Blackpool Tower

Icon of the entire resort, and adding a singular touch of grace to the seafront, there's no better place to kick off a day in Blackpool than the famous Tower – built in 1894 and relic of those halcyon days when British resorts could genuinely think, "well, if Paris has got one, why not us...?". It makes a dramatic statement of intent – and, just like its French counterpart, the closer you get, the bigger you realise it is. Nor is it just something to just go up for the views, though that's a huge part of the attraction – since the earliest days the Tower has been a full visitor experience, containing the wonderful institution that is the Tower Ballroom (where every day is 'Strictly' day), and an animal-free circus, the latter built between the Tower's four mighty legs. Meanwhile – as part of the rebranded experience that is the "Blackpool Tower Eye" – you get a 4D cinema show with Blackpool centre-stage before taking the lift up to the rather sensational glass-floored Skywalk for unnerving tower-top views. The Blackpool Tower Dungeon (think London Dungeon, you know the drill) and Jungle Jim's indoor adventure centre complete the Tower's attractions. There are all sorts of combo tickets and deals available (some including other attractions, see the website), though you can walk in and see some parts for free – basically the lower-level viewing areas and the ballroom balcony. But if you want to dance to the Wurlitzer and ride to the top – and. let's face it, and who doesn't? – you'll have to pay.