The Must-See Blackpool Promenade and the Golden Mile
- Thursday 24th November 2022
- Blackpool Promenade, Golden Mile Blackpool
Take look at everything you would find on a stroll along Blackpool Promenade and Golden Mile.
There’s plenty to enjoy along the Blackpool sea front
Blackpool promenade is made up of three areas
What is Blackpool’s Golden Mile?
Things to see on the Golden Mile
There’s plenty to enjoy along the Blackpool sea front
Stretching 7 miles along the Fylde Coast sea front, the Blackpool Promenade welcomes millions of visitors every year. The promenade makes up the North, Central and South Shores, and is most renowned for the Golden Mile, a popular area home to a multitude of year-round, family-friendly events, activities and attractions, including the iconic Blackpool Tower.
The Blackpool Illuminations is one of the first features that come to mind when people think of the promenade. The Illuminations can only be described as the UKs greatest light show, and one of the main reasons for tourists to visit the resort each year.
Of course, how can we talk about the Blackpool front without mentioning the beach. It expands along the entire coastline and boasts an exquisite sunset over the Irish Sea.
Another notable aspect of the coastline is the tramway which runs between Starr Gate and Fleetwood. The tramway opened in 1885 and was modernised in 2012, however visitors can still enjoy heritage tram tours today.
Blackpool promenade is made up of three areas
North Shore
Blackpool’s North Shore still retains much of its Victorian charm so visitors can step back in time with a walk down the North Pier or along the Colonnades and enjoy the sunset in the Victorian shelters.
The North Pier was the first pier to be constructed in Blackpool. Catered to the upper class, it opened its doors in 1863 and was extended in 1868 to allow steamers to drop off holiday makers during low tide. Today, visitors can find multiple bars and the Joe Longthorne Theatre, which plays host to comedy and musical acts. It is the only pier to hold a Grade ll listed status, so many of its Victorian features have been preserved.
Stretching along the rest of the north promenade is the War Memorial and Cenotaph as well as the Jubilee Gardens where visitors can take a relaxing walk through the greenery while relishing the sea air. Further along stands an original cabin lift that would take visitors down to the old boating pool, although the lift is no longer in use and the area is now home to a go karting site. If you would like to learn more about the history of the cabin lift and boating pool, we recommend a read of this article here.
Central Shore
Central Shore, is the most popular area of the Blackpool seafront. It is home to The Blackpool Tower, as well as family attractions, Madame Tussauds Blackpool, Coral Island, SEA LIFE Blackpool, Central Pier and Peter Rabbit™: Explore and Play.
Central Pier was first opened on 30 May 1868 and was the second pier to be built on the Blackpool seafront. Today, Central is enjoyed by visitors for its copious number of arcades, game stalls and rides, including the Ferris wheel, which adorns the Blackpool skyline alongside The Blackpool Tower.
The Blackpool Tower encompasses 128 years of history and conserves most of its original features. The Tower building is home to The Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Circus, Ballroom and Dino Golf. Visitors can also reach heights of 380ft at the top of The Blackpool Tower where they can walk across the panoramic glass viewing platform and drink in views over the Blackpool Golden Mile and beautiful coastline. If you would like to learn more about the history of The Blackpool Tower, we encourage you to visit the history page on our website here.
Located in front of The Blackpool Tower on the Tower Festival Headland lies the iconic Comedy Carpet, one of the largest pieces of public art commissioned in the UK. The artwork features catchphrases from the UK’s most loved writers and comedians.
South Shore
Just as much fun can be had on Blackpool’s South Shore, where visitors can find the thrilling theme park, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, alongside Sandcastle Waterpark, an indoor waterpark which houses the UK’s longest indoor waterslide. Along South Promenade, visitors will find the South Pier. Formerly called ‘Victoria Pier’, it was the last of the three to be constructed in 1893. Today, it comprises of arcades, fairground rides and game stalls. Travelling further south along the coastal road, visitors will soon arrive at The Great Promenade Show, a series of outdoor art installations that stretches along 2km of the south promenade. The sculptures were commissioned by Blackpool Council from established and emerging artists. Here you can find the mesmerising Mirror Ball, which is believed to be the largest in the UK at 6 metres in diameter.
