Friday 5 September 2014

Blackpool, UK

Last week, I mentioned that the London Eye was operated by the same group who also manages the Sydney Tower & Blackpool Tower, so I thought I'd finish this little series with my photos from Blackpool 2007.

Blackpool Tower was first opened in 1894.

It's 158m tall and was intended to be a replica of the Eiffel Tower.
Unlike the Eiffel Tower, though, it is not free-standing. Instead, the Blackpool Tower base is enclosed by the Blackpool Tower Circus.

The top of the tower was painted silver in 1977 in honour of the Queen's Silver Jubilee.

In 2011 the entire Tower area was renovated.
I wonder what it looks like now?



In the 18th century Blackpool became a fashionable spot for the wealthier classes to "take a cure". 
By the 20th century, however, it was the nearby factory workers of Northern England who came to Blackpool en masse for their "wakes" week.
Walking along the Promenade didn't quite live up to the high expectations promised in this poster!

Blackpool is famous for it's Illuminations.

When we realised we were going to be in the area during Illumination season (66 days from late August until Nov) , we knew we had to make the detour.

They run along a 10km stretch of the Promenade.

The Illuminations first shone in 1879 - just 8 arc lights to try and extend the summer.
As you can see they have grown somewhat since that time!






Things look a little duller the next day...

...until we get to Pleasure Beach, that is!

Pleasure Beach has been offering fun & excitement to holidaying Brits since 1896.
According to TripAdvisor 2014, it was voted the most popular theme park in the UK.



We obviously came at the wrong time!



The Promenade is lined with row upon row of B&B accommodation.
Fern Royd was cheerfully basic.
Every piece of furniture was covered with doilies and/or bric-a-brac.
We had a birdseye view of the Illuminations outside our bedroom window.

One night was sufficient!

This post of part of British Isles Friday.

4 comments:

  1. Rick Steves went through Blackpool on one of his travel shows. He looked a bit relieved to head back out into the countryside for his visit to the Lake District. But he seemed to have a good time while he was there! We're not getting that far north for our trip this year.

    Joy's Book Blog

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    Replies
    1. It was a fascinating excursion Joy, but somewhat depressing at the same time - a town desperate to be jolly & inviting, the faded glory; it was like stepping back in time.

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  2. the area looks fun-but does not look like a beach town at all without the sun.

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  3. I've never been to Blackpool, and am unlikely to ever get there I suppose, but thanks for the tour. That Tower is Eiffel Tower-ish- I had no idea that it was supposed to be a replica.

    ReplyDelete

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