The Gritty Back Streets of Blackpool: South Shore

[@Christopher-sj2sc]

Whether or not people choose to admit it, they love to watch a bit of poverty porn. But as ever your vlogs tell the real story of Blackpool today, you're like a modern day Ken Loach. Brilliant

[@john111257]

Ken Loach, now theres a legend

[@marilynkennedy8236]

I agree with you on your analogy with Ken Loach. I reckon Stephen could well get into film or TV directing.

[@paulwilson8825]

Ken Loach is a life long socialist. I fear that Stephen (previous comments on asylum seekers in the Metrepole etc) swings a bit more right like the rest of Blackpool (Tory voting town after all). A good dose of hard work and private entreprise will soon have this town back on its feet!

[@marilynkennedy8236]

@@paulwilson8825 As regards the directing style Ken Loach had, you could possibly liken Stephen to him. Politics maybe different.

[@marilynkennedy8236]

@@paulwilson8825 I didn't know that Blackpool was a Tory voting town.

[@tinahole2181]

I watch u every night so far very interesting its nice to c other parts of the country..as b4 u couldn't. Thanx again 😊

[@kevstraw1812]

That was absolutely brilliant! The music you had in the background added to the whole feeling of the video. You're a brave man going down them hidden back streets! Look forward to the next gritty video! Thanks Stephen !

[@CAROLS9995]

Thanks a lot Stephen. Absolutely brilliant to see the back streets, but please stay safe. Hope you're back enjoying a brew.

[@ChrisRamsbottom]

Oh my! St Helier's Road is where my grandparents moved to in 1969 when they retired to Blackpool! They moved to Brook Street, Marton after a couple of years, couldn't stand the football traffic. Thank you for filming it so I could see!

[@Andrew-rc3vh]

Those houses themselves are not deprived. You can travel all around the country and in any built up area you will see almost identical houses. They have them in London, South Coast, Manchester, down here in the South West, the Midlands. What you will see a difference in is the upkeep. The smart ones will probably be in tree lined roads to add a bit of greenery and their gardens would all look smart too. The council would keep the roads clean and resurfaced, but they are still the same houses and the same sizes. So what I'm saying is, it's not what you've got - it's what you do with it.

[@TheImatube]

Today I enjoyed binge watching your channel. Thanks for the uploads, your definitely the best Blackpool tour guide

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Cassy 🙏

[@andrewhunt3053]

Marvelous! Thank you. Love all your videos, but the sites of Blackpool we wouldn't usually see (as in this video), are my favourites.

[@Dooropen]

Becoming surprising hooked to the continuing experiences of Blackpool .with a real life perspective with an excellent view,from the presenter.

[@MonstaTrapz]

I have fond memories of our parents taking us to Blackpool, we loved it.

[@waynecheshire7878]

Congratulations you made it out alive 👍 nice shot of the tower in your intro thanks again Stephen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@dominicturner77]

I was born in Blackpool in 1977. Left in 2005. I still go back to visit family. One of the most depressing things about the town for me is the lack of trees believe it or not.

[@johnlayland6378]

I believe it. I moved from Cornwall's North coast to get away from the long wet windy winters, and the total lack of trees.

[@stephboond2400]

When you study the video quite carefully,it's quite true what you say there is hardly any tree's in Blackpool..

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

@@stephboond2400 There used to be trees, but many of them died off and were never replaced.

[@twinkle3026]

Stephen, i want to say a big thank you to you, for showing us this area, because this is where my dear late hubby Tony and i lived and we often used to buy our dinner from the KFC on Lytham rd. and do our shopping in the Tesco on Lytham rd. Your video has evoked some bitter sweet memories for me as i relax at home in Tyne and Wear, this afternoon. ... BTW, we did see people absailing down the monument in George Bancroft park, occasionally. You have this wonderful affectation, where ya say "yeah" after you have made a statement. I love it! Thank you once again. xxxx

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Twinkle. I need to do more of the same like this because it's obvious people like to see the other side of Blackpool.

[@stephboond2400]

What a great video of how Blackpool looks..I love the place always went there as a child with my sisters and brother,mum & dad in the 60's up until last year I always make a run for the rock shop the place where it's made,, absolutely gorgeous it is too.😁Thank you very much indeed for sharing your video.

[@lindenbutters9396]

Thank you for this tour so many hidden streets!

[@jennybates]

I used to live on that street. St. Heliers Rd had a cafe on the corner, that's now a private house.

