Blackpool

Blackpool sits on the Lancashire coast in North West England, built around a long seafront and a wide promenade. The 158 m Blackpool Tower, opened in 1894, punctuates the central seafront near the three piers: North, Central and South. To the south, Blackpool Pleasure Beach occupies the shoreline with a concentrated group of amusement rides and arcades. The town centre rises inland from the prom, with shopping streets, market areas and the Winter Gardens entertainment complex.

Each autumn the Blackpool Illuminations light the Promenade for around six miles, drawing people along the coast and onto the traditional tramway, which runs beside the sea and operates a heritage fleet. Parks and recreation land include Stanley Park with its lake, sports pitches and boating facilities. The seafront has a mixture of theatres, arcades and cafés focused on coastal visitors, and municipal services extend to harbour and promenade maintenance. Blackpool's layout keeps tourist facilities close to the shoreline while residential areas spread inland.