L

et’s forget the donkeys, deckchairs and dirty postcards (although you can still partake in all of these) and scratch beneath the surface of Blackpool. What you’ll find is a seaside town with endless opportunities for fun. Hire a bicycle from along the promenade and ride around sculptures, architectural triumphs and historic buildings. And then when night falls, prepare to be blown away by the Illuminations that light up this unique city.

History and Heritage
With rides like Hiram Maxim’s Flying Machine (built in 1904) and original wooden rollercoasters from the 1930s, the Pleasure Beach provides a fascinating, fast and retro insight into the history of the fairground. And for Victorian architecture at its finest then visit the iconic Blackpool Tower which has its own unique history to explore.

Arts and Culture
Why not sing-a-long to your favourite musical at the Grand Theatre ? And be sure to have a good nose about the stunning neo-classical interior. Or if the sun’s out take a stroll around the Great Promenade Show . Here you’ll find sculptures by pop artist Sir Peter Blake and the High Tide Organ, a 15 metre high instrument played by the sea.

Must See Attractions
With some of the planet’s tallest and fastest rollercoasters, the Pleasure Beach is guaranteed to make you scream like a 15-year-old girl, especially if you are a 15-year-old girl. If Saturday Night Fever is more your stuff then strut your funky stuff and point your finger beneath the world’s biggest Mirror Ball at the Great Promenade Show . And to complete the Blackpool experience, take the ‘Walk of Faith’ over the Tower’s glass floor. Do it right and it almost could be classified as a religious experience.

Family Fun
Want to meet Mooky the Clown? Then head to the Tower Circus where along with international acts he will have the whole family gasping and guffawing. Once you’ve experienced the thrills of the Pleasure Beach take a trip to Sandcastle Waterpark to do it all again aqua stylee. With 18 slides, including the world’s longest indoor rollercoaster waterslide, it’s uhm, splash-tacular.

Key Events
When the summer sun dies away, Blackpool is about one thing - the Illuminations . Between September and October be sure to squeeze yourself onto a tram and take in the 6 miles and one million lights in style. With everything from cabaret to street parades, the Showzam! Festival of circus, magic and new variety never fails to inspire enthusiastic ooohing and ahhing.

Food and Drink
With Fleetwood’s seafood and Pilling’s melt-in-the-mouth lamb, there’s plenty of top local produce to be had in Blackpool without worrying about food miles. It makes sense to seize on any opportunity to tuck into a traditional Lancashire Hot Pot or for flavours from further afield try a curry at the Jali restaurant at the Carlton Hotel .

Famous Locals
On a windy day take a stroll along the beach and try to recreate Robert Smith’s infamous haircut. The Cure frontman was born in Blackpool along with Chris Lowe of the Pet Shop Boys and Maddie Pryor of Steeleye Span. With Hendrix, the Rolling Stones and more recently The White Stripes all playing legendary shows in the town, Blackpool’s musical heritage runs deep.