This amusement park near South Pier was inaugurated in 1896 as an American Style Amusement Park whose main objective, according to its founder, Alderman William George Bean, was “to make adults feel like children again and to inspire gaiety of a primarily innocent character.”

About six million visitors come to Pleasure Beach, Blackpool each year, drawn by its wide array of rides, ranging from traditional wooden and small family rides to modern steel roller coasters and highly-advanced thrillers as well as some rides that have been around for generations but are still in good working order. In recent years, Pleasure Beach, Blackpool has also installed ongoing ice shows and a casino.

Set amid 32 acres of maturing parkland and lakes, the award winning Blackpool Zoo is home to over 1500 beautiful, rare and exotic animals from all around the world. With elephants, lions, otters, zebras, sea lions, tigers, kangaroos, many types of monkeys, plus all your animal favourites. With play areas, crafts, miniature railway, shops, picnic areas, it’s an excellent value family day out.

Herons Reach – Blackpool

Tel: 01253 766156

18 hole – famous par 72

Championship golf course designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clarke. The testing layout incorporates 10 lakes while the USGA green construction promises superb all year round play. You can get there in about 10 minutes by car

Tel: 01253 737390

18 hole – par 70

Lytham Green Drive is a pleasant tree lined course, which although within a mile of the Irish Sea still retains its parkland characteristics. Don’t be fooled by its apparent lack of length, at 6,305 yards it is indeed short by modern standards, but very small, well bunkered greens provide a more than adequate test.

The outward half is where one’s score must be made and although the back nine contains three Par 3′s, all of which are particularly testing, its long par 4′s will generally account for any shots saved on the front nine. The opening hole provides a stern test with out of bounds and trees flanking the right behind two well placed bunkers, forcing the player to direct his tee shot left, where he will be greeted by more trees. The signature 14th hole, Devil’s Elbow, has taken its toll on many. At 444 yards, this right angled dog-leg has a stream to the right which must be negotiated at least twice. There is also an Out-of-bounds that is very much in play on the corner of the dog-leg. Once within range of the postage stamp sized elevated green, deep bunkers must be avoided.

Used as a final qualifying course for the 1974, 1979 and 1988 British Open Championships held at nearby Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, Lytham Green Drive offers excellent facilities for visitors where they can be assured of a warm welcome.

Knott End Golf Club – Poulton Le Fylde

Tel: (01253) 810576

18 hole – par 69

The opening 5 Holes run alongside the River Wyre so be aware; a slice spells a watery grave when the tide is in

One of the finest views in the Fylde area can be seen from the 3rd tee.

To the north is Morecambe Bay set against the background of the Lake District Mountains. One of the courses most infamous holes is the 11th hole 123yd par 3. At first glance this should pose few problems, however with water in front of and to the right of the green, out of bounds on both sides and to the rear of the green ‘mishaps’ often occur! When the wind is blowing this hole can vary from a sand iron to a 5 iron, the hole has ruined more promising good scores than any other hole.

The illuminations are arguably one of the greatest free light shows on earth. At 10 kilometres long and using over a million light bulbs they are an awesome spectacle. This year they will run from September till November

Many people travel to Blackpool by car and just drive through the lights. While this is fine, if you really want to turn it into a memorable experience, park the car and take a tram ride (on the upper deck) through the lights. When you get to the end, walk back a few tram stops and take in a little of the Illuminations on foot. The sheer scale, size and colours make it magical. Grab a burger or a candy floss and take the tram back to your starting point. You will probably be cold and maybe even a little wet, but will have the priceless gift of re finding a little of your childhood again.

A list of the best places to see while in Blackpool

The seaside town of Blackpool, a major tourist hub since the 19th century, continues to be heavily dependent on tourism. There is so much to see in Blackpool that is uniquely its own. The following are only some of its leading attractions.

1. The North, Central and South Piers

It is no secret that the way to judge the stature of a seaside town is by its pier, and Blackpool has three of them: the North Pier, Central Pier and South Pier.

Built in 1863, the North Pier is the oldest and largest of the three coastal piers. It was mainly used for leisure instead of seafaring and is one of the last remaining piers designed by Eugenius Birch, who built 14 piers in all.

