Blackpool is unapologetically a British beach resort, and the most iconic in the North West. It is donkey rides and kiss-me-quick hats, ice creams and candy floss, sugar-seeking wasps, strolls down the promenade sucking bars of rock candy, arcade machines flashing, loud music blaring, hen nights and stag dos.
It is NOT subtle. But some people, particularly children and uncomplicated adults, don’t care for subtle. They want to go on holiday where everything screams ‘HOLIDAY!!’. Not for the faint-hearted, Blackpool gives people what they want, and in abundance.
Blackpool has earned a reputation as a major party destination, offering a diverse nightlife scene that caters to every taste. Young people enjoy traditional pubs, modern cocktail bars (like The Bootleg Social and Revolution), comedy clubs, and large nightclubs such as Flamingo Nightclub and Club Domain. The compact town centre allows for easy bar-hopping without expensive transport, and drinks are generally affordable, making it ideal for budget-conscious groups.
The resort is home to the famous Blackpool Pleasure Beach, an amusement park with over 125 rides, including iconic rollercoasters like The Big One, ICON, and Revolution. The presence of other major attractions like the Sandcastle Waterpark (the UK’s largest indoor waterpark), the Blackpool Tower Eye’s SkyWalk, and various arcades along the Golden Mile provides a wealth of daytime entertainment options for young visitors.
Compared with London or other major European destinations, Blackpool offers excellent value on accommodation, food, and entertainment. The abundance of B&Bs, pubs with affordable food, and free-to-access attractions like the promenade and beach makes it a feasible option for young people and students looking for a fun getaway without “raiding their bank account”.
The resort hosts year-round events, including the famous Blackpool Illuminations, which light up the seafront from late August to January, and various music festivals like Rebellion. This dynamic and unpretentious atmosphere, combining nostalgia with contemporary events, ensures there is always something new and exciting to experience.
Blackpool is an assault on the senses, in the most British way possible. Have a day out or a holiday here and you won’t forget it in a hurry!
Blackpool is about an hour’s drive north of Southport. Due to having to drive around the Ribble Estuary inlet, it is further away than it appears when viewed from Southport.
WARNING! Don’t attempt to cross the Ribble Estuary on foot at low tide, as the tide is extremely dangerous and can rise too quickly to escape from!
Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1-5
North West Day Trips 