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Blackpool Tower is the most famous tourist attraction in the town of Blackpool, Lancashire, in northern England. Blackpool Tower is 158 m (518 ft 9 in) tall and was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It cost £42,000 GBP to construct, and it first opened to the public on 14 May 1894.
Blackpool is a popular seaside resort, and the Blackpool Tower, with its beachfront location, is the main attraction. Blackpool Tower is lit during the annual illuminations, when the town and seafront are adorned with colourful displays of bulbs that stretch up and down the waterfront for several kilometres.
The Blackpool Tower complex houses the world famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the equally famous 'Mighty Wurlitzer Organ' where Reginald Dixon played for 40 years. The Wurlitzer is still played on a daily basis in the main holiday season.
Unlike the Eiffel Tower, Blackpool Tower is not free-standing: its base is hidden by a building housing the Blackpool Tower circus. Before going to the top of the tower, people climb up through several levels of attractions, including the circus, Out of This World, a dinosaur ride, an aquarium, and a ballroom. The top of the tower is accessed by two lifts. There are four viewing platforms open to the public, the lower of which is completely enclosed. These afford views of much of Lancashire, Winter Hill, southern Cumbria, North Wales, and the Isle of Man, in addition to Blackpool and the rest of the Fylde peninsula.
An additional two platforms and the "crow's nest" are only accessible to staff. The enclosed lower platform contains a glass floor above the south-west leg that allows visitors to look down on the street below. The tower is topped by a flagpole, which normally flies the Union flag except during the illuminations when the flagpole is lit by nearly one hundred lamps.
Blackpool Tower facts:
- Blackpool Tower was used as a RAF radar station for a time during World War II, when it was known as RAF Tower.
- Blackpool Tower is used as a transmission location by a local FM station (RadioWave 96.5) and a variety of non-broadcast services.
- Blackpool Tower is normally painted dark red, but for its centenary in 1994 was painted gold.
- In 1900, Blackpool Tower was rebuilt with 14 platforms.
- Blackpool Tower is not free-standing: its base is hidden by a building housing the Blackpool Tower circus.
- Blackpool Tower is currently owned by Trevor Hemmings who also owned Grand National Winner Hedgehunter.
- Blackpool Tower is a member of the World Federation of Great Towers.
- Blackpool Tower cost £42,000 GBP to construct.
- Blackpool Tower first opened to the public on 14 May 1894.
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