Blackpool Travel Guide

Explore Blackpool, a vibrant British seaside town with stunning natural sights, exciting attractions, delicious local cuisine, and a rich cultural heritage. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know before visiting, including transport, accommodations, and must-see destinations.


Introduction to Blackpool

Located in Lancashire, in the North West of England, Blackpool is a popular seaside town steeped in history and culture. This vibrant town is known for its stunning natural sights, exciting attractions, delicious local cuisine, and colorful nightlife. Whether you’re a family looking for a fun-filled vacation or a couple seeking a romantic getaway, Blackpool has something to offer to everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Blackpool

Here’s our list of the top places to visit in Blackpool:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Blackpool Tower: One of the most iconic landmarks of Blackpool, the tower offers stunning views of the seafront and the town. The tower also houses the famous Tower Ballroom, where you can dance the night away.
  • The Blackpool Illuminations: A yearly event from late August to early November, this illuminated display is a must-do attraction. The entire promenade is lit up with thousands of colorful lights, and there are numerous events and shows to enjoy.
  • Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Nickelodeon Land: A popular amusement park with thrilling rides and attractions for all ages. The Nickelodeon Land section of the park is perfect for young children.
  • The Grand Theatre: This historic theatre is known for staging popular productions and musicals throughout the year.

Natural Attractions of Blackpool: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Blackpool Beach and Promenade: A perfect spot for seaside activities like sunbathing, swimming, and strolling along the promenade.
  • Blackpool Zoo: A must-visit destination for animal lovers, the zoo is home to over 1,500 animals from all over the world.
  • Stanley Park: A beautiful public park with a boating lake, a golf course, and stunning gardens.
  • The Lake District: Although not in Blackpool, the Lake District is only a short drive away and is one of the most scenic parts of the country, offering breathtaking views and great hiking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Blackpool

Blackpool has several walking and cycling trails that offer stunning views of the town’s natural beauty. The following are some of the best routes that you can explore:

  • The Coastal Walk: This 5-mile walk takes you along the town’s famous seafront and offers stunning views of the beach and the town.
  • The Blackpool Heritage Trail: This walking tour takes you through the town’s history, with stops at historic buildings and landmarks.
  • The Blackpool to Fleetwood Bike Path: This 11-mile cycling route takes you from Blackpool to the neighboring town of Fleetwood, offering panoramic views of the coast.

Best Things to Do in Blackpool: Activities and Tours

Whether you want to enjoy the town’s attractions or take part in some exciting activities, there are plenty of things to do in Blackpool. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Blackpool Tower Dungeon: An interactive attraction that takes you through the town’s dark history, with live actors and special effects.
  • Sandcastle Waterpark: A water-filled adventureland with numerous slides and pools for all ages.
  • Blackpool Ghost Walks: A guided tour of the town’s most haunted locations, led by storytellers and experts on the paranormal.
  • The Blackpool Big Ticket: A bundled package that includes entry to several of the town’s top attractions, including the Tower, Madame Tussauds, and the Sea Life Centre.

Week-Long Itinerary for Blackpool

If you’re planning on spending a week in Blackpool, here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time:

Day Activity
1 Explore the beach and promenade, visit the Blackpool Tower, and watch a show at the Tower Ballroom.
2 Spend the day at the Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Nickelodeon Land.
3 Visit the Blackpool Zoo and explore Stanley Park.
4 Take a walk along the Coastal Walk and enjoy the Blackpool Illuminations at night.
5 Head out to the Lake District for a day of hiking and sightseeing.
6 Enjoy the Sandcastle Waterpark and take a Blackpool Ghost Walk at night.
7 Visit Madame Tussauds and the Sea Life Centre, and enjoy a relaxing day at the beach.

Food and Drink Scene of Blackpool

Blackpool has a vibrant food and drink scene, with numerous local specialties that you must try during your visit.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Blackpool Rock: The town’s signature candy, this sweet treat comes in various flavors and is a popular souvenir to take back home.
  • Fish and Chips: A classic British dish, the fish and chips in Blackpool are some of the best in the country.
  • Lancashire Hotpot: A hearty lamb and potato stew, this dish is a must-try for meat lovers.
  • Blackpool Pudding: A sweet, creamy dessert made with milk, sugar, and bread.

Local Beverages

  • Thwaites Beer: This local brewery produces several types of beer, including the popular Wainwright Golden Ale.
  • Ribble Valley Gin: A locally crafted gin that uses locally sourced botanicals, this spirit is perfect for cocktails and gin and tonics.

