Blackpool Triumphs as UK's Top Large Town for 2026
A North West town has been crowned the best large town in the United Kingdom for 2026, and it is not Manchester or Liverpool. Blackpool in Lancashire has secured the top position in a comprehensive ranking, scoring an impressive 9.5 out of 10. This victory comes at the expense of well-heeled Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, which placed second, and Ipswich in Suffolk, which took third place. Rochdale in Greater Manchester rounded out the top four.
Why Blackpool Stands Out
Blackpool, with a population of approximately 141,000, has long been overshadowed by its larger North West neighbours, Liverpool and Manchester. However, when it comes to large towns—specifically not cities—Blackpool emerges as the clear winner. Travel expert Chris Moss, who selected Blackpool as his number one pick, praised the town's unique character and historical significance.
"The town evolved out of an unplanned sell-off of land by various lords of the manor, and was destined to be chaotic. The Golden Mile and Pleasure Beach are latter-day versions of the free-for-all fête that once took over the strand," Moss wrote. He highlighted that Blackpool invented the modern seaside mass-market holiday and much of the light entertainment and comedy that dominated television for decades.
Moss added, "You can eat well (the Wok Inn is superb), drink well, and party well here, but neither the prom in a gale nor the back streets after dark are for the faint-hearted. It’s a UK one-off. An obligatory stop once every decade if you want to know your nation and yourself."
Historical Background and Modern Appeal
Until the mid-eighteenth century, Blackpool was a tiny, largely overlooked hamlet on the Irish Sea. It gained popularity in the late 1700s as visitors began flocking to dip in the sea, a novel wellness trend at the time. By 1781, several hotels had emerged to cater to the growing number of tourists, and the arrival of the railway in 1846 fuelled further growth.
Throughout the nineteenth century, Blackpool transformed from a small town into a major seaside resort, with attractions like its three piers and the iconic Blackpool Tower opening by the century's end. By the mid-twentieth century, the population peaked at around 147,000, slightly higher than today's figures.
In recent years, Blackpool has experienced a resurgence, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic boosted domestic tourism. In 2023, the town attracted 21.5 million tourists, a 6% increase from 20.3 million in 2022. The annual STEAM report indicated that full-time tourism and hospitality jobs in Blackpool grew to 23,419, a 5.3% rise from the previous year.
Key attractions continue to draw massive crowds, including Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool Tower, SEALIFE Blackpool, and the famous Blackpool Illuminations. The town is also renowned for its vibrant nightlife, becoming an increasingly popular destination for hen and stag parties. Pubs like the Cask and Tap, Rhythm and Brew Room, and Shickers Tavern offer affordable drinks, with a decent round still possible for under £20.
Challenges and Surprises
Despite its charms, Blackpool faces significant challenges. The rise of low-cost foreign holidays in the late twentieth century has impacted its appeal, as it struggles to compete with sun and sand destinations on the Continent. The town also grapples with entrenched socioeconomic issues, consistently ranking as one of the most deprived local authorities in England.
High rates of poverty, unemployment, poor health outcomes, a seasonal low-wage economy, poor housing, and elevated crime rates are ongoing concerns. These factors make Blackpool's top ranking somewhat surprising, yet its unique heritage and enduring attractions have secured its place at the pinnacle.
Full Ranking List
The complete list of the top 25 large towns in the UK for 2026, based on scores out of 10, is as follows:
- Blackpool - 9.5/10
- Cheltenham - 9/10
- Ipswich - 8.5/10
- Rochdale - 8/10
- Gateshead - 7.5/10
- Worthing - 7/10
- Bournemouth - 7/10
- Poole - 6.5/10
- Stockport - 6.5/10
- Blackburn - 6/10
- Bolton - 6/10
- Huddersfield - 5.5/10
- Warrington - 5/10
- Swindon - 4.5/10
- Reading - 4/10
- Slough - 3.5/10
- Northampton - 3/10
- Middlesbrough - 2.5/10
- Telford - 2.5/10
- Basingstoke - 2/10
- Basildon - 2/10
- Oldham - 1.5/10
- Luton - 1/10
- Crawley - 0.5/10
- Watford - 0.5/10
This ranking highlights the diverse appeal of large towns across the UK, with Blackpool leading the pack due to its historical significance, modern attractions, and resilient tourism sector.
