About Blackpool
Enjoy a stay at a Best Western hotel in Blackpool and experience all this vibrant northern English seaside resort has to offer - its famous piers, theme park and beaches - plus an electric night-life and shopping too.
Blackpool is one of Britain's favourite seaside resorts, thanks to its sandy beaches, world-renowned piers, spectacular light show (The Blackpool Illuminations) and wealth of unique attractions. Visitors are sure to enjoy well-known points of interest such as Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the 518 foot Blackpool Tower and the lovely Blackpool Zoo. To top things off, this popular destination is just as celebrated for its nightlife. The cabaret show bar Funny Girls is one of the most popular venues in Blackpool, as visitors flood in from all over the UK to enjoy the burlesque and drag performances.
Plenty of charming Best Western hotels can be found in and around this quintessentially British seaside resort. Guests can choose between fine spots in Blackpool city centre and the surrounding locations of St. Anne’s, Southport, Wigan and Preston.
Blackpool – a towering pleasure
If you truly like to be beside the seaside, there’s only one place to tick off your Great British bucket (and spade) list.
From the moment you see Blackpool’s iconic tower you know you’ve arrived somewhere special; a place home to a nostalgic charm and long days full of fun, thrills and memories.
The quintessential seaside spot, Blackpool is built for pleasure – which can be seen in everything from its world-class theme park attractions to its pristine beach. Buy some candy floss or fish and chips, explore its rock pools, stroll its promenade, or simply lay back in a deckchair and soak it all in.
A trip up the famous Blackpool Tower sounds like a good start, complete with a grandstand view of all the attractions on offer. If you’ve got kids then the Pleasure Beach is a must, offering every type of ride, rollercoaster and fairground attraction they could possibly wish for. Blackpool Zoo’s also one of the very best in the country – a great spot to get up close and personal with a huge variety of animals.
But Blackpool’s not just for kids. It’s also a great break for adults and groups of friends with its exhilarating nightlife, distinctive cuisine and plenty to cater for those who don't want to party into the early hours.
Big-name artists come here all year round, so whether you’re into comedy, pop, light opera or more traditional entertainment, there’s always something up your street. Plan an off-season visit and bear witness to the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations, as Christmas comes early in grand style each and every year.
Thrill seekers, ramblers, gamblers and people who simply love traditional British culture – if you haven’t visited Blackpool yet, you simply haven’t enjoyed one of the best holiday destinations in Europe. Book a Best Western hotel and head for the Tower now.
Catch a breather in Stanley Park
If you’re by the sea, why would you want to visit a park, right? Well Stanley Park isn’t just any park, and actually offers a pretty convincing argument to take some time away from the beach.
Stanley Park is set amongst 390 acres jam-packed full of beautiful walks, cycle paths, interesting sights and things to do. Keen gardener? You’re going to love the huge collection of plants and flowers on display, while animal lovers will be in their element, enjoying regular encounters with the wildlife that thrives in this lush, coastal environment.
For those who simply like interesting things, you’ll discover a wide range of bridges, fountains, statues and even a good old-fashioned bandstand. Take a break from your tour around the gardens at the historic Art Deco café where you can enjoy a delicious meal or simply a cup of tea surrounded by idyllic views.
Fancy messing about on the water? Hire a pedal, rowing or electric boat for a leisurely tour of the lake, or if you're feeling a bit sportier there’s a pitch and putt and even a sports club. The award-winning Model Village too is a must-visit – you can even take a trip on the mini train if your legs need a rest.
If you can tear yourself away from the rollercoasters, Stanley Park’s well worth a day of your time.
Get into character at The Grand Theatre
It’s only fitting that a town so full of history, energy and atmosphere should have an auditorium to match, and in The Grand Theatre, Blackpool most certainly does.
With origins stretching back to the 1890s, The Grand has many stories to tell. Its first production was Hamlet and many famous performers have treaded its boards in the 125-years-plus since, with John Gielgud, Rex Harrison, Noel Coward and Alec Guinness just a few selected namedrops.
Like many theatres, The Grand struggled in the age of television and was almost turned into a department store in the 1970s, only to be famously saved by a legion of supporters and a willingness to introduce bingo (for which we remain thankful to this day).
Since then the venue’s gone from strength to strength, with regular restoration allowing the building to retain its classic condition while still offering the best in 21st-century comfort.
And even if the musical blockbusters, major national plays or ballet performances don’t float your boat, be sure to update your Instagram with a few photos of one the most magical theatres in Great Britain.
Culture and nightlife in Blackpool
Culture and nightlife in Blackpool
Blackpool is truly bursting with culture, history and heritage. During your stay, you’ll be able to enjoy live performances at the Victorian Grand Theatre (including opera, ballet and comedy), or view something a little more contemporary, such as the world’s largest outdoor mirrorball found on the seafront. When it comes to the evening, there are plenty of bars by the seaside to enjoy. These include Flamingo Club, Scrooge’s Wine Bar, Blackpool’s Bavarian Bier Keller and the ever-popular Funny Girls.
