascinating collection of tropical sharks and a plethora of marine creatures like manta rays, piranhas and sea horses, the Sea Center is famed for its walkthrough underwater tunnel where you get up close and personal with the sharks! Add to that drama provided by the Lost City of Atlantis shark feature and excitement in the form of the ‘Touchpool’ display and you have a great outing for the family. Other areas to focus on are the Victorian Pier, Ocean Window and Kingdom of the Seahorse.

Blackpool Tower & Circus: What has a ballroom, a circus, an aquarium and can be seen from a 30 mile radius? It’s the Blackpool Tower – a very faithful replica of the Eiffel Tower and ever since in opening a major attraction. Constructed in 1894, the Blackpool Tower sits pretty on the Golden Mile and offers the best value for your money in the town. The Circus and especially ‘Mookie the Clown’ are big hits with the little ones and the Walk of Faith can turn the most mature into questioners. At 158 m the tower dominates Blackpool’s skyline and is a must see attraction. Go up to get the best views of the city, take the Walk of Faith and visit the beautiful Ballroom with its Wurlitzer Organ. For the young ones there are more fun things to do like a Dinosaur ride and an Aquarium. Get Hungry? Step into one of the several bars and restaurants on the campus.

Louis Tussauds Waxworks: Louis Tussauds Waxworks on the Promenade is another popular attraction where you get to see some fine wax models of celebrities like Tiger Woods and Victoria & David Beckham, members of the Royalty and popular faces from film and television world in themed rooms. Don’t leave without a visit to the ‘Chamber of Horrors’, a demo on how the wax models are created and a photo with your favorite celebrity.


Stanley Park: The Green Lung of Blackpool, Stanley Park is a beautiful Victorian style park designed by Thomas Mawson and Sons and opened to public in 1926. Catch yourself sighing at the beauty of the central Italian Garden from which several paths radiate outwards – go where your fancy takes you; there is an area of 256 acres for you to cover! The northern quadrant also has a beautiful 18-hole golf course where non-members can play too.

Grundy Art Gallery: For art lovers a visit to the Grundy Art Gallery, close to the Sea Life Center is a must. The Gallery which opened in 1911, is a beautiful art venue noted for its magnificent architecture and temporary exhibitions. Displays are based on historical, modern and contemporary art and the gallery has shown several established as well as emerging artists.

Other notable attractions in the city are: Coral Island – Britain’s largest amusement arcade, Sandcastle Water World, Winter Gardens and the Grand Theatre.

The Big Shopper

If you were thinking couture shopping, cutting edge designs that haven’t even made an appearance on the runways yet and ahead of their times accessories– hop over to Paris. That said, Blackpool is still a great place to enjoy the whole shopping experience complete with designer labels, bric-a-brac and souvenirs like the ‘kiss me quick’ hat and the all time fav Blackpool rock.

The most popular shopping destination in the city is the Hounds Hill Shopping Center and the streets that radiate from it. Step inside this two-floor indoor arcade to browse among stress like Jane Norman, H & M, La Senza, Barratts, Dorothy Perkins, Boots and Herbal Inn. New additions include stores like the Primark Store and Debenhams which opened up in 2008. The arcade boasts of a huge parking and a food deck on the top floor where tired shoppers can relax with a coffee from Costa Coffee or delicacies from Just Desserts.

The streets around Hounds Hill also offer a great shopping experience with stores like Woolworths, WigWam, Thorntons and Argos. A short distance ahead of this area houses stores like Ann Summers, Marks & Spencers and Next among several others. Get hungry? There is a strategically placed McDonalds at hand.

If you go further north from here you’ll hit the Freeport Shopping Outlet Village which is a discount outlet style shopping arena – a sight for sore eyes! Surf the place for skincare products, cosmetics, bags and shoes and mostly anything you may not need right away but is available at irresistible prices. Stores include All Wellan Good, Bags etc., Chapelle Jewelry, Cotton Traders and Past Times.

For inveterate shoppers a trip to Trafford Center in close by Manchester or Preston shouldn’t sound un-do-able either. If you’d rather explore Blackpool for more options try the Ocean Boulevard for some ‘festival shopping’ and the centrally located Tower Shopping Centre.

