Types of Holidays
The coastal town of Blackpool is a popular holiday destination, especially for Brits who want a holiday without the hassle and expense of going abroad.
For those already in the UK, Blackpool is close enough to be any type of holiday, from a weekend break to a longer excursion, with or without the children.
With the beach, fine dining and the numerous events, it's guaranteed to be a good time.
Best Time to Go
England has extremely seasonal weather and does not enjoy the luxury of having summer weather all year round.
Rather, December to February tends to be cold and wet, with an average temperature of just 3°C. September to November are the wettest months of the year, with an average of 110mm of rain per month, while March to May are the driest months with approximately 56mm of rain per month.
As Blackpool's weather varies throughout the year, summer is the most popular time to visit as it tends to be warm and dry.
Between July and August the temperature regularly gets up to or higher than 20°C, and by the end of August the temperatures start to drop nearer 16°C.
However, late August and early September are still good times to visit because the weather is good and most of the tourists have gone home.
Sights to See
There are many sights to explore in Blackpool, and the culturally minded will have plenty to keep them occupied.
The Grand Theatre, dating back to 1894, has live shows all year round, while Blackpool Tower has everything from a ballroom to an exciting circus.
The acclaimed Grundy Art Gallery, now over 100 years old, has a varied mix of exhibitions throughout the whole year.
The Winter Gardens are also very popular, and that's no surprise considering the Empress Ballroom attracts some of the top artists and bands, while the Opera House has one of the biggest stages in all of Europe.
Activities
Blackpool also has no shortage of things to do. Blackpool Zoo has over 1,500 animals, including penguins, gorillas, elephants, reptiles, lemurs and meerkats, and is guaranteed to be a hit for the whole family.
Penny Farm is ideal for those with a penchant for horses and ponies, while the town's parks are waiting to be discovered with a nature walk ither partake in an organised walk or simply plan your own.
If you like comedy, there are few better places than Blackpool, with such names as Freddie Starr, Ricky Gervais and Rob Brydon having graced the town's stages.
In addition to the live stand-up comedy, 2012 introduces Comedy Carpet Live, held over April Fools Weekend.
In June, Blackpool hosts a week-long festival of events to celebrate the British Armed Forces, during which time visitors can enjoy various events, exhibitions and attractions, as well as international pyrotechnics experts at the World Firework Championships.
Beaches
Blackpool is famous for many things, but the beach is particularly well known. Miles of golden sand are ideal for sunbathing or beach sports like Frisbee and volleyball.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is England's third most visited theme park and one of the top 20 theme parks in the world, with a huge variety of rides. It's also one of the area's top attractions.
Nightlife
Blackpool comes alive at night, and is the perfect place for anyone who enjoys life after dark.
The town is bursting with pubs, clubs and lights, from Sinless, the lap-dancing club on the central promenade, to the numerous clubs dotted around town.
Sanuk means 'fun' in Thai, and with seven bars, five rooms and four styles of music, no one will leave without having had some fun. The club is open four nights a week from 10pm to 4am and features 10 local DJs.
Syndicate is a burgeoning club, with a capacity of 5,000, while Rumours and Hush is a wine bar, night club and party venue all under one roof. With a chic crowd of clubbers, Rumours and Hush offers a new spin on the traditional clubs.
Accommodation
Blackpool has everything when it comes to accommodation, from camping and caravanning to self-catering and bed and breakfasts.
Sea Cote Holiday Flats are conveniently located on Queens Promenade, directly overlooking the sea and the famous Blackpool Illuminations. The self-catering flats accommodate two to five people and with prices starting at £150 for people for a week, it's a very affordable option.
The Princess is another affordable option, and this guesthouse is elegantly furnished with a contemporary feel. Opposite the Promenade, it is also conveniently located, and has guaranteed onsite parking, a games room and facilities include high chairs, baby baths, travel cots, and complementary toiletries.
For those looking to get back to basics, the Newton Hall Holiday Park is a worthwhile option. Located two miles from Blackpool Tower, the park has a selection of new and second-hand caravans for sale. It's also reasonably self-contained should you not fancy the journey into the town centre. Newton Hall has a licensed club with a heated indoor swimming pool, a family room, sauna and spa, indoor bowling green and a fishing lake. There's also a mini-market, arcade and children's playground.