In the news recently has been the council purchase of the Tower and the Winter Gardens. This is an excellent move by the council to ensure that there remains quality entertainment for groups wanting to see the history Blackpool. New refurbishment work will be commencing on these two properties so that their Grade Listing status shines through.
There are the famous three piers, all with their own unique attractions available.
The North Pier is the oldest and longest pier and has a magnificent Sunlight Lounge where you can bask in the sun and be protected from the wind. There is also a Carousel bar, shows, amusements and the Merrie England Bar.
Central Pier was built the year after the North. It is home to the ever popular Legends Show and houses a large ferris wheel. Due to the size and weight of the wheel, 750,000 pounds was spent to strengthen the pier itself so that it could support the framework . On a clear day, you can see as far as the Lake District to Wales. It offers an excellent vantage point to watch the famous Blackpool Illuminations.
South Pier was built using new technology for the time and was constructed in record time. It’s width allows for adrenaline pumping rides seen usually at the Pleasure Beach as well as a large family bar, amusements and other shops.
The 11 mile tramway system, often used but not thought about, was the first electric tram system in Britain and is the longest established. Recent restoration work has brought new trams into service and it is still one of the quickest and easiest methods for tourists to travel the town.
Blackpool still considered to the tourist spot for ‘Northerners’, whilst Brighton is the same for the ‘Southerners’ is home to the famous Illuminations and Pleasure Beach. The theme park has attracted over the years, interest from Disney where there were rumours of a purchase expanding the already substantial grounds. The clubs and pubs which are in there hundreds offer many places for locals and tourists to go and relax whatever the mood.
Accommodation wise, from bed and breakfasts (also referred to as guesthouses ), Blackpool hotels, hostels there are over 1 thousand on the councils register making it sometimes hard to choose where to stay. The North attracts the older or family based who have probably travelled to the town before and know that they prefer the quieter and more sedate pace of life. The Centre offers easy access for the couples wanting the nightlife, but can also be noisy at times owing to the groups enjoying themselves. The South attracts those wanting to be close to the Pleasure Beach and hence a lot of couples and families wanting the buzz of the town, head that way. Wherever you stay, it is only 15 minutes on a tram from North to South.
Some bed & breakfast or Blackpool hotels accommodation specialise in certain aspects of your stay. Whether that be families, couples, stag and hens, smoking rooms, pet friendly, luxurious or basic, there is literally everything to choose between when searching for Blackpool hotels. One recommendation, is to check the reviews of a property before booking your online Blackpool hotels .
Blackpool bed and breakfast or guesthouses are the most popular accommodation type. If you see a Visit Britain logo advertising 3 stars, don’t confuse this with a 3 star hotel, which is offered a grading by a different scheme. Blackpool hotels have to adhere to facilities as well as service, cleanliness and hospitality. Therefore a high quality hotel without a swimming pool and sauna for example will always be limited in what it can achieve grading wise, but it might otherwise be 5 star.
Many Blackpool guest house accommodations limit their availability to 2 night stays during the busy periods, typically Friday and Saturday nights, and it only tends to be the larger establishments which have a staff that can afford to allow single night occupancies. However, you may still find that if they haven’t sold it nearer the time, it becomes available. It is best to do a search around the time you are interested in, and if nothing is available, then try again a little later.
For those perhaps a little older, there are dances available at the Tower Ballroom, recently made popular by the TV series and the Dance Festival at the Winter Gardens. Around these busy periods, you are best to book as early as possible to ensure you get the best accommodation possible.