A summer survey found that Blackpool, famed for its illuminations and Pleasure Beach theme park, is the most popular holiday destination within the UK according to the British public. It narrowly beat Brighton and Whitby to the top spot.
Once the seaside town par excellence, Blackpool has long been associated with the great British summer holiday, offering the perfect getaway for all the family. In recent years however, Blackpool is more often associated with stag and hen parties than with family friendly breaks to the beach.
Despite this shift in perception, it seems that the location remains popular within the staycation category. Although the poll indicates that Blackpool is still a popular holiday destination, this is all relative to the over-riding increase in the affordability of and access to an ever-increasing number of foreign resorts and exotic locations. Blackpool has not retained its crown as a top holiday haven, it has simply managed to fend off domestic competition.
However, Blackpool does offer a pseudo-retrospective glimpse into times gone by. As a seaside town, it is better placed to retain that traditional British holiday atmosphere, albeit with nowhere near the same vibrancy and busyness as it may have been defined some 50-60 years ago – a sense demonstrated so well by a photo taken in 1948 of a segment of the over-crowded Blackpool beach and published in the Observer last month.
The survey, carried out by consumer organisation, Which? reported that 6.7% of 4,217 adults voted for Blackpool, whilst second place Brighton received 5.9% of the overall vote. It appeared that most pro-Blackpool voters were swayed in their decision by the impressive winter illuminations display – perhaps it is telling that the main attraction is one not associated with Blackpool in the summer.
Despite its dropping visitor numbers, Blackpool managed to draw in 1.38 million visitors in 2008, and remains within the top ten list of most-visited English towns as compiled by VisitEngland.com. It is unfair however, to view Blackpool as a decaying remnant of a bygone age. It remains an exciting seaside town, with theatres, shows and, when the weather permits, wonderful promenade strolls. In addition to this, Blackpool also boasts some of the most attractive luxury hotels in the UK, with splendid sea views and fantastic access to the main thoroughfare.
With the recent economic downturn having a direct effect on the holiday habits of many Brits, trips within the UK have become far more favourable now than in recent years. The survey found that 40% of UK adults ventured to the British seaside in 2009, with 20% admitting that they would be more likely to opt for a holiday at home this year than previously.
Once the seaside town par excellence, Blackpool has long been associated with the great British summer holiday, offering the perfect getaway for all the family. In recent years however, Blackpool is more often associated with stag and hen parties than with family friendly breaks to the beach.
Despite this shift in perception, it seems that the location remains popular within the staycation category. Although the poll indicates that Blackpool is still a popular holiday destination, this is all relative to the over-riding increase in the affordability of and access to an ever-increasing number of foreign resorts and exotic locations. Blackpool has not retained its crown as a top holiday haven, it has simply managed to fend off domestic competition.
However, Blackpool does offer a pseudo-retrospective glimpse into times gone by. As a seaside town, it is better placed to retain that traditional British holiday atmosphere, albeit with nowhere near the same vibrancy and busyness as it may have been defined some 50-60 years ago – a sense demonstrated so well by a photo taken in 1948 of a segment of the over-crowded Blackpool beach and published in the Observer last month.
The survey, carried out by consumer organisation, Which? reported that 6.7% of 4,217 adults voted for Blackpool, whilst second place Brighton received 5.9% of the overall vote. It appeared that most pro-Blackpool voters were swayed in their decision by the impressive winter illuminations display – perhaps it is telling that the main attraction is one not associated with Blackpool in the summer.
Despite its dropping visitor numbers, Blackpool managed to draw in 1.38 million visitors in 2008, and remains within the top ten list of most-visited English towns as compiled by VisitEngland.com. It is unfair however, to view Blackpool as a decaying remnant of a bygone age. It remains an exciting seaside town, with theatres, shows and, when the weather permits, wonderful promenade strolls. In addition to this, Blackpool also boasts some of the most attractive luxury hotels in the UK, with splendid sea views and fantastic access to the main thoroughfare.
With the recent economic downturn having a direct effect on the holiday habits of many Brits, trips within the UK have become far more favourable now than in recent years. The survey found that 40% of UK adults ventured to the British seaside in 2009, with 20% admitting that they would be more likely to opt for a holiday at home this year than previously.