Tips

A dream day in Blackpool

It isn’t tough to get in the whole of Blackpool in a day simply because it isn’t a huge city. The trouble though is you can never be satisfied and there would always be one more place to see, one more hour needed on the beach and just a few more rides on Peasure Beach before you’d want to call it a day. Still if you only had a day we’d suggest you start spending it as early in the morning as possible with a dip in the cool sea. Nothing livens up the self like a dip in the big blue with the first rays of the sun sending slivers of magical light all over the place. Grab some breakfast either back at the hotel or at a café near the Blackpool Tower because that’s going to be the first place you’ll see on your day tour. Take the Walk of Faith and soak in the morning vistas of the city from the top of the tower, check out the circus and the ballroom and grab a cuppa coffee at one of the Tower’s cafes before heading off to Pleasure Beach. Let yourself and the kids loose on the Big One and the Zipper Dipper and any other ride that catches your fancy – its all about the adrenalin, folks! All that activity is going to get you all hungry and you have a choice of either grabbing some chow right here or sampling some mouth watering Fish & Chips at the Central Promenade. Post lunch take a peek in at the Sea Life Center to gawk at the awesome sharks and the new exhibit - Scary Monsters – strange creatures from the depths of the sea … all the creepy crawlies that the oceans hide!

Take your pick between Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, if you aren’t too tired or a stroll in the Stanley Park to repair your nerves after the Scary Monsters. Head to the Dr. Who Exhibition on the Golden Mile Center at the Central Promenade. Spend your evening at a bar like the Old Bridge House for its classy surroundings and a good selection of drinks before heading to some heavenly seafood at Harry Ramsden’s. Got kids on the team? Get everyone a nightcap of some delicious ice cream at Notarianni’s – try the nougat wafer, the vanilla made with an original family recipe and the famous Notrianni Sundae.

Sounds like a day well spent… we think so!

The Hidden Blackpool

n a tourist heavy place like Blackpool you’d think there wasn’t a spot that could possibly be secret. We’ve got news for you!

- Visit Glasform run by John Ditchfield studio to see the master glassblowers in action, gape at the 30 ft glass sculpture and perhaps buy some

- Try a nature walk from Stanley Park through the Woodland Gardens all the way to Marton Mere Nature Reserve. The silence is golden and the beauty of the path is memorable

- Take a day off to go to Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve located off Lawson's Road, South Shore. There is a huge lake, reedbeds, meadows and woodland areas in the reserve and the whole scenery makes for an enjoyable day away from all the hubbub of the touristy Blackpool.

- Just off the Central Pier is an often overlooked gem – The Lifeboat House, dedicated to all those brave men and women who risk their lives to save others at sea. Don’t leave without visiting the small museum housed on the property.

Travels-Booking TipMaster

General

- Book rooms in advance during the high season because though the city is full of hotels, the good ones get taken up fast

- Beware of pick pockets and bag snatchers on crowded streets and the promenades

- There are a lot of arcades and amusement parks and it is easy to end up
overspending. Decide your budget before hand so you have some remaining for souvenirs and a couple of great sit down meals

Families

- Skip the lavish hotels and the Bed & Breakfasts to stay at one of the St. Anne’s Hotels or self catering guest houses in Lytham.

- Time your visit to coincide with International Fireworks Competition which is held each year in September, the Sunday after Illuminations switch off and then every Friday evening during September between 7.30 and 8.30 pm. A treat for the whole family!

- Do remember to pack some jumpers or light sweaters for everyone – the weather is not always predictable

- Check by phone for opening times for various attractions like Pleasure Beach because times vary with seasons and arrive early to avoid anaconda queues for tickets

- Make some time for a visit to the Blackpool Zoo; the kids would love it and so would you

Couples

- Get romantic and skip the taxi in favor of the Horse-drawn "landaus" for a ride along the promenade

- Wake up early in the morning and take a walk on the beach before the crowds get in

- Take an ‘only for two’ stroll at the Winter Gardens to reconnect with nature and with each other

Those Other Yellers

- Frommer’s recommends taking in the Pigeon Racing show that is held every year in January, at the Winter Gardens

- The Times recommends the Blackpool Tower as the No. 1 attraction in Blackpool