Seeing the Illuminations properly

When

The Illuminations run from late summer to early January, along roughly six miles of seafront from Starr Gate to Bispham. They switch on at dusk and run late into the evening, later at weekends.

The best way to see them

• By tram — sit upstairs on the seaward side. In peak season illuminated heritage trams run as well; these are the ones people photograph.
• On foot — the mile between the Tower and North Pier has the densest displays and the best tableaux.
• By car — the classic drive, but expect to crawl on Friday and Saturday nights. Drive north to south and set off before full dark.

Avoiding the worst of it

• Switch-on weekend is the busiest night of the Blackpool year. Come the following midweek instead.
• Park once, away from the seafront, and use the tram.
• Weeknights in October are quieter than any weekend in September.

Make an evening of it

Eat early, walk the Prom while it is still light, watch the lights come on from a pier, then ride the tram to Bispham and back. Staying on the seafront means you can do all of it without a car.