Blackpool is the most popular seaside resort in the UK.
The town is located on the Lancashire coast, about 28 km from Preston and about 65 km from Manchester.
The town became a popular resort during the 19th century when it was connected by rail to much of northern England. Today, it attracts about 12 million people each year.
Blackpool Tower opened in 1894 and was modelled on the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The 158 metre high landmark is illuminated by about 10,000 light bulbs and takes 7 years to paint.
The tower was painted in silver in 1977 for  Queen Elizabeth II‘s jubilee, and in gold in 1994 to celebrate its 100th year.
In 1985, an escape artist and his bride were married in a cage hanging from the tower.
The famous Blackpool illuminations have been on display since 1879. The free light show uses over a million bulbs and runs from early August until late November each year.
The illuminations are switched on by a celebrity. In the past, these have included George Formby, Ken Dodd, Shirley Bassey, Frank Bruno and the cast of Dad’s Army.
Blackpool’s famous Pleasure Beach has over 40 rides and attractions, and is one of the UK’s most visited tourist attractions. It has one of the highest roller coasters in the country, with a 65 metre drop.
The resort has over 3,000 hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts. Between them, they offer over 90,000 rooms, more than most other UK cities.
In 1885, the world’s first permanent electric tram started running in Blackpool. Today, over 60 trams still operate during the summer, along a 16 km stretch of track along the promenade.