One of Britain's favourite seaside resorts, Blackpool has been a popular holiday destination since its emergencein Victorian times. Originally, the appeal of Blackpool was its seven mile long sandy beach. Of course, it is still a popularattraction today for visitors to relax and for the kids to play games or take a ride on a donkey.
Blackpool is one of the biggest seaside resorts in Europe and offers visitors a full range of activities. It is famous for itsGolden Mile of fairground type attractions and the Blackpool Tower, a smaller scale imitation of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.Blackpool's Pleasure Beach, a collection of enormous rollercoaster rides and shows is one the UK's most popular touristattractions.
Blackpool Tourist Attractions
Blackpool Pleasure Beach South PromenadeThe Pleasure Beach is the UK's biggest tourist attraction and offers and wide range of rollercoaster rides and shows. Entry intothe Pleasure Beach is free, visitors pay for individually for each attraction and may purchase discount sheets of ridetickets.
Open: Weekends March, daily Easter to early November, weekends November/December. Tel: 0870 4445566Blackpool Tower Central PromenadeBuilt in 1894, Blackpool Tower is Blackpool's famous landmark. The 519 foot tower houses exhibitions and entertainment for thewhole family. Kids will particularly enjoy Jungle Jim's and the Dinosaur Ride, a journey back 4.5 billion years to the dawn oftime. Don't miss the Ballroom with its Wurlitzer organ and daily shows.
Open: Throughout the year - Every weekend. Easter to end October - Every day. School half term holidays - Every day. Christmasweek - Every day . Tel: 01253 622242Blackpool Zoo East Park Drive opposite Stanley ParkA modern, well laid-out and spacious zoo which creates a natural environment with the use of moated pens, lakes and islands.Residents include lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes and gorillas. Attractions include a miniature railway and dolphinsimulator.
Open: From 10:00 am. Tel: 01253 830830Louis Tussaud's Waxworks Central PromenadeCome face to face with wax models of the Royal Family, politicians, film stars, pop idols, TV personalities, famous artists andauthors. If your not of a nervous disposition you can also visit the Chamber of Horrors!
Tel: 01253 625953 Sea Life Centre Central PromenadeOne of Europe's largest collections of marine life. Well presented displays include, Lost City of Atlantis, Claws and thetropical shark display.
Open: Daily from 10:00am Tel: 01253 622445Sandcastle South PromenadeAll weather family fun at Blackpool's tropical indoor seaside. Includes water chutes, wave and fun pools, a safe kids harbour andthe exhilarating white knuckle water slides.
Open: From 10:00 am to 6:00pm. Tel: 01253 343602Grundy Art Gallery Queen StreetDisplays of Victorian, contemporary and modern paintings. Old Blackpool section.
Open: Mon- Sat 10.00am-5.00pm. Closed Sun and Bank Holidays. Tel: 01253 478170Blackpool IlluminationsDescribed as 'the greatest free show on earth' this impressive autumnal display brings the whole of the Promenade tocolour with six miles of shimmering lights. Approximately September and October.
The PiersBlackpool is lucky enough to have three piers, each of them offering different but top class attractions. North Pier, restored toits Victorian splendour, offers a theatre, seasonal shows, shops and restaurants. Central Pier has a showbar, a big wheel andamusement arcades. The South Pier is for all the family, with spectacular rides its own theatre.
Open: Daily throughout the season Blackpool Tourist Information Centres
Blackpool Tourist Information Centre1 Clifton Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1LY. Tel: 01253 478222
Blackpool Tourist Information CentreBlackpool Pleasure Beach, Unit 25, Ocean Boulevard, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 1PL. Tel: 01253 403223
Lytham St Annes Tourist Information Centre67 St Annes Road, West Lytham, St Annes, Lancashire, FY8 1SH. Tel: 0906 680 0033