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An itinerary for a great day out in Blackpool...

Isn’t it nice to get away for a break from everything now and then? We all need a bit of an escape from the trials and troubles of everyday life, and what better place to find a change of scene than Blackpool?

 

Whether you’re planning a weekend away or simply a day trip, there’s so much to see and do in the famous Lancashire seaside town, we thought it might be handy to give you a bit of an itinerary so you can make sure you see all the sights and make the most of a short stay.

 

Blackpool has been a popular tourist destination since the Victorian times and still has many grand structures and buildings that date back to the mid-1800s onwards, such as the iconic Blackpool tower, alongside more modern buildings, and attractions, like the Pleasure Beach and The Big One rollercoaster.

 

So where do you begin? To make the most of your day, it’s best to start early to beat the crowds, as the resort can be very busy, especially during July and August over the school holidays. Why not start your day by taking a tram down the seafront to the south promenade and grabbing a coffee and a spot of breakfast to set you up for a busy and fun day!

 

You'll find Blackpool Pleasure Beach to the south of the town centre, which opens from 10 am in July and August. It is recommended to book tickets ahead of your trip, and getting there early will help you beat the queues as the park fills up. However, don’t be deterred by long queues for rides, as they do move along quickly.

 

The Pleasure Beach has a wide range of different rides and attractions that are suitable for the whole family, from the thrills of the massive rollercoasters such as The Big One, Icon, and Infusion to more sedate rides for small children - or nervous parents - as well as Nickelodeon Land, which is ideal for toddlers.

 

After the thrills of the Pleasure Beach, you might enjoy a calming walk along the promenade. Why not grab an ice cream and take a stroll along the beach or explore the South Pier. You’ll find an array of gift shops, ice cream parlours and more along the Promenade, but keep a watchful eye out for greedy seagulls!

 

If you’re struggling for time and want to fit more into your day, or the weather isn’t so pleasant for walking then you can always get on the tram back up to the Central Pier, close to the town centre and where you’ll find many more attractions to visit.

 

Central Pier has a fun fair, waltzers and a big wheel, as well as arcades and fish and chip shops along the seafront, which is a great idea for lunch! You’ll also find Coral Island close by, with an astounding array of arcade games, a ghost train, the Pirate Flyer Monorail, and traditional seaside games such as our penny pushers.

 

Many of the restaurants inside Coral Island also have a ‘kids eat free’ promotion. Look for the yellow ‘Kids Eat Free’ stickers at participating restaurants, and children can have a free kid’s meal with every paid adult meal. Also, Coral Island has free toilets, so why not pop in to use the facilities and have a wander around at our fantastic games, and maybe even meet Captain Jack!

 

Close to Coral Island, you’ll find the iconic Blackpool Tower, built in 1894 and inspired by the Eiffel Tower. You can take a trip to the top and marvel at the amazing vistas of Lancashire and the Fylde Coast or walk on the 5cm thick glass floor to see the promenade below! The Blackpool Tower Eye experience also has a 4D cinema that brings the history of the tower to life.

 

There is more to the tower than that though, as the red brick building at the base is home to the Blackpool Tower Circus, an aquarium, the dungeons, and the famous ballroom. Why not live your Strictly Come Dancing Dreams with a spin around the dance floor! You will have to book tickets for the tower and the attractions, so plan ahead.

 

Next to the tower, you can find Madame Tussaud’s, where you can have your photo taken with the incredibly life-like wax models of famous people, from Hollywood stars to Ant & Dec, the Two Ronnies, and The Beatles.

 

The Golden Mile of the promenade at the foot of the tower is a myriad of fish and chip shops, fortune tellers, gift shops selling sticks of rock, and the Comedy Carpet, a mosaic featuring the best and funniest lines and jokes from UK comedians.

 

However, if you’re looking to spend the afternoon doing something a little different, why not visit Blackpool Zoo?

 

Blackpool Zoo is a great idea for family days out, as there are over 1,000 animals, including tigers, elephants, gorillas and many more, all with plenty of space to roam. The Zoo is a little out of the town centre, but it is well worth a trip.

 

Perhaps you’d like to find something a little more calming in the afternoon sun, so take a trip to Stanley Park, where the exquisite greenery and gardens provide the perfect foil to the sandy beaches and neon arcades of the promenade. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a late-afternoon picnic by the boating lake, and let your stresses melt away.

 

Back in the town centre, there’s still plenty to see and do. There are always West End shows, musicals, and ballet and dance performances in Blackpool’s many theatres, such as The Winter Gardens, The Opera House, and The Grand Theatre, and a wide selection of restaurants for the perfect early evening dinner and showtime.

 

If you don’t fancy taking in a show, then you should certainly visit the North Pier and take a stroll down Blackpool’s oldest boardwalk, with its amusement’s arcades, fun fairs, and the carousel at the end of the pier, as the sun goes down over the Irish Sea.

 

After such a busy, long day, you might simply want to relax with a cold drink and a delicious meal from one of the many fine restaurants in the town. Why not visit The Beach House, perfect for families or couples, where you can sit and enjoy the sunset and reflect on a grand day out in one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations.

 

As mentioned, it is a good idea to plan and buy tickets in advance for many of the attractions in Blackpool, and there are numerous deals that combine tickets for different places for a better price.

 

A day out in Blackpool need not break the bank either, as there are many sights and activities that are free or relatively inexpensive, from simply building sandcastles on the beach, or planning a trip to coincide with free events such as the Blackpool Air Show in August or the world-famous Illuminations in September.

 

Take a look at our blog on free things to do in Blackpool for more ideas!