As a Scot when I think of a pier I think of a short wooden structure which is used primarily as a means to get onto a boat but may also be used for fishing. The English however built many leisure piers during Victorian times so that people could walk out into sea and breathe some sea air even if the tide was out. Blackpool has three of these piers which are still used for leisure purposes today. Central pier, as the name suggests, is around half way along the golden mile and is right in the heart of the tourist area of Blackpool. Central Pier was opened in 1868 and is almost a quarter of a mile long. Many of the original features are still visible such as the ...  Read the complete review

OK place to spend an hour or so. Advise to AVOID the DARTS throwing game near the centre of the pier. Trader was RACIST, shouting out "willy wolly wing wong" at myself and my girlfriend as I walked passed. Not once, but twice - on the way passed, and on the return. With me being of Chinese decent, this was highly offensive and was not appropriate. I thought this was meant to be a family orientated attraction?

Last week found me in Blackpool for the day with my daughter. Day trips run from the west coast of Scotland throughout the year, and I wanted my daughter to experience the town for a day before deciding whether we would want to come back for longer in the future. So we booked a trip with Parks of Hamilton which would give us 6 hours in the town. I have not visited Blackpool in many years - the last time I was there was as a teenager back in 1981 so clearly much has changed. My memories of previous day trips from childhood were ostensibly of the beach and the piers. This time my companion was my 12 year old daughter, and for her the ...  Read the complete review

Since I have now submitted my opinions on both the North Pier and the South Pier at Blackpool I felt that I couldn’t leave out the Central Pier – it just wouldn’t be fair! Anyway someone has already made the remark that I have completed two opinions in my ‘trilogy’ so now I’ll do the third! I’ll start by saying that the Central Pier, like the other two piers, has free access at all times. You must know by now that I do like a bargain so this is a big plus point for me. The Central Pier, not surprisingly, is situated in between the North and South Piers, roughly opposite the Tower. It is easily accessible by the ...  Read the complete review

For me a seaside resort is not complete without a pier and judging by the number of people who were on the piers at Blackpool they still are a big draw for many visitors to the town. The Central Pier was originally called the South Jetty and was built in 1868 and is 336 metres long. There is a big amusement arcade at the start of the pier, but then you come out to the Big Wheel. This is an outstanding attraction of Blackpool and can be seen from anywhere on the seafront. (A good guide if you get a bit lost). I am told that there is a magnificent view over Blackpool from the top, but I am afraid I am not going up there to see it. Further up the ...  Read the complete review