Illuminating Fun in Blackpool

Holiday Inn Blackpool
Holiday Inn Blackpool

Old-fashioned seaside fun is guaranteed in Lancashire’s number one hotspot thanks to a huge injection of cash into Blackpool.

The popular resort is being revived after years of under investment and it’s beginning to rise from the ashes and looking sharp.

Part of the money has been earmarked to bring in more modern hotels and the latest addition is The Holiday Inn bang next to the railway station and just a short walk to all the action at The North Pier.

Opened in May, it’s a breath of fresh air for the town and with a large, airy and vibrant reception area to greet you, the mood at checking in is a happy one.

Operated by the InterContinental Hotels Group, the hotel is a joint venture with Blackpool Council, who also provide heavily discounted car parking across the road as part of the Talbot Gateway project.

The four star hotel has 144 rooms, which have been carefully furnished to reflect a modern and sleek service and with very comfy beds to sink into. Pillows and their plumpness are an important factor in the room and visitors are encouraged to choose their favourite if the ones in the room don’t suit.

Holiday Inn family room
Holiday Inn Family Room

Family rooms have a king size bed with a sofa for the children and double, twin and single rooms are spacious too with lots of wardrobe space, a modern television and tea and coffee making facilities.

The bathrooms have powerful showers with some lovely Australian smellies and a good supply of towels. Forgotten toothbrushes, razors and hairbrushes are provided on request and the rooms have free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

Downstairs has a great gym and a colourful recreational area with table football and an onsite entertainer to keep all ages happy.

Food is provided in Marco’s New York Italian with its delicious menu inspired by top chef Marco Pierre White with starters ranging from salt and pepper calamari to crispy jumbo prawns and mains including surf and turf and sourdough pizzas. Desserts include maple and pecan pie and warm baked chocolate brownies.

A five minute walk takes you to the hub of Blackpool’s promenade and just off the main strip is a new museum addition.

Showtown next to the iconic tower is an all-singing, all dancing museum dedicated to the heritage of Blackpool and it’s so good, it has just won a place on The Top 10 Bucket and Spade 2024 list.

Showtown Blackpool
Showtown Circus Exhibit

It’s a nostalgic look at the greats including Sooty, Sweep and Sue and Lancashire favourite Victoria Wood and with interactive exhibits, it’s fun all the way.

Donkeys, ice cream and deckchairs are the order of the day and currently there is an exhibition of photographer Andy Hollingworth’s images of well-known celebrities.

One of the best exhibitions is the story of Blackpool’s famous illuminations, with audio stories of the people who designed and put up the lights.

Today the lights run from September to January and are one of the seaside resort’s main attractions, with miles of bright lights and lit up displays, as well as the infamous illuminated trams shaped like a train and trawler.

Part of the money which has been pledged to Blackpool has included a big pot to modernise the lights and 500 displays. It’s all part of the reset for this famous Northern town which attracts more than £3million visitors a year ready to have a fun old time!

For more tourist information you can visit: www.visitblackpool.com and www.visitlancashire.com.

Author Bio:

Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.

Photographs courtesy of Holiday Inn and Hufton Crow

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