Blackpool 2

By Road
From the North: From Scotland and the North of England, join the M6 (starts at Carlisle). Travel south until you reach Junction 32 - signposted M55 for Blackpool.
From the South: From London and the South East join the M1 and travel north to Birmingham. From Wales, Bristol and the South West, take the M5 and travel North to Birmingham. Join the M6 (starts at Birmingham) and travel north until you reach Junction 32 - signposted M55 for Blackpool.
Car parking: Blackpool has many car parks within easy reach of town centre with a capacity of 10,405 cars. A new link road from the M55 will take you right into the centre of town to the Central Car Park.
By Rail
Blackpool has two main railway stations (Blackpool North and South). Trains are available to and from all major British destinations. Contact British Railways General Enquiries for more information
British Rail Blackpool Enquiries: Tel: 01253-259439. Open weekdays (Mon. to Sat.) 07:00 to 22:00. Sundays 08:00 to 22:00.
British Rail General Enquiries (24 hours): Tel: 0161-832- 8353.
By Air
Blackpool has a small airport that accepts commercial flights from the Isle of Man, Belfast and Dublin.. The nearest major international airport is Manchester which is approximately 30 miles away from Blackpool.
Blackpool Airport General Enquiries: Tel: 01253-343434
Manchester Airport General Enquiries: Tel: 0161-489- 3000




















