Beating out Manchester and Portsmouth, this town on the Irish Sea coast has been ranked one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the UK and is home to a wealth of family-friendly attractions
As relaxing as it may be, a trip to the UK seaside can add up in costs. If you are hoping to enjoy a stretch of the country’s coastline on a budget, then there is one destination that should top your list.
As reported by Liverpool Echo, a new study has named a seaside town one of the UK’s top budget-friendly destinations and a beloved staycation spot. According to research by the credit card brand Aqua, Blackpool is the UK’s second most popular holiday destination.
The ranking came from data analysing the average monthly Google searches for hotels, the affordability of stays and social media hashtags. According to the data, the seaside resort has an average hotel cost in April of £69.
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Blackpool came second only to Plymouth on the ranking, which had an average hotel cost in April of £65. Still, Blackpool beat out other UK destinations for the ultimate affordable getaway, including Manchester, Glasgow and the picturesque port city of Portsmouth, which ranked third on the list.
Located an hour and a half outside of Liverpool, the town of Blackpool is more than just affordable. Full of big draws like an amusement park and gigantic annual light show, the town offers its own distinct brand of English charm.
One of the most well-known attractions in the town is the amusement park, Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Home to nearly a dozen rollercoaster rides – including the UK’s tallest rollercoaster – the park is enjoyable for travellers of all ages.
Located on Blackpool’s South Shore, those brave enough to jump on a ride will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the nearby sea. The park was founded in 1896 and still features a wooden rollercoaster ride that is over 100 years old.
Blackpool Tower is another historical landmark of the town that dominates the skyline. Constructed in 1894 and standing at 380 feet tall, the tower is just as marvellous to behold today as it was when it was first built.
The Blackpool Tower ballroom has been graced by some of the biggest names in the world of dance, as well as true daredevils and acrobats when it served an in-house circus. Today, the tower has become a popular tourist attraction for its 360-degree views and heart-lurching glass walkway.
For those hoping to enjoy the shore up-close instead, head toward Blackpool beach. The town’s seven-mile beach is filled with bars, arcades and fish and chip shops – all the makings of a pleasant day out by the water.
The Blackpool Pier is broken up into three sections: the North Pier, the South Pier and the Central Pier. The Central Pier is where travellers will find a few more tourist attractions, including Sea Life Blackpool and Madame Tussauds.
North Pier is home to the North Pier Theatre where you can watch comedy and musical acts year-round. The South Pier is where you will find a Blue Flag award-winning beach just opposite the amusement park.