What is Blackpool’s Golden Mile?
The Golden Mile is located on Blackpool Promenade and notably the most popular area for tourists due to the number of family attractions and activities, including The Blackpool Tower, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE , Coral Island and three piers. The Golden Mile comprises of the area between the North and South Piers.
Things to see on the Golden Mile
The Blackpool Tower
SEA LIFE Blackpool
Coral Island
The three Piers: North Pier, Central Pier and South Pier
Madame Tussauds Blackpool
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Peter Rabbit™: Explore and Play
Sandcastle Waterpark
The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
Blackpool Illuminations
Comedy Carpet
FAQs about Blackpool promenade and the Golden Mile
Where is the Blackpool promenade?
The promenade is located on Blackpool’s sea front and stretches from Squires Gate Lane up to Anchorsholme. The entire length is 7 miles. A small section of the promenade also includes the Golden Mile.
How long is the Golden Mile?
The Golden Mile is 1.6 miles long.
Where does the Golden Mile start and end?
It extends from the North Pier to the South Pier on Blackpool’s sea front and makes up a small section of the promenade.
Why is it called the Golden Mile?
The Golden Mile received its iconic nickname from the days when this area of the promenade was booming with amusement arcades, many of which are still open today.
Can I park on Blackpool Promenade?
There is parking located close to or along Blackpool promenade. For further information on parking, please visit the Blackpool Council’s website here.
Visiting the Blackpool promenade
Places to stay along the promenade
There are many hotels and B&Bs located along the promenade. We have a number of hotels listed on our website here.
There are activities for all ages to be found along the promenade and Golden Mile!
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a theme park located on south promenade, which is home to a wide range of thrilling rides for adults and children alike.
Find The Great Promenade Show on south promenade, an outdoor art exhibition open all year round. It features art installations from established and emerging artists.
Sandcastle Waterpark is a waterpark filled with thrilling water slides catered towards families.
Arcades adorn the Golden Mile with the most popular being Coral Island. There are so many arcade games and slot machines to choose from, visitors will lose track of time!
Madame Tussauds Blackpool is an interactive family attraction that embodies fame and celebrity. Visitors can get that all important selfie with their favourite stars.
For the animal lovers, SEA LIFE Blackpool offers visitors the chance to experience life under the sea…without getting wet! From Black Tip Sharks to a giant Green Sea Turtle, there’s something to mesmerise everyone, young or old.
Peter Rabbit™: Explore and Play is a 45-mintues adventure based on the animated CBeebies TV show. Catered towards toddlers and pre-schoolers, visitors can explore Peter Rabbit’s world and even get the chance to meet the bunny himself.
The Blackpool Tower is hard to miss! It stands 518ft in the sky and is home to the renowned Circus and Ballroom, which hosts BBC Strictly Come Dancing every year. For the more daring visitors, The Blackpool Tower Dungeon will offer up some frightening stories about the history of Lancashire. Even more thrills can be had at the top of the Tower with views spanning the Fylde Coast.
Blackpool is the only British beach resort to boast three piers! The North, Central and South Piers are home to a range of activities and entertainment including music and theatre shows, fun fair rides and arcades.
The Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On is the biggest event of the year in Blackpool. Visitors from far and wide come to see the famous light show begin which features a concert and a countdown to the big moment!
The Air Show is an annual summer event that draws in tens of thousands of visitors every year. It involves enthralling displays from a wide range of air crafts, including the world-renowned Red Arrows.
Christmas By The Sea launched in 2021 with winter festivities on the Tower Festival Headland. There’s everything visitors can wish for with an ice rink, chalets, a magical lightshow, festival tram rides and more! This is an annual event during November and December.