[@theabandonedhunter3604]

WOW… now that was a Walk on the Wild Side! What a great video sir. I think we have to be appreciative of your bravery. Some of those ally ways were very dark and In deprived streets. Great commitment again to the Chanel but be safe doing the videos.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@richarddinning6901]

Your a fountain of knowledge. Thank you for sharing this one Stephen. It's good to learn about yourself and Blackpool.

[@Robertonnz]

Great video. It's amazing all these little houses in tiny back streets. We enjoyed that. You were brave to do it

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Rob.

[@charliesmithurst1500]

Allways a pleasure , to catch your vloggs, love your calm demeanour, and anything to do with blackpool is worth watching

[@glennsmith183]

Hi Stephen, another great video, that's what I like about your videos, you show things nobody else covers and that makes them interesting. Keep it up Stephen I know you will.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Glenn.

[@JamesSmith-iz4mv]

Fantastic brilliant video with excellent camera work and story to it love your videos your that good you could do them for TV 📺 thanks Stephen

[@fatabelly]

Great video as usual Stephen… just shows the real Blackpool isn’t all twinkling lights and rollercoasters. @3:17 “I remember when all this was waste ground”… still is haha.

[@enochpowell27]

Kate and William recently visited Grafton House Hotel (formerly) on Kirby Road (off Lytham Road). A murder scene no less. Very grim. Just a word of advice Stephen, next time you visit the grittier side of Blackpool it might be sensible to wear a concealed camera. Those iPhone pro 12's and gimbals are very popular in these parts. This is way beyond the call of duty. Stay safe lad.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Don't worry Enoch. I was using my concealed camera for this video!

[@Christopher-sj2sc]

Very true, the low level criminals and the ASBO youths which frequent these areas don't like an audience for some reason......

[@ljt3084]

You should get a job at the tourist information centre.

[@enochpowell27]

@@ljt3084 That's way above my pay grade. The Tourist board have spent decades trying to make Blackpool the #1 family holiday destination in the UK and then this. The channel is not called a Walk on the Wild Side for nothing and Stephen is as honest but brutal as they come. His courage and bravery should be commended. I recently moved to London but have written to my Blackpool North MP on two previous occasions (during Covid) but never did receive the courtesy of a response. And in the meantime my (previous) MP seems completely relaxed about spending 14 billion annually on foreign aid and giving bogus asylum seekers free bed and board at the Metropole. Utterly disgraceful and I hope this video shows just how much this area needs levelling up.

[@concorde1793]

@@ljt3084 Ha ha.....nice one

[@robb2047]

I live in this area and can say honestly that you show exactly what its like. Yes, its a very low income area, but the majority of people are caring and loving families with the same hopes and dreams as anywhere. Of course there are bad apples since people with problems tend to get dumped in the same areas, and given there are a lot of folks on benefits, most of this area are rentals. Typically, there are landlords that own many properties and only maintain them to a minimal standard, leveraging current properties to get the next, etc. Nobody appears to enforce action to repair and so the area becomes run down. This is certainly not the fault of those that occupy them. Ask almost anyone here, and I bet they would almost all prefer the properties and area were held to high standards. Keep up the filming as I'm really enjoying it!

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks for the comment. I should have mentioned the rogue landlords, who buy up all these properties just to sponge what they can out of them & do the minimal in upkeep. Quite a lot of the landlords will probably live in London or maybe Dubai, so they are very detached from the life their tenants have to live. I used to do a lot of work for rental agencies, tidying up gardens of properties after being vacated. I gave it up after getting sick of doing the really dirty work after most were left in a right state.

[@robb2047]

@@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool Yes, I have done property maintenance on behalf of overseas landlords, and it has always been a battle to persuade them to pay up for even just basic essential repairs. I guess they are just watching their profit margin. I found it quite depressing to attend some places, knowing people are struggling in horrible conditions. But at the same time, some tenants do leave awful messes behind!!

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

@@davewinst1 There is enough about Blackpool to be positive.

[@divergencefilms]

Greedy landlords (not good ones) seem to get privileged treatment from the government/authorities etc. Until that changes many areas like this won't improve.

[@catxls1835]

Very interesting video!! I personally love things like this that show the under belly of a town or city!! Thumbs up!!

