Blackpool is a 'kiss me quick' dump — but I'll defend it to the end
In the second installment of Metro Travel Hot Takes , Jessica Hamilton makes the case for Blackpool, a town described as grotty, tacky, and the 'land that time forgot'.
——————————————————————————————————————–
Suggesting a trip to Blackpool to people who have never visited is usually met with smug laughter, mild disgust, or just a flat-out 'No'.
As UK seaside towns go, it doesn't have the greatest reputation. It was, after all, named after a drain. But even so, it wasn't always that way.
In its prime, during the 1920s to 1960s, Blackpool was Britain's most popular coastal destination.
Known as the holiday jewel of the North West, it attracted visitors from up and down the country. It was so iconic that the novelist JB Priestley called it 'the great, roaring, spangled beast'.
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
However, in recent years, its charm has faded. Blackpool has been variously branded a 'dump' and 'disgusting'. It repeatedly stars in rankings of the UK's worst seaside towns.
Local crime statistics certainly don't help its case. Blackpool has one of the highest crime rates in the country, and the region is one of the most socially deprived in the UK.
Yet, despite it all, Blackpool still attracts more than 20 million visitors a year. So, maybe this so-called 'dump' deserves more credit than it gets.
Growing up just 50 minutes away, Blackpool was my nearest seaside destination.
It might not have the obvious draw of Cornwall's white-sand beaches or Whitby's historic charm. But, for me, visiting is filled with nostalgia.
My grandma used to go dancing in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. My parents took me on rainy day trips to the beach, where I'd eat soggy fish and chips and ride donkeys on the sand. And, as a teenager, my friends and I would find any excuse to go to Pleasure Beach or drive through the famous lights.
It's not for everyone. The moment you step onto the promenade, your senses are overwhelmed with the smell of deep-fried doughnuts, the ringing of amusement arcades and large crowds jostling for 2p slot machines.
Fortune teller shops are wedged between chippies and rock confectionary stalls, which proudly display celebrity headshots on their windows. Not to mention the drag queens, pantomimes, karaoke bars and rowdy hen and stag parties in garish fancy dress.
It's cheap. It's tacky. It's loud. But it's certainly not boring.
Dubbed the 'world's first working-class holiday resort', Blackpool has long been a place for affordable fun, and it doesn't take itself too seriously.
It's even been named the friendliest town in the UK.
All three of its piers are still free to enter, and it has remained reasonably priced to visit – something that can't be said for southern seaside destinations, such as Margate and Brighton, which are becoming so costly and gentrified, they're practically London-by-sea.
And while tickets for Pleasure Beach (one of the UK's best theme parks) haven't escaped inflation, it's still full every summer.
As the local tourism board puts it: 'Blackpool is a true British icon, the only urban seaside resort with 150 years of heritage, the first working-class holiday resort in the world with an unshakeable vitality.'
Yes, it might be rough around the edges. But it's hard not to admire Blackpool's kitschy charm and determination to stay alive.
The rise of cheap package holidays in the 60s and 70s inevitably lured Brits to the balmy beaches of the Mediterranean. But this town is yet to surrender to its competition.
The council has pumped millions into revitalising tourism over the past decade, from improving local transport links to investing in free, family-friendly attractions.
In 2023, the iconic illumination switch-on returned to the Promenade for the first time in three years, with Sophie Ellis-Bextor flicking the switch.
That same year saw the long-awaited comeback of the beloved Valhalla ride at the Pleasure Beach and the opening of a £1.5million big cat facility at Blackpool Zoo.
In 2024, a £34 million four-star Holiday Inn opened its doors – a welcome addition to a seafront dotted with dated B&Bs.
And Blackpool's efforts seem to be paying off.
Figures from the annual STEAM report show that the town welcomed 21.5 million visitors in 2023 – a 6% rise on the previous year.
The value of the town's tourism industry remains a steady £1.98 billion, accounting for nearly a third of Lancashire's total visitor economy. More Trending
Data from Blackpool council also showed a spike in footfall along the promenade last summer, and coachloads of tourists continue to pour in, year after year.
It might not be a glamorous getaway, and few will admit to loving it – but Blackpool is a guilty pleasure (or my not-so-guilty pleasure).
If you give it a chance, you're more than likely to have a good time.
Frankly, anyone I've ever dragged there has.
