Tag: Attractions

St Annes Pier

St Annes Pier, located in St Annes-on-the-Sea, Lancashire, was designed by Alfred Dowson and opened on 15 June 1885 by Lord Stanley. Originally intended as a peaceful promenade, the Victorian-era pier later included various attractions. However, changes to the estuary channels meant to improve access to Preston Dock eventually left the pier stranded on dry land, which ended steamer services to Blackpool and Liverpool. A Tudor-style entrance was added in 1899, followed by a Moorish Pavilion in 1904 and the Floral Hall in 1910. Unfortunately, both were destroyed by fire—first the Moorish Pavilion in 1974 and then the Floral Hall… Read more »

Fairhaven Marine Lake & Gardens

Fairhaven Lake officially opened in August 1893. By 1895, the Fairhaven Estate Company took over from Thomas Riley to manage the lake. Shortly after, in 1896, the company began planning a golf course to complement the lake and the surrounding area to the west. Recognised as the third oldest marine lake in Britain, Fairhaven Lake is a key part of Fylde’s heritage. Efforts are now underway to restore the lake to its former beauty. Major engineering works are set to start with a new sea defence, and the Heritage Lottery has approved funding to help with the lake and gardens’… Read more »

Lytham Windmill

Lytham Mill, constructed in 1805 by the Squire of Lytham on a plot of land known as Lytham Marsh, was initially leased to Mr. Richard Cookson. Although the mill itself was relatively new, some of its machinery was much older, likely repurposed from other disused mills in the region. Notably, the central shaft, a crucial component for transmitting power to the mill’s various parts, was marked with a sign stating, “this shaft is of Baltic Oak and it has done its work for 150 years.” When the mill was first built, it lacked the surrounding plinth that is present today…. Read more »

Lytham 1940s Weekend

The Lytham 1940s Weekend is a vibrant annual event held in Lytham, Lancashire, that immerses visitors in the 1940s, celebrating life during World War II. This popular festival typically takes place over a weekend in September, transforming the town into a nostalgic tribute to the era. The weekend features historical reenactments, including military displays and battle reenactments, offering a glimpse into wartime life and honoring the contributions of soldiers and civilians. Visitors can enjoy live music from the era, with swing bands and vocalists performing classic 1940s songs, while dance enthusiasts participate in or watch vintage dance sessions like the… Read more »

Blackpool Sea Life Centre

Blackpool SEA LIFE Centre is one of the town’s most popular family attractions, offering an immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Located on the Promenade, near the iconic Blackpool Tower, the SEA LIFE Centre provides an opportunity to explore the wonders of marine life through its impressive array of underwater exhibits and interactive displays. The centre first opened its doors in 1990 and has since become a key destination for those looking to discover the fascinating world beneath the waves. The Blackpool SEA LIFE Centre is home to thousands of sea creatures, with over 50 displays showcasing… Read more »

North Pier

Blackpool North Pier is the oldest of the three iconic piers in Blackpool, England. It first opened in 21 May 1863 and stands as a testament to Victorian engineering and seaside leisure. Designed by renowned pier architect Eugenius Birch, North Pier was initially intended to provide a more genteel and refined experience compared to its sister piers, Central and South. While the other piers focused on entertainment and fun, North Pier was designed as a place for relaxation, complete with seating, scenic views, and peaceful strolls along the promenade. Stretching 500 yards into the Irish Sea, the pier features a… Read more »

Central Pier

Central Pier is one of the three piers in Blackpool, England, and it was built in 1868. It is called “Central” because it is situated between the other two piers, and it was near the old Blackpool Central railway station, about 550 yards south of Blackpool Tower. The pier extends straight out from the flat coastline, running perpendicular to the sea front and level with the promenade. The success of the North Pier led to the creation of Central Pier, with the Blackpool South Jetty Company being set up in 1864. They hired the same builder, Richard Laidlaw and Son… Read more »

Blackpool War Memorial and Cenotaph

The Blackpool War Memorial and Cenotaph, erected in 1923, stands as a poignant tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in conflicts, particularly World War I and World War II. Located in a prominent position on Blackpool Promenade, within the Town Centre Conservation Area, this imposing monument is both a symbol of remembrance and a central feature of Blackpool’s historical landscape. Crafted from durable stone, the cenotaph’s design reflects the gravitas and respect typical of war memorials from its era. It features classical architectural elements that evoke a sense of solemnity, with inscriptions and symbolic elements such as wreaths and… Read more »

The Grundy Art Gallery

Grundy Art Gallery first opened its doors to the public in 1911, quickly becoming a cornerstone of Blackpool’s cultural scene. The gallery was made possible through a generous donation from brothers John and Sir Cuthbert Grundy, both talented artists, who gifted over 20 paintings alongside a financial contribution. Their generosity laid the groundwork for what would become one of Blackpool’s most significant artistic landmarks. The concept for the gallery originated in 1908 when Blackpool Council, inspired by the Grundy brothers’ bequest, commissioned the building as a permanent venue for displaying visual art. This forward-thinking decision underscored the town’s growing commitment… Read more »

The Wedding Chapel

The Wedding Chapel, located inside the £2.7 million Festival House on Blackpool’s iconic Promenade has become a beloved spot for couples to tie the knot, with Kelly Goudie and Simon Garrick being the first to exchange vows there on January 12, 2012. Since that inaugural ceremony, The Wedding Chapel has hosted around 5,000 weddings, with a further 350 already scheduled for 2022, continuing its tradition as a premier wedding destination. Originally known as Festival House, the venue was officially renamed The Wedding Chapel in June 2014 to better reflect its primary function. The building itself is an architectural landmark, designed… Read more »