BLACKPOOL BOROUGH INDOOR BOWLS CENTRE, LARK HILL STREET. Tel: 01253 751400
International stadium with 8 full size rinks, visitors welcome, free coaching, bowls for hire.
Open daily from 10.00am - 8.30pm
BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS
Back in Victorian times, Blackpool was the first town in the country to 'go electric'. A century later, the resort's love affair with light endures. Every autumn, when other seaside resorts close down, Blackpool becomes a blaze of coloured lights with "the greatest free show on earth" - Blackpool Illuminations. Fibre optics and computer control have brought a new dimension to Britain's biggest tourist attraction. The display stretches along Blackpool's famous seafront for over five miles transforming the Promenade into a wonderland of colour. Each year spectacular new sections are added to the display. It's Britain's favourite autumn break, so take a trip to Blackpool lights. It's nicer with the lights on!
Illumination Dates:
2006 -
1st September to 5th November.
BLACKPOOL MODEL VILLAGE, EAST PARK DRIVE. Tel: 01253 763827
Hundreds of models against a background of waterfalls, lakes and running streams.
TBA
BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH, OCEAN BOULEVARD. Tel: 0870 4445566
Email: info@bpbltd.com
Web Site: www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.co.uk
Entertainment adventure capital of the world. Home of the Pepsi Max Big One - the tallest, fastest roller coaster in Europe - Valhalla and new for 2002, Spin Doctor. Beaver Creek for children. Award-winning shows - Eclipse, Hot Ice and Mystique. Open from March until November.
Contact Pleasure Beach direct for pricing information.
BLACKPOOL PLEASURE FLIGHTS, BLACKPOOL AIRPORT. Tel: 01253 341567
Daily, weather permitting.
From £25.00 per person
Air charter available
Trial flying lessons available
BLACKPOOL TOWER, CENTRAL PROMENADE. Tel: 01253 622242
Web Site: www.theblackpooltower.co.uk
Inside Blackpool Tower you will find the UK’s best Circus, world famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom, entertainment for the children which includes Jungle Jim’s playground, Charlie Cairoli Exhibition, Under Sea World, Hornpipe Gallery plus Tower Top ride and the Walk of Faith. Children free below 90cm. Maximum child age 17 yrs.
Contact Blackpool Tower direct for dates, times and pricing information.
BLACKPOOL TRAMS
Officially opened on September 29 1885, Blackpool's world famous trams have come a long way since those early days. Stretching for 12 miles along the Promenade, the Blackpool electric trams range from finely restored cars from ages past to customised feature trams during the Illuminations.
BLACKPOOL ZOO, EAST PARK DRIVE. Tel: 01253 830830
32 Acres home to 400 animals including lions, tigers, elephants and gorillas. Other attractions include miniature railway and dolphin simulator. Feeding and animal encounters throughout the day. Animal talks. Contact Zoo direct for more details.
Open daily except Christmas Day 10.00am - dusk
Prices to be announced.
GO-KARTING
Kapitol Karting (indoor), Central Drive. Tel: 01253 292600
Oasis Leisure Centre, Golden Mile. Tel: 01253 751170
Karting 2000, New South Promenade. Tel: 01253 406340
GOLDEN MILE
This is where seaside fun overflows. The brash and bustling Golden Mile offers seaside favourites like hamburgers, chips, ice-cream and candyfloss. A place where silly hats and saucy T-shirts are the order of the day. The Golden Mile is also the slot machine capital of Britain where giant leisure centres are interspersed with the latest video technology. Discos, cabaret spots and exhibitions are all to be found on Blackpool's famous Golden Mile. Along the latest additions to the Mile is the 6 million pound Sea Life Centre with its thrilling 'shark tunnel'. Do the Golden Mile on foot to savour all the sights, sounds and smells. Then see it again from a tram or one of the fleet of horse-drawn landaus!.
GRUNDY ART GALLERY, QUEEN STREET. Tel: 01253 478170
Victorian oils and watercolours, contemporary prints, modern British paintings, display of Old Blackpool plus special exhibitions.
Monday to Saturday 10.00am - 5.00pm Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays
Admission free of charge
PIERS
In England, the seaside resort is nothing without a pier. Blackpool has not one, not two, but three magnificent piers, imaginatively upgraded and amongst the resort's finest attractions. North Pier (no. 1 on town centre map) is famous for its theatre and top-class seasonal show, its amusements, shops, restaurants and bars and is the resort's favourite sunbathing spot. The facade of the North Pier has been restored to its Victorian splendour. Newly-refurbished Central Pier (no. 8 on town centre map) boasts a showbar and a superb new Big Wheel, which has proved to be a great favourite with holidaymakers. All the other attributes of a pier are also there; amusement arcades, shops and kiddies' amusements. South Pier (no. 11 on town centre map) with its famous circus marquee style frontage also has its own theatre which is a popular attraction for the whole family.
SANDCASTLE, SOUTH PROMENADE. Tel: 01253 343602 http://www.sandcastle-waterworld.co.uk
Web Site: www.sandcastle-waterworld.co.uk
Stay all day in the 84°F constant temperature, splash into the Sleepy Lagoon children’s fun pool or relax on a sun lounger at the poolside. Brave the giant waterslides and white knuckle water chutes. There’s also a selection of hearty meals and light snacks available from one of the cafés.
Please telephone for current opening times and prices or visit the web site.
SEA LIFE CENTRE, CENTRAL PROMENADE. Tel: 01253 622445
Web Site: http://www.sealifeeurope.com/uk/blackpool/home.htm
The Sea Life Centre on Blackpool’s famous Golden Mile houses one of Europe’s largest marine collections with the tropical shark display as the dramatic centrepiece. A superb all-weather attraction with full programme of feeding demonstrations and talks. Children free under 3 yrs. Adults 14yrs +.
Open from 10.00am daily except Christmas Day
See web site above for dates, times and pricing information.
SHOPPING
Blackpool is well established in the North West of England as a leading shopping centre and boasts most of the major retail names. The town centre has been are fully designed to offer an excellent selection of sops and multi-storey car parking. The development of the magnificent Hounds Hill Shopping Centre has added another dimension to shopping with a pedestrian precinct, undercover arcades and entertainment provided to make your shopping trip a pleasure.
SKYCOASTER, SOUTH PIER. Tel: 01706 875174
SKYSCREAMER, SOUTH PIER. Tel: 01706 875174
STANLEY PARK
With so many exciting attractions in Blackpool, some people like to slip away to tranquillity. Once you have visited the beautiful Stanley Park you will return again and again. Situated less than two miles from the seafront, the 256 acre park is the place for those more leisurely pursuits. The 26 acre lake, partly enclosed by woodland is the perfect setting for a quiet cruise by motor-boat, rowing or pedal boat. There are six superb bowling greens and two 18 hole putting greens and numerous tennis courts. Opening times from 7:00 am to dusk
SWIMMING
Blackpool Leisure Lido Swimming Pool, Lytham Road. Tel: 01253 478482
Blackpool Leisure Moor Park Swimming Pool, Bispham Road/Bristol Avenue. Tel: 01253 478487
TEN PIN BOWLING
Blackpool Superbowl, 29-37 Market Street. Tel: 01253 752020
AMF Premier Bowl, Central Drive. Tel: 01253 295503
THE BEACH
Back in the 18th Century Blackpool began as a small village with a great beach - no less than seven magnificent miles of sand. The resort grew fast in Victorian times with all its major attractions within a stone's throw of the sands. Nowadays entertainment in all forms is Blackpool's greatest attraction, but the beach is still a magnet for many - a place to snooze away hot afternoons, a space for family fun and games. The sands stretch from the bustling Central Beach with its donkeys, ice-cream and seafood stalls to the tranquil, wide- open spaces of Bispham to the North and Squires Gate to the South.
TUSSAUD’S WAXWORKS, CENTRAL PROMENADE. Tel: 01253 625953
Web Site: www.blackpoollive.com
See web site above for dates, times and pricing information.
WINTER GARDENS, CHURCH ST. Tel: 01253 627786
Web Site: www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
Marvel at the gilded exuberance of Blackpool's Winter Gardens newly restored to pristine glory. This is quite simply one of the most amazing buildings in the world. As if renowned Empress Ballroom and Opera House - Britain's biggest theatre - weren't enough, the architects crammed the sprawling 4 and a half acre site with bits and pieces from dream palaces of a dozen ages and cultures. Vast, yet full of intimate corners, the Wintergardens is partly Tudor England, partly Strauss's Vienna, partly Seville in its golden age, partly ancient Rome - in fact, wholly fantastic and wholly Blackpool.





