Community

Blackpool crowned UK’s most entertaining seaside resort as £2bn revitalisation begins

Saturday, 10 May 2025 5:02AM UTC

A recent study ranks Blackpool as the UK’s top seaside destination for entertainment, highlighting its plethora of amusement parks, casinos, and cultural landmarks. With Brighton and Southport completing the top three, Blackpool is set to enhance its appeal further through a major £2 billion revitalisation project.

As summer approaches, British holidaymakers are gearing up for coastal getaways, with one seaside resort standing out as the pinnacle of entertainment for tourists. Following an in-depth analysis involving 26 UK coastal towns, experts have crowned Blackpool in Lancashire as the most entertaining seaside destination in the country. This verdict is based on a variety of entertainment metrics, including the number of amusement parks, casinos, live music venues, and local dining options.

Blackpool is synonymous with classic British holidays, particularly its golden sands, expansive prom, and three iconic piers—North, South, and Central. The resort boasts a remarkable twelve amusement and water parks, including the esteemed Pleasure Beach Resort, known for its thrilling rides and family-friendly atmosphere. Beyond its attractions, Blackpool is home to 13 casinos, more than any other location surveyed, creating a vibrant nightlife that appeals to all ages. With a staggering 67 notable landmarks—including the illustrious Blackpool Tower—this seaside town offers a rich tapestry for visitors to explore, from cultural landmarks to leisure activities.

In a close second place, Brighton is celebrated for its lively seaside culture and extensive options for relaxation and entertainment. This East Sussex gem features four different beaches and an impressive 900 bars and restaurants, making it an ideal venue for both delightful days on the coast and dynamic nights out. Brighton's reputation as a cultural hub is further accentuated by its 58 live music venues and 19 escape rooms, catering to diverse interests. The city's vibrant LGBTQ+ community and its annual Pride celebrations further enhance its appeal, solidifying its status as a must-visit destination.

Ranking third is Southport, which offers a delightful blend of traditional seaside charm and modern appeal. With 15 beaches and numerous landmarks—including the historic Southport Pier—the town presents a serene yet engaging atmosphere for families and couples alike. Current regeneration efforts aim to elevate Southport’s profile, particularly with planned developments like the new Marine Lake Events Centre, promising additional attractions and facilities aimed at further enriching visitors' experiences.

Despite its accolades, not every coastal destination fared well in the survey. Morecambe, famously linked to comedian Eric Morecambe, was found to be the least entertaining destination in the ranking. Limiting facilities such as casinos and amusement parks have led to this less favourable designation, highlighting the importance of diverse entertainment offerings in attracting visitors.

The findings of this survey come at a pivotal time when staycations are increasingly preferred, allowing travellers to circumvent the inconveniences of airport travel. The emphasis on choosing a destination with a variety of entertainment options is echoed by SuomiCasino, the company behind the study, underscoring that while the British weather is unpredictable, the potential for a fun and memorable getaway exists with the right planning.

Blackpool, in particular, is not resting on its laurels; the town is undergoing a £2 billion revitalisation project that aims to expand its appeal and extend visitor stays. This involves enhancing amenities, such as new accommodation and attractions designed to avoid the pitfalls of gentrification. Exciting developments like the Showtown museum are set to enrich Blackpool's entertainment narrative, showcasing its storied past with interactive exhibits.

As seaside resorts across the UK prepare for the summer rush, the diversity of experiences they offer ensures that there is something for every kind of visitor. From the bustling attractions of Blackpool to Brighton's bohemian allure and Southport's tranquil elegance, these destinations are poised to provide memorable experiences for all who visit.

