It’s fair to say that Blackpool and Benidorm share a lot more than just the same letter at the start of their name. Both holiday destinations have seemingly been tarred with the same brush – viewed by many as low class destinations that are for party revellers only.

Nevertheless, those who are willing to look beyond pure elitism will see Blackpool and Benidorm for what they really are – two of the liveliest and most fun holiday destinations on the planet, and isn’t having a good time what a holiday should really be all about? However, if you’re weighing up your options between the two resorts which should get your vote?

Let them entertain you

Blackpool and Benidorm are well-established as entertainment capitals with cabaret shows, drag acts, singers, hypnotists and kids entertainers to be found in both areas almost every night of the week.

Benidorm is often viewed as an adult destination but it has plenty of family entertainment on offer. There are clowns for the children; comedians such as Gareth Fulton, the comedy hypnotist and Jason Kane, Benidorm’s longest surviving entertainer; ventriloquists including Rikki Stevens; and dance acts such as Mini Jackson. If you prefer something for an older crowd then check out Dangerous Brian, a unique comedy act for the open minded; and Dinah Rodd, a drag act with a difference. There are also plenty of tribute acts to enjoy, whether you’re a fan of ABBA, Amy Winehouse, Adele or the Black Eyed Peas.

There is something for everyone in the bars around Benidorm too – whether you’re a fan of karaoke, discos or you just want to watch some live sports. For example, the Guinness Bar is the place to go if you’re missing a proper pint; Heartbreak has sports on its big screens; and Tiki Beach has quality live music and a non-stop happy hour on certain drinks.

Meanwhile, the entertainment scene during a stay in Blackpool is all about contrasts. Its beautiful Grand Theatre has a year-round programme of live performances ranging from opera and ballet; to comedies, musicals and children’s shows; while the Empress Ballroom attracts some of the country’s top bands and artists. Elsewhere, the Sands Venue plays host to the best tribute bands and the finest jazz acts; while St John’s, with its dancing fountain and new Wave sculpture also hosts a variety of events and entertainment throughout the year.

Blackpool will also oblige if you want to party until the early hours with plenty of nightclubs and bars to choose from. Among the best are: Flares Nightclub with its sensational 70s bar and disco; Roxy’s, which has five levels to explore with a host of drag acts; Che Bar and Coco, which attracts some of Blackpool’s most legendary DJs; Revolution Blackpool, with more than 30 different flavoured vodka infusions; and Flamingo’s, one of the oldest gay nightclubs in the country.

Daytime delights

You could be fooled into thinking that Blackpool and Benidorm are all about the nightlife scene – but there is plenty to do in both venues during the day too.

Benidorm boasts some of the best theme parks in Europe, including: Terra Mitica Fun Park, with incredible rides and shows all around the park; Aqualandia with water thrills galore; and Mundomer which allows you to delve into the world of some spectacular marine life and exotic birds. Of course Benidorm is also famous for its beaches, which are among the best in Spain – the likes of Levante, Poniente and Malpas provide the perfect sun-soaked settings after a hard night of partying.

Blackpool meanwhile is packed with thrills and excitement that understandably make it Britain’s most popular holiday destination. If you want a hair-raising experience, check out the world famous Pleasure Beach Resort with the Pepsi Max Big One; or the world’s largest indoor water rollercoaster slide at Sandcastle Waterpark. There’s the iconic Blackpool Tower to take photographs from; weird and wonderful creatures in the SEA Life Centre; famous celebrities at Madame Tussauds; and both the weird and the wonderful at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. And of course you may want to time your visit to coincide with the world famous Blackpool Illuminations that run from September to November each year.

Our verdict – Blackpool on a budget or Benidorm

It’s amazing that two resorts in such contrasting countries can have so many similarities – but Blackpool and Benidorm were surely separated at birth.

Both are entertainment capitals, attracting families and adult revellers alike. Both have pretty beaches to lounge on during the day; theme parks to set pulses racing; and bars and nightclubs that will ensure you don’t go to bed early. Of course Benidorm can usually offer better weather than Blackpool – but given its traditions and family atmosphere, maybe you should take another look at Britain’s finest before booking a flight abroad.

Friday: Norwich on a budget or Lviv.