Blackpool is buzzing once again

Jun 6 2011 Tom Fry

Blackpool is buzzing. 2011 is set to be the year Blackpool’s major makeover can be enjoyed by the millions of visitors attracted to Britain’s most popular UK holiday destination each year.

These are exciting times as visitors are encouraged to take a fresh look at Blackpool, famous for its Tower and Promenade and seven miles of award-winning, golden sands.

The resort’s regeneration is giving it a fresh new look. Along the promenade are dramatic new curves with a sweeping sea wall featuring Spanish-style steps – part of a multi-million pound project to provide sea defences and link the promenade with the town’s famous golden sands.

At the other end of the spectrum there’s Brilliance in the town centre, which illuminates the resort like never before, bathing buildings in multi-coloured lights and projections, while lasers perform a jaw-dropping jig, accompanied by an eclectic mix of music.

Add to this the newly-opened St. John’s Plaza opposite the Winter Gardens – a space to inspire with its elegant paving, cosmopolitan café culture and dancing fountains – and you’ve got a vibrant town with plenty of new attractions to discover.

Whether you want white-knuckle thrills and spills, oodles of family fun, spine tingling shows and events or a relaxing beach break – this beach resort does it bigger, bolder, brighter and better than the rest.

At its fast beating heart is the world-famous tower which is 518 feet tall and was built in 1984. Inside is the magnificent Tower ballroom. It also features the Tower Circus, a lift to its tower top views and walk of faith for the brave!

The Pleasure Beach is a wonderful theme park with a huge amount of rides and attractions. The classic roller coasters and more gentle children’s rides intertwined with modern metal monster coasters – Infusion, Valhalla and Pepsi Max to name just three - have seen it become the most visited attraction in the United Kingdom. It even boasts the world’s first interactive maze and during the summer season there is the spectacular ‘Hot Ice’ show or a chance to skate in its indoor arena plus a host of restaurants and catering outlets. New for 2011 and recently opened by David Hasselhoff is Nickelodeon Land full of family rides with characters such as Sponge Bob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer.

And that‘s just to start of it. With a Sea Life Centre, a Zoo, Madam Tussauds Wax Works, Model Village, Sandcastle Waterpark and the recently restored Stanley Park to name but a few there’s a wealth or things to do.

When it comes to entertainment Blackpool has it all and more. Theatregoers are spoilt for choice with West End hits, sell out concerts, ballet and operas, illusion and cool contemporary productions. Venues include its beautiful old Grand Theatre and the famous Winter Gardens complex and Opera House which boasts the largest stage in the country and has a 3000 seating capacity.

Blackpool is fairly unique in having 3 piers each with its own character. The North Pier has a wonderful Victorian character and traditional end of pier theatre. The Central pier boasts a Big Wheel and family entertainment centre whilst the South Pier has a great range of rides and a family bar.

As for retail therapy – Blackpool’s central indoor Houndshill Shopping Centre has been completely revitalised and is now home to many major name stores including Debenhams.

But for visitors who want to enjoy its attractions, a breath of sea air and the beach - it’s right outside many of the hotels that line Blackpool’s promenade stretching from the South to the North Shore.

One such hotel is the Elgin Hotel, ideally situated near to the cliffs on the Queens Promenade, immediately facing the Blackpool sands. It’s a great location for a relaxing holiday, with all the excitement of Britain’s No. 1 resort just a short tram ride away.

Winner of the prestigious ‘ Blackpool Hotel of the Year ‘ awarded in 2009 the Elgin Hotel has a brochure packed with information on its programme of mid-week breaks and themed weekends throughout almost all the year including Turkey ‘n’ Tinsel, Christmas and New Year. Among its popular themes are Robbie Williams and Elvis Tribute Weekends, Swinging 60’s and Come Dancing to name just a few. Guests can either make their own way to the hotel or select from dates when coaching is offered from their local area

The Hotel offers a range of room types including sea view rooms. Guests are accommodated on a half board basis and the Elgin is proud of its reputation for good food, insisting that only the best is good enough for guests. Entertainment is also provided most evenings in the hotel.

These are exciting times for Blackpool – with its new look and warm and friendly welcome – it has something for everyone and a spectacular calendar of events throughout the year including of course the world famous illuminations. For more information on this year’s events or Blackpool attractions go to the website www.visitblackpool.com