Blackpool is widely considered the epitome of the classical
seaside resort. The most visible part of the Blackpool experience
is the tower. It was conceived as an answer to the Eiffel Tower in
Paris and in its sheltering arms a number of amusement attractions
sprang up so it could continue to make money in bad weather. The
tower was intended to copy Paris' famous landmark, and was even
supposed to originally be called "Blackpool Eiffel Tower." Though
it's not as tall as the Eiffel Tower, it appears more sturdy.
That's because it is subject to the battering of storms that roll
in off the sea.
Looming over Blackpool’s Golden Mile, the Tower has to be the
most famous seaside landmark in England. The Tower is 519ft or 158m
tall and was first opened to the public on 14 May 1894. It's the
centrepiece of the illuminations that light up the Blackpool
seafront every autumn.
There is a time capsule in the cornerstone of the Blackpool
Tower. It contains a record with the voice of the man who laid the
cornerstone along with newspapers and other period items. There
used to be a very small zoo which included a lion. There is still a
ballroom in the tower. The tower was built on the same site as an
aquarium. The tanks were built into the tower's design. The tower
has a "walk of faith." Parts of the floor are made from clear
material that you can walk over while looking down.