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It's not only just fun in the sun in Blackpool

Blackpool is the place to be when the sun is shining, and more than 12 million people visited the Golden Mile in 2021 - the promenade between the north and south piers - the Pleasure Beach for its rollercoasters, or simply enjoyed fish and chips while sitting on a bench overlooking the beach.

 

The Met Office has predicted that Lancashire will have another warm summer, so if you’re heading to the seaside, you better make sure you have plenty of high SPF sunscreen! However, we all know that given the British weather, warm doesn’t necessarily mean dry and sunny, and unexpected rain can spoil any plans to relax on the beach or alfresco dining.

 

But whether you’re sheltering from the rain or taking a break from unrelenting sunshine - it's important to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of the sun’s harmful UV rays -  Blackpool has plenty to do indoors to keep you entertained. We have a look at some ideas of where to go when you want to escape the rain and drizzle that tries to spoil your fun.

 

Book tickets to a show

 

Blackpool’s Winter Gardens and Opera House were built in 1878 as a place that was ‘especially desirous during inclement days’ - in other words, a place to hide from the rain!

 

It has a host of different shows and concerts this summer, from the Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals tour in May, as well as ex-Strictly pro Oti Mabuse’s I Am Here show, live music from UB40, and Michael Kiwanuka.

 

Over the summer, there will be amazing acts paying tribute to Cher, Elvis, and Fleetwood Mac, while famous stage shows such as Chicago and The Jersey Boys will thrill audiences.

 

If you prefer your musical entertainment with more of a cabaret twist, then Funny Girls and VIVA Blackpool are the places to be.

 

Comedy fans will love the lineup this summer at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre, with Jason Manford, Rob Beckett, and Count Arthur Strong sure to have audiences in stitches, as will comedy shows such as Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em with Joe Pasquale as Frank Spencer.

 

There’s more live music at The Grand, with tribute shows to Meat Loaf, David Bowie, Motown, and the amazing Red Hot Chilli Pipers, the most famous bagpipe band in the world!

 

Ways to keep the kids happy

 

How would your kids love to see their favourite TV and film stars up close? They might not be the real thing, but at Madame Tussauds Blackpool, you can explore different zones, including a Dr Who zone that features The Doctor and her companion Dan, and even some of her arch-enemies such as the Weeping Angels.

 

Fans of Marvel superheroes such as Thor, Captain Marvel, and Iron Man will love to get a photo with Guardians of the Galaxy’s Groot, while parents might fancy a drink in The Rovers Return with the stars of Coronation Street.

 

Next to the world-famous Madame Tussauds is a new attraction for 2022, Peter Rabbit: Explore and Play, where characters from the award-winning TV series have made themselves at home on the promenade.

 

Hop into the world of Peter Rabbit and his friends and explore five themed zones that include Jeremy Fisher’s sensory pond, Mr McGregor’s garden, and take a look at the incredible inventions inside Mr Bouncer’s Invention Workshop.

 

Visitors will need to think and move like a rabbit to complete challenges and win badges, and maybe even get an invite to join the secret treehouse club!

 

If you’re looking for something away from the bustle of the arcade machines and white-knuckle rides of the promenade, then why not visit SEA LIFE Blackpool? It’s right on the promenade next between Madame Tussauds and Coral Island, where you can explore an incredible underwater world, rich with aquatic life and ideal for all ages, especially the younger family members.

 

From the Ocean Tunnel that lets you explore life beneath the waves without getting your feet wet, while sharks swim over your head, to the Rainforest Adventure, where you can even visit the ranger table and hold Giant African land snails, death head cockroaches, praying mantis and giant grubs - if you’re brave enough!

 

However, most of these attractions need to be pre-booked as they will undoubtedly be busy during the summer season. You can buy multi-attraction tickets that will help you save money, and grant your entry to numerous Blackpool attractions, such as SEA LIFE Blackpool, Blackpool Tower, Madame Tussauds and many more.

 

If your kids were determined to run up and down the beach and splash in the sea, then you can avoid rainy-day disappointment by heading to Sandcastle Waterpark.

 

From the world’s longest indoor roller coaster waterslide, Master Blaster, the Aztec Falls and more to the family-friendly Typhoon Lagoon wave pool and the Treetops water chutes and Caribbean Storm Treehouse, and many more activities, there’s fun for the entire family and a chance to splash and play in the water away from the rainy weather outside.

 

Why not treat yourself to a VIP Tiki Cabana, where you’ll have your own TV and seating area, private hot tub, and complimentary lunch delivered to you.

 

If the 18 waterslides at Sandcastle haven’t worn out the kids - or yourself - then head to Ascent Trampoline Park, just outside the centre of Blackpool. As well as the amazing trampoline areas, Ascent also boasts a fantastic soft play area for the little ones, Total Wipeout-themed obstacle courses, and a climbing wall and indoor caving system for little adventurers!

 

However, not everything in Blackpool needs you to buy tickets or to pre-book, as Coral Island is Blackpool’s largest free-admission attraction. No trip to the seaside would be complete without an afternoon at the arcades!

 

Look for Captain Jack and his pirate treasure of chocolate doubloons, take a ride on the Pirate Flyer monorail above the arcades, or grab a bag of pennies and try your luck on the 2p penny pushers for a traditional seaside favourite.

 

Older kids will love the state-of-the-art virtual reality games and experiences, the numerous video games and machines, or maybe shoot hoops and squirt zombies to win tickets to turn into amazing prizes!

 

There’s plenty for younger children too, with ride-on cars, pirate ships and hot air balloons, as well as crane grab machines to try and win Disney and Pixar soft toys.

 

Coral Island also boasts several family-friendly restaurants, from traditional fish and chips to pub grub such as burgers and a delicious Sunday carvery at The Buccaneer Family Bar. Many of the restaurants also participate in a Kids Eat Free offer!

 

If you want to beat the rainy day blues, there’s also the Houndshill Shopping Centre in the centre of town, where you can indulge in a spot of retail therapy. From bargain hunting in Primark to book browsing in Waterstones, you’ll find 65 different retailers while you wait for the sun to come out again.