Blackpool Hotels

Brassy Blackpool

Like the requisite trashy Big Brother contestant who talks with an ‘Essex, innit’ accent, wears a velour tracksuit, has a set of implants that rival beach balls and a skin-tone that wouldn’t be out of place in Willy Wonka’s factory, Blackpool is just one of those things we love to hate.

Yet there’s something about Blackpool’s gritty, tawdry, kitschy exterior that is refreshingly honest, and eventually earns a kind of grudging affection.

Blackpool doesn’t care what you think of it. Roll your eyes if you like, but Blackpool will continue having raucous, unselfconscious fun with or without you. It’s unashamedly hedonistic, shows no regard for understatement, subtlety or trends, and has managed to hone the art of the traditional seaside holiday into an exact science.

Alcohol? Check. Piers? Check. Amusement Parks? Check. Overpriced fish and chips? Check. Teenaged menaces? Check. Burberrry hats a-plenty? Check, check.

With Pleasure Beach, Blackpool Tower and three attraction-laden Piers, Blackpool’s entertainment centres on summer sun. But this is not a town to turn down a money-making opportunity, which is why it also hosts the Blackpool Illuminations in autumn, bringing the piers to life in a dazzling light display to extend tourist season.

Blackpool knows exactly what it is, and what it is not, and its success stems largely from an ability to stick to its formula. From the spectacle of Blackpool Beach on a hot summer’s day to its chaotic, debauched nightlife, Blackpool knows how to bring home the bacon – and will continue to do so for years to come.

BLACKPOOL’S TOP 10

BLACKPOOL LOCAL

Town Centre

If you want to soak up the best of Blackpool’s energy, this is the place to be. There’s no better way to start your explorations than with a visit to the Central Pier, where you’ll find a host of amusements, arcades and general hoo-ha. Once you’ve tired yourself trying to win the big teddy for your sweetheart, head over to Blackpool Tower for the Sea-Life aquarium.

Here you’ll come face to face with the monsters of the deep (*Jaws music*), plus some cute but not-so-cuddly sea urchins. Not your cup of tea? Try Madame Tussauds for some waxy celeb encounters. Not into wax? Get your grumpy caboose over to the circus. Everybody loves the circus.

After you’ve downed some much-needed grub at one of the many cafes, restaurants and fish and chip places, end your day by heading over to the shops (there are plenty to choose from) to splash out.

North Shore

After the chaos of the central city, this quiet(er) area of Blackpool is a welcome change of pace. The North Shore Promenade is not quite as bustling, but it still has a lot of entertainment on tap, including great pubs, eateries and, yes, more shops.

Make sure you have a relaxed lunch and breathe in the fresh, sea air on pebbled Cleveleys Beach before you give those credit cards a workout. If you’re willing to travel, the village of Bipsham can be found a little further north and is full of quaint little cafes and gift shops, as well as more pubs to sit back and have a few bracing ales.

South Shore

This is a Blackpool favourite and another very busy section of the promenade. Here you’ll find the famous South Pier and Pleasure Beach, where you can act like a kid and get away with it (the rollercoaster will have you screaming like a five-year-old) as well as Sandcastle Waterpark, the country’s wettest and wildest indoor waterpark (we recommend the Masterblaster and the Treetop Water Chutes).

End your fun-filled day with a good feed, tasty pint, plenty of shopping and a well-earned rest at the beautiful Stanley Park or St Annes Beach, a wide stretch of sand and sea.

BLACKPOOL EAT & DRINK

BLACKPOOL EVENTS

If you’re wanting to experience something a little kooky during your Blackpool adventure, why not head to the Pigeon Races, held every January. This event is hosted by the Royal Pigeon Racing Association (yes, there is an association) and has loads of entertainment on offer aside from the pace-conscious pigeons.

Showzam in February is a magical 10-day fiesta filled with circus and magic tricks, burlesque and other slightly weird and wacky performances. The event even hosts classes and workshops for aspiring circus performers. If you fancy being a carny, this might just be your big ticket!

Blackpool hosts a sea of events in June for Armed Forces Week. There are concerts, film events, cabaret performances, parades and the famous Afternoon Tea Dance in the stunning Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Not all events are open to the public but even if you just watch the parade, it makes for a great experience.

Blackpool Illuminations is one of the biggest events of the year. Held along the Golden Mile, this festival of lights sees hundreds of big, bright and colourful light displays featuring lasers, neon lights, and fibre optics. There are even exhibits using fire and water! Early September to early November.

WHEN TO GO

· The weather in Blackpool tends to be mild but can also be a tad unpredictable. For plenty of sunny days and clear skies, summer is obviously the best time to go.

· If you’re looking to experience a different side of Blackpool, autumn is less-crowded and you’ll be able to experience the Illuminations festival.

WHAT TO MISS

· Don’t walk along the beach if the weather is miserable because you’ll most likely be hit in the face with a wall of flying sand and/or water – the tides and wind can get mighty violent.

· Central Drive can be dodgy after dark and is best avoided.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND