Blackpool Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Blackpool

Between the Ribble and Wyre rivers on the west coast of England was a strip of sandy beach seven miles long. It was a pleasant place, where streams would run through peat bogs before emptying into the sea, turning the water dark. People called the place "Black Pool." Since early days, folks sought the benefits of fresh sea air and water.

Blackpool became a tourist magnet in the 1840s. By the 1880s the town was booming. It had a long seaside promenade, piers, pubs, trams, donkey rides, fish and chips, and theaters. It hasn't stopped since. Blackpool is crammed. Blackpool Tower, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, houses Tower Ballroom and Tower Circus.

North, Central, and South Piers jut into the sea, carrying arcades, a Ferris wheel, bars, theatres, and adrenaline-pumping rides. Sealife Blackpool has a walk-through shark tank. Heritage Tramway connects all via the shoreside promenade.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach, a vast amusement park, has four wooden roller coasters, high speed steep steel inverted and mobius strip roller coasters, flying machines and thrill rides, a steeplechase coaster, theme water rides, carousels and family-oriented attractions.

Other entertainments and attractions include: Golf (12 holes); Ripley's Believe it or Not; Pasaje Del Terror, a horror hallway and maze at Pleasure Beach and; The Arena, a large ice rink open year round. There are two four-star hotels, the Big Blue Hotel and Boulevard Hotel.

There are reports of ghosts. The Ghost Train ride is haunted by "Cloggy", the spirit of a deceased conductor. There has been poltergeist activity in the Gift Shop by the Star Pub. There is an inexplicable manifestation in the Arena dressing rooms. The park is featured on TV's Most Haunted and Great British Ghosts.

Take a stroll at the start of the day along the seaside on the long promenade of Blackpool. See the arcades, the fairground rides. It's loud and fun. To start the day go to the Central Pier and ride the Big Wheel. What you see from the top is just the beginning.