When the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre opened at Trafford Centre, Manchester, on 23 March 2010, Blackpool was chosen as one of the North West’s most recognisable destinations to feature within its impressive MINILAND attraction. Constructed entirely from LEGO bricks, the miniature recreation celebrated many of the resort’s best-known landmarks and introduced thousands of visitors to Blackpool in a unique and imaginative way. At the heart of the display stands Blackpool Tower, faithfully recreated in miniature and instantly recognisable against the surrounding skyline. Nearby, sections of the Golden Mile, the historic piers and Blackpool Pleasure Beach were also represented, capturing the vibrant character of Britain’s most famous seaside resort. The models were designed to reflect the atmosphere of the town, with animated lighting, moving features and interactive elements bringing the miniature landscape to life.
Blackpool Tower in Lego
The Blackpool display forms part of MINILAND, an intricate model of the North West built using more than 1.5 million LEGO bricks by specialist LEGO model makers. Visitors can activate moving vehicles, trains and attractions at the touch of a button, while hundreds of hidden LEGO characters are scattered throughout the scenes, encouraging closer exploration and rewarding repeat visits.
The decision to include Blackpool alongside major cities and regional landmarks reflected the town’s enduring significance as one of the country’s leading tourist destinations. Although condensed into a relatively small area, the model successfully captured many of the features that have defined Blackpool for generations, from its iconic skyline to its reputation for entertainment and family attractions.
Since opening, the Blackpool section of MINILAND has introduced countless children and families to the resort through the medium of LEGO. For many visitors, it has provided a memorable miniature interpretation of the town and demonstrated how Blackpool’s most famous landmarks continue to inspire audiences beyond the Fylde Coast.
Images by © Mitchell Morton
