Blackpool has a great reputation as a summer holiday resort. Families flock to this northern Lancashire city, all attracted by the Pleasure Beach, the Tower, the trams and everything else the famous Golden Mile has to offer visitors. But, the resort is incredibly popular throughout the year as it morphs from an outdoor summer haven to a marvellous winter wonderland.



The Pleasure ?Beach? is a bit of a misnomer as it's not a beach but rather one of Britain's premier theme parks, pulling in over 6 million visitors every year. Home to the highest roller coaster in Europe known as The Big One, there are over 125 attractions in this popular playground. New rides are frequently added and the latest stomach-turner known as ?Infusion? includes an incredible five loops. Riders are suspended with their feet dangling on this ride and, like its illustrious sister the Big One, isn't for the faint-hearted!

However, there are also plenty of other attractions, rides and shows at the Pleasure Beach such as Hot Ice that will appeal to those looking for more sedate entertainment. Further up the Golden Mile is the Tower which, along with the Big One dominates the Blackpool skyline. Apart from the opportunity to view the city from the top of this iconic structure there is a host of attractions at the base that are guaranteed to appeal to family audience such as Jungle Jim's Towering Adventure Land, the Aquarium and of course, the Ballroom.

But, in this bustling sea-side town there are hundreds of other attractions guaranteed to keep adults and kids busy throughout the day and night such as Blackpool Zoo, three magnificent piers packed with arcades and attractions, the Big Wheel, Ripley's Believe It or Not, Blackpool Sea Life and others too numerous to mention!

Although undoubtedly busiest during the summer, come autumn when it becomes too chilly to laze on the beach, still do a roaring trade. This is simply due to the fact that in September each year The Blackpool Illuminations are switched on, carrying on until early November. A spectacular dazzling neon display, the lights have been illuminating an autumnal Blackpool since 1879!

And when it approaches Christmas time in Blackpool, the visitors are still coming in droves as the traditional pantomime season begins at the town's theatres. The largest of them is The Grand, and taking place in 2008/09 is Cinderella, starring ex-Coronation Street's Amanda Barrie. But whatever attracts and whenever visited, Blackpool offers its guests a warm and traditional Lancashire welcome.