Tag: Landmarks

Metropole Hotel

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The Metropole Hotel, a striking red-brick building at the northern end of Blackpool’s promenade, began construction in 1776 and officially opened on 14 June 1785. With its beautifully updated Victorian façade and modern amenities, the hotel offers an ideal seaside retreat, featuring breathtaking views across the Irish Sea that set it apart from many other accommodations. Amidst the town’s numerous lodging options, the Metropole Hotel stands out for its exceptional seaside location and competitively priced rooms. As shown in the blue plaque image below, the building wasn’t always called the Metropole. The hotel boasts 223 traditional bedrooms, each equipped with… Read more »

The Grundy Art Gallery

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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

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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 »

Lytham YMCA Sports Hall

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The YMCA was originally established in 1922, operating from a modest hut on Squires Gate Lane. During the Second World War, it played a crucial role in supporting troops, providing much-needed services and facilities for those stationed in the area. As its impact grew, so did the need for larger premises, leading to its relocation to St Alban’s Road in Lytham St Annes, where it could better serve the community. Today, YMCA Lytham has evolved into a multi-purpose leisure centre and sports facility, located at the far end of Lytham. The centre caters to individuals of all ages and abilities,… Read more »

Little Marton Mill

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Little Marton Mill is a prominent Grade II listed landmark located in Marton, Blackpool. This 19th-century English tower windmill, constructed in 1838 by John Hays, played a vital role in the local agricultural economy, primarily serving as a corn-grinding mill. For nearly a century, it was an essential part of the community, but it stopped working in September 1928. Blackpool Born Cornelius Bagot restored it, and in 1937 gave it to the Allen Clarke Memorial Fund as a memorial to the local teacher, writer and windmill enthusiast Allen Clarke. The mill’s historical and architectural significance was formally recognised when it… Read more »

The Harbour Mental Health Hospital

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The Harbour, a state-of-the-art mental health hospital located just outside Blackpool, UK, was officially opened by Alastair Campbell in October 2015. This modern facility, which provides 154 beds, represents a significant investment in mental health services for the region, addressing the growing need for specialised care and support. The £39.5 million project was developed for the Lancashire NHS Foundation Trust, forming part of the trust’s broader commitment to improving mental health infrastructure and patient care in the area. Delivered through a public-private partnership with Red Rose Corporate Services, the hospital was built under the Department of Health’s NEC-based Procure 21+… Read more »

Whitegate Drive Health Centre

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Whitegate Drive was selected as the location for a state-of-the-art health centre, deeply embedded in the local community, and designed to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the area. This £20 million project, completed in 2009, represented a significant investment in public health infrastructure, aiming to provide modern, accessible medical services to the local population. The decision to build on Whitegate Drive was influenced by several strategic factors, including its central location within the community, ease of access for residents, and the potential to offer a wide range of healthcare services under one roof. Spanning an impressive 80,000 square feet… Read more »

Showtown Museum Launch

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Showtown, Blackpool’s newest attraction, offers a vibrant and entertaining journey through the town’s rich showbiz history. Situated in the heart of Blackpool, this museum brings the town’s fun-loving spirit to life with a dynamic, immersive experience. Designed to entertain and engage, it showcases the famous entertainers who helped shape Blackpool’s legacy, from comedians and dancers to acrobats and larger-than-life performers. The museum highlights how this seaside resort became a hub of British entertainment. Visitors can step onto the dance floor, breathe in the nostalgia of the circus, and explore the hidden stories behind the scenes. For those eager to dive… Read more »

The Old Post Office

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The Central Post Office on Abingdon Street is a significant architectural and historical monument that reflects the development of postal services and communication in the 20th century. Designed by prominent architect Walter Pott, the building first opened to the public on November 8, 1910. Pott’s design for the post office embraced the Edwardian architectural style, blending functional civic space with decorative flourishes typical of that era. The structure quickly became an important part of the community, serving as a bustling hub for mail distribution and communication for nearly 100 years. As technological advancements in communication began to reshape society, the… Read more »

Cabin Lift on Prom

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Built in 1930, the Cabin Lift was designed by John Charles Robinson, Blackpool’s Borough Surveyor, to transport passengers between the upper promenade tram stop and the lower promenade walkway, artificial cliffs, and the former boating pool. Originally, the lift system featured two lifts and included a bridge connecting the upper promenade waiting shelter to the lift shaft. However, the front section of the building that housed the waiting area has since been demolished, and access to the south lift has been walled off. The existing north lift was installed in 1990, replacing the original lift. In the 1970s, the ladies’… Read more »