Easily
within a return day visit from Manchester Blackpool
has long been a seaside venue for people of the North West
of England as well as the working classes of the industrial
Midlands. Since Victorian times, working people of Manchester
have trekked to this nationally famous seaside town for fun
and entertainment.
Blackpool's most notable landmark is the Tower, which celebrated
its centenary in 1995, for which event it was painted gold.
Also
noteworthy for its autumn "illuminations" - a veritable fantasy
of coloured lights and moving light-shows.
The town
tends to be very crowded during peak summer season, and innumerable
small Guest Houses and Bed & Breakfast houses have sprung
up to meet the demand for accommodation.
A charmingly antiquated beach-front electric tram service
runs all day.
Much of
the town is devoted to "The Pleasure Beach", a now
extensive funfair, which boasts probably the biggest roller
coaster ride in Great Britain - "The Pepsi Max Big One". All
the usual seaside facilities can be found at Blackpool, from
candy-floss, burger bars, and the speciality Blackpool Rock,
which you can watch being made on the seafront.
The town
has 3 piers, which host variety shows as well as amusement
arcades and a ferris wheel. Alternatively, you can relax on
Blackpool's extensive beaches, where donkey rides are provided
for the children. Many refreshment Bars, Pubs and Hotel Bars
available.
Directions
& Location
From
central Manchester, drive out through Salford and the M602
motorway, to the M60 going towards Bolton, turn off onto M61
(following signs for the M6 Preston). The M61 converges with
M6 at its northern end. Follow the M6 north to Junction 32,
and turn off onto the M55 (signposted Blackpool). The whole
journey takes about 1 hour by car. Trains regular from Manchester
Victoria Rail Station. Ample parking on and off-street at
South Shore end of Blackpool.
