What are some interesting facts about Blackpool?

Blackpool has something for everyone. Thrill-seekers can enjoy the thrills and spills of the white knuckle rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, visit the world famous Blackpool Tower, one of the most loved and recognisable landmarks in the world and home to the famous Tower Ballroom, The Tower Circus, The Blackpool Tower Dungeons, The Blackpool Tower Circus and The Blackpool Tower Eye. Those looking for an animal-mad adventure, visit Blackpool Zoo, or swim with sharks at SEA LIFE Blackpool. You can even meet the stars at Madame Tussauds or chill out in 84-degree sub-tropical paradise at Sandcastle Waterpark. There are plenty of attractions in Blackpool to make your stay even more enjoyable - from trampoline parks, to Clip n Climb, Blackpool Model Village and more!

The Blackpool Illuminations are 140 years old. The lights were first switched on in 1879 and have increased in popularity over the years. The Illuminations are a major tourist attraction drawing in around 3.5 million visitors each year. The influx of visitors usually spend over £275 million whilst visiting Blackpool during the illuminations. When the Illuminations were first switched on they consisted of just eight lamps, today the display uses over a million bulbs. The display stretches for around six miles, from Starr Gate to Bispham. It takes around 65,000 staff hours to get everything ready. Each year a dedicated team of artists, engineers, electricians, painters, joiners and mechanics work hard to ensure everything is ready in time, and then dismantle it afterwords.

Blackpool stands as a beacon of British seaside culture. This vibrant coastal town has long been a beloved destination for travellers seeking fun, thrills, and a taste of traditional British charm. Blackpool Illuminations, often dubbed the greatest free light show on Earth, have been captivating visitors since 1879. Blackpool Tower, an iconic landmark that dominates the skyline, has a fascinating construction history. Its foundations extend down to the bedrock beneath the Irish Sea, making it more stable than many might assume. Blackpool is home to the UK's first-ever roller coaster, known as the Big Dipper. Opened in 1923, this wooden coaster remains a beloved attraction at the Pleasure Beach amusement park. Blackpool boasts one of the oldest electric tramways in the world, with continuous operation since 1885. The Blackpool Zoo plays a vital role in protecting endangered species and promoting environmental awareness. The Grundy Art Gallery, founded in 1911, showcases contemporary artwork from both local and international artists, providing a platform for creative expression and cultural exchange.

Blackpool is one of the UK’s most popular seaside tourist destinations, famous for its Pleasure Beach, the Illuminations, glitzy ballroom dancing, and fish and chips on the seafront. The Blackpool illuminations are traditionally opened by a celebrity figure, but in September 1977, the famous racehorse Red Rum did the honours, and also opened The Steeplechase rollercoaster. Blackpool is the only British beach resort to boast three piers, with the North Pier being the oldest, opened in 1863, and designed by celebrated seaside architect Eugenius Birch. Central Pier followed in 1868, and South Pier, originally called Victoria Pier, opened in 1893. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which opened in 1896, is home to Sir Hiram Maxim's Captive Flying Machine, known as the Flying Machines, which is the oldest amusement park ride in Europe, having opened in August 1904. The town of Blackpool is also known for its historic Victorian architecture, with over 30 listed buildings, including the Grade II listed Winter Gardens and the Baroque-style Grand Theatre. Additionally, Blackpool has a museum of oddities, including a portrait of Princess Diana made of 2500 penny coins, and the famous Blackpool Tower, which takes seven years to paint from top to bottom. The Blackpool Illuminations comprise an amazing one million lamps and take 65,000 hours to organise, stretching almost six miles from Starr Gate to Bispham, and shining non-stop for 66 days.

Blackpool seafront boasts 7 miles of sand, three large piers each with a funfair, amusements and entertainments, and the 500ft tall Blackpool Tower. The main beach lies between the South and Central piers and is backed by a promenade. Along this strip run trams which become the centre pieces of the Blackpool Illuminations at the end of every summer. Discover marine life on the man made reef like structures of the sea defences and spot dolphins as you look out from the top of Blackpool Tower. As well as the marine life around Blackpool, there are plenty of other activities to keep the whole family entertained from a mini theme park, to comedy and musical acts at the North Pier and museums.

The Blackpool Tower is one of the most famous and easily recognised landmarks in the UK. It’s visible from so far away, giving drivers along the motorway the reassurance that they are firmly in the North. The Blackpool Tower was modelled after the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Mayor of Blackpool, John Bickerstaffe, attended the Great Paris Exhibition in 1889 and was so impressed by the structure that he commissioned The Blackpool Tower to be built upon his return. In heavy winds, which are common at the seaside, The Blackpool Tower will gently sway along with it. The Tower is 518 feet and 9 inches tall. On a clear day The Blackpool Tower can even be seen from as far away as Wales and the Lake District. The Blackpool Tower Ballroom opened in 1899 was designed by the Victorian architect Frank Matcham and it really is a tremendous sight. It measures 120 by 102 feet and was made with more than 30,600 separate planks of oak, mahogany and walnut wood. The Blackpool Tower has also seen other celebs over the years, Beloved British band Take That, Duke Ellington and Cleo Lane are among some of the famous acts that have performed here.