Blackpool Tower – Modelled after the Eiffel Tower (though half the size), Blackpool Tower is one of Britain's most beloved landmarks and a trip to the seaside town wouldn't be complete without visiting. It's completely free to enter, but you'll have to spend £12 to get to the top.
Visit Coral Island – Why not take a trip to Blackpool's pirate-themed amusement arcade? There are rides, slot machines, casinos, and kids eat free all day, every day.
Blackpool Illuminations – Every year, from the end of August to the beginning of January, Blackpool Promenade is illuminated by over one million lamps. The dazzling installation stretched around six miles.
Pleasure Beach Resort – The iconic theme park first opened in 1896 and is home to iconic rides such as the Valhalla, one of the longest indoor dark rides in the world, and The Big One, the UK's tallest rollercoaster. A full day ticket starts from £35 for adults.
Wander Blackpool's Piers – There are three piers in Blackpool to explore. The Central Pier, built in the 19th century, is home to a funfair, the South Pier is full of music, games and adrenaline-filled rides, while the North Pier, the longest and oldest of the three, is home to theatres and bars.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE: Jet2 is launching a UK flight to 'paradise on earth' next summer
MORE: 'Secretive' country that's banned WhatsApp is making it easier for tourists to visit
MORE: The cheapest all-inclusive holiday destinations for summer 2025
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
6 days ago
- Metro
Corfu is a terrible tourist trap, but this Greek village captured my heart
In the eighth installment of Metro Travel Hot Takes , Maria Astardjieva shares her disappointment with Corfu — and Greece's mainland village that captured her heart. I remember the first time I saw Corfu from the sky; steep hills draped in lush greenery, white cliffs plunging into turquoise waters so clear you could see the underwater world. I was mesmerised. But it didn't take long to realise that I had fallen for a tourist trap. Previous trips to Greece had prepared me for scorching heat and dangerous roads. I was not prepared for swarms of rowdy holidaymakers, flooding quaint tavernas with drunken heckling, and sprawling cheek by jowl on pretty pebble beaches. I couldn't find one 'hidden gem' on the island, nor a single stretch of shoreline free from sunbeds. But a ferry to the mainland brought me to a true summer paradise. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Before visiting Corfu, my hopes were high. Known for spectacular scenery and rich cultural heritage, the island is one of the most-visited destinations in Europe. The TikToks I'd thumbed through suggested I was in for the quintessential Greek summer experience, and despite the initial disappointment, I was determined to spend the next week basking in Mediterranean sun. We rented a car and set out in search of a quiet spot along the coast, but it wasn't to be. Pulling up to Rovinia, which is said to be a secluded, lesser-known beach, we spent an hour trying to find a parking spot. On the sand, we barely had space to set our bags down. Later, we tried the Canal d'Amour, in the village of Sidari, known for yellow sandstone cliffs that form a natural fjord-like canal. Legend has it that couples who swim through the canal together will be blessed with eternal happiness, while singles will find true love. I guess everyone was feeling romantic that day, because we ended up queuing for a glimpse of the water. Mealtimes were also miserable. On the occasions we managed to snag a table at a restaurant with Google reviews higher than 3.4 stars, we ended up paying around €50 (£43) per person for a few shared starters and a main. In one place, we were charged €16 for a pitiful Greek salad. Corfu's only redemption came when we rented a boat from Paleokastritsa beach. Setting us back around €200 (£170) for six hours, the boat allowed us to explore some of the beaches and underwater caves that are inaccessible by land. We dropped anchor at Stelari Beach and soaked up the silence until another boatload of tourists drifted in beside us. Even at sea, the island couldn't give us a break. Look, I get it. With return flights from London costing an average of £88, it's easy to see why Corfu welcomes more than 2 million tourists each year, a quarter of whom are British. The island was once ruled by Venice, and it now suffers the same plight: both places are overcrowded, overpriced and, in my opinion, totally overhyped. If you're looking for a Greek getaway that hasn't fallen foul of tourists, I found the perfect spot just across the water. Tucked in the hills of the mainland is Syvota, a quaint fishing village on the Ionian Sea — the same one that blesses Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Lefkada, and Ksamil in Albania (often nicknamed the Maldives of Europe) with turquoise waters. Syvota has it all: delicious and affordable