One British seaside town has remained steadfast as the UK’s most popular holiday destination, and a travel expert explained exactly why.
Blackpool, Lancashire, with its iconic Pleasure Beach, legendary Tower, and vibrant year-round events, continues to pull in an astounding 20 million visitors annually—more than any other UK destination.
And, according to tourism experts, it’s a formula worth replicating across the country’s coastal towns, cities and villages.
Each year, Blackpool draws about 90 coach tours per day, even well after the traditional summer season.
These tours deliver around 4,500 tourists daily, contributing approximately £200,000 to the local economy every single day.
From thrilling amusement parks to heritage festivals, Blackpool has crafted a blend of entertainment, nostalgia, and accessibility that tourism specialists believe could revitalise other British seaside towns struggling to keep pace in a competitive tourism market.
Tourism analyst Mark Wheeler told The Telegraph: “Blackpool has achieved something few other towns have managed: it appeals to all ages, social classes, and interests without losing its unique character.”
He pointed to the longevity of Blackpool’s events, like the dazzling Blackpool Illuminations—a spectacle that has lit up the coastline since 1879—and the Pleasure Beach, which draws families and thrill-seekers alike.
The town’s approach to inclusivity, Wheeler explains, allows for “an incredibly broad appeal, where a punk festival one weekend easily transitions into a ballroom dancing gala the next.”
Blackpool’s success lies not just in its attractions but in its understanding of its audience.
Where other coastal towns have shifted to cater to wealthier tourists or niche audiences, Blackpool maintains a balance between high-energy fun and cultural heritage. Showtown, the town’s newly opened museum of fun and entertainment, celebrates its storied past with exhibits on everything from magic shows to dance halls, reminding visitors of Blackpool’s deep-rooted place in British culture.
Unlike parts of Cornwall and Pembrokeshire, which have become costly havens for second-home owners, Blackpool remains financially accessible and widely popular across demographics.
From the famous Blackpool Tower to the Winter Gardens’ rotating schedule of concerts and events, the town ensures there’s always something to do.
This mix of affordability and variety attracts visitors from all walks of life, according to a new report by KPMG.
Families return generation after generation, alongside groups like Sharon Critchley from Warrington, who considers Blackpool ideal for celebratory weekends.
“I come with my fella at least once every winter, and we always come for hen and divorce parties,” she said.
Likewise, tourists from abroad, like Mariano Miramontes from Spain, say Blackpool offers a sense of authenticity often lacking in larger cities.
“You meet real people here. London is boring,” says Miramontes, who visits for the annual punk festival.