4
Stop here for lots of pretty orbs (Mirror Ball and solar system sculpture)
I think the Blackpool tram stops are generally good, but one of the things that I find most frustrating is when there is no easy and safe way to cross the road to and from the platforms. I was therefore delighted to find pedestrian crossings at either end of the platforms at Harrow Place. Mind you – it is still a little bit of a walk, or wheel in my case, from the end to the platform to the crossing, but 50 to 100 metres away is much better than non-existent.
I took the tram (and tram replacement bus on my second try) to Harrow Place to visit the Solaris Centre, as I wanted to see the café and the Changing Places toilet, but I was a little too late on my first try and on my second attempt, they were closed because of the storm (that had also suspended the tram). I still enjoyed visiting Solaris Park and the lovely solar system sculpture there, though, despite the awful weather.
Harrow Place tram stop is also close to the Mirror Ball, which is opposite the pedestrian crossing north of the platforms, but if you want to get close to it, bear in mind that there are only stairs leading up to it at that end. For step free access, you will have to go all the way south past the platforms until you get to the bus stop. There you will be able to cross the tracks with lowered curbs and tactile markings and then take the ramp up to the seafront promenade on the other side. It is about 200 metres from the ramp to the Mirror Ball.
I think the Blackpool tram stops are generally good, but one of the things that I find most frustrating is when there is no easy and safe way to cross the road to and from the platforms. I was therefore delighted to find pedestrian crossings at either end of the platforms at Harrow Place. Mind you – it is still a little bit of a walk, or wheel in my case, from the end to the platform to the crossing, but 50 to 100 metres away is much better than non-existent.
I took the tram (and tram replacement bus on my second try) to Harrow Place to visit the Solaris Centre, as I wanted to see the café and the Changing Places toilet, but I was a little too late on my first try and on my second attempt, they were closed because of the storm (that had also suspended the tram). I still enjoyed visiting Solaris Park and the lovely solar system sculpture there, though, despite the awful weather.
Harrow Place tram stop is also close to the Mirror Ball, which is opposite the pedestrian crossing north of the platforms, but if you want to get close to it, bear in mind that there are only stairs leading up to it at that end. For step free access, you will have to go all the way south past the platforms until you get to the bus stop. There you will be able to cross the tracks with lowered curbs and tactile markings and then take the ramp up to the seafront promenade on the other side. It is about 200 metres from the ramp to the Mirror Ball.