[@davidoakley3812]

Stephen I take my hat off to you mate. That was for me one of the best videos I've seen of my amazing town I love how raw it looks through your lens. Mate that's why people love your channel no trying to dress the town up the story you tell is a true hounest oppion that us seasiders love. For me this is your best video and reading other commitments there's too mate keep up the great work people don't want crap like Helens loud and proud rubbish that's why everyone is tuning into you keep up the great work 👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@sammolloy3919]

Walk on the wild side is a cut ABOVE !!

[@woody41165]

That is an excellent video Stephen. Those back streets have an unusual character about them especially when it`s getting dark. Those streets may have seen better days but I still love Blackpool and I always look forward to visiting.

[@yvonnesmith8409]

Back in the olden days, love it Stephen xx

[@jamesdurber88]

Nice Video - Lytham Road been up and down many times - at the top end by HB, for some late night booze n food, but yeah its a bit run down, and sometimes a bit rough but u know i bet they have more community than many places that have had re-generation, but the video was top class! really enjoyed it! really was a walk on the wild side!

[@DalekKhan]

I really enjoyed this urban exploring video.

[@susanburbuy3453]

amazing you don't get lost love the walk around the streets,god your brave walking around them you stay save and be careful

[@yvonnesmith8409]

Amazing video as always Stephen xx

[@kaythompson6765]

My mum and Dad always stayed on Alexandra Rd and we always had a great time there.

[@fredaredfern6670]

Thank you Stephen for your interesting walk around the back scarey streets I didn’t know existed x

[@MisterSands]

Fantastic video mate I love your work.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks 🙏

[@jennybates]

Little fact about St. Peters Church. The longest serving vicar, in the diocese of Blackburn, was there for 10 1/2 years. He was the celebrant for both his daughters weddings, too.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

It doesn't really look in use, but the one over the road I have been in fairly recently.

[@blackpool321]

St Peter's church doesn't get much use now apart from soup kitchens

[@jennybates]

@@blackpool321 it's a shame. I recall it being full, every weekend, when I lived in South shore.

[@Martin_Ingham]

Steven hi! Could watch your videos all day I find you fascinating and really really knowledgeable keep safe

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Martin.

[@sandradowling4605]

Just loved this Vlog Sephen,...the brave Haha....i'd be too scared to do that walk. Anyway, thank you so much was really interesting. You take care.

[@shellydee9377]

Another brilliant upload Stephen! Those back streets would be a great film set!

[@paulinefraser4097]

Love your walking tours of Blackpool Stephen you make it so interesting 👍 and you are brave to walk some of those back alleys while it’s dark 😧 Thank you again for bringing fabulous videos to us and the best was the prom with views of the fantastic Blackpool Tower 😁 take care until next time, Pauline from Blackpool living in Canada 🍁

[@tangerinemisfit]

Love your channel. I lived in Blackpool from birth (1983) to 2010 and it’s great to see places I used to go down to watch Blackpool. Keep up the good work

[@cats2954]

Love your videos very interesting history of Blackpool please keep making videos my friend 👍

[@JustPJB]

This was a really interesting video! 👌

[@rosiecoletta5031]

Never saw those places on the Glossy postcards but I guess when you shut the door it’s gone sweet home. Good video . Thank you

[@catherinegreen7879]

Brilliant video Stephen. Loved the walk about in the small streets . It was amazing.

[@davidowen5295]

Thanks for this excellent tour of the South Shore, thoroughly enjoyed that 👍👍

[@CuteCatNorman]

I saw Adrian Street wrestling in Salford, in the late 70s.

[@zamiadams4343]

Love the "gritty" tone Stephen, all the best mate.

[@markborland3654]

Another great video Stephen as always. Keep up the great work mate. 👍

[@basil9983]

Great Vlog... Love the info you share on these walkabouts 👍👍👍

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Glad you like them!

[@rocknchips1342]

Same deal in Bournemouth Stephen, albeit on a smaller scale. Hopes and dreams for the girls of the night and few opportunities to distract them. Much love ❤️

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

I quite like Bournemouth. I did a video there last year.

[@rocknchips1342]

@@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool Yes, it's quirky town when you scratch the surface. I'm hoping to do a Bomo vlog coming Spring 👍

[@welshmanjasonpatrick8607]

Great video Steven and very interested and no sign Leroy yet hope come back next month are do visit Higgins some day thack you

[@bluemoonmcfc9097]

Really enjoyed that ste , brilliant vid

[@JennieAK547]

There's a hotel on Clarendon Road just off Lytham Road not far from the old tram depot that was featured on the channel 4 show Four In A Bed and they won. Only know this because my brother and his partner Co own it.

