Romance in Blackpool

Blackpool isn't renowned for romance, but a seaside resort town with plenty of amazing parks, hotels, restaurants, museums and nightlife has everything any Romeo needs to fan the amorous flames of his Juliet.

The first thing to determine is where to stay and three romantic venues quickly spring to mind: the Imperial Hotel, the Hilton Hotel and the De Vere Heron's Reach Hotel, which is regarded by many as the most stylish hotel in Blackpool.

The Imperial Hotel has 173 exquisite bedrooms and 10 elegantly furnished suites. It has a health and leisure club that boasts of a gym, sauna, spa bath, steam room, solarium and swimming pool. Moreover, the Imperial Hotel is strategically located to serve as an ideal base that provides easy access to Blackpool's myriad attractions.

The Hilton, also located on the North Promenade like the Imperial Hotel, has beautiful and features en suite bathroom, telephone, satellite TV, hair dryer and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel also offers family rooms, function rooms and stylish suites that offer a spectacular seafront view. The Hilton has its own restaurant and cocktail bar, a sauna and steamroom, an indoor heated swimming pool and a nightclub. Parking at the hotel car park is free.

The De Vere Herons’ Reach Hotel is a bit out of town but offers enough amenities to make the trip worthwhile, including its very own 18-hole golf course and a floodlit driving range with 18 bays. It also has a sauna and spa bath, steam room and swimming pool. A short 10-minute drive from the beach, the Reach Hotel sits on 236 acres of sprawling coast countryside and boasts of some of the most luxurious accommodations around.

Once the hotel is settled, it's time to roam the town in search of Blackpool's most romantic sights.

The Grundy Art Gallery, located right next to the Blackpool Central Library on Queen Street, is widely regarded as one of the premiere small galleries in the United Kingdom. It is also one of the most romantic places in town. Built in 1911 as a multi-purpose building, the Grundy Art Gallery offers a tranquil haven of peace and serenity to those who wish to escape Blackpool's hustle and bustle even for a moment.

The gallery is named in honor of the Grundy brothers, Cuthbart and John, two avid art collectors who donated their impressive collection of paintings to the town of Blackpool in 1903. Hence, the Grundy Art Gallery was formed. Today, the gallery boasts of a huge collection of oils and watercolors, including classic and modern British paintings, Oriental ivories and prints.

Over the years, the gallery's collection has grown considerably and now includes quite a number of ceramics and old photographs depicting Blackpool's rich history. Throughout the year, many of the foremost local and national artists stage special exhibitions to the delight of visitors.

Over at South Promenade is another permanent display of contemporary art (and another romantic venue) dubbed as the Great Promenade Show. Some of the leading artists and designers in the UK pooled their talents to make this year-round outdoor exhibit a hit by contributing noteworthy pieces of sculptures, art pieces and even lighting. At night, the exhibit becomes an inspirational sight, especially when the light hits certain angles and creates new dimensions. This is when lovers usually walk down the Promenade, arm in arm, or sit snugly close together watching the display.

Of course all lovers should also make a trip to the Blackpool Tower, the main attraction of this famous seaside resort, especially given its superb beachfront location. During the traditional illuminations each year, the tower shines magnificently and offers a superb vantage point for enjoying the colorful lighting displays that adorn the town and seafront. The Tower complex also boasts of the renowned Tower Ballroom and the world famous 'Mighty Wurlitzer Organ' whose melodious notes can still be heard during the holiday seasons.

There are two lifts that lead to the apex of the Blackpool Tower where there are four viewing platforms that provide visitors with a breath-taking view of Blackpool and surrounding areas such as North Wales, Cumbria, Lancashire, Winter Hill and the Isle of Man. There were actually 14 platforms in all, including enclosed ones, when the tower was rebuilt in 1900. Just imagine looking in awe at the skyline and sharing this wonderful sight with someone special or walking hand-in-hand with your significant other along the glass-floored Walk of Faith.

If you and your partner enjoy doing activities together, head to South Shore to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, an amusement park that was inaugurated in 1896. About six million visitors come to Pleasure Beach, Blackpool each year, drawn by its wide array of rides, ranging from traditional wooden and small family rides to modern steel roller coasters and highly-advanced thrillers as well as some rides that have been around for generations but are still in good working order. In recent years, Pleasure Beach, Blackpool has also installed on-going ice shows and a casino.

Article by Susan Ashby of Blackpool Singles. To read more articles like this or for dating in Blackpool visit htpp://www.Blackpool-singles.co.uk