When we think of the United Kingdom we tend to think of London or Liverpool. We think of the Thames River, the London Eye, or maybe even Abby Road. But what about Blackpool? Have you even heard of it?
To be honest, I didn’t know what Blackpool was or where it was until recently and now I’m intrigued. Now it’s on my list of places I need to see in the U.K.
Blackpool is a rather big town on the shores of the Irish Sea not too far from the Isle of Man which lies to its northwest out to sea. It is only 27 miles from Liverpool and 40 miles from Manchester.
The question you have to have is why should you visit Blackpool?
Tourism erupted in the 1840s after a railway was built that connected the town to the other parts of England. During the late 1800s population increased and it became a top vacation destination for many in the U.K.
The Blackpool Tower stands tall along the water’s edge. At the time of its erection, it was the tallest man-made structure in the United Kingdom. It was opened in 1894 and was built with the look of the top of the Eiffel Tower. It is 380 feet to the “Eye”. At the base, a grand ballroom sits.
Of course, you are not going to travel to Blackpool to see a tower. There is a lot more to do in this seaside resort town. The Lights Festival is held in the fall each year. Blackpool Illuminations has been an every-year event since 1879 and last for 66 days. The lights stretch for six miles along the seaside.
Pleasure Beach is both a beach and an amusement park that boasts having the most wooden rollercoasters in the entire U.K.
Blackpool also is home to an indoor waterpark that stays open all year long. It is located in South Beach.