Blackpool, borough and unitary authority (2021 est. pop. 138,380), Lancashire, NW England, on the Irish Sea. Famed as a traditionally working-class resort (with often inhospitable weather), Blackpool has 7 mi (11.3 km) of beaches and promenades, many sport and amusement facilities, and a tower 520 ft (158 m) high, modeled on the Eiffel Tower. Since the 1970s, however, tourism has been hurt by inexpensive travel abroad. Its manufactures include electronics and transportation equipment. A major conference and convention center, Blackpool hosted the Labour party's annual meeting for 70 years before 1998.
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