9 pictures of Blackpool hotels which are the oldest in the resort from The Cliffs to the Metropole
By Claire Lark
Published 7th Mar 2023, 13:08 BST
Updated 4th Mar 2024, 14:51 BST
They are the most well-known, the ones people search for to book a holiday and those which have survived the test of time - including some which span more than two centuries.
They are nine of Blackpool and the Fylde’s oldest places to stay and some have been around since the 1700s. Did you know that the Metropole Hotel is the only seaward side hotel in Blackpool? Or that the Norbreck Castle Hotel started out as a place for lavish, private parties? The pictures are contrasted with scenes from how they look today. They have incredible histories and still have pride of place in our resort.
The Metropole is one of Blackpool's oldest hotels and construction work originally began in 1776. It is the only Blackpool hotel to sit directly on the shoreline. It was originally named Bailey's Hotel and opened in 1785 Photo: National World
The Imperial Hotel is probably the most well-known Blackpool Hotel and has been the premier accommodation choice for celebrities in Blackpool, politicians and even Charles Dickens. It opened on June 27th 1867 Photo: National World
The Norbreck Castle Hotel was originally built as a large private country house in 1869 by JH Shorrocks. He used to entertain friends and colleagues at lavish weekend parties which became so popular, it led to Mr Shorrocks running them commercially by charging guests. In 1923 he named the hotel Norbreck Hydro adding a ballroom, swimming pool and solarium Photo: National World
The Grand Hotel in St Annes was built in 1897 F W Catterall for Mrs Rose Holloway who ran it as what was known locally as 'The Golfers Hotel'. It was among the sand dunes in those days and was an isolated spot but its proximity to the golf club made perfect business sense Photo: National World