Best Time to Travel
As the winter nights set in, Blackpool lights up with more than a million dazzling bulbs, thanks to the annual Illuminations. Every single one of the Promenade’s buildings glow with flickering lights during the display, and the glittering Blackpool Tower provides a spectacular focal point for the celebrations. Hopping aboard one of the gleaming trams that trundle up and down the shorefront road is the best way to absorb the true scale of this iconic display, which has been themed on everything from Doctor Who to Alice in Wonderland over the years since it was first held in the 19th century.
Not to Miss
Brits love the beach, and Blackpool’s sands have been pulling the visitors in for over a century. Head to the shore, where you can flag down a passing donkey for a ride, or walk out above the waves on a wooden pier, before jumping aboard a flashing Ferris wheel. Visible for miles around, Blackpool’s homage to the Eiffel Tower has been a feature of the North West’s coastline since 1894, and you can rise up it to test your nerve by stepping tentatively across its thick glass walkway. If you'd rather stay grounded, then you can take a seat for a show in the lavish Empress Ballroom.
Getting around
The North West of England is densely populated, and major cities like Manchester and Liverpool - with their busy airports - are less than an hour’s drive from Blackpool. Trains from Blackpool North railway station connect with Preston’s mainline hub in 25 minutes, making it easy to explore further afield. Both Glasgow and London are within a 3 hour train ride. Buses and the coastal tram system connect Blackpool with neighbouring Fleetwood - perfect if you’re looking to do a little shopping at Freeport Fleetwood Shopping Centre.
Cuisine
Blackpool’s best known for that delicious seaside speciality, battered cod and chunky, vinegar-soaked chips. Sit down to dig in, or stroll along the seafront and breathe in the salty air as you enjoy piping hot chips from your warm bundle of paper. If you really want to impress the locals, ask for a buttered barm cake - a bun - with your dinner, or try a Lancashire speciality, the butter pie, stuffed with onion and potato. While a chippy dinner is always tempting, there’s plenty more delicious food on offer here, with dishes from across the world like creamy chicken tikka masala, and meaty spaghetti bolognese available right across town.
Customs and etiquette
Blackpool is a friendly, lively holiday destination for all ages, where the locals have a reputation for being warm and friendly - unlike the winter weather. As with the rest of the UK, tipping is always welcome in restaurants, especially when you’ve received good, friendly service.Fast Facts
• Population: 142000
• Spoken languages: English
• Electrical: The UK runs on 230V, 50 Hz current
• Phone Calling Code: +44 1253999
