Blackpool Tower

Blackpool Tower (official website) is one of the UK's most famous tourist attractions and is visited by thousands of people each year.

Inspired by Paris's Eiffel Tower, Blackpool Tower is 158 metres tall and can be seen from anywhere within a 30 mile radius. The originator of the tower was Mayor John Bickerstaffe who, in the late 19th Century, decided he wanted Blackpool to have its own landmark. He was so impressed by the Eiffel Tower during a visit to Paris that he returned to Blackpool and set up a committee of businessmen and designers to create a similar structure. In 1891 the foundations were laid and on May 14th 1894, after the construction of five million bricks, 2,500 tonnes of iron, and 93 tonnes of cast steel, Blackpool Tower was officially opened to the public.

The pivotal point of Blackpool's Golden Mile, Blackpool Tower has been used for many purposes over the years including a radar station for the RAF during the Second World War. The tower continues to be a popular attraction regularly featuring in TV programmes and films. Artists who have given performances at the tower include Peter Dawson, Busted, Duke Ellington, Arthur Askey and Dame Clara Butt.

Blackpool Tower is spectacularly lit up during the annual illuminations along with the display of lights scattered around the town and the length of the six mile long promenade.

Unlike the Eiffel Tower, Blackpool Tower is not a freestanding building and it has number of buildings surrounding it. The Tower Ballroom and the Tower Circus are two buildings which are regularly used as part of the attraction. The beautiful Tower Ballroom has been used as a dancing venue since 1899. Many popular TV series have taken place in the ballroom including the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing and Come Dance. There are now a number of regular themed nights which take place in the Tower Ballroom and resident dance bands providing entertainment for locals and tourists.

The Tower Circus is situated at the bottom of Blackpool Tower and was opened to the public in 1894. Some of the world's greatest circus stars have performed in the spectacular building including the clown Charlie Cairoli, and ringmaster Norman Barrett. The circus ring can be lowered into a pool of water holding 42 gallons, allowing a spectacular display of Dancing Fountains. The Tower Circus is a popular attraction for circus goers and it is also used to perform pantomimes at Christmas time.

The Tower Top is one of the most popular parts of the tower. With three different levels and home to Britain's highest post box, visitors can enjoy panoramic views on a clear day that span North Wales, The Lake District, Furness Peninsulas, and Bowland Fells. In the lower platform of the Tower Top visitors can see through the glass floor to the streets below. On a windy day, the tower can sometimes sway slightly.

Other attractions surrounding Blackpool Tower include the Tower Aquarium, home to 57 species of salt water and fresh water fish; Restaurant 1894; Jurassic Walk; Charlie Cairoli Exhibition; Tower Lounge Bar; Tower Heritage Trail; and Jungle Jim's Towering Adventureland. Blackpool Tower and its surrounding attractions provide a fun day out with entertainment to suit every age.

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