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Blackpool, the quintessential British seaside resort, is famous for its lively atmosphere, its golden mile of amusements, and its sheer fun factor. The town is instantly recognisable for the magnificent Blackpool Tower, an impressive structure modelled on the Eiffel Tower, which houses a ballroom, a circus, and a viewing platform. Blackpool is a haven for family fun, home to the thrill rides and rollercoasters of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, one of the UK’s most popular amusement parks.
The city's seafront is dominated by three unique piers, including the entertaining Central Pier with its Ferris wheel, and the historic North Pier. A trip to Blackpool is incomplete without experiencing the spectacular Blackpool Illuminations, a dazzling light display that extends along the Promenade for months. Starting your break with a hotel that places you close to the action is key to enjoying this vibrant coastal gem.
Blackpool is long and linear, stretched along the coast, so your hotel area should be chosen based on whether you prioritise major attractions, quiet comfort, or transport links.
For immediate access to the biggest attractions, the area of the Central Promenade and Central Pier is the most popular choice. Staying here puts you right in the middle of the lively atmosphere, close to the Tower, the main arcades, and the Pleasure Beach. Accommodation in this area is plentiful, ranging from large hotels to numerous guesthouses and B&Bs.
If you prefer a quieter, more refined seaside experience, the North Shore area is highly recommended. This area offers a more traditional Victorian feel, with elegant hotels overlooking the beach and the historic North Pier. It is quieter than the central section but still within a manageable walk or a short tram ride of the main sights.
For those travelling by train or looking for a convenient, central hub for shops, the area around Blackpool North Station is a good choice. While slightly inland, it offers the best transport links and a good selection of modern chain hotels, with the Promenade still only a ten-minute walk away.
Blackpool’s iconic transport is the Blackpool Tramway, which runs along the entire length of the Promenade, connecting all the major attractions from Fleetwood in the north to Starr Gate in the south. The main rail hub is Blackpool North Station, which has good connections to the national rail network. The closest major international airport is Manchester Airport (MAN), which is connected to Blackpool North via regular direct train services. When booking your hotel, its proximity to a tram stop is a major convenience for daily sightseeing along the coast.
To find the best hotel deals in Blackpool, it is crucial to avoid the peak season and the period of the major unique event. The high season runs throughout the summer, from June to August, when the Pleasure Beach is in full swing and the weather is at its best.
However, the single biggest event unique to Blackpool that extends the tourist season and drives up prices is the Blackpool Illuminations. Although the lights switch-on typically happens in late August or early September, the event runs until November, making the autumn weekends incredibly busy and raising hotel costs considerably. For the best value, aim for the quiet periods of the low season in January and February, or look at mid-week stays during the quieter parts of the spring (March to May). A useful tip is to look for hotels slightly away from the immediate Promenade, as those on the back streets often offer similar quality at a lower rate.