[@derekhenley3693]

Thank you for another great video you never know about these side streets

[@john111257]

Amazing to see, west view no lighting, wheres the lamplighter Ste

[@PsilocinThistle]

who used to live above Ceilo am sure a had a friend that lived above there also.... he was a friend of cockney dave from south shore he used to work in the south shore cafe next to old police station

[@anncapell3982]

We used that laundrette cnr Waterloo Rd when we were on holidays a three ago. We left it there and the ladies washed, dried and ironed and repacked it all for £7... well worth it.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Bargain.

[@MotoTvWoodsFarm]

enjoyed watching, usually visit Blackpool once every in 3 years camping etc. So nice to see whats changed whats new. So have many happy memories. great place well worth a visit

[@moonagedaydream4489]

That was absolutely brilliant Stephen. I could almost feel the atmosphere in those back alleys. You added to the drama by speaking quietly, when you were walking through the dark secluded areas. I think it's great that you cover all areas of Blackpool, it's very real and using your word "gritty". You did it again Stephen 😘xxx

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Glad you enjoyed it W xXx

[@billiebluesheepie2907]

I love the contrast between the really poor areas and the much nicer wealthy areas, but the wealthier an area gets the less you see as they tend to have huge fences or walls!!! Billie, (currently stuck in hospital with a broken hip - ‘cos I was running to the chippy and tripped!!!)

[@karengill8234]

Super adventure Stephen. Thanks for sharing. …….

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

My pleasure!!

[@goldenskeptic6309]

Its so sad to see a wonderful place fall to such a low. 😭

[@mikebryan7060]

Oooh I must have missed this one Stephen. Couple of comments, those town houses look really nice. Also no one kicking off outside Ma Kelley's. That is a first hey ? Great video. Although a poor area, there are actually some very well kept little houses on this video.

[@ck891]

This is seriously good content right here!

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks 🙏

[@stuartt9132]

We go around the back streets in daylight in summer on the bikes loads of interesting propeŕties hidden away.

[@d1amondh3ad2]

Bancroft park just off the back of st.heliers road, it never used to be we had a bridge going across what got demolished... bloomfield road bridge 😎

[@ukprincess9174]

Great video

[@Gary-vl5ec]

Hi Stephen, excellent video and a great intro / music. The whole video looked very professional. You are the best blogger in Blackpool. No one else comes close. However, like so many other resorts, it’s sad to see that Blackpool has deteriorated so much. Gary

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Gary.

[@gavinreid8937]

One thing I notice about the Crystal Hotel is, it has its own 4 walls adjacent to no one. I always said as a council tenant, if I bought a house it would be totally detached.

[@annem5899]

Take care Steven brilliant as always x

[@antonymugford6863]

I used to go into the launderette on Hilton Avenue. The first time was literally 51 years ago with my grandmother who lived on Hill Street. The next time was in 1983/1984 when I lived on Lytham Rd past the Lido baths, opposite the old health centre. That launderette has not changed in 50 years!!

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

I'd never even noticed before. Looks like the modern sign had fallen off, revealing to old one underneath.

[@paulbrown9802]

Ha! I just spent 3 nights in the Travelodge South Shore just next to that park! So many streets to explore but some best avoided! Haha

[@robertacollins1590]

Amazing video Stephen x

[@laincathy]

my mam and dad lived on adrian street back in the day it was nice it was the last 2 on you left

[@cwkelly9259]

Really interesting video Stephen lots of history in that walk when you think of it. Nicely done.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks 👍

[@eileen7466]

Wow Stephen....you have no fear. What a video!!!👍 Eileen....Dublin

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Eileen 👍

[@tinniswood2577]

Fascinating tour, noticed a few old red brick factory looking type buildings, I wonder what they used to be.

[@helengodfrey5648]

One of your best videos! Great intro. We watch from Australia, My husband(an Eastender) found your channel during our lockdowns last year. Look forward to your next video. Could you go up the Blackpool Tower at some stage.? Would love to see the view from up there.Cheers from Oz🇦🇺🇬🇧🍻

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

It's great to have viewers from so far away. I will do the Tower as soon as I can. I will contact them first to see if I can go up specially for a video, before it opens to the public.