seafood, dreamy lagoons, sprawling beaches, boat tours, watersports, and west-facing views for golden-hour snaps. We spent the days lounging in Mikri Ammos beach bar, enjoying the silky sands of Agia Paraskevi beach, and putting our goggles on to explore the vibrant seabed of Mega Drafi beach. We ate world-class seafood at Diapori, a small family-run restaurant just off the main track. It didn't look like much at a glance, but the piled-high plates, flowing ouzo and melt-in-the-mouth squid made it unforgettable — all for just over €35 per person. An absolute must-do if you're staying anywhere on the Epirus coastline is a trip to the Paxos and Antipaxos islands. Taking a cruise for around €30 (£25) per person, we enjoyed a full day of white-cliffed coves and crystal clear waters, perfect for snorkelling. We stopped for lunch in Paxos's capital Gaios, where Fanalino restaurant served us freshly baked bread, olive tapenade, a refreshing Greek salad, and what was probably the best aubergine dip of my life. The colourful town also has plenty of cafes, moreish gelato, and dinky shops run by local designers. More Trending Just a 30-minute drive from Syvota is the picturesque town of Parga. Its colourful hillside houses, overlooked by an ancient Venetian castle, rival Italy's Amalfi coast for charm. We watched the sun set over Panagia, the small islet facing Parga with its romantic whitewashed chapel, and went for an evening stroll through the narrow streets teeming with life. Syvota may not be TikTok famous (yet), but that's exactly what makes it so special. If your idea of a holiday is Oxford Street in 34°C heat, Corfu is your dream destination. For an authentic Greek getaway, stay on the mainland. Skip the island prices: Eat, drink and sleep cheaper on the mainland — expect to pay €30-€40 (£25-£34) per person for a full meal with drinks in Syvota vs €50+ (£40+) in Corfu's tourist hubs. Rent a car, not taxis: Hiring a car from Igoumenitsa or Preveza starts at €35-€45 (£30-£38) per day and is cheaper than multiple taxis for beach hopping or day trips. Self-cater where you can: Many local apartments and villas have kitchens — great for breakfast runs to the local bakery or sunset mezze on the balcony. Take a group boat tour: Private boats are lovely but cost around €150-€200 (£130-£170) per day. Group cruises to Paxos/Antipaxos start from just €30 (£25). Travel off-peak: June and September have milder weather, lower prices, and far fewer crowds. How to get to Syvota ly direct to Corfu from London, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham. Return flights can cost as little as £88 in shoulder season. From Corfu Airport: Taxi to the port (15 mins) Ferry to Igoumenitsa (1.5 hours, around €10–15) Taxi or car hire to Syvota (25 mins, around €30 taxi or car hire from €40 per day) Alternatively, fly to Preveza on the mainland, around a 90-minute drive from Syvota. Flights from London Stansted start from £71. MORE: Bugaboo launch the Butterfly 2 that makes family outings a breeze MORE: Little country surrounded by Italy has no airport and just 34,000 residents MORE: The best women's hiking clothes and accessories for successful summer hikes
Metro
14-05-2025
- Metro
I was vegetarian for 10 years – then I went to Asia's fried chicken haven
In the fifth installment of Metro Travel Hot Takes , Ruth Lawes pays tribute to the Asian city that changed how she eats. One hour after landing in South Korea, I broke a pledge of more than a decade. I'll admit it: I was one of those vegetarians who silently judged people chowing down on pulled pork sarnies. I extolled the virtues of hummus to anyone who would listen — but all of that changed when I went to Seoul. Travelling with my carnivorous boyfriend, I was hauled straight from the airport to a viral fried chicken joint in the Jongno District of Asia's 'city that never sleeps'. In Korea, food is for the soul as well as the stomach. And, in the interest of immersing myself in the country's most famous culinary culture, I decided to have just one tiny bite. That morsel was enough to break me. Thoughts of childhood roast dinners washed over me, and a powerful nostalgia for rotisserie chicken left no room for guilt. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. I had been corrupted, and the only course of action for this newly lapsed veggie was to embark on a chicken-eating odyssey around the South Korean capital. In the year since, I've allowed myself the occasional chicken hit. I try to stay veggie, but I'll never be as strict as I was before. Food trends come and go, but Korea's cuisine will always have a place in my heart. These are the restaurants in Seoul that will crack even the most ardent vegetarians. Reinstated as a card-carrying chicken-eater, we headed to Hannam Oriental Roast Chicken, a budget-friendly restaurant in bustling Myeongdong that serves only roast chicken along with banchan (traditional sides) such as kimchi. I surprised myself by devouring a whole