Blackpool is a medium-sized seaside resort in north-western England with miles of deep sandy beaches. When people think of England, they normally think of a city such as London or Cambridge instead of Blackpool. With only 140,000 inhabitants, compared to London, Blackpool is small. However, tourists flock to the city as summer ends and Blackpool hotels fill. The tourists come not just for the sand but also for the Blackpool Illuminations, the main tourist attraction in the city since 1879.

Originally described as “artificial sunshine” the Illuminations are a continuously changing spectacle, making each year’s festival different from the years before, with the latest focus being on energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. And an entire calendar of events has grown up around the Illuminations, with entertainment for all ages.

At the town’s busiest, from late August to early November during the Illuminations, Blackpool hotels are often booked solid, so if you plan on making hotel reservations for that period, particularly in Blackpool family hotels, it’s best to do so earlier rather than later.

It is indeed fortunate for the traveler. Hotels in Blackpool have a wide variety of accommodations to meet your travel needs. There are five-star short-stay rental apartments, and also similar luxury hotels. You can also find accommodations to suit the budget conscious traveler. You can even stay at a family-run bed-and-breakfast. Such a variety in Blackpool hotels!

There is more to Blackpool than just Illuminations. It also has lots of top dining establishments and one of the most extensive theater seasons in the country- there are musical and theatrical performances and everything else in between; it is also a venue on many concert tours. It also has traditional family-themed entertainment, including a zoological park, and quite a few spectacularly tall climbing walls, bigger than any in the United Kingdom. Don’t forget, there’s lost of beautiful sandy beaches to visit too.

To reiterate, if you are planning a family vacation in Blackpool during the Illuminations please schedule a room well in advance to get the best rate and your pick of accommodations. In addition to the Illuminations there is much to see and do in regards to the local culture. You should have a great vacation.

Located on the northwestern coast of England, Blackpool is a relatively small seaside town with a population of about 140,000. At the town’s busiest, from late August to early November during the Illuminations, Blackpool hotels are often booked solid, so if you plan on making hotel reservations for that period, particularly in a Blackpool family hotel, it’s best to do so earlier rather than later. Hotels in Blackpool offer a wide variety of rooms. You can choose from a five star rental apartment or a full service luxury hotel. Other choices include budget hotels that are very affordable, or family owned bed and breakfasts.

- Trevor Sinclair