Blackpool 

Until the 19th century Blackpool was an upmarket resort. All that changed in 1846 when the railways linked the town with all of the major centres of Lancashire and Yorkshire. and the overworked factory workers flooded in to enjoy the seven miles of glorious, sandy beach.

Before long the town boasted, three piers, each with its own theatre, one Tower, the Winter Gardens, the Golden Mile, endless amusements and the world famous illuminations. There is absolutely nothing understated about Blackpool and its raison d’etre is the pursuit of fun.

The Blackpool Tower, which is a small-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower, has a ballroom, an aquarium, a circus, an indoor adventure playground and an observation deck at 518ft. That said, the top dog of Blackpool attractions has to be the Pleasure Beach, which boasts more top rides than anyone could handle in one sitting. The Pepsi Max Big One is Europe’s tallest and fastest roller coaster and will have you hurtling towards the Irish Sea at a pant-wetting 87mph.

Blackpool is fast emerging as one of the gay community’s favourite resorts and is quite rightly proud of its pink bits. Many of the best clubs and bars are centred on Talbot Road and feature venues such as the Flying Handbag and Mardi Gras.