Reference Map

Paragraph 1: ^[1]
Paragraph 2: ^[1], ^[4], ^[6]
Paragraph 3: ^[1], ^[3]
Paragraph 4: ^[1]
Paragraph 5: ^[2]
Paragraph 6: ^[1], ^[7]
Paragraph 7: ^[5]
Paragraph 8: ^[2]

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2052859/uks-most-entertaining-seaside-town - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.ft.com/content/beb3369a-7ae7-4b8b-9570-718ab50f764d - Blackpool is undergoing a £2 billion revitalization project, including new developments like a Holiday Inn, returning tram lines, and a Civil Service Hub. The Showtown museum highlights Blackpool's entertainment history, featuring interactive displays on magic tricks and the Illuminations. The council is also addressing housing issues by planning new social housing. Despite changes in tourism trends, Blackpool aims to extend visitor stays through initiatives like multi-day attractions, striving to re-establish itself as a hub of fun and entertainment without leading to gentrification.
https://www.liverpoolworld.uk/news/where-southport-rates-in-list-of-britains-20-best-and-worst-seaside-towns-4070502 - Southport ranks 14th in a list of Britain's 20 best and worst seaside towns, scoring 28 out of 100. Despite this, the town is undergoing regeneration efforts, including plans for a new £73 million Marine Lake Events Centre with a 1,500-capacity theatre, exhibition and conference facilities, water and light shows, and job creation. The Atkinson, located in a 19th-century building, houses over 3,500 art pieces and 25,000 social history items, along with a library and theatre offering various events and lectures.
https://www.ukbreakaways.com/blog/post/32-top-seaside-towns-uk - Blackpool, established in the 1800s, remains a popular holiday destination with attractions like Pleasure Beach amusement park, featuring thrilling rides, Nickelodeon Land, and the Hot Ice Show. The town is also known for the Blackpool Illuminations, a free event using over one million bulbs, running from the end of August to November. Additionally, Blackpool is famous for creating the largest stick of rock, weighing 424.5 kg, produced by confectioners Coronation Rock.
https://www.thetravelmagazine.net/top-english-seaside-towns/ - Blackpool offers miles of beautiful beaches combined with the Pleasure Beach theme park, providing a variety of attractions. The town boasts three piers along its Golden Mile, faster roller coasters, larger clubs, and the world's largest mirror ball. Visitors can enjoy world-class shows, cosmopolitan restaurants, vibrant nightlife, an active sports scene, and breathtaking scenery. For a more tranquil experience, Stanley Park offers a horticultural and wildlife treasure, and the Model Village and Gardens provide a peaceful retreat.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackpool - Blackpool, located in Lancashire, is a prominent seaside resort known for its tourism and cultural attractions. The town features several notable landmarks, including the North Pier, Central Pier, South Pier, Winter Gardens, Blackpool Tower, Grand Theatre, and Pleasure Beach. The Blackpool Illuminations, launched in 1912, stretch 6.2 miles and use over one million bulbs, typically running for 66 nights during autumn. The town also hosts various music scenes, including northern soul, punk, rave, and grime.
https://www.roughguides.com/special-features/britains-30-best-seaside-towns/ - Brighton, located on the southern coast of the UK, is renowned for its iconic seafront, bustling pier, diverse food scene, and nostalgic arcade attractions. The city is also known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community and hosts the largest annual Pride celebrations in the country. Brighton Beach, a pebble beach, offers sand at low tide, and the city's car-free Lanes provide a maze of narrow alleys marking the old town, ideal for exploration.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative does not reference any outdated events or individuals, suggesting it is current. However, the article's content is not uniquely dated, and similar rankings are common in travel articles.

Quotes check

Score: 0

Notes: No direct quotes are present in the article to verify.

Source reliability

Score: 7

Notes: The narrative originates from a reputable publication, Express.co.uk, which is known for its wide readership. However, the study's sponsor, SuomiCasino, is not a well-documented research institution.

Plausability check

Score: 9

Notes: The claims about Blackpool, Brighton, and Southport align with general knowledge about these locations. The mention of a £2 billion revitalisation project in Blackpool adds plausibility.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative appears current, lacks specific quotes, and originates from a generally reliable publication. The claims about seaside towns are plausible and align with known facts about these locations.

Blackpool
UK seaside resorts
tourism
holiday trends
summer travel