A family day out in Blackpool
Family fun how it should be done: Blackpool, Lancashire. There is nowhere in the country quite like the fun and fabulous seaside resort of Blackpool. Combining a multitude of top attractions, eateries and low cost accommodation against a quintessentially British seaside backdrop, Blackpool easily tops the charts for family shenanigans ‘oop north’.
Whether you live locally, or are planning to travel to the town, you will not be disappointed. The sheer number of activities and amenities on offer, ensure that stays of any length will be jam-packed full of family fun. Yeadon Way Brewer’s Fayre is situated just next to a Premier Inn, a perfect child friendly, budget accommodation for your break in Blackpool, if you do choose to visit for longer than a day.
First and foremost, a visit to the town’s most iconic landmark is essential. Blackpool Tower is now owned by the Merlin Group, and no longer charges admission into the attraction. This is an excellent choice of activity, should you be greeted by some typical North West weather, when you arrive in Blackpool. Take a look at the website, and browse through the activities on offer, from the Tower Dungeons, to Jungle Jim’s, the Tower Eye, to the Tower Circus. Keep costs low when travelling with the brood by pre-purchasing discounted tickets online. Every little helps.
Near to the North Pier, and just a minute’s walk from the Tower, you will find an array of restaurants including Bella Italia and Nando’s, not to mention a huge selection of high street stores, and banks. Coral Island, just slightly south of the Tower, is ideal for passing a few rainy hours, while indulging in a little bit of amusement arcade action with the sprogs.
While in the area, it is worth checking out the Grand Theatre website to see which productions will be running during your time in Blackpool. Often during school holidays the theatre has family friendly performances scheduled – past shows have included the Julia Donaldson greats, Room on the Broom and The Gruffalo.
You can’t do Blackpool without heading down to Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Just past the South Pier, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the home of the Pepsi Max Big One, as well as new additions such as Nickelodeon Land and Fusion. Whether your children are tots, toddlers, tweens or teens, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is bound to blow them away. Parents hoping to simply accompany children into the park and let them enjoy the rides, can purchase a park pass rather than a wristband, cutting the cost of your day out. Sadly, picnics are no longer permitted at the Pleasure Beach, so be sure to budget for any lunch, drinks and snacks.
Heading over to the promenade, if the weather permits, a day spent on the donkeys, building sandcastles, and enjoying some fish and chips (how they should be done) has to be done. Blackpool’s recent renovations and impressive ‘clean up’ means that the shorefront, promenade and attractions here have had cash pumped into them, and it definitely shows. Any horror stories are definitely a thing of the past.
Other ways to spend your day? Why not visit the UK’s largest indoor waterpark, Sandcastle, head over to Madame Tussaud’s, check out Sea Life Blackpool, or ride the thrills on Central Pier. Prepare for one of the most down to earth, excitement orientated, family getaways – Blackpool knows just how to do fun, and there’s definitely no age limit on it.
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