Holidays in Blackpool

More around Blackpool

Why Blackpool works for a short break

Blackpool packs a lot into one place. You get a famous landmark, a big theme park, a museum devoted to the town's own story and plenty to keep younger children busy. Add the museums and mills elsewhere in Lancashire and you have enough for a long weekend, or a full week without repeating yourself. BritStays lists 476 places to stay in the region, so you can choose a base that suits your group and your budget.

The standout attractions by type

For families, start with the big names:

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the town's theme park and easily fills a day on its own.
Splash! is a water park in Blackpool, so pack swimwear and a towel.
Funtastic Play in Blackpool is a good choice when you want something lower-key for younger children.
Smithills Open Farm in Lancashire suits animal-loving children and makes a change from rides and arcades.

For a rainy day, museums are your safest bet. Showtown Blackpool is a museum about the town itself and a natural pairing with a visit to Blackpool Tower. If you're happy to travel further into Lancashire, the Harris Museum and the Museum of Lancashire are both worth a look for a slower, quieter few hours.

For time outdoors, the listed attractions here lean towards indoor and family fun. For fresh air, consider Smithills Open Farm or Piel Castle, which is listed as a castle and heritage site. Check access arrangements before you set off.

For heritage, Lancashire's industrial past is well represented. Helmshore Mills Textile Museum, Higher Mill and Whitakers' Mill are all in Lancashire. The Judges' Lodgings Museum in Morecambe adds another option. Hackensall Hall, listed as a stately home, may also appeal, but check visitor access before planning around it.

Grouping attractions into a sensible day

The easiest way to avoid a tiring day is to keep each one to a single theme and a single area.

A Blackpool landmark day: visit Blackpool Tower in the morning and Showtown Blackpool after lunch. It works whatever the weather.
A theme park day: give Blackpool Pleasure Beach the whole day. Trying to squeeze anything else in usually means rushing both.
A little ones' day: pair Funtastic Play with a session at Splash!, then finish with an ice cream.
A Lancashire heritage day: choose two of the mill museums, or the Harris Museum plus one mill. Check where each one is and group those closest to each other, rather than criss-crossing the county.

Where to eat

All of the following have five-star food hygiene ratings, which is reassuring when you're feeding a family away from home.

The Bull, Station and The Social are pubs and inns, good for a sit-down meal at the end of a busy day.
Creams Cafe and The Quayside at Glasson Dock specialise in ice cream, ideal as a reward after a long walk or a museum visit.

Check opening hours and whether you need to book before you go, especially for larger groups or on weekend evenings.

Turning it into a short break

Three days gives you a comfortable mix without feeling rushed:

Day one: arrive, settle in, then spend the afternoon at Blackpool Tower and Showtown Blackpool. Have dinner at one of the pubs above.
Day two: a full day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Start early to make the most of it.
Day three: head out into Lancashire for a heritage day at Helmshore Mills Textile Museum or the Harris Museum. Alternatively, choose Splash! and Funtastic Play if the children would rather stay in Blackpool.

With a fourth day, add the Judges' Lodgings Museum in Morecambe or Smithills Open Farm.

Practical tips before you go

Check opening times, prices and any booking requirements directly with each attraction before travelling. They can change by season.
Keep a museum day up your sleeve and swap it in if the forecast turns.
Pack swimwear if Splash! is on your list, and bring a spare set of clothes for younger children.
Choose your stay with your plans in mind. If you'll spend most of your time in Blackpool itself, staying close to the attractions saves travel time.
For the Lancashire heritage sites, plan your route the night before so you're not checking maps on the move.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main attractions in Blackpool itself?

The headline attractions in Blackpool are Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool Tower and Showtown Blackpool. Splash!, a water park, and Funtastic Play are good options for families.

What can I do in Blackpool on a rainy day?

Showtown Blackpool is a museum about the town and pairs well with a visit to Blackpool Tower. Further afield in Lancashire, the Harris Museum and the Museum of Lancashire are also good wet-weather choices.

Is Blackpool good for a family holiday?

Yes. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Splash! and Funtastic Play are all in Blackpool. Smithills Open Farm in Lancashire is a good choice for children who love animals.

Are there heritage attractions near Blackpool?

Lancashire has several mill museums, including Helmshore Mills Textile Museum, Higher Mill and Whitakers' Mill. You could also visit the Judges' Lodgings Museum in Morecambe, and Piel Castle is listed as a castle and heritage site.

Where can I eat on a Blackpool break?

The Bull, Station and The Social are pubs and inns with five-star food hygiene ratings. For ice cream, Creams Cafe and The Quayside at Glasson Dock also hold five-star hygiene ratings.

How many places to stay are there in Blackpool on BritStays?

BritStays lists 476 places to stay in the Blackpool region, so there is plenty of choice for couples, families and larger groups.