Planning a break to the UK anytime soon? Whilst London certainly has plenty of attractions, other parts of the British Isles also have lots to offer. Plus, you can avoid the hustle and overpopulation of larger UK cities by venturing out to some of its lesser-known gems. Get nostalgic and revisit days of old by taking a trip to a traditional seaside town such as Blackpool.
Situated on the West Coast of England, and bordered by the Irish Sea, Blackpool is one of England’s oldest seaside resorts. Up until the 18th century, the town was nothing more than a sleepy coastal hamlet. However, at the turn of the century it started to become fashionable for British people to have their holidays at the coast. British seaside culture started to emerge and the Blackpool as we know it today began to emerge. With plenty of things to do in Blackpool this year, take a look at our top picks suitable for all the family.
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Go for a walk in Stanley Park
With 390 acres to its name, Stanley Park offers some stunning horticulture and plenty of activities available too. Take a stroll through the Italian gardens and take in the various statues and water fountains. There is even a lake on which you can hire various kinds of boat. Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, rent out a couple of inflatable giant hamster balls for you to float around in! If all that walking and adventuring tires you out, stop off for some lunch at the Art Deco Cafe, which offers spectacular views across the park. Another great outdoorsy attraction is the Marton Mere Nature Reserve, where you can try and spot different kinds of wildlife.
Sandcastle Waterpark
Been hit with some unfortunate British weather during your stay in Blackpool? Shelter from the rain whilst still enjoying some seaside fun at Sandcastle Waterpark. It is the biggest indoor waterpark in the whole of the UK, offering 18 amazing slides and an 84 degree tropical atmosphere. There’s also some more relaxed options such as the free flowing action river for those who don’t fancy too many thrills and spills!
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Sea Life Blackpool
Get closer than ever to life beneath the waves at Sea Life Blackpool. Walk through over 50 incredible displays featuring a whole array of exotic creatures. One of the residents, Nobby the giant lobster, is believed to be over 100 years old! If you want to get even closer to nature, opt for a Snorkelling With Sharks experience package. Trained divers will take you into the beautiful ocean tank where you will be able to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures. Of course, if staying on dry land is more your thing, spectators tickets are also available!
Blackpool Beach
Make the most of the sun shining and pay a visit to Blackpool’s famous beach. The town’s tourist trade was built around its beach, so this is not something to be missed. Live the traditional British life for a day and paddle in the sea before relaxing in a deckchair with an ice cream. Blackpool also features three traditional piers which host a number of attractions such as amusement arcades. If you’re going in summer season, try to catch the Blackpool Donkeys too!
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Madame Tussauds/Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
Who said you had to go all the way to London to see some of these iconic British landmarks? Blackpool offers it’s very own Madame Tussauds museum, so you can get closer than ever to a whole host of famous faces. You can catch everyone from Shirley Bassey to Shrek there in all their waxwork glory. Another London staple, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, also made it to Blackpool. Situated on the world renowned Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the museum offers a range of weird and wonderful oddities to entertain the whole family.
Blackpool Zoo
The 32 acre Blackpool Zoo is also a must-visit on your trip. Situated in 32 acres of stunning parkland, the zoo plays host to a whole range of animals from across the world; including lions, penguins, giraffes and elephants. All the enclosures closely mimic the animal’s natural habitat. There’s a number of cafes on site and also a great gift shop so your kids can take a cuddly friend home with them after their visit.
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The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
Fancy testing your nerve? If horror and comedy is your thing, the Blackpool Dungeon is not one to be missed. Situated underground deep below the famous Blackpool Tower, delve into the region’s murky past as your guide shocks you will gruesome tales and scary stories.
