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Written by Robert Clarke - 15 Mar 2008
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Location notes
The Metropole hotel is located next to the Blackpool Tramway. The hotel itself has quite an interesting history, currently owned by a London based hotel group. The Metropole is the only hotel in Blackpool borough to be located on the seaward side of the tram tracks, all other hotels being on the town side of the tracks.
The first bit of track for the Blackpool and Fleetwood tramway was laid outside the hotel in 1885. Butlins bought the hotel in 1955, and sold it in 1998 to a consortium, who subsequently sold it to its present owners. Visit the Butlins memories website page,and look for Butlins hotels, for more details on the Metropole.
Incidentally, as a result of this hotel, the trams have to take to the road for a a short distance. This is the only bit of street running that the trams actually do in Blackpool itself (Clevelys, and Fleetwood are in Lancashire, not Blackpool!).
Railway type and traffic
The Blackpool and Fleetwood tramway operates both single and double deck trams, in both crew operated and driver only mode. Tickets are bought on the tram, except when using a travel card.
Environment
The hotel is located on the prom, and so the weather, while glorious in the summer, can be changeable in the autumn, and cold in the winter! You are in central Blackpool, so always take precautions against pickpockets etc. Do also watch when crossing the road. Only cross at the traffic lights, as the promenade is always busy.
Road directions
The promenade is well signposted from all routes, and the nearest landmark is the North Pier, which will probably be shown on brown signs with white lettering.

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Blackpool, Metropole Hotel map co-ordinates
Parking
There are plenty of chargeable car parks in central Blackpool. But parking is not permitted on the promenade.
Public transport
The nearest train station is Blackpool North. From there, head down Talbot Road to the promenade, turn right, and the hotel is in front of you. If your train terminates at Blackpool South, head onto Waterloo Road, and get a bus into the town centre, and then head for the North Pier. Just after it, the Metropole is in front of you.
Visit the Northern Rail website for train times.
Bus services are plentiful, and are operated by Blackpool Transport and Stagecoach in Lancashire.The nearest tram stop is North Pier.
Important: Metro Coastlines travel tickets are not valid on Stagecoach services, Stagecoach Megariders are not valid on Metro coastlines buses or trams

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Amenities
You are right in the heart of Central Blackpool, so everything is to hand.
Accommodation
Blackpool is a holiday resort, and is well blessed with accommodation. However, one point, in July every year, the World Matchplay Darts takes place at the nearby Winter Gardens. Although the capacity for each session is 2000 spectators, rest assured, more than 2000 people come for the atmosphere. visit the website of The PDC, who organize the event for actual dates.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Blackpool, Metropole Hotel

Googly map
Streetmap links
Blackpool, Metropole Hotel general view map
Blackpool, Metropole Hotel close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Blackpool, Metropole Hotel



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Photographic notes
The main thing to remember is that the trams will be sharing road space with road vehicles, so, sometimes, cars, buses etc, will get in your road, especially if you're on the other side of the road to the hotel. The trams run close enough for you to shoot videos of them, despite the traffic noise.


General views - All photographs © Robert Clarke unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south


Fig 1 - Looking south


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