| Blackpool | |
|---|---|
| Town | |
  Blackpool Location on the Fylde, Lancashire  Blackpool Town centre within Borough of Blackpool  Blackpool Location within Lancashire | |
| Area | 34.47 km2 (13.31 sq mi) |
| Population | 141,000 (2021 census) |
| • Density | 4,091/km2 (10,600/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Blackpudlian |
| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BLACKPOOL |
| Postcode district | FY1-FY5 |
| Dialling code | 01253 |
| UK Parliament | |
| Website | blackpool |
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Blackpool is a seaside town in Lancashire, England. It is located on the Irish Sea coast of the Fylde peninsula, approximately 27 miles (43 km) north of Liverpool and 14 miles (23 km) west of Preston. It is the main settlement in the borough of the same name. The population of Blackpool at the 2021 census was 141,000, a decrease of 1,100 in ten years.[1]
Blackpool was originally a small hamlet; it began to grow in the mid-eighteenth century, when sea bathing for health purposes became fashionable. Blackpool's beach was suitable for this activity, and by 1781 several hotels had been built. The opening of a railway station in the 1846 allowed more visitors to reach the resort, which continued to grow for the remainder of the nineteenth century. In 1876, the town became a borough, and by 1951 its population had reached 147,000. Blackpool's development was closely tied to the Lancashire cotton-mill practice of annual factory maintenance shutdowns, known as wakes weeks, when many workers chose to visit the seaside. The local climate is mild and rainy also in summer.
In the late 20th century, changing holiday preferences and increased overseas travel impacted Blackpool's standing as a leading resort. Despite economic challenges, the town's urban fabric and economy remain centred around tourism. Today, Blackpool's seafront, featuring landmarks such as Blackpool Tower, Illuminations, Pleasure Beach, and the Winter Gardens, continue to draw millions of visitors annually.[2] The town is home to football club Blackpool F.C. The team has one major trophy, winning the 1953 FA Cup.
- ^ "How life has changed in Blackpool: Census 2021". 19 January 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ Lambert, Tim (14 March 2021). "A History of Blackpool". Local Histories. Retrieved 12 November 2023.