The Central Pier, built in 1868, came about largely due to the success of the North Pier. The Blackpool South Jetty Company, established one year after the North Pier opened in 1864, hired Richard Laidlaw, the North Pier contractor, to build a new pier near the now-defunct Blackpool Central railway station and a scant 500 metres to the south of Blackpool Tower.

The South Pier, built in 1893, was spurred by the ever-growing popularity of Blackpool as a tourist resort. Naturally, development eventually reached the south shore and construction of the third pier began in 1892. It is also the site of the famous American carousel built by John Outhwaite on sand dunes that has drawn hordes of holidaymakers. A pair of massive fires in 1958 and 1964 caused major damage to the South Pier. These were the same fires that razed the Grand Pavilion to the ground.

2. The Blackpool Tower

The Blackpool Tower is the main attraction of this famous seaside resort, especially given its superb beachfront location. During the traditional illuminations each year, the tower shines magnificently and offers a superb vantage point for enjoying the colourful lighting displays that adorn the town and seafront. The Tower complex also boasts the renowned Tower Ballroom and the world famous ‘Mighty Wurlitzer Organ’ whose melodious notes can still be heard during the holiday seasons.

Built in May 1894, this 518-foot-tall structure was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris and is a member of the World Federation of Great Towers.

While the Eiffel Tower is a free-standing structure, the Blackpool Tower is not quite so, although this is a common misconception. This is because its base is strategically hidden by the building that houses the Blackpool Tower circus.

There are two lifts that lead to the apex of the Blackpool Tower, where there are four viewing platforms that provide visitors with a breathtaking view of Blackpool and surrounding areas such as North Wales, Cumbria, Lancashire, Winter Hill and the Isle of Man. There were actually 14 platforms in all, including enclosed ones, when the tower was rebuilt in 1900.

A Union flag usually flies proudly atop the tower, which is painted dark red except during its 1994 centenary when it was gold. During illuminations, the tower glows brightly from the light of one hundred lamps.

3. Pleasure Beach, Blackpool

This amusement park near South Pier was inaugurated in 1896 as an American Style Amusement Park whose main objective, according to its founder, Alderman William George Bean, was “to make adults feel like children again and to inspire gaiety of a primarily innocent character.”

About six million visitors come to Pleasure Beach, Blackpool each year, drawn by its wide array of rides, ranging from traditional wooden and small family rides to modern steel roller coasters and highly-advanced thrillers as well as some rides that have been around for generations but are still in good working order. In recent years, Pleasure Beach, Blackpool has also installed ongoing ice shows and a casino.

One attractive thing about Pleasure Beach, Blackpool is that it seems to be constantly evolving and visitors are often amazed that there is something new every time they visit.

4. Blackpool Illuminations

Illuminations are an electric light festival held in several cities in England during Autumn. The Blackpool Illuminations are the biggest such light show in the UK, running for 66 days in September to early November each year and stretching beyond 10 kilometers. They have been thrilling thousands of people each year since 1879.

Each year, there is a “Switch On” ceremony that includes live entertainment featuring a host of acts such as Robbie Williams in 2010. Over a million bulbs are used during the Blackpool Illuminations, with every kind of light display imaginable, including neon, lasers, fiber optics, searchlights and floodlighting.

The 2010 Blackpool Illuminations featured over 500 scenic designs, including characters and “moving” objects, which only seem to move because of the effect of blinking lights.

5. Sandcastle Waterworld

Sitting opposite Pleasure Beach, Sandcastle Waterworld is the leading indoor waterpark in the UK. Launched in 1896, the park’s four huge waterslides and dozens of smaller ones as well as a lazy river. There is also a pirate galleon and the Caribbean Storm Treehouse.

Sandcastle Waterworld also houses Master Blaster, the longest indoor roller coaster ride in the world.

Blackpool has a lot of Nightlife

The night is alive in Blackpool, one of the best clubbing venues in the north as well as a favorite destination for fans of live music and live theatre performances. The club scene is electric in Blackpool, with the resort town offering hot dance music, pop and old school tunes as well as R’n'B every night of the week.