Where to Stay in Blackpool: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Blackpool offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets. Here are some of our top picks:

  • The Big Blue Hotel: A luxury hotel located next to the Pleasure Beach, this hotel offers stunning views of the coast and has an onsite spa.
  • The Grand Metropole Hotel: This historic hotel is located on the promenade and offers easy access to all the town’s top attractions.
  • The Royal Carlton Hotel: A family-run hotel that offers comfortable rooms and a warm welcome.

What to Buy in Blackpool: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs to take back home, Blackpool has plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Blackpool Rock: The town’s signature candy, this sweet treat comes in various flavors and is a popular souvenir to take back home.
  • Seaside Souvenirs: Numerous shops and stalls along the promenade offer unique and quirky souvenirs, from postcards to beach towels.
  • Lancashire Cheese: A local specialty, this cheese is creamy and tangy and is perfect for cheese boards and sandwiches.

Local Culture and Customs of Blackpool

Blackpool has a proud local culture, rooted in its coastal heritage and its famous landmarks. The town is known for its warm and welcoming locals, who are always ready to help tourists with their queries and give recommendations.

Best Time to Visit Blackpool

The best time to visit Blackpool depends on your personal preferences. The peak tourist season is from June to September, when the weather is warm, and the town is buzzing with activity. However, this is also the busiest time, and accommodations can be expensive.

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, visit the town in the shoulder season, from April to May and from September to October, when the crowds are thinner, but the weather is still warm.

Do’s and Don’ts of Blackpool

Here are some basic do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Blackpool:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Explore the town’s attractions and natural sights.
  • Try the local cuisine and buy souvenirs.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Be rude to locals or other tourists.
  • Ignore the safety warnings on the beaches.

Safety and Health

When visiting Blackpool, it’s essential to be aware of the safety and health measures in place to ensure a safe and healthy visit.

Safety in Blackpool

  • Follow all safety rules and regulations at the town’s attractions.
  • Stay within designated swimming areas on the beach.
  • Don’t leave valuables unattended or out of sight.

Health in Blackpool

  • Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen when spending time outdoors.
  • Follow all health and safety measures at local restaurants and food stalls.
  • Seek medical attention if you experience any health problems during your visit.

Getting to Blackpool: Transportation Options and Logistics

Blackpool is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Here are some options to consider:

Airports Near Blackpool

  • Manchester Airport: The nearest major airport, located 70 km away.
  • Liverpool Airport: Located 121 km away.

Bus Stations Near Blackpool

  • Blackpool Central Coach Station: For long-distance services.
  • Blackpool Tower Bus Station: For local services.

Other Options

  • Trains: Blackpool has excellent rail connections with the rest of the country, with regular services to major cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and London.
  • Car rental: If you’re planning to drive to Blackpool, several rental companies offer services at the airport and other locations in the town.

How to Get Around in Blackpool

Blackpool is a compact town, and it’s easy to get around on foot or by public transport. The Blackpool Transport bus service covers most of the town’s attractions and sights. Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive. If you’re planning to visit the Lake District, consider renting a car.

Where to Go Next from Blackpool: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Blackpool is a great base for visiting neighboring destinations and exploring Lancashire and the surrounding area. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Preston: A historic city with a thriving arts and culture scene, located 20 km away.
  • The Lake District: One of the most scenic parts of the country, with numerous hiking trails and stunning natural sights, located 80 km away.
  • Liverpool: A vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and numerous attractions, located 65 km away.
  • Manchester: A cosmopolitan city with world-class museums, art galleries, and nightlife, located 60 km away.

Conclusion

Blackpool is a vibrant town that offers something for everyone, from stunning natural beauty and exciting attractions to delicious local cuisine and a warm and welcoming local culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your visit to this exciting destination.

Blackpool Tower and the Golden Mile Blackpool Tower and the Golden Mile A heritage tram A heritage tram Blackpool Tower Ballroom Blackpool Tower Ballroom Donkeys on the beach Donkeys on the beach Blackpool Rock on sale in 1959 Blackpool Rock on sale in 1959 "Infusion", Pleasure Beach The sea can be cold and rough The sea can be cold and rough Central Pier Central Pier Norbreck Castle Hotel Norbreck Castle Hotel Slow internet? Send a postcard Slow internet? Send a postcard