England Guide
The Northwest
Blackpool Tower
Opening time: June– Oct daily 10am–11pm; Nov– May daily 10am–6pm
Price: £15.95, £9.95 after 7pm
Address: Between Central and North piers
Website: www.theblackpooltower.co.uk
The 518-foot Blackpool Tower was erected in 1894 when it was thought that the northwest really ought not to be outdone by Paris. Paying the hefty entrance fee is the only way to ride up to the top for the stunning view and an unnerving walk on the see-through glass floor. The all-day ticket covers all the other tower attractions, including the gilt Edwardian ballroom, with its Wurlitzer organ tea dances and big band evenings, plus aquarium, children's entertainers, indoor adventure playground, cafés and amusements. From the very early days, there's also been a Moorish-inspired circus (2hr shows included in the entry ticket; two daily performances) between the tower's legs.