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.
