The North West is packed with seaside destinations, each with its own appeal: Lytham St Anne's offers old-fashioned charm with a grand Victorian pier and picturesque beach huts, Cleveleys is ideal for promenade walks and unspoilt sea views, and Morecambe impresses with its Art Deco architecture. But for a complete seaside experience, Blackpool wins every time.
Blackpool has long been one of the country's most celebrated resorts, and it is the only place in the UK with the Blackpool Tower, the Illuminations and the famous Blackpool Tramway. It has everything you'd want from a coastal trip – beaches, piers and thrill rides – plus a range of unique features that set it apart.
The beach
The beach stretches seven miles from Anchorsholme in the north to Squires Gate Lane in the south. Three piers divide it, with the main stretch lying between South and Central piers, backed by the promenade. It is tidal, so at low tide the expanse of sand is huge, while at high tide the water comes right up to the promenade. The sand is firmer near the shore and becomes more squelchy further out, but there is enough space that it rarely feels crowded.
Swimming is allowed and a seasonal lifeguard service operates. For peace of mind, visitors can check water quality through a site like Surfers Against Sewage. Dog owners should note that dogs are not permitted on the beach from 1 May to 30 September between North Pier and the Mirror Ball opposite the Solaris Centre, and must be kept on a lead between North and South Piers.
Food and drink
For the classic seaside meal, Yorkshire Fisheries on Topping Street is the top-rated option on Tripadvisor. It has won several awards, including the Gold Taste of Lancashire Award, and describes itself as the oldest fish and chip shop in Blackpool. A takeaway cod and chips is £8.90, while a child's portion costs £5.50.
If you're after a bargain, Higgitt's Las Vegas Arcade sells a £1 burger complete with sauce and onions. It has appeared on Channel 5, YouTube and other TV channels, and delivers a quality that matches high street takeaways. For dessert, Notarianni's Ice Cream on Waterloo Road has been an institution for nearly a century. The Italian-run parlour sticks to one flavour – vanilla – but offers it in cones, tubs, milkshakes and sundaes with various toppings.
For a drink, Bloom Bar at the end of North Pier is the perfect place to enjoy a beverage while watching the sunset. Draft beer starts from £5.70 a pint and house wine is £8 per glass.
Attractions and activities
A trip to Blackpool wouldn't be complete without visiting Blackpool Tower. The views from the top are spectacular, and the ballroom is a draw for Strictly Come Dancing fans. Tower tickets start from £11.81 for children and £14.88 for adults, while afternoon tea in the ballroom is £60 for two.
Thrill-seekers should head to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which marks its 130th birthday this year. It is home to the Big Dipper, the UK's oldest operating roller coaster, and an all-you-can-ride ticket costs from £30. The Blackpool Tramway, which runs every 10 minutes seven days a week, offers a great way to see the town. A one-hour hopper ticket, valid on buses and trams, is £3.50 for an adult. Showtown, the seaside entertainment museum, covers circus, magic, dancing and the Illuminations.
Where to stay and the vote
Independent B&Bs across the town start at around £20 a night, with Premier Inn rooms from about £49 a night depending on the season – expect that figure to double during peak periods.
Blackpool has been nominated on a UK-wide shortlist for the best seaside town. The other contenders are Tenby, Falmouth, Torquay, Amble, Scarborough, Southport, Portstewart, Folkestone, Leigh-on-Sea, Skegness, Wells-next-the-Sea, Gullane, Lyme Regis and Clevedon. Those who agree Blackpool deserves the title can vote in the poll.
