Blackpool is a seaside destination that evokes nostalgic memories for countless visitors, but many people are convinced it has lost some of its former charms.
Renowned for its iconic piers, bustling arcades, sandy shores, and the legendary Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the town once provided endless entertainment during its golden era.
However, those who haven’t been there for a few years are curious about its current state and whether it merits a modern-day visit.
On Reddit’s ‘Ask’ forum, one user enquired: “Is Blackpool really awful? I went YEARS ago as a kid and don’t really remember it. I know it’s got a reputation for being terrible (seedy, run-down, tacky) but was just wondering what it’s like these days!”
The tourist received a mixed bag of responses from fellow users.
While some acknowledged it doesn’t match its former glory, others insisted it wasn’t “all bad”.
“It’s not all doom and gloom, last time I was there I got a greasy Full English and coffee for £4,” one person revealed.
Several commenters admitted they remembered their childhood Blackpool experiences through “rose-tinted glasses”.
However, one critic delivered a scathing verdict: “It’s literally one of the worst places and most deprived places in the entire country. Full of dereliction.”
Meanwhile a local resident offered a more balanced perspective: “I live in Blackpool. There are areas that one could only describe as urban hell. Yet there are also some lovely areas.”
Residents have voiced mixed feelings about the state of their town, with one local highlighting both the charm and challenges of Blackpool. The individual pointed out: “The town centre is in need of regeneration and a fresh coat of paint and many areas behind the promenade have been left to rot. We have very few green spaces and hardly any trees in the centre.”
They continued to describe the less appealing aspects: “There is a lot of dereliction, a lot of deprivation, a lot of crime and a lot of dirt.”
However, they also noted the positives: “On the plus side, the people are extremely friendly, the nightlife is fun, the promenade has loads to do for families and adults alike. The beach is vast, and we have some of the most amazing sunsets I have ever seen. It has a thriving LGBTQ scene, too.
“Most people from Blackpool agree there are problems here, yet we always defend it. On the same note, many people come here and have an amazing time, then complain about how horrible the place is.”
They added a broader perspective: “Scratch the surface in any seaside town and you will find the same problems. Blackpool wears its heart on its sleeve”.
Another local offered a stark comparison: “It’s a Jekyll and Hyde kind of place. Very s***, but also possible to have a really good day out there”. Meanwhile, a man shared his vision for the town’s future: “The way I like to describe Blackpool is, it’s a town with potential, a town that with the right targeted investment (mostly working class semi-skilled jobs) could turn itself around fairly quickly.”
He elaborated on the town’s assets: “The infrastructure is there, the potential workforce is there, and the social life is there. It just needs something to drive the local economy in the off-season. Logistics, manufacturing, warehouses – they could all do well in Blackpool, I think”.
An enthusiast of the local area extolled the virtues of residing close to Blackpool, noting: “The best thing about Blackpool is having it nearby if you live in the Fylde. Growing up, it was very handy having Blackpool within easy train/bus/cycling distance to go to the Pleasure Beach, ice rink, Sandcastle, Coral Island, etc, to have something to do before we were old enough to get into pubs”.