chicken stuffed with fragrant garlic and ginseng rice. It tasted like spit-roasted clouds. Be prepared to wait for up to two hours, though. You can kill time by perching at one of the many trendy bars along the street; trust me, you'll be glad you did. Next, popular chain restaurant BB.Q Chicken was the perfect reprieve from Myeongdong, Seoul's non-stop shopping district, where you can buy bumper packs of collagen face masks and K-Pop merchandise. In the UK, a chain normally means limp sandwiches and underseasoned burgers, but in Korea, they do things differently. Unlike traditional Korean Fried Chicken (KFC), this place fries wings in olive oil. You get your choice of glaze, from honey garlic to 'secret sauce.' We kept it simple and opted for original with sinus-clearing 'hot spicy' batter. Another chain worth your time is Ddobagi Chicken, which makes KFC more palatable for anyone squeamish about meat. Their signature dish is boneless chicken wings, so you can at least try to pretend you're not eating an animal carcass. I recommend ordering takeout as the restaurant is located moments from the Han River. We ate alfresco with the locals, and I felt I was getting a taste of the 'real' Seoul. While I could have happily existed on a chicken-only diet in Seoul, this city is a culinary paradise. From punchy street food to refined dining, there's a smorgasbord of delicacies to try, and one of the most memorable was my meal atKalguksu Alley, an indoor strip of stalls selling knife-cut noodles. It's almost a contact sport to secure a spot in front of one of the vendors, but the reward is gargantuan bowls of noodles, handmade in front of you by Korean aunties for the equivalent of less than £5. Just a stone's throw from Kalguksu Alley is Gamekol Son Wangmandu, a shop selling crater-sized mandu (Korean dumplings). They have meat and vegetarian options (time for me to repent for my sins), and it's takeaway only. We stuffed our faces on the side of the road, but the holy ratio of kimchi stuffing to pillowy dough was worth the looks of bemusement from passers-by. You can't visit Seoul without eating your way around one of its many food markets. I was in awe of the juxtaposition of skyscrapers with ancient monuments, such as the former royal palace Gyeongbokgung, but markets are where you experience the city's true flavour. For an overload of the senses and the most authentic food, I recommend Gwangjang. The best dish we had by far was tteokbokki , cylindrical rice cakes served in a gochugang sauce, at Kangane Tteokbokki. What makes this stall unique is the addition of radishes to the tteokbokki stew, which adds a zesty texture. Hearty and comforting, I long for it every time I have a cold. I have travelled to nearly 50 countries, but only Korea cracked my vegetarianism. It had stiff competition: I've rejected chicken tinga tacos in Mexico City and was unmoved by the famous bistecca alla fiorentina in Florence. More Trending Seoul is my favourite city for food of all time. It's a bold claim, but I have never visited a place with such a rich tapestry of dishes, from barbequed eels to corn dogs. For that, I left my morals at the door. I don't recall a single disappointing dish, not even at an American-themed sports bar. And the best part? You'll have change from £10 for dinner with a beer. Since returning from Seoul, I have dabbled in chicken-eating, but nothing has come close to the high of my first bite at Hyodo Chicken. Who knows, maybe it will be beef next. MORE: The UK beach with 'crystal clear waters' named the best hidden coastal gem MORE: I was on easyJet's Eurovision flight and it was gloriously unhinged MORE: I've been to 89 countries — these are the 7 best places for solo travellers
Metro
07-05-2025
- Metro
Venice's food is tasteless, but I know a European city that does it right
In the fourth installment of Metro Travel Hot Takes , Patrycja Zaras argues that the Polish city of her birth puts Venice's food scene to shame. Is anything more universally beloved than Italian cuisine? It's like a hug from a long-distance friend: familiar, comforting, and made with love. I was disappointed, then, to find nothing of the sort in Venice, Italy's floating city and one of its most popular holiday destinations. At least not for the average Joe. I'm sure the Angelina Jolies and George Clooneys of the world would beg to differ when they roll into town for the annual Film Festival — Venice boasts 62 Michelin-starred restaurants. But for a budget traveller like me, who's been to the City of Masks many times, its food has never left a positive impression. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. I've travelled to Italy many times in recent years, and I've come to expect the kind of meals that remind you, no matter how many times you try to recreate them at home, they'll never taste the same. But from pasta to tiramisu, and the greatest of all Italian delicacies, arancini, Venice keeps letting me down. On more than one occasion, I've been served pizza so thin, bland and flavourless, I'll admit it: I reached for the salt. In Venice, waiters have served me food that has all the joy of a wet napkin, miserable fare that I'll gladly accept from 24-hour kebab joints. But from mid-range restaurants with sky-high prices? Per favore, Venezia . And that's without complaining about coperto , the infamous cover charge that could see €20 or more added to your bill just for the privilege of sitting in places like St Mark's Square. I'm sure hidden gems exist – this is Italy, after all – but they sure do a good job of hiding. This isn't to say that you shouldn't visit Venice – it's a magnificent city and a true architectural masterpiece. On TikTok, dozens of videos are devoted to helping visitors avoid tourist traps. There are tips for under-the-radar gelato shops, and hole-in-the-wall cannoli spots that won't require you to remortgage your flat. But even still, the pickings are slim. Just don't expect mind-blowing food if you're travelling on a budget. If that's what you're after, a recommendation that might surprise you is Warsaw, the place where I was born. As shy and unassuming as big cities get, Poland's capital has been quietly climbing the culinary rankings over the past decade. Just a few years ago, the idea of a food trip to Poland would be met with raised eyebrows. Now, it's being called one of Eastern Europe's most exciting food scenes by esteemed voices at The FT, Forbes, and The Guardian. Having lived there for 19 years, I can confirm that Warsaw's culinary scene is full of surprises, with everything from Japanese to Middle Eastern and creative vegan kitchens. Not big on meat? The city regularly appears in global rankings of vegan-friendly cities. My personal favourite for a budget-friendly green feast is Peaches, a trendy spot with Their menu changes constantly, but one thing that's here to stay is the grilled oyster mushrooms glazed in muscovado. Rich, smoky, and just the right kind of sticky, it's easily the best vegan dish I've ever eaten, and I've had my fair share over the years. Another unmissable joint is Joel. Every dish, from cloud-like hummus to roasted cauliflower, slow-cooked lamb to silky labneh, is cooked and presented to perfection. And it's all served in a candle-lit, vibey space that sets the tone for a memorable meal. Check out some more 'locals only' tips below: Joel Sharing Concept – the one I always come back to. Joel offers a modern twist on Middle Eastern cuisine, presented in a trendy sharing-plates concept. It's the owners' passion project, and you can taste the love in every dish. Whether you go veggie or meaty, you'll be thinking about it for days. Peaches – they call themselves 'the best vegan food in Warsaw' for a reason. One visit and you'll forget everything you thought you knew about vegan cooking. Even the staunchest sceptic will be swayed. What they do with fruit and veg is simply magical. Vegan Ramen Shop – a legend on Warsaw's food map. Ask anyone under 30 in Poland where to eat in the capital, and this is likely the first place they'll mention. It's earned near-mythical status for a reason. Eden Bistro – ever wanted to dine in an enchanted garden? This is your chance. Tucked away in the posh Saska Kępa district, Eden is part garden, part 1928 modernist villa. Once an artists' residence, now a place for slow lunches and long dinners. Ask for a table in the greenhouse and thank me later. Happa to mame – a Japanese café that invites you to slow down. It's the kind of space that wraps around you with its dark interior, low tables, a quiet calm that feels like a perfect escape from the city's chaos. Their matcha is among the best you'll find in Warsaw. If you're like Kerri Kenney-Silver's character in The Four Seasons and just don't fancy a trip to Poland, there's another option: Puglia. This lesser-visited Italian region offers far better food for far less money. Its biggest city, Bari, is both charming and full of fantastic restaurants – and flights from the UK start from just £48 return. More Trending Another option just an hour from Venice is Bassano del Grappa, which has all the same charm without the crowds and price gouging. Clarissa Cappelletti, international country manager at WeRoad, says it's an excellent choice for travellers looking for something beyond Italy's mainstream tourist hubs. 'Bassano del Grappa is a charming and underrated destination,' she tells Metro. 'It's particularly appealing for those on a road trip, as it sits conveniently between major cities like Venice and Padua while offering a quieter, more authentic experience.' So how about we give Venice a break and let it breathe a bit? Even its mayor is asking us to. MORE: I snooped through Jamie Oliver's kitchen — and discovered what he really thinks of McDonald's MORE: The 'Paris of the East' is an underrated gem that costs £40 to fly to MORE: Who could be the next Pope? Conclave to name Francis' successor begins at Vatican
