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.
Blackpool Tower;
an historic Blackpool Tramcar; Blackpool Pleasure Beach at night:
Donkey rides
on the beach
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.
A walk on the
Promenade and the Big One rollercoaster
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.
