On May 25, 1934, a devastating fire broke out in the early hours of the morning, around 3:00 AM, beginning at the Big Dipper roller coaster, which was one of the park’s main attractions. The blaze spread rapidly due to the wooden structures and flammable materials used in the rides and was further fueled by high winds that night. The fire quickly engulfed several other key attractions, including the Scenic Railway and the Whip, and…
The RHO Hills fire in Blackpool on May 8, 1967, was a devastating event that led to the complete destruction of the iconic department store located on Bank Hey Street. The fire started shortly after midnight, around 12:20 AM, and within 15 minutes, flames were already visible from miles away. The store’s night watchman, Owen Davey, was the first to notice the fire during a routine security check when he detected smoke and discovered a raging fire on the second floor. Despite a swift response from approximately 60 firefighters from Blackpool, Preston, and the Lancashire County Brigade, the fire quickly… Read more »
The Doric Hotel was originally known as Wrigley Terrace. The Taylor Family acquired the hotel in 2000 and in later years became part of the Waterside Hotel Group alongside the Park House Hotel and Pavilion on the Prom. The Doric Hotel reopened its doors on 10 February following a five-week closure for renovations. This latest development is part of a significant investment in the property, totalling £250,000, which positions the Doric Hotel as a standout among Blackpool’s 3-star establishments. The refurbishment included a complete transformation of key communal areas such as the reception, lounge, bar, and corridors. The updates reflect… Read more »
The Sirene was a Norwegian barque en route from Fleetwood to Florida when disaster struck on October 9, 1892. During its voyage, the vessel encountered a fierce storm, forcing it toward the Blackpool coastline. Unable to withstand the severe weather, the Sirene ran aground near North Pier. The dramatic wreck saw the ship’s masts topple onto the Promenade, creating a scene of both danger and awe for onlookers. Despite the perilous circumstances, all eleven crew members managed to leap from the stricken vessel onto the safety of the pier, escaping unharmed. Their survival was celebrated as a remarkable feat, considering… Read more »
The Elgin Hotel in Blackpool, originally built in 1937, began as a modest boarding house before evolving into one of the town’s well-loved seafront hotels. Over the decades, its management has expanded and modernized the property, transforming it into a distinctive accommodation that merges four adjoining Promenade hotels from the 1930s. This unique history gives the hotel’s 89 en-suite rooms individual character, with each varying in size and layout. Known for its warm, family-run atmosphere, the Elgin combines traditional charm with high standards of service, offering a memorable stay for guests whether they’re visiting for leisure, business, or a festive… Read more »
The Salvation Army Citadel in Blackpool, located on Church Street, is a significant historical and community landmark. Constructed between 1904 and 1905, the building was originally the Raikes Road Technical School, designed in the Baroque style by architects R. B. Rots, Sons, and Hennings. Later, it served as Blackpool Grammar School before becoming the headquarters for the Salvation Army. The building is a Grade II-listed structure, characterized by its red brick and terracotta details, a slate roof, and a prominent copper-domed tower on the southwest corner. Today, the Citadel is a vital center for the Salvation Army’s mission in Blackpool…. Read more »
Warwick and Janet, along with their family, marked 50 years of running Warwick Amusements across the Fylde coast. Looking back on their journey, the couple expressed how much they’ve enjoyed the last five decades. While they continue to play an active role in the business, they’re excited to see their children and grandchildren take it forward as Blackpool undergoes a period of renewal. Both Warwick and Janet come from families steeped in fairground traditions, with their grandfathers being travelling showmen who took rides and slot machines around in wagons. In the early 1970s, as a newly married couple with a… Read more »
The opening of the Spyglass Bar offers a sneak peek into what Blackpool’s £30 million Sands Venue Resort Hotel will bring when it eventually opens on the Promenade. Although the hotel itself remains unfinished, the £600,000 Spyglass Bar began welcoming guests on 26 August 2021. Despite a £10 million loan from Blackpool Council, the hotel project has faced delays due to ongoing disputes between the developers and contractors. Developer Peter Swann, along with the hotel’s official website, maintains that the Sands Venue Resort will be Blackpool’s first five-star hotel, offering a luxury spa, gym, conference rooms, valet parking, and stunning… Read more »
The Blackpool Tower Dungeon offers an exciting and immersive experience that takes visitors on a journey through the dark and often grisly history of the region. Located beneath the iconic Blackpool Tower, this unique attraction combines live actor-led shows, thrilling special effects, and interactive exhibits to bring historical events to life in a way that’s both entertaining and spine-tingling. The Dungeon features a series of themed areas, each telling a different chapter of Blackpool’s past, from medieval tortures to the infamous Lancashire witch trials. Visitors can expect to encounter characters from history, including notorious criminals, witches, and characters from local… Read more »
The technical college, originally completed in 1936, has evolved through several mergers over the years. A school for fishermen has been based in Fleetwood since 1892, and in 1987, this nautical college merged with Blackpool and the Fylde College to form the institution that exists today. The college’s main campus is in Bispham, with a network of additional campuses across the Fylde coast, many of which are connected to the University Centre on Palatine Road. Altogether, the college operates from nine campuses along the 17-mile stretch of coastline in the Fylde. Bispham Campus The primary site for school leavers and… Read more »