We swapped the eastern Yorkshire beaches to the west by travelling across England via Manchester to the bustling coastal town of Blackpool. Much like Surfers Paradise, we were told that there would be hoards of people walking the promenades as compared to the rather quiet Scarborough. So we set out on a new day with sunshine rather than the rain and wind that greeted us the night before. As we strolled the promenade pass the south pier we started to wonder if there were any other living beings in Blackpool. Tuesday may just be a quiet day but the trams were running and the occasional car drove passed. Unbeknown to us, Blackpool’s tourist season finished the day before we arrived with the closing of their Illuminations Festival, much like Sydney’s Vivid. We missed it by one day. So stores along the promenade had their roller doors closed, restaurant and cafes were in darkness except for a few, and the amusement parks and centres had all closed for the winter season.
Busy Blackpool
Central pier in the distance
Remnants of the Illumination Light Show
One of many sculptures along the promenade
There was a big Star Trek exhibition with advertisements along the street but, alas, it had closed.
The starring attraction of Blackpool is its tower. Constructed in a similar design to the Eiffel Tower but smaller, it has a number of attractions including The Blackpool Tower Eye where you go to the viewing deck near the top of the structure and see panoramic views of the Blackpool area. You also have the opportunity to walk on a glass floor and look down at the few people strolling the promenade. From this viewing deck you could ascend via a spiral staircase to 3 more outdoor and very windy levels.
Measuring up...who’s taller?
On the glass floor section of the viewing deck...luckily it had frosted with wear and tear over time but it was still disturbing...just don’t look down when you stand on it.
The windy upper levels. The floors look like they have rusted over time. That in itself was disturbing when you are standing 400 feet above the ground.
Overcoming fear of heights...just walk and look straight ahead.
In front of the Blackpool Tower is the Comedy Carpet, an installation of phrases and words from comedy.
The antique North Pier, closed for the season but with some eateries still open at the start of the wharf.
The tide came in and the beaches disappeared.
Public sculpture in the pedestrian shopping area and along South Promenade.
Blackpool Tower at night...at least it hasn’t shut down!
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