We've never been to Blackpool before and this seemed like the perfect time of year to visit - after the summer boom, before the winter chill and when the illuminations are on. We arrived on Friday evening and were informed by the wardens that it was the last night of the International Fireworks championships. For the previous few weeks various countries from around the world had been holding fireworks displays on Blackpool seafront and this final night was the turn of the hosts. So we headed into Blackpool, along with many other locals who wanted to witness the sky above the beach lighting up with explosions of colour.
Now there are many ways to get into Blackpool from the Caravan Club site. The first is by car or motorhome but that involves trying to find somewhere to park. The second is by bus; the main route in to Blackpool is from the Tesco supermarket, a twenty minute walk from the site. The last option was by tram but this also involved a walk of about 3 miles to the seafront. For our first evening, we opted for the latter option and walked down the main road towards Starr Gate tram stop. We piled on with the many others and bought our ticket (£10 for a family ticket which lasts 24 hours and can be used on any buses and trams). The tram travels along the seafront and we able to see the streets lit up with strings of coloured lights. We disembarked just before the North Pier, where the fireworks were being released from and huddled amongst the crowd of spectators, Blackpool tower looming up behind us. The display was impressive with amazing colours and shapes that we've never seen before. After it had finished we wandered along the seafront soaking up the atmosphere of this popular seaside resort, munching on a portion of chips.
We went into Blackpool a few times, by foot, tram and bus, day and night. We returned one night to see the illuminations - a must at this time of year. We caught the tram to the far end and got off at Bispham where many of the tableaux are displayed. We wandered back passing the different illuminations and then returned by tram and bus.
Blackpool by day is very different. It is a typical seaside resort with many reminders of the Victorian by-gone age amongst a vast selection of amusement arcades, souvenir shops and take away establishments. At the weekend, large groups of hen and stag parties descend on Blackpool and can be seen wandering and staggering through the streets in fancy dress throughout the day. There is an all day party atmosphere. We enjoyed wandering along the piers (all three), reading the entertaining stories, quotes and jokes on the Comedy carpet below the Tower and Ella loved spending time in the amusements.
One of the highlights was a visit to the Tower Ballroom. It isn't open when a dance competition is on but we managed to visit on a quiet week day. Our girls love Strictly and world of glitter and ballroom dancing that is projected on to our screens at this time of year. The ballroom is beautiful; we were amazed at its intricately decorated roof and stage. An organist was playing when we arrived and groups sat around the dance floor as couples danced along to various tunes. I was taught the basic steps of a Waltz by my Grandpa when I was a little girl and showed these to Amy and Ella. They practised and by the end of our time in the ballroom they bravely stepped on the dance floor and performed their own Waltz to the final tune of the afternoon.
There are many other places to visit whilst staying in Blackpool South Caravan Club site. On one of our days out we drove to Wyre Country Park, about 15 miles away. Its located by the Wyre estuary and has a selection of walks to choose from. We went for the orienteering and woodcraft skills that were on offer. Orienteering is a great way to explore the area. The girls split up and we followed the map, looking for various clues and questions to answer before returning for a celebratory certificate and ice-cream. The rest of the day was spent moving from stall to stall, stopping to make willow fish and insect hotels in the autumnal sunshine. It felt completely different to the hustle and bustle of Blackpool, down the road.
