Arts & Heritage

Blackpool visitors are spoilt for choice. Whether it's soaking up some culture, being swept away by a West End musical, taking a stroll along the golden sands or enjoying a picnic in the park, it’s all here...

1. The fabulous Art Deco café at Stanley Park is worth a visit all on its own – but add a recently restored Victorian park that’s been described as the jewel in Blackpool’s crown and recently voted Blackpool's favourite location, and you're in for a real treat. Don't miss the range of events, including a series of FREE concerts run at Stanley Park bandstand from June to September; from classical to jazz and musicals to modern favourites performed by the very best local talent.

2. Take in a show at Blackpool’s beautiful Grand Theatre, a stunning Victorian theatre designed by renowned architect Frank Matcham. There’s a packed year-round programme of live theatre from opera, ballet, plays, comedies, and musicals to contemporary dance and fun children’s shows.

3. The highly acclaimed Grundy Art Gallery, built in 1911, has an ever-changing programme of captivating exhibitions throughout the year. Recent highlights have included the fashion of soul legends The Supremes from The Mary Wilson Collection.

4. There’s always something to see at the stunning Winter Gardens, home of the 2009 Royal Variety Performance. This wonderful palace of entertainment houses a complex of theatres and show venues, including the opulent Empress Ballroom, which attracts top bands and recording artistes and the amazing 3,000 capacity Opera House, with one of the largest stages in Europe.

5. For a taste of cool, contemporary art, try Blott Artist Studios on Caunce Street where a regularly changing exhibition of local professional artists will delight your eyes.

6. More modern culture awaits along South Promenade – where a high tide organ, the world’s largest mirrorball and fibre optic rocks that play music are just some of the delights waiting to be seen and heard along the Great Promenade Show.  This huge outdoor, interactive art show, offers a fabulous chance for a stroll from Squires Gate to the Sandcastle Waterpark. After over 2.75 million rotations the World's Largest Mirror Ball - The centrepiece of the exhibition is due for tlc and will be being re-mirrored during the summer of 2010. Don't worry, it will return in September as a symbol of Blackpool's glittering future for many years to come.

7. The fantastic new seafront is taking shape along the curve of the coast where Spanish steps have replaced the 100 year old seawall offering protection for properties and a chance for stroll along the wonderful Blackpool beach. Build a family sandcastle by day or visit at dusk for a romantic stroll.

8. Of course, a visit to Blackpool wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the iconic Blackpool Tower. Try out the wonderful heritage tours which tell the story of the magnificent structure from it's conception in 1889, when the then mayor visited the Paris Great Exhibition and was inspired by the Eiffel Tower. The tour takes you through the highs and lows of this iconic structure's history and leads you around all the magnificent areas in the entertainment complex housed within its base – then ends with a cream tea in the magnificent Ballroom. Yum!