Stick of Rock

A seaside stick of rock is a traditional British sweet treat that is closely associated with coastal towns and seaside resorts. It is a hard, cylinder-shaped sweet that is designed to be licked. It is often brightly coloured with swirls or other eye-catching patterns and usually comes with a message, or the name of the resort (‘Blackpool’), etched into the centre of the stick so that it is visible until consumed. Typically flavoured with peppermint, though other tasty flavours like fruit are also popular. Blackpool is often credited as the birthplace of the stick of rock, as it became a hub for seaside tourism during the Victorian era. The candy was a clever way to create a memorable souvenir for visitors.

Stick of rock is popular because it’s a traditional British seaside treat tied to seaside trips and coastal holidays. Its bright, colourful designs, bold lettering, and sweet minty flavour make it deliciously addictive. It’s also a fun souvenir - cheap, easy to carry, and often bearing the name of the seaside town, which adds to its charm. Plus, the simple joy of trying to bite through the hard centre is all part of the holiday fun.

Stick of rock can be found in most British seaside towns, particularly in places like Blackpool, Great Yarmouth and Bournemouth. It’s commonly available from beach vendors, amusement arcade kiosks, and souvenir shops. Local towns and cities with a coastal link also often have it for sale in sweet shops and in markets. Some of the best seaside stick of rock can be found close to the Central Pier Arcade in Blackpool. It can also be purchased at the Factory Rock Shop, next to the Tower Cinema Amusement Arcades in Skegness. In Great Yarmouth, there are two stick of rock manufacturers on Regents Street Docwras and Potters, and many places on the seafront stock rock, including Kandy Land next door to Caesars Palace Amusement Arcade. Lastly, if you're near the capital then, The Rockery can be found next door to the Happidrome Arcade in Southend-on-Sea.