ADRENALINE RIDES Sky Coaster, Sky Screamer & SCAD Tower based at South Pier
AIRPORT Scheduled, charter and pleasure flights, flying lessons, public enclosure, bar and restaurant
ALIEN EXHIBITION The World’s largest attraction of the unexplained situated on Central Promenade.
AQUARIUMS Sea Life Centre, Central Promenade. Undersea World, Blackpool Tower
ART GALLERY Grundy Art Gallery, Queen Street
ATHLETICS TRACK Full eight-lane, all-weather track, two full sized football pitches; Sports Injury Clinic - all at Stanley Park
BEACH Seven miles of sandy beach. Bispham & Blackpool South have been awarded Yellow Flag Beach Awards by the Marine Conservation Society
BOATING 26-acre lake at Stanley Park
BOWLING 25 Municipal crown and flat greens, some hotels have greens with competitions. Blackpool Indoor Bowls Centre, close to Blackpool North Railway station has eight flat green rinks, bar and restaurant.
BUSES 3, 5 and 7 day Travel Cards are available along with full bus routes and timetables from the Tourist Information Centres and from www.blackpooltransport.com. City Sightseeing operate tours during the main summer season
CARAVAN AND CAMPING SITES Information available on request
CHILDRENS PLAYGROUNDS Sixteen
CINEMAS 1 x 10 screen - Odeon
COACH SERVICES Direct services to all major cities via National Coach network www.gobycoach.com Local coach firms also offer day excursions from the Resort.
CONFERENCES AND EXHIBITIONS Detailed guide, accommodation register and booking & venue location service available.
CORAL ISLAND Central Promenade - all the latest amusements and electronic games, fast food outlets, super prize bingo and Flagship nightspot.
CRICKET Stanley Park - Northern League and first class County fixtures
DANCING Ballroom, modern, sequence and line dancing - list of venues available on request
FISHING Sea angling from sea wall. Freshwater fishing at Stanley Park Lake in season (day ticket required)
FOOTBALL Association Football at Bloomfield Road
GO KARTS Outdoor at Starr Gate, Indoor at Mecca Building, Central Drive.
GOLF Three 18-hole (one municipal) one 9-hole and two driving ranges. Driving range and 18-hole course at the De Vere Hotel, adjacent to Blackpool Zoo Park.
GREAT PROMENADE ART SHOW The modern outstanding artistic vision situated on South Promenade
ICE SKATING Blackpool Pleasure Beach Arena
ILLUMINATIONS The Greatest Free Show on Earth! - Five miles of spectacular lights and tableaux - annually early September to early November.
INFORMATION CENTRES 1 Clifton Street (open all year round) Central Promenade, opposite the Tower (open during the season) Tel: 01253 478222
LIBRARIES Central Library, Queen Street, with music, video, internet and reference sections. Branch Libraries operate special visitor service
MODEL VILLAGE A superb “Countryside in Miniature” situated on East Park Drive, within Stanley Park (opposite Blackpool Zoo Park). Open during the season.
NIGHTSPOTS Over 30 discos, cabaret lounges and fun pubs - information available on website www.blackpooltourism.com
OVERSEAS VISITORS Always welcome - multi-language brochures available.
PARKING Many pay and display car parks within easy reach of the town centre with a capacity of 9 000 cars.
PIERS Three - North, Central and South
PLACES OF WORSHIP Information is available on multi-faith places of worship
PLEASURE BEACH Britain’s number one attraction - 42 acres of fun containing more than 145 fun rides and attractions. Spectacular shows during the season. Ocean Boulevard caters for leisure shopping.
POPULATION 153,500 (mid 1998 estimate)
PROMENADE Seven miles including the Great Promenade Art Show
PUTTING GREENS Eight putting, one pitch and putt (Anchorsholme) and five crazy golf.
RADIO STATIONS Radio Wave - Blackpool’s only independent local radio station giving news, views, traffic and tourist information on FM 96.5 BBC Radio Lancashire “Voice of the County” - FM 103.9 Magic 999 - AM 999 Rock FM - FM 97.4
RAILWAY North, South, Squires Gate, Layton, and Pleasure Beach Stations.
RIDING Four horse riding schools. Information available by request.
ROLLER BLADING Planet Extreme, Stanley Park.
SANDCASTLE TROPICAL WATER WORLD Opposite Pleasure Beach - an inside seaside at 84 degrees F. Four super slides, three pools - one with waves, children’s play area “Treasure Island”, high rise adventure trail, dry area with bars, pool hall and restaurants.
SEA LIFE CENTRE More than 40 fascinating displays of marine life, plus “The Lost City of Atlantis” where visitors witness the ancient great philosopher Plato tell the story of the fabled sunken empire.
SHOPPING Major retail stores, Hounds Hill Shopping Centre in the town centre houses exciting undercover shops. Throughout the town smaller shopping areas offer great value from Waterloo Road and Ocean Boulevard in the south to Red Bank Road in the north.
SPORTS CENTRE Situated at Stanley Park this complex provides facilities for badminton, basketball, tennis, netball, volleyball and fitness centre, as well as cricket practice nets and a dedicated climbing room.
STANLEY PARK 256 acres of formal gardens, conservatories, bandstand, lake, Planet Extreme roller blade and skateboard park, all-weather football and hockey pitches, all-weather running area and trim trail, golf course, putting greens, bowls, tennis and crazy golf.
SWIMMING Indoor swimming pools at Lido Pool and Moor Park pool. Leisure pool at Sandcastle Tropical Water World. Several hotels and self-catering parks have swimming pools.
TENNIS 50 grass and hard courts
TEN PIN BOWLING Superbowl - popular ten-pin bowling alley north of the Tower with 30 computerised lanes, fast food outlet, bars and games room. AMF Premier Bowl on Central Drive - 36 computerised lanes.
THEATRES All year round touring productions at the Grand Theatre and live stage shows at the Opera House with seasonal theatre at other venues - up to date information is available on website www.blackpooltourism.com
TIDE Half-mile ebb twice daily.
TOWER This exciting indoor theme park includes the Walk of Faith giving visitors a perfect view 320ft down, Dinosaur animatronic ride, express Tower Top lifts, Tower Ballroom, food court, Jungle Jims play area and award winning Tower Circus with Mooky the Clown
TRAMS Britain’s first and for many years the only remaining electric public service tramway - 12 miles of track from Starr Gate to Fleetwood.
TRIM TRAILS Stanley Park and Anchorsholme
WAXWORKS Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, Central Promenade near Central Pier. Hundreds of exhibits.
WINTER GARDENS 4.5 acres of entertainment and conference facilities which consist of the Empress Ballroom, Arena, Pavilion and restaurant, Spanish and Baronial Halls, Opera House, Victoria Bar and Galleon Bar.
ZOO The World of Animals, East Park Drive, opposite Stanley Park. Open daily - all year round. Bus service from Adelaide Street during season.


