Pictures of Blackpool

About Blackpool

Blackpool, long famous for its vast illuminated Golden Mile, commenced its rise to fame way back in the Victorian Era when the famous seafront consisted of no more than a single row of houses. In those far off days the resort was quiet, serene and just another of England's quaint fishing villages. Then came the building of the railways and the building of Central Station in 1846, and from this point onwards, tourists flocked to Blackpool en-mass. The North Pier was built in 1863 and the Winter Gardens were established in 1876. Thus, the future of this quiet backwater as a mainline tourist resort, was assured. For good or ill, this famous resort has never looked back. The number of visitors doubled, trebled until it reached its peak of around 8 million visitors during the mid-1960's. Today even greater number is estimated.

The resort is probably best known for its famous Tower, built in 1894 it was for many years, at a soaring height of 518ft, the highest building in England. The Tower could be seen from Cumbria in the north of England and from the Hills of North Wales. From the top of this famous building there are magnificent views over the town and surrounding coastline. From this unique vantage point there is an unrivalled view of an ocean tinged gold by the rays of a setting sun. Beneath this fabulous view lies the bustle of the Golden Mile where one can experience anything from a freak show to a fortune teller! The mile is strewn with bars, disco's, amusement arcades, pubs and restaurants. The whole area is a riot of colour from the millions of colourful lights that form the famous illuminations.

Each of the three piers is brightly lit and has its own theatre presenting live entertainment. Many of todays (and yesterdays) theatrical stars have started their careers in the theatres and pubs of Blackpools golden mile. The vast Pleasure Beach is known to have offered some of the first and most thrilling amusement park rides in Britain. The whole area is brash, bold and breezy. It is a place of great fun for the very young and the young at heart. A fish and chip supper straight from paper wraps whilst strolling along the prom is a must, so are welks and cockles from a fish bar at lunch time.

A few short miles away is the more sedate resort of Lytham St. Annes, home to one of the countries great championship golf courses. All along this coast you will find mile after mile of gorgeous golden beaches and the choice is yours; sand and sun, a gentle round of golf, serious shopping in Lytham followed by a fun filled night under the stars and bright lights of Blackpool. Hectic, did I hear you say, some would say - one of lifes great experiences and definately not to be missed!

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