| Blackpool is a popular seaside resort which | | | | Some of the most popular tourist attractions |
| lies in north-western England on the Fylde | | | | in Blackpool include Blackpool Zoo, home to |
| Coast of the county of Lancashire. The city | | | | over 1500 animals from all over the world; |
| was named after a drainage channel which ran | | | | Blackpool Pleasure Beach, a theme park |
| over a peat bog into the sea of Blackpool, | | | | featuring the tallest rollercoaster in |
| the water forming a "black pool" in the | | | | Europe; Winter Gardens, an entertainment and |
| waters of the Irish Sea. The town became an | | | | conference venue; Louis Tussaud's Waxworks, |
| independent unitary authority in 1998, and is | | | | featuring wax models of celebrities, |
| the most visited tourist destination in | | | | musicians, sports personalities and the |
| England after London. | | | | famous Chamber of Horrors; and Tower World, a |
| | | | large complex of leisure facilities, |
| Blackpool now has a population of more than | | | | entertainment venues and restaurants. Tower |
| 153,500, with several ethnic groups | | | | World includes the Blackpool Tower and |
| comprising of English, Irish, Welsh, Ulster, | | | | Circus, supposed to be Britain's best circus, |
| West Indian, Indian, Pakistani, and other. | | | | featuring ballroom dancing and an aquarium; |
| | | | and Tower Ballroom, an elaborately decorated |
| Blackpool is linked by the M55 motorway to | | | | dance hall and theatre famous for its Mighty |
| the national motorway network. Blackpool | | | | Wurlitzer organ. |
| Airport is situated only 2½ miles (4 | | | | |
| km) from the town centre, serving regular | | | | There are plenty of places to stay in |
| charter and scheduled flights. Another | | | | Blackpool from the famous landladies through |
| smaller airport serves commercial flights | | | | to plush hotels. |
| from the Isle of Man, Belfast and Dublin. The | | | | |
| city has 3 main train stations - North, South | | | | There are also various events and festivals |
| and Pleasure Beach. A still-surviving popular | | | | in Blackpool such as Blackpool Dance |
| means of public transport in Blackpool is the | | | | Festival, annual ballroom dance competition |
| tramway. By bus, the area is served by two | | | | which is world-famous; the Great Promenade |
| main bus companies -Arriva North West Buses | | | | Show, featuring a number of artwork along |
| and Stagecoach, with frequent buses on local | | | | South Promenade, featuring the Blackpool High |
| routes. | | | | Tide Organ; Blackpool International Hair and |
| | | | Beauty Festival, a two day hairdressing |
| Reputed to be "Britain's undisputed capital | | | | Championships; Totally Transport, hailed as |
| of entertainment", Blackpool has a plethora | | | | one of the North West's biggest classic |
| of nightclubs, pubs, entertainment venues, | | | | transport festivals, featuring classic buses, |
| and eateries that cater for every taste and | | | | cars, coaches, commercial vehicles, |
| every budget in every area of town. The city | | | | motorbikes and trams; Lions Blackpool |
| has more than 30 discos and night clubs, one | | | | Carnival, a stunning carnival parade of over |
| cinema complex, four theatres, and three | | | | 1000 people, floats, vehicles, bands and |
| piers, mostly located in and around the town | | | | dancers; Blackpool 10km Promenade Fun Run, a |
| centre. Blackpool is also the 2nd biggest | | | | 10km fun run along Blackpool Promenade for |
| retail centre in Lancashire, and Hounds Hill, | | | | professional and amateur runners in aid of |
| the only covered shopping centre is located | | | | local charities; and Blackpool Illuminations |
| in the middle of town next to the Blackpool | | | | Festival of Light, presenting six miles of |
| Tower. | | | | shimmering lights, lasers and LED technology. |
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