Located in central Promenade, Club Sunuk is probably the hottest club in town, with a full capacity of 3,200 clubbers swinging and swaying to its stylish tunes on Fridays and Saturdays. The drinks may be a tad expensive, but the spaciousness and elegance of the venue as well as the quality of the dance music make it worthwhile. The beach bar/club Linekers is near the Palace and can comfortably accommodate about 300 guests. Top 40 chart music is played here throughout the night. The much larger Jellies Nightclub along the Promenade plays the same kind of music but it boasts of three dance floors and five bars spread over two floors.

Club One Eleven on Central Promenade is the venue of choice for serious clubbers and it can accommodate as many as 1,100 of them at a time. The speakers blast out house and old school music all night long. Meanwhile, die-hard dancers converge at two other clubs nearby: Heaven & Hell on Bank Hey Street and Rumours on Talbot Square.

Over on Church street is the Syndicate Super Club, which has been officially named as the UK’s biggest club. Its three levels can house more than 5,000 people. Top guest DJs regularly perform here to the delight of delirious crowds. Right above the Syndicate Super Club is Status, a new nightclub that targets the 25 and above set.

Flares Nightclub on the Promenade is the home to the Saturday Night Fever crowd that love to dance the night away. The top dance hits of the 70s are brought back to life here while clubbers strut their funky stuff.

Scruffy Murphy’s on Corporation Street has live Irish folk music during weekends, while bands at The Kite Club on Talbot Road play blues and rock and roll. New and up and coming musical acts are regular features of the Galleon nightclub on Adelaide Street.

Theatre lovers absolutely adore Blackpool because it has four main theatres and is one of the best venues for musicals, drama and a wealth of other shows. Not only that, the theatres are highly regarded historical institutions as well.

The Grand Theatre on Church Street is the finest and most famous theatre in Blackpool. Located at the heart of the town’s tourist area, the Grand Theatre offers an array of shows each year, including classics like Ken Dodd to performances by the English National Ballet.

The Opera House at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool’s oldest theatre, opened its doors in June 1889 and is still going strong today.

The Pavilion Theatre, which is also within the Winter Gardens complex, has undergone many changes since it was built in the 19th century but today features plays, musicals and dance shows.

The North Pier Theatre features many great musical acts as well as cabaret performances. It provides the most intimate theatrical experience among the four.

Plus Many more

Stanley Park is well worth a visit (3 km) – Large park, sports centre, boating lake, putting greens, picnic area model village.

The park includes 22 acres of lake, 96 acres of golf courses, as well as providing a natural habitat for an extensive variety of wildlife and flora. The park has numerous recreational facilities including:

• The Italian Garden
• The Lake Terrace and Promenade
• The Lake
• The “Cocker” Clock Tower
• The Conservatories
• The Cafe
• The Rose garden
• The Sensory garden
• The Water Features
• The Woodland Walk (Salisbury Gardens)

Stanley Park Recreation and Amenities

The Park is equipped for sports, music and playing, including;

• Sports Centre
• Golf Course
• Tennis Courts
• Cricket Ground
• Football Pitches
• Bowling Greens
• Boating lake
• Children’s Play Area
• Putting Course
• Crazy Golf
• Bandstand
• Model Village

Just two miles from St Chads Rd Set amid 32 acres of maturing parkland and lakes,the AWARD WINNING Blackpool Zoo provides a home to over 1500 animals from all over the world. With elephants, lions, otters, zebras, sea lions, tigers, kangaroos, many types of monkeys, plus all your animal favourites. With play areas, crafts, miniature railway, shops, picnic areas, it’s an excellent value family day out. The Zoo provides new standards of animal care and aims to provide a stimulating, informative and enjoyable experience that demonstrates its role in the conservation of endangered species.

The Dinosaur Safari is just one of the attractions at Blackpool Zoo -Join us for an unforgettable journey back through time to the amazing lost world of the dinosaurs…

Come face to face with the terrifying tyrannosaurus rex, mighty marine reptiles, awesome pterodactyls and more than 30 other stunning prehistoric creatures. Your Dinosaur Safari will take you under the shadows of a giant erupting volcano, past spouting water geysers, over running streams, alongside misty lakes and even behind a living curtain of water. Spectacular lighting and sound effects, horrid smells, thousands of authentic living plants and trees and even a smouldering meterorite bring the prehistoric world vividly to life.