The 2022 Blackpool Illuminations have once again been extended by two months and will shine each night up until 2 January 2023. The Illuminations remain one of the UK’s most endearing and enduring tourist attractions, having shone for more than a century. Blackpool was one of the first of 101 towns in the UK to secure funding from the government’s £3.6bn Towns Fund. With the help of this support, funds were allocated to upgrade the Blackpool Illuminations to attract additional visitors by developing new features and lighting technology. The newly reimagined Golden Mile area, designed by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, is the first section of the Illuminations to benefit.
In addition, it was recently announced that the illuminations will get a cash boost thanks to a grant of £675,000 – the first time the attraction has received Arts Council funding. The money, spread over three years, is part of a £43.5m investment from the body, nationally.
Enjoying the illuminations
Switched on every night at 5pm until 10.30pm the illuminations are still worth going to see. If you can try and visit during the week when it is not as busy when you will not be stuck in traffic which tends to happen at weekends.
There is another way to enjoy the illuminations – by going on an illuminated tram! The trams are run by Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours, all staffed by volunteers. On our recent visit the tram driver worked in the legal profession weekdays – but drove a tram at the weekends! Tours last an hour and cost from £10.00 for adults.
Somewhere to stay: Park House Hotel
Situated on the north shore, overlooking the Irish Sea, Park House Hotel also has a tram stop conveniently situated by the hotel, though the centre of Blackpool is a pleasant walk away, especially if you walk on the promenade.
The staff it has to be said are very helpful, professional and customer focused. The hotel itself is a mix of old and new: some areas looked as if they needed a bit of TLC though others were what you would expect in a three-star hotel, which Park House is.
When we stepped into our recently refurbished bedroom we could have been walking into another world; soothing greys complimented the tastefully decorated room. Tea and coffee-making facilities were included, comfortable beds with quality bedding, television and a bathroom with a powerful rain shower all added to the experience. The free WiFi has the quickest speed I have ever witnessed in an hotel – and that includes five-star hotels all over the country.
Our room was initially quite cold, however after a quick word with the reception this was soon rectified as a heater was sent up to the room, though we did not really need it as the central heating kicked in shortly afterwards.
The hotel offers nightly entertainment which includes Bingo and live acts too.
Breakfast was excellent – with a cooked to order English breakfast though at a finish time of 9.30am weekdays this might be too early for some.
We would stay at Park House again in this traditional, friendly and clean hotel.
