Blackpool Remains Seaside Favourite

In its heyday, Blackpool was one of England's most celebrated holiday destinations, and the seaside resort has managed to retain its charms while updating itself to become a much loved seaside fixture of the 21st century.

Settled on the coast of the Irish Sea, Blackpool is a holiday destination in the North West of England that has a rich and varied history. The resort has roots as a restorative destination in the 18th century, when many ladies and gentleman would travel to the coast to 'take the waters' as a rest cure.

From humble beginnings of a limited number of amenities, it grew as a holiday destination of choice for northerners during the 18th and 19th century, when inhabitants of mill towns visited the beaches and attractions of Blackpool to get away from the daily grind. During this time, the town slowly grew into the shining beacon of seaside fun many people remember it as today.

One of the things Blackpool is most famous for is its illuminations and light displays, and it was the advent of electricity that helped the town seal its reputation. Back in 1879 Blackpool took the honour of being the first municipality in the world to offer electric streetlighting. What's more, with parts of the city's impressive promenade lit at the same time, Blackpool's lights drew many travellers from across the country.

The celebrations of the introduction of these new lights to Blackpool were the forerunner of the infamous Blackpool Illuminations, a six mile long lighting extravaganza that runs from late August until November annually, and mark a tradition that has survived for centuries.

The end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century saw the addition of eminent Blackpool buildings such as the Tower on the promenade and the Grand Theatre on Church Street as well as the establishment of the Pleasure Beach - the most visited theme park in the UK today, and additions such as these helped to establish Blackpool as a favourite with young and old alike.

However, Blackpool's reputation as a seaside resort means that some don't realise that it's also home to many business and trade conferences. Blackpool's Winter Gardens frequently plays host to major political and trade union conferences for example.

Hotels in Blackpool are well located to reflect both sides of Blackpool's personality, with accommodation close to the heart of the action available whether people come seeking corporate opportunities or they have a restive cure in mind.