Only an hour away from Manchester and Liverpool, Blackpool is a beacon of training opportunity, located on the edge of the Fylde coast. Combining the bright lights of a tourist town, with the surroundings of the sea and countryside, Blackpool has witnessed considerable regeneration over the past decade, with the town centre, promenade and tramways seeing dramatic makeovers.
And while the seaside town will always be a hedonistic highlight for stag and hen parties, and an ideal destination for a British family holiday, the 150,000 residents of Blackpool can manage to go for weeks without seeing the sea or visiting the Pleasure Beach!
“Blackpool has a host of activities to fill your leisure time, from the conventional to the more unique. There are also plenty of opportunities for sports and outdoor pursuits. As most Trainees tend to live in and around Blackpool, it’s usually pretty easy to find company for these activities, too!”
Travel further inland to live as a local, and you’ll see the wonderful Stanley Park, impressive Sport Blackpool facilities, numerous libraries and thriving businesses within the town’s local districts. Add to this, two multiplex cinemas, an art gallery, two state of the art football grounds, two theatres (home to Blackpool Rocks!), several outdoor entertainment areas and many fantastic pubs, restaurants and cafes. And if you’re tempted by the tourist spots, locals are offered discounts at many places!
Foundation Trainees can live on site or in the many private properties available within walking distance of the hospital. With such good transport connections, some Trainees even commute from their home towns!
“Though it is just about possible to commute from Manchester, I would recommend living in Blackpool for a period of time or at least getting to know the area. If you’d rather not live in Blackpool itself, there are a few nice, quieter areas that you might prefer to live in, such as Lytham St Annes and Poulton-Le-Fylde.”
Blackpool can be reached easily along the M6 and taking the exit for the M55, or via plenty of connecting bus and train services from neighbouring cities, such as Preston. And we’re only a stone’s throw from the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, for those weekends when you really need a break!
For more information about Blackpool, please visit the Visit Blackpool and Blackpool Council websites.