Blackpool Shopping – Shops, Stores, Best Buys & Inside Tips

Blackpool Shopping

Blackpool is the place to buy “rock.” Not the stones kind of rock, but rock hard candy that was invented here and is so delightfully tasty you will want to suck on it for hours.

Blackpool Candy Rock

Nearly every shop in Blackpool will sell you “rock” of some kind. And you should take some home because everyone does, in the forms of dummies, eggs and bacon, black and white humbugs, rock in jars, pink rock, green rock, yellow rock, and striped rock. You can get almost anything made out of rock these days. Some are not for children and some might consider the designs a little distasteful not in the flavor but in the shape, like the penis-shaped rocks.

The Coronation Rock Company was founded in 1922. They sell rock throughout the UK, all over Europe and as far away as Australia. They make rock for loads of different companies and they make the best rock. They will let you visit the factory and see the rock being made. You don’t need an appointment just call in. It’s near the airport and the company’s official shop is at the back of the Tower where you cannot miss it.

Tacky, Cheap, and Cheerful

The shops range from proper department stores to the little, cramped shops and even just people walking the streets offering their wares from hold-alls. Blackpool is home to the tacky souvenir, from the sugar candy made to look like teeth to the famous “Kiss Me Quick” hat. The ultimate in tackiness can be bought here. During the summer months, you will see hoards of people walking around wearing silly hats, t-shirts with funny slogans, various wigs, masks, and fancy dress costumes, which can all be bought from one of the many seafront shops.

At night time, the fluorescent gifts come out, from yo-yo’s that light up when they spin to glow sticks and anything else that lights up. Beware that your kids will want at least one of everything and will seriously damage your bank balance only to see that they stop working by the time you board the coach to go back home.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about shopping in Blackpool.