Blackpool Attractions
Blackpool has held the honor of England’s most popular holiday destination since the early 20th century. Though the factory workers no longer flock to Blackpool’s beaches in quite the same numbers, the city remains the second-most visited city in the country. In addition to the sun and sand, Blackpool has a number of other attractions that draw over six million visitors to its shores every year.
Pleasure Beach is a sprawling amusement park with eleven roller-coasters. The tallest roller coaster in England is located here: “Pepsi Max Big One.” At more than 200 feet high, it held the record as the world’s largest and fasted complete circuit roller coaster for several years. It is also home to the very first Roller Coaster for which all others are named.
The Winter Gardens is an entertainment complex that includes the Pavilion Theatre, the Spanish Hall, the Empress Ballroom, and the Opera House. Located in the town centre, the Winter Gardens also house an Arena and Olympia and hosts conferences throughout the year.
Blackpool is known for its three piers. The South Pier features a theme park while the Central Pier has a grand Ferris Wheel as well as shops and restaurants. The North Pier boasts the North Pier Theater as well as a small shopping arcade.
Other attractions in the city include the Blackpool Tower (fashioned after the Eiffel Tower and housing a number of entertainment venues and restaurants), Waterworld (formerly known as Sandcastle Water Park), Stanley Park, Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, and the Doctor Who Exhibition.
When planning a visit, be sure to research the various Blackpool bed & breakfast and hotel options to find the lodgings that best suit your preferences and pocketbook. And if you’re there in the fall, check out the nightly Illuminations when five miles of the Promenade are lit with neon and electric lights.