If it’s good-old British seaside shenanigans you’re after, there’s no place in the UK quite like Blackpool in Lancashire. Often dubbed as the family-friendly Vegas of the UK, this is the best place in the country for all-things-arcade, fish and chips, and the best of British pier fun.
We’re talking donkey rides galore, seagulls swooping ice-creams, edge-of-pier fairground rides to make your toes tingle. What makes Blackpool so great is that it owns what it is. No pretences, in a true-to-nature northern fashion. If you’re heading to these parts with your clan, prepare to let go, let your hair down, and have the time of your lives.
5 reasons why Blackpool is great for families
You may well want to pair your fun at the seaside with some top, quality attractions on offer. As well as the piers, arcades, and the prominent south-pier Sandcastle waterpark, there’s so much to do in Blackpool you’ll be spoilt for choice on how to spend your free time with the family. But never fear, I’m about to share five of the best itinerary-worthy local attractions.
Before we get started, if you love the idea of Blackpool but don’t want to commit to the mayhem completely, a stay in Lytham Saint Annes is a calm break, which offers easy access to Blackpool’s eccentricity.
The Blackpool Tower and the Blackpool Tower Dungeon
There’s no seaside landmark as iconic as The Blackpool Tower. If you’re visiting the town you and your family simply must visit and make the most of the entertainment that lies inside one of the UK’s most famous attractions. The highly-acclaimed tower circus has been running for over 120 years and is an absolute must-see. Old-timers Mooky and Mr Boo are still up there in lights as the headline act and never fail to disappoint. Head to the top of the tower, that is 518 feet, to take the Tower Eye glass floor walk and learn a little Blackpool history in the top-of-the-tower 4D attraction. Once you’ve paid a visit to the stunning ballroom, stop on by the Jungle Jims adventure play area to let the kids run off some steam.
Madame Tussauds Blackpool
Madame Tussauds Blackpool has a charm like no other waxworks. Whether it’s the cheery spirit of the local Northern folk, or simply that the attraction itself exhibits some of our low-key, heart-warming TV favourites – such as Olly Murs and Corrie stars, Jack and Vera – there’s definitely something about it.
A relatively new addition to Blackpool’s Tussauds is the Marvel Super Heroes exhibition. Taking inspiration from both the films and the original comics, this showcase of superheroes makes Madame Tussauds Blackpool particularly child-friendly.
SEA LIFE Blackpool
Believe it or not, SEA LIFE Blackpool is conveniently nestled within the action of the town’s popular promenade. Mirroring the commotion of the ocean, situated just across from the sea front, the family can get up close to over 2000 marine creatures.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Home to the Big One. Blackpool Pleasure Beach is much more than a seaside fairground; it is, without a doubt, one of the finest theme parks in northern England. As well as adrenaline-junkie faves including Infusion, Avalanche, and Revolution, Nickelodeon Land is great for tots, with lots of fun, cutesy thrills and free character meet and greet opportunities.
Book online, in advance, to get the best deals. Or, check out the nearby Big Blue Hotel, which offers family rooms and Pleasure Beach packages.
Blackpool Zoo
You’ll have to head a little way out from the action of the promenade, but just three miles from the tower sits the award-winning Blackpool Zoo. Carrying the honest, cut-to-the-point tagline, ‘We’re like other zoos, only more fun!‘ Blackpool Zoo not only has over 1500 rare and exotic animals including big cats, Asian elephants, and Western Lowland gorillas but also hosts a whole load of activities. From Junior Keeper Experiences to hands-on giraffe feeds, Blackpool Zoo really goes out of its way to create lasting family memories.
I’m not quite sure a weekend will be long enough to enjoy all these activities to their fullest. But what a great excuse to come back and visit.
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