Sand, sea and scores of tourist attractions…it's easy to see why Blackpool has been voted Britain's favourite seaside resort. With significant regeneration work underway to modernise the ever popular holiday destination, now is a better time than ever to pay a visit to the seaside town.
From taking a ride on the UK's tallest rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach to rubbing shoulders with the stars at Madame Tussauds, you won't be short of activities for all the family to enjoy.
HELLO! Online shares the best places to go, eat and stay for your visit to Blackpool.
Blackpool has been voted Britain's favourite seaside resort
Things to do:
Merlin Entertainments run many popular attractions along the Blackpool seafront including Madame Tussauds, which sees stars of TV, film and sport immortalised in wax. The fun attraction allows visitors to get up close to their favourite stars and participate in interactive displays as well as take several fun photos along the way.
Just a few doors down along the promenade lies Blackpool Tower, which has five places to visit including the Tower Eye. Standing 158 metres tall, the iconic structure offers uninterrupted views across Blackpool and is also home to the town's first ever 4D cinema.
Blackpool Sea Life Centre offers the perfect opportunity to see more than 2,000 aquatic creatures including sharks, octopus and sting rays all under one roof. More adventurous visitors will enjoy the opportunity to get up close and personal to the creatures with the attraction's 'Snorkelling with Sharks' experience.
Take in the views from Blackpool tower
Animal lovers can see wildlife from all over the world at Blackpool Zoo. Located just two miles inland from the town's Golden Mile, the zoo is home to over 1,500 animals including tigers, giraffes and the UK's best sea lion display.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is one of the UK's most loved amusement parks and a not-to-be-missed attraction along the seafront. Adrenaline junkies will love the park's iconic The Big One ride – the UK's tallest rollercoaster which reaches an incredible 235 feet high. Meanwhile families should pay a visit to Nickelodeon Land for fun rides inspired by some of children's most popular TV shows.
Those wanting to do a bit of everything should pick up the Blackpool Resort Pass (blackpoolresortpass.com), which offers entry to all of the above attractions plus the Blackpool Tower Dungeons for £55.
Rub shoulders with stars including Olly Murs at Madame Tussauds
Where to stay:
For a luxurious and relaxing stay just a stone's throw from the beach and all of the main attractions, The Redstone Guesthouse (theredstoneblackpool.co.uk) has everything you need. Rooms start from £90 a night based on two people sharing with breakfast included.
Places to eat:
Tiger Bills offers both Thai and western fare on one extensive menu. Situated close to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the affordable and authentic restaurant is the ideal pit-stop for dinner following a day out at the amusement park.
A unique and stylish bistro and bar located directly on the beachfront, Beach House is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious fusion food with incredible views over the Irish Sea.
Blackpool's seafront is home to dozens of fish and chip shops, but none quite as iconic as Harry Ramsden's. The 150-capacity restaurant sits just along from Blackpool Tower, and also offers a takeaway service to enjoy during a walk along the promenade.
Merlin Entertainments and Visit Blackpool have launched the #BlackpoolsBack campaign to re-energise the iconic seaside resort and highlight the regeneration in the town.
For more information see visitblackpool.com.