The Golden Mile is a bustling waterfront promenade epitomising everything that the vibrant seaside resort of Blackpool has come to be known for. Stretching 1.7 miles from the North Pier to the South Pier, it’s the heart of the tourist town and is alive with visitors throughout the year. The summer months are popular with those wanting to enjoy a Great British holiday on Lancashire’s Irish Sea coast, whereas the winter brings those wanting to witness the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations.

If you’re planning on visiting Blackpool, you’ll no doubt be wanting to experience neon-lit amusements, exciting funfairs, souvenir shops selling brightly coloured sticks of rock, fish and chip shops serving up the fresh catch of the day and, of course, a golden, sandy beach. You’ll find all that and more between the iconic Blackpool Tower and the thrilling Blackpool Pleasure Beach as you discover all the best sights and attractions along the famous Golden Mile.

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What are the highlights of the Golden Mile?

The Golden Mile is home to Blackpool’s top sights and attractions. Two unmissable highlights act almost as the bookends of the promenade – the Blackpool Tower, near the North Pier, and Blackpool Pleasure Beach amusement park at the South Pier. Head 380 ft above ground to the Blackpool Tower Eye and step out onto the exhilarating SkyWalk, soaking up spectacular panoramic views as you go. Alternatively, get your adrenaline pumping on ICON, the Pleasure Beach’s exhilarating white-knuckle ride.

Whether you’re travelling with family or you’re just a big kid at heart, rides such as Master Blaster and Aztec Falls at the Sandcastle Waterpark will give you a day out to remember. Being the UK’s largest indoor waterpark, it’s the ideal all-weather attraction. Alternatively, have your selfie stick at the ready and brush shoulders with the stars at Madame Tussauds Blackpool, or pop just a couple of doors down to the incredible SEA LIFE Blackpool.

What else can you do on the Golden Mile?

The Golden Mile has everything that people love about a good old British seaside town, which is what makes Blackpool one of the most popular in the UK. Visit the magnificent Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Blackpool, take a sunset ride on the Central Pier Big Wheel or while away your time in amusement arcades such as Coral Island. If, however, you prefer poker tables to penny slot machines, the Grosvenor Casino can be found at the South Pier.

Rock shops and ice cream parlours aside, there are plenty of places to grab a substantial bite to eat along the Golden Mile. No trip to Blackpool would be complete without fish and chips, so head to the Blackpool Fish Factory for their freshly caught offerings. The Eating Inn serves some of the most succulent steaks in town and Captain Jack’s Bar & Grill is a fantastic family-friendly restaurant.

Good to know about the Golden Mile

The Golden Mile is easily accessible, whether you’re staying in the heart of Blackpool or travelling into the town from a little further afield. If you’re arriving by car, the M6 is the nearest motorway to get you there. Leave at junction 32 and follow the M55, which will take you all the way into town, right to the Golden Mile on the waterfront. There are a number of car parks near the Golden Mile, including Central Car Park, West Street Car Park and South Beach Car Park.

If you’re jumping on a bus into town, look for either the 11, 18, 21 or 68 route numbers, all of which will get you to the Golden Mile. There are also 3 train stations within close walking distance of the promenade – Blackpool North (the busiest), Blackpool South and Blackpool Pleasure Beach (BPB).

The Golden Mile in Blackpool

Sadie Geoghegan-Dann | Schrijver