Out and About in Blackpool

Everyone knows Blackpool. Its Tower, the three piers, the trams and the Illuminations have been delighting visitors for well over a century and still, it’s Europe’s most visited tourist. Legendary nightlife and the UK’s best-loved funfair add to the town’s appeal yet there’s a lesser known Blackpool - magnificent winter sunsets, the stately beauty of Stanley Park, the emergence of a stunning contemporary landscape through an ambitious regeneration programme – that you’re bound to find magical.

Pubs, Bars and Clubs

Blackpool has a lively and diverse nightlife, with venues that cater for everyone’s individual tastes. It’s home to the UK’s biggest superclub – The Syndicate - spread over three palatial levels with a capacity of 5,000. With six entertainment rooms and regular appearances by celebrities and superstar DJs, Club Sanuk is a favourite with all ages. The town is also famous for its gay scene, with the super-modern and multi-level Flamingo nightclub a favourite venue.

Music and culture

Guest DJs and local bands are a regular feature at the town’s many clubs and pubs while at the famous Winter Gardens, you can catch some of the music scene’s biggest names. The town’s also a magnet for comedians and entertainers.

Blackpool’s Grand Theatre is famous for major touring productions and its fabulous ornate décor. Culture vultures also have cinemas, the Grundy Art Gallery, South Promenade, the Solaris Centre, an excellent library and our own Gallery to enjoy.

Sport and leisure

Blackpool has three 18-hole golf courses (one municipal), an athletics track and stadium, go-kart tracks, sea and fresh-water fishing, swimming pools, bowling alleys, public and private gyms, more than 50 grass and hard tennis courts, an ice-skating rink and numerous cricket, rugby and football pitches. Horse-riding and flying lessons are also available.

Leisure facilities are also available at the town’s numerous parks and open spaces, with Stanley Park – a 256-acre oasis of formal landscaping, woodland and boating lake - a firm favourite. Thrill seekers will love the Pleasure Beach - recently voted Britain’s most popular tourist attraction - with the world’s biggest collection of white knuckle rides.

For football fans, Seasiders’ Premiership status means you can now enjoy top class league and cup matches here in Blackpool.

Food and shopping

Of course, the fish and chips are legendary but you’ll also be impressed by the range of Caribbean, Greek, Mexican, Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean and Thai cuisine.

For shopping, there’s all the high street names, plus plenty of individual and alternative shops, markets, and of course, seaside souvenirs! If you like a bargain, Freeport, a designer discount outlet at nearby Fleetwood, is only a tram-ride away.

Getting around

While the town centre’s within short walking distance of the University Centre, Blackpool boasts a great network of regular buses for when you need a lift or you’re heading further out. The trams are a fun way to travel up and down the coast or, if you’re feeling energetic, why not hire a bike at one of several bike ‘hubs’ across town. The University Centre has bike parking, lockers and even showering facilities for you to use.

Nearby

For big city lights, Manchester and Liverpool are about an hour away by road or rail. If the countryside calls, then Blackpool has a galaxy of beautiful places close by, whether you want the Lake District or the unspoiled Lancashire fells.