by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:16th November 2018
Luckily, I didn’t have any dancing shoes
Our main reason for visiting Blackpool was to experience the delights of the annual illuminations.
This twinkling historical event takes place every year for 66 nights, from early September to early November.
However, a trip to Blackpool strictly isn’t complete without visiting the iconic Tower, and I don’t mean just standing outside.
The crème de la crème of Blackpool is most definitely the breathtaking Tower Ballroom, dating from 1894.
Why not Pin it for later?
Welcome to the Tower Ballroom
The Blackpool Tower
Where is Blackpool
How to get to Blackpool
- By Train
It's less than 10-minute walk from Blackpool North railway station to the North Pier/Blackpool Tower. The station is served by Northern Trains and Avanti West Coast
- By Car
The M55 motorway, that connects to the M6, takes you to within 5 miles/8Km of the North Pier/Blackpool Tower
A hidden gem in Blackpool
WowWhen we first walked into the ballroom, I was just taken aback by the sheer size of the hall, and its incredible grandeur and elegance.
Inside the Tower Ballroom
It was like stepping into an old movie set, the echoing tones of the old Wurlitzer organ reverberating around the hall and watching couples young and old swaying and rotating in time with each other.
Blackpool Tower Ticket Tip
Blackpool Tower tickets can be purchased at the Tourist Information office opposite the tower, at a discounted price. The Tower Ballroom ticket was £2.95 cheaper per person, and you were even able to jump the queues.
Inside the Tower Ballroom
How wrong was I?I initially imagined we would wander in have a look around for a while, take a few photos and then continue to enjoy the delights of Blackpool.
The beauty's in the detail
However, this was really quite special. Now don’t get me wrong I’m not going to suddenly throw on my Cuban heels and take up ballroom and Latin dancing. However, you could feel there was a true passion for this historical pastime and an art that was going to be lovingly preserved for decades.
Where to stay in Blackpool
Imperial Hotel
Our accommodation for the two nights we were in Blackpool was at “The Imperial Hotel”.
A stylish hotel with a pleasant bar, and ample off-street parking
Beautiful Blackpool
EleganceSo, Gary and I seated ourselves at one of the many strategically placed tables, which are all angled towards the wooden sprung dancefloor, and we sat and watched in awe.
Sit back an enjoy
All above and around you, are chandeliers hanging from the intricate décor, amongst the elaborate waves of the balconies.
The chandeliers
All sparkles
Tempted to discover more of the Great British Isles?
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Dancing at Blackpool's Tower Ballroom
I spared the paying publicHowever, you just can’t help but stare at the couples gliding around the dancefloor in unison. Anyone can join in, as long as you don’t mind an audience.
The dancefloor of the Tower Ballroom
Year after year couples from around the UK and even further afield, come to Blackpool to enjoy this piece of history that continues, while other dance trends get lost in time.
Why Not?
Head to Blackpool during the illuminations, from 1st September 2023, the annual illuminations will run until 1st January 2024. You can then glide your way along the twinkling promenade when you've thrown off your dancing shoes.
Amazing Blackpool
Living artEqually enjoyable is the music from the old Wurlitzer organs, being played by a resident organist.
The Wurlitzer inside the Tower Ballroom
Keep an eye out, because if you are there when the organists hand over to each other, the Wurlitzer complete with the organist, disappears under the stage.
More Info
Exploring Blackpool's Tower Ballroom
Making a memoryWhat we also thought was great, was that you could wander around the ballroom and sit wherever you wish.
Either at ground level or stroll up and view the duos from the balconies above.
Looking down at the floor
However, if you want to make this occasion even more special, you can book a table for afternoon tea and enjoy the delicacies or even with a glass of Champagne.
The water urns
From the circle
Before you go!
Check the opening times at the Ballroom website, as this little piece of history isn’t open every day, and you wouldn’t want to be disappointed!
Blackpool Legends
Strictly LegendThe Blackpool Tower Ballroom has become more and more popular over recent years with the annual event of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, (or for our overseas friends “Dancing with the Stars”).
Looking up to the Gods
Sadly, Sir Bruce Forsyth, who was the legend of the show, passed away in 2017, but if you glance out the window of the Blackpool Tower, look below. You will see one of Blackpool’s more recent installations, the “Comedy Carpet”, and a little memory of one of Bruce’s catchphrase “Nice to see you, to see you nice.”
Nice to See You
Have You?
Visited Blackpool and were brave enough to take to the ballroom floor, or like us, did you watch from a distance?
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