In 1781, a private road facilitated access to Blackpool's seven miles of sandy beach, attracting visitors from Manchester and Halifax. Originally a coastal hamlet, Blackpool gained popularity in the mid-18th century as seaside travel became fashionable for well-being.
The population of the community based on the 2021 census is 141,000, a drop of 0.7% from the 2011 census (142,100). Positioned by the Irish Sea, it lies between the Ribble and Wyre rivers, approximately 27 miles (43 km) north of Liverpool and 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Manchester.
It is the main settlement of its wider borough.
