Victorian tradition and modern innovation meet on the sandy shores of one of Britain’s most historic and entertaining resorts.
Since the 1800s, monarchs and celebrities have vacationed by the beach and entertainment piers of Blackpool. Record-breaking roller coasters swing at top speeds around edges of the 19th-century wharfs of Blackpool Beach. Embark on this path to entertainment enjoyed by such esteemed former visitors as the Beatles and the royal family.
Uniting three historic piers is the Golden Mile, a promenade complete with casinos and hotels. Get food from the fish and chip shops and ice cream parlors that continue to carry the torch for Victorian seaside traditions.
For exposure to 19th-century genteel Englishness, set foot on North Pier, Blackpool’s longest and oldest wharf. Built in 1863, the pier’s theater and carousel capture the refined essence of the English gentry.
Walk south to Blackpool Central Pier, constructed with entertainment in mind. Palm readers, bumper cars and a Ferris wheel provide non-stop fun. Continue south for the city’s most famous sight, Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Wooden roller coasters and big drops make this one of the country’s most thrilling amusement parks.
Seek tranquility in the quieter district inland from Blackpool’s Fylde Coast. Stroll through the stylish Italian Gardens of Stanley Park and take a paddleboat out on its lake. Bring kids to Pirate Adventure Mini Golf and the Blackpool Zoo.
Amble through the city center to appreciate the 19th-century architecture, with Blackpool Central Library and Blackpool Grand Theatre among the iconic spots. Ever-present above the townscape rises Eiffel-esque Blackpool Tower, with its observation deck, circus and Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
Blackpool is located south of the Lake District National Park in the northwestern corner of England. Fly to the airports of Liverpool or Manchester, two large and cultured cities about a 1-hour drive from Blackpool. For a change of scenery, take a trip to the undulating scenery of Yorkshire Dales National Park and the rugged bluffs of the Pennines.
With its amusement parks, piers and fish and chips shops, Blackpool delivers a traditional British seaside experience.