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The Winter Gardens: As one of the UK’s biggest theatres, Winter Gardens has an impressive 3,000 seat capacity, where acts such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan and Tom Jones have all graced the stage. The theatre has also played host to the 2009 Royal Variety Performance, so you can be assured that this venue is fit for royalty.
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Grundy Art Gallery: The Grundy prides itself on inspiring visitors through its varied and thought-provoking exhibits - many of which explore pop culture through the medium of contemporary art.
- The Blackpool Tower Circus: Step right up and be amazed by the enchanting acts that come together to form the Blackpool Circus. Resident clowns Mooky and Mr Boo’s lead the show, offering plenty of comedic value between the jaw-dropping acts.
Eating and drinking in Blackpool
Eating and drinking in Blackpool
Whether you wander along the seafront with a fish & chips in tow, or sample something a little more lavish - such as afternoon tea at the Tower Ballroom - Blackpool is sure to leave you full and satisfied. For the true experience, enjoy some Blackpool rock or fudge on the pier. If you venture a little further out of Blackpool, you’ll find plenty of Michelin star spots in the Lancashire countryside. Cartford Inn is a firm favourite amongst North West foodies, offering classic dishes with innovative twists.
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Quilligan’s Café Bar: This charming café really is one of the best in Blackpool, famous for serving up a hearty breakfast and some of the best fish and chips around. Find yourself a spot by the window and watch the world go by.
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McHalls Bistro: You can expect fine British food at McHalls. This family friendly spot prides itself on providing first-class service, imaginative dishes and locally sourced ingredients. We’d recommend ordering the succulent roasted leg of lamb for your main course – you certainly will not be disappointed.
- Theatre Bar & Gourmet Burger Restaurant: This popular spot is celebrated for its cheap eats and lively bar scene, as you can enjoy a bite and a drink before a night at the theatre. Their sweet potato fries are to die for, and a real must to complement your juicy burger.
Shopping in Blackpool
Shopping in Blackpool
You might just be a little surprised about how much shopping you can do when staying at a hotel in Blackpool. Though Blackpool is celebrated for its award-winning attractions, it still offers a great selection of shopping centres, stores and markets to please visitors. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the city centre, Freeport shopping complex is also close by. It offers 45 outlets selling fashion, lifestyle, homeware and beauty products. However, it’s perhaps better known for the jaw-dropping discounts it offers on famous brands.
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Houndshill Shopping Centre: Located in the heart of Blackpool, Houndshill is open 7 days a week. The lower mall offers all your favourite high-street brands including H&M, Boots, New Look and Debenhams. The upper mall provides a varied food court for hungry shoppers to take advantage of.
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Abingdon Street Market: This market is a particular favourite with residents. You’ll meet plenty of experienced vendors selling veg, meat, cheese, pies, cakes and flowers. That’s not all, the market also offers leather goods, costumes, perfume, books and even a pet store.
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The Regent: This Grade II listed building is quite the hidden gem for shoppers. Once a cinema, The Regent is now home to antiques, crafts, collectables and plenty of vintage/retro clothing.
Things to do in Blackpool
Things to do in Blackpool
This famous seaside town will certainly keep you busy, with plenty of attractions for every season. On a warm summer's day, head to Blackpool Pleasure Beach and test your nerve on the coasters. You’ll also be able to explore Blackpool’s beaches or the north, south and centre piers, which offer a host of family rides. For those cooler winter days, hang out with the celebrities at Madame Tussauds, or visit the world famous Blackpool Tower.
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Blackpool Pleasure Beach: The Pleasure Beach has been voted one of the best theme parks in the UK, and should definitely not be missed. It has much to offer, with visitors enjoying the UK’s only Nickelodeon land, the world’s first Wallace & Gromit ride and the UK’s tallest roller-coaster (warning: at 65m, The Big One is not for the faint hearted).
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Blackpool Tower: Why not embark on a fun-filled adventure to the top of the tower? You’ll pass through the 4D cinema, the Tower Dungeon, the Circus, Jungle Jim’s and, most famously, the Tower Ballroom which has hosted the likes of Strictly Come Dancing. Top off your visit with a trip up to the Tower Eye. At 158m, The Eye is the highest observation deck in the North West and offers stunning views across the Irish Sea.
- Blackpool Zoo: You’ll spot orangutans, big cats, giraffes, elephants, wolves, wallabies, gorillas, zebras and slithering snakes. If mammals of the prehistoric variety are more to your taste, the zoo also boasts a Dinosaur Safari. Animal experiences are available if you want to try your hand at being a keeper for the day – and even feed a tiger!