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Blackpool is the Number One seaside destination in the UK with a huge range of events taking place throughout the year. From the famous Blackpool Zoo to west-end musicals, there really is something for everyone. Here you can keep up-to-date with the latest news and ticket information for all Blackpool’s main attractions and events taking place in 2022.

Blackpool Tower operator takes over Sandcastle Waterpark

Blackpool Family Attractions

Here at Blackpool.com we bring you all the latest visitor news for Blackpool and the surrounding area as well as information and news for the main Blackpool family attractions.

 

Blackpool Tower operator takes over Sandcastle Waterpark

 

Merlin Entertainments operates Madame Tussauds Blackpool, Sea Life Centre and Blackpool Tower, however Sandcastle Waterpark will soon be added to their portfolio.

It has been announced that Merlin Entertainments will be the new operator of Sandcastle Waterpark, meaning the giant leisure company will operate no less than nine family attractions in Blackpool. Merlin have been awarded a contract to operate the council-owned facility for an initial period of two years and this will come into effect later this month. The waterpark had its most profitable year in 2021/22 and this enabled the attraction to pay a dividend of £900,000 to Blackpool Council, thus helping to boost this year’s budget.

Sandcastle Waterpark is the largest indoor water park in the UK and it features over 18 slides in a climate of over 80 degrees.

Council leader, Coun Lynn Williams, said: “The Sandcastle Waterpark is one of the council’s big success stories. Over the years, it has received significant investment to enable it to retain and grow its immense popularity with visitors and residents alike.

“On the national stage it is viewed as an exemplar attraction in terms of its accessibility for people with a disability. We have an established relationship with Merlin Entertainments in terms of operating some of our key tourism assets and we are confident that this appointment will take the Sandcastle Waterpark on to the next level.”

The waterpark is expected to break records this year with the facility taking advantage of a large increase in visitor numbers when compared to 2019.

Regional director for Merlin Entertainments, Kate Shane, said: “We are thrilled to be adding the UK’s largest indoor waterpark to our Blackpool portfolio. With eight top attractions already in Blackpool, we’re excited to put on our armbands and add a ninth to our guest offering.

“We firmly support Blackpool’s ambition to be the UK’s number one family seaside resort and this partnership is another step forward in delivering this vision.”

Blackpool Illuminations are back with big switch on tonight

Blackpool Illuminations

 

The Blackpool Illuminations are back with a bang with the big switch-on taking place tonight (Friday 2nd September) and the early-autumn evenings will now be filled with a dazzling array of exciting displays right through to the new year.

The world-famous Blackpool Illuminations will need little introduction, the miles of fabulous lighting creations brightening up the promenade and luring thousands of extra visitors into the seaside resort each evening.

For the autumn and winter season, the illuminations will run from tonight (2nd September) right through to 2nd January 2023, therefore there is ample time to make arrangements to visit Blackpool and witness them for yourself. Many come just for the evening although some make it a weekend break at one of the hundreds of hotels and guest houses on offer.

The best way to see the illuminations is to park the car, grab yourself some fish and chips and then take a stroll along the promenade, thus ensuring that you don’t miss anything. Another excellent way to enjoy the spectacle is to jump onto one of the illuminated trams which depart regularly from the loop at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. These trains continue all the way to Bispham at the Northern end of the illuminations and you have the option to hop off at any stop along the way.

For 2022 there are some new features at the illuminations, these including such things as a tribute to the all-conquering England women’s football team. If you have limited time to see the illuminations, why not park up as close to the town centre as possible and enjoy the spectacle at the Tower or alternatively, walk the Tableaux at the north end of the display. Here you can enjoy a walk-through section which includes many old favourites such as the Teddy Bears Picnic, Hickory Dickory Dock and the Haunted Hotel.

Blackpool hotel named amongst best 1% in the world

Blackpool Hotels & Accommodation News

Here at Blackpool.com you can find details of the very best hotels, guest houses and B&Bs in Blackpool and the surrounding area. Book for the very best deals and promotions, plus get access to a wide range of ticket discounts for all the family on all the major attractions.

 

Blackpool hotel named amongst best 1% in the world

 

Many Blackpool hotels and guest houses rate extremely highly on the liked of Tripadvisor and other rating websites, however one particular hotel has become one of the highest rated on the planet.

If you’re planning on holidaying in Blackpool this summer, then you will have at your fingertips a huge range of accommodation options, ranging from small independent B&Bs and guest houses to large national chain hotels with hundreds of rooms. There’s many ways in which you can make your decision but an increasing number of us bypass the hotel’s own site and go instead to Tripadviser to read other people’s reviews.

In the 2022 Tripadviser Travellers’ Choice Awards, one Blackpool hotel was awarded the title ‘Best of the Best’ and such, they find themselves in the top 1% on the worldwide site.

The Fossil Tree Hotel is in Bispham to the north of Blackpool town centre and with a seafront location they offer nine ensuite rooms, all of these with a view of the sea. This hotel is aimed at adults only with free onsite parking and a breakfast service. Complimentary wifi and hot drinks are also provided for guests as well as a licensed honesty bar.

Owners Chris and Christine Rinder are naturally delighted to have been given this title and they have also won on other categories such as Best Hotel for Couples and Best Small Hotel.

The Fossil Tree has also been named Best Seaview House in the UK in each of the past three years.

 

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