Blackpool Piers & Promenade

There are three magnificent Victorian piers in Blackpool: North, Central and South. Each pier is famous for its own unique character. All of them have been imaginatively upgraded over the years.

The oldest of the piers is the North Pier, was opened in May 1863. The North Pier is 1,405 feet long, 27 feet wide and built from 12,000 tons of metal, claims to be the finest, strongest and most beautiful marine parade in Europe. It is renowned for its top-class seasonal show, its 1500-seat theatre, restaurants, bars, a beer garden, shops and amusement arcades, as well as being Blackpool's favourite sunbathing spot.

Central Pier, completed in May 1868, has a high illuminated Big Wheel, which rises to the height of some 108 ft. The Big Wheel is a huge success with the holidaymakers, because when you are on it, you can feel those sea breezes! Central Pier also has fabulous showbar, shops, kiddies amusements and arcades.

Situated on all the three piers, are theatres, restaurants, bars, amusements and shops. Admission is free for all the three piers.

A PROMENADE walk in the pouring rain sounds as though it should dampen the enthusiasm of the most die-hard Blackpool visitor.

But locals are not fooled because it really is one of the best ways of seeing Britain’s biggest and brightest light show.

During what in other towns would become just another depressing downpour, here on the Fylde Coast, the lamps and festoons form a sensational carpet of shimmering reflections along the six-mile route of the Illuminations.

You can always take a tram to enjoy the spectacle but many visitors tour the Lights by road, travelling south to north.

The 2008 Illuminations run from 29 August - 2 November 2008