Blackpool: Seaside Charm for All the Family
Known as one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in England, Blackpool is a combination of traditional seaside charm and contemporary attractions. As you are drawn in by the commanding and historic Blackpool Tower, the additional enchantments of the town will be revealed. From experiencing the thrills of white-knuckle rides to taking a relaxing stroll along the famous Golden Mile promenade, this exciting resort has an assortment of activities for travellers of all ages.
Family Fun at Every Turn
If you are seeking a holiday destination that will offer a jam-packed amount of family activities, Blackpool is certainly a suitable option in that regard. The Blackpool Pleasure Beach, for example, is a must-see attraction. Ranging from the child-friendly Nickelodeon Land to major rides such as the Big One (which is the tallest rollercoaster in the UK), it’s understandable why the Pleasure Beach is one of the most visited theme parks in the country. Then there’s the renowned Blackpool Tower, where its observation platform – complete with a spine-tingling glass floor that looks 380ft down – is one of its main draws. The large Sandcastle Waterpark is an acclaimed attraction in the South Shore area, while Madame Tussaud’s, SEA LIFE Blackpool and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! are all long-standing and admired places of interest. And although it is a little further outside the town centre, planning a trip to Blackpool Zoo is also highly recommended. Oh, and don’t forget to ride on one of the renowned Blackpool trams, walk down the three piers, play arcade games in Coral Island, and go on the expansive beach where children even have the opportunity to ride a donkey!
Nightlife & Shopping
A popular destination for stag and hen do’s, it should come as no surprise that Blackpool boasts a lively nightlife scene. As is tradition, many begin their frivolous fun in the bar of their hotels or B&B’s, before heading off to one of the many nightclubs on offer. As far as shopping goes, there are plenty of opportunities available for you to spend your travel money. As a starting point, the Houndshill Shopping Centre, which is situated slap-bang in the heart of town, is a great place to begin. In this shopping centre you will find many of your favourite high street retailers where various deals can be had. Yet as you begin to further explore Blackpool, you will find a large range of gift shops and independent retailers – ideal for picking up bargains and novelty trinkets!
Yearly Entertainment for All
There are many things that are synonymous with this famous seaside town, and one of those includes the world-renowned Blackpool Illuminations. As summer passes by and the days become increasingly gloomier, the Illuminations sees a spectacular six-mile light display brighten up the town. And to kick things off, the Illuminations Switch-On event – known as the biggest annual event in Blackpool – is a fun-filled celebration that features an array of national entertainment and music stars. Speaking of things that the town is known for, the Blackpool Tower Circus is one such attraction. Dating back to 1894 and operating throughout most of the year, the event is home to a rotating roster of international stars from the circus world. In terms of shows and events, other permanent fixtures in the resort include the interactive – and chilling – Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Funny Girls cabaret show, and the Vegas-themed Viva Blackpool. Famed venues such as the Winter Gardens, Grand Theatre and Blackpool Tower Ballroom also host a wide array of events on a consistent basis.
Dining by the Sea
Eating at the seaside in England = fish and chips, right? Now whilst there are a multitude of such establishments, you should note that Blackpool is a multicultural success when it comes to cuisine. To emphasise this point, you could pay a visit to one of the many authentic Italian restaurants in the town centre, where you can sample some of the finest pizzas and pasta dishes. You’re not just restricted to taking your taste buds to Italy, either. Fancy some Asian-inspired gastronomy? Well along with offering a number of Chinese buffets that will help expand your waistline, Michael Wan’s Mandarin is a Blackpool institution that has been serving scrumptious Cantonese meals for over 50 years. And if you want the best of British food, McHalls Bistro comes highly recommended by both locals and travellers. Tucked away within McHall’s Hotel, this once hidden gem is now one of the most revered dining spots in all of Blackpool.