L

et’s forget the donkeys and deckchairs (although you can still partake in all of these) and scratch beneath the surface of Blackpool. What you’ll find is a seaside town with endless opportunities for fun. Hire a bicycle from along the promenade and ride around sculptures, architectural triumphs and historic buildings. And then when night falls, prepare to be blown away by the Illuminations that light up this unique city.

History and Heritage

With rides like Hiram Maxim’s Flying Machine (built in 1904) and original wooden rollercoasters from the 1930s, the  Pleasure Beach provides a fascinating, fast and retro insight into the history of the fairground. And for Victorian architecture at its finest then visit the iconic  Blackpool Tower which has its own unique history to explore.

Arts and Culture

Why not sing-a-long to your favourite musical at the  Grand Theatre ? And be sure to have a good nose about the stunning neo-classical interior. Or if the sun’s out take a stroll around the  Great Promenade Show . Here you’ll find sculptures by pop artist Sir Peter Blake and the High Tide Organ, a 15 metre high instrument played by the sea.

Must See Attractions

With some of the planet’s tallest and fastest rollercoasters, the   Pleasure Beach is guaranteed to make you scream. If Saturday Night Fever is more your stuff then strut your funky stuff and point your finger beneath the world’s biggest Mirror Ball at the Great Promenade Show. And to complete the Blackpool experience, take the ‘Walk of Faith’ over the  Tower’s glass floor. Do it right and it almost could be classified as a religious experience.

Family Fun

Want to meet Mooky the Clown? Then head to the Tower Circus where along with international acts he will have the whole family gasping and guffawing. Once you’ve experienced the thrills of the Pleasure Beach take a trip to  Sandcastle Waterpark to do it all again aqua stylee. With 18 slides, including the world’s longest indoor rollercoaster waterslide, it’s uhm, splash-tacular.

Key Events

When the summer sun dies away, Blackpool is about one thing - the  Illuminations . Between September and October be sure to squeeze yourself onto a tram and take in the 6 miles and one million lights in style. With everything from cabaret to street parades, the  Showzam! Festival of circus, magic and new variety never fails to inspire enthusiastic ooohing and ahhing.

Food and Drink

With Fleetwood’s seafood and Pilling’s melt-in-the-mouth lamb, there’s plenty of top local produce to be had in Blackpool without worrying about food miles. It makes sense to seize on any opportunity to tuck into a traditional Lancashire Hot Pot or for flavours from further afield try a curry at the Jali restaurant at the  Carlton Hotel .

Famous Locals

On a windy day take a stroll along the beach and try to recreate Robert Smith’s infamous haircut. The Cure frontman was born in Blackpool along with Chris Lowe of the Pet Shop Boys and Maddie Pryor of Stylee Span. With Hendrix, the Rolling Stones and more recently The White Stripes all playing legendary shows in the town, Blackpool’s musical heritage runs deep.