Click on the map below for more information on Blackpool's major attractions.Click here for a full-size version of this map (460K).
Key
Main Attractions


Car Parks


Details of how to get to Blackpool are available on our travel information page.



Blackpool offers a variety of types of accommodation for the discerning tourist including top-class hotels and guest houses, self-catering, caravan and camp sites. Every year, Blackpool attracts more visitors than Greece and the Greek islands. To accomodate these visitors, the resort has 120,000 holiday beds, which is more than the whole of Portugal. With over 16.8 million visitors to Blackpool each year, there are now 3500 hotels, guest houses and self-catering units in the resort. This is in stark contrast to the year 1780 when Blackpool boasted a grand total of four substantial hotels.

Hotels and Guest Houses
Browse through a listing of some of Blackpool'shotels and guest houses.
Self Catering
For those looking for a bit more independenceBlackpool offers a considerable range of alternativeself-catering accomodation.


Camp and Caravan Sites
Or perhaps you're more of an outdoor type. No need toworry as Blackpool also offers a number of caravan andcamp sites to suit your needs.


While inland towns a cities may boast of a return to the streetcar scene, millions of seafront travellers can tell the what they have been missing. Blackpool had the worlds first permanent electric street tramway in 1885 and the more familiar overhead trolley trams were unveiled in 1899. You can see all the seaside sights in style and visitors often hop on a tram for a Promenade trip between the piers.
But the network is 12 miles long and stretches from Starr Gate right through the neighbouring resort of Cleveleys to Fleetwood That is why you will see some finely restored cars from ages past taking their places proudly along brand new streamline models which mainta regular and speedy service. During the Illuminations you can even ride on range of customised feature trams such as the Space Rocket and Wild West Train which join the regular fleet for everpopular circular tours of the twinkling autumn spectacular.