[@jaynekittycat9252]

Wished I lived in Australia. Beautiful Country. 🇦🇺

[@pameladuffin9011]

Great video loved it some very run down places in Blackpool x

[@dj.valentine]

I grew up in South Shore. I love all the old red brick buildings and streets, not so much the new builds. Cool video.

[@wendyjones2351]

Hi Stephen thank you for another great video as always I suppose its like a lot of places some parts are nice some arnt some streets where I live i wouldn't want to go down lol lots of interesting streets in Blackpool though tower looks amazing as always take care xx

[@bigmuller1]

What do they see in swingers ..little ones got a swing in back garden...I cant see the attraction at all

[@jen6251]

Brilliant video as always

[@juliec70]

Your braver than me Stephen going down them Allys in the dark great video though places we don't get to see ty 😊

[@petertheaker9015]

Great video my friend sad news about bonny Street Market not much notice one month had many a bargain there cheers Pearl you out there love Blackpool me Peter t darlington 👍👍

[@christinemckay5949]

It's so depressing walking from the car parks there to the promenade, I was shocked. Such a shame, boarded up shops and run down crumbling houses I wish something could be done about that area in front of the football ground xx

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

There is development going on, as can be seen, but most properties in this area are declining faster than they can keep up.

[@sammolloy3919]

@@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool Your videos are great Stephen. Thankyou. Judging by the gaps in the terraces its only a matter of time before entire rows of streets are bulldozed. Love Blackpool but this is the reality.

[@auditingbritain1524]

Have you looked down North shore? It is the deprived area in Blackpool. On this video you are in whats none as central Blackpool. South shore starts at Dean Street. South side of Blackpool is the best side of Blackpool.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

I'll do North Shore soon.

[@chrisholt1564]

There used to be some cracking bands on in the Royal Oak

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

They still do have bands on, but they have stiff competition from the Waterloo a bit further down.

[@aristahenriot7450]

Thanks for showing the streets I never knew existed x

[@factorylad5071]

So they have a dog kennels in the singers hotel too then? As if to say my new partner will get on with my old dog or do I need new dog aswell?

[@dawnmurphy472]

Hi Steven , another good quality video 😊

[@theculturedthug6609]

I was doing security in Blackpool for someone in 2013 and stayed in the most vile of hotels never again.

[@chrishilton3139]

What was the name of the swingers hotel ? Asking for a friend

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Lol it's the Paradise. Link in the description. The co owner @Sandywild69 is quite popular on Twitter.

[@MrVxrman]

I enjoyed that Stephen 😎 Many thanks for sharing 😊🍻👍🏻

[@stanleydobson382]

Stephen, my childhood holidays were spent in Blackpool staying in a Waterloo Rd boarding house. What happened to the white windmill that sat on the promenade?

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Ahh, the windmill. Long gone.

[@stanleydobson382]

@@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool As a child Blackpool was such an evocative place full of Vibrant colours, sights, sounds and almost like a surreal type of holiday. Thanks for little jaunts and stories. 👌

[@juliefoster2812]

It's great that you show the backstreets like this.It might make the council/ government take notice.Unfortunately there are grim streets like this all over the country.Something needs to be done and also people need to take more pride in their area.Are there any volunteer litterpickers in that area.Keep up the good work with all of your videos.

[@jaynekittycat9252]

I agree, Councils don't seem to care. It's the same in the Midlands. Can't believe some of the streets. I blame the people. There is no pride or respect anymore.

[@curbyourshi1056]

Blackpool cares about the tourists, not the residents.

[@divergencefilms]

The country needs a 'Keep Britain Tidy' campaign like in the 1970s

[@janethalken8269]

I live in a tiny farm town in the Midwest of the U.S., I think this area has such a mystery to it, I would love to buy a house here. Maybe when I get rich enough to travel!

[@denisebell8422]

Another brilliant video

[@ashleybrocklehurst2659]

The start of the journey at st. hielea's (Or however you spell it, never bothered to learn!) was just around the corner from my house, wild! It's interesting to see South shore in such detail like this, despite living in this area for pretty much all my life, i never really took much notice of everything around here For bankroft Park, it used to be a bit differemt, the grass with the path used to be an actual kids playground with tarmac flooring and play areas like swings, a couple spinners, a slide and some other stuff. I believe it was replaced with a new kids area further left from the entrance. As for the climbing towers, I've definitely seen people climbing them when I've hung around the park in my early teen years but nowadays I'm not sure since i don't visit or pass the park much.

[@d1amondh3ad2]

St.heliers road 😏