Discover the best pubs & restaurants in Blackpool

A brief history of Blackpool

Blackpool as a settlement dates back 13,500 years, as far back as the Palaeolithic era when it was likely forest and swampland. Blackpool has since been inhabited by the Romans, Anglo Saxons and Vikings.

The area first became popular in the 18^th century when wealthy visitors would swim and bath in the sea in the hope of become cured from any diseases they had.

The introduction of the railways was also pivotal for Blackpool’s success, visitors by rail created a need for accommodation causing the population to quadruple between 1850-1860. This growth continues with Lancashire’s cotton industry. People who visit Blackpool from all over the county during the staggered 2 week factory shut downs kept Blackpool busy for most of the year. By the 1870s Blackpool had become one of the UKs most popular holiday resorts.

Blackpool survived WWII almost unscathed as Hilter had planned to keep the area as a holiday and leisure resort.

Blackpool only became a popular place to live in the 1950s when the city was averaging a huge 17 million tourists a year. Sadly this number has declined with the introduction of package holidays. Now rather than a beach holiday, Blackpool is now a popular destination for Hen and Stag parties as well as day drinkers at the various pubs and bars on the beach front, thrill seekers and the wonderful world of cabaret.