Holidays to Blackpool
Think Blackpool and the first things to spring to mind are the Blackpool Illuminations, Blackpool Tower, Pleasure Beach and all the other sights and sounds of a traditional British seaside resort. Peel that away and there's so much more to discover!
Blackpool has been attracting visitors to its lively resort since 1735 when the first guest house opened here. The main attraction is Pleasure Beach, an amusement park that has rides and attractions to suit all ages. Blackpool Tower is a firm favourite with holidaymakers who can climb to the very top for amazing views stretching as far as North Wales and the Lake District. The viewing deck at the Tower includes the Walk of Faith, which isn't for the faint-hearted as you'll be able to walk on a clear glass platform and see the world beneath your feet! Blackpool Tower is also home to the ballroom, aquarium and a play area keeping everyone entertained on coach trips to Blackpool.
Take a stroll where every step could evoke a giggle or two with Blackpool's Comedy Carpet which sits beneath the iconic Tower. The Comedy Carpet is one of the largest pieces of public art ever to be commissioned in the UK and when you see it with your own eyes, you'll understand why. It is a bit like the Hollywood Walk of Fame but instead of golden stars, you will find jokes, songs and catchphrases from some of Britain's best loved comedians and writers. It has been called the horizontal Angel of the North and is fast-becoming a must-visit spot.
Coach packages to Blackpool provide great value for money but the attractions on hand will keep everyone happy, old and young alike. The resort also boasts fantastic sandy beaches that are perfect for the impromptu game of family football, donkey rides, a picnic or to see who can build the biggest sandcastle with plenty of seaside shops selling buckets and spades. Trams run up and down the entire length of the promenade making it easy for families with little legs to get around.
For a slice of tranquillity, a visit to Stanley Park in Blackpool should meet all your needs with its display gardens, ornate fountains and an expanse of woodlands desperate to be explored. Pretend you're a giant with the must-see Model Village set in 2.5 acres of landscaped gardens or visit George Bancroft Park, designed by Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen and is one of the first to be constructed in over 80 years!
Whilst on your Blackpool holiday, explore the Winter Gardens, a series of pavilions built in 1878 that are now home to some of the best concerts and shows to be found in the UK. The Blackpool Tower is also great destination for old-fashioned entertainment such as the Moorish Circus or the traditional tea dance. From early September to early November Blackpool comes to neon life with its Illuminations, featuring over half a million light bulbs creating all manner of colourful displays along the Promenade.
Whatever the weather there is something to suit everyone when you pay a visit to Blackpool so what are you waiting for?
Tourist office
To find out more about visiting Blackpool, check out their official tourism website at visitblackpool.com
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Things to do
As the 'Vegas of the North', Blackpool is a popular tourist destination. With so many great attractions and things to do and see, it's the perfect place for families and groups alike.
North Pier Theatre
Catch the best views of the Blackpool Illuminations From the North Pier Theatre. The pier, which measures almost a quarter of a mile, sits in the Irish Sea and showcases fabulous views of Blackpool seafront. With a great selection of snacks available it is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon letting the world go by.
Blackpool Zoo
Situated in 32 acres of parkland Blackpool Zoo is the perfect attraction for everyone to visit. The zoo houses all sorts of animals from monkeys to big cats, sea lions, giraffes and elephants. At the Children's Farm you can stroke a giant rabbit or visit the lively Kangaroos in Wallaby Corner.
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
Experience the magic of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. This great attraction allows you to dance the day away or simply spectate the action from the side lines whilst enjoying a traditional afternoon tea.
Blackpool Model Village and Gardens
Since opening in 1972 this award-winning attraction has been a popular tourist spot. Set in stunning landscaped gardens, the 100s of handcrafted models create a Cornish fishing village, a Scottish Castle and a Tudor village with thatched cottages.
To help you have an enjoyable holiday in Blackpool, please take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office:
Health and Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended by all our tour operators and for some operators it is a condition of booking. When choosing a travel insurance please ensure it fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses, and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. As a British citizen you will obviously be entitled to free emergency health care on the NHS.
If you are visiting England from outside the United Kingdom and fall ill or are involved in an accident and are from an EU country or Switzerland, you can use a valid EHIC issued by your home country to access healthcare. Please note this is not an alternative to travel insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised for nationalities planning on visiting the UK.
For the latest information and travel advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), please click here
If you need to contact the emergency services whilst in the UK simply dial 999 or 112 to ask for an ambulance.
Crime
The United Kingdom is a safe place to visit, however, as with all countries please exercise common sense. Petty crime can occur so take your usual precautions such as not leaving luggage unattended, beware of pickpockets in tourist areas and leave valuables in the hotel safe.
Local Laws and Customs
Queuing is a British Institution - jump a queue at your own risk!
If you are visiting from outside of the United Kingdom, it is wise to check customs requirements before you travel. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. If you go over your allowances, you may have to pay tax or duty. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel.
UK Entry Requirements
When travelling between the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man you may need to show a Border Force officer a document confirming your identity. In most cases an official form of identification such as a driver's license or an armed forces identity card will be ok. However, some airlines will insist you show a passport so please check before you travel.
If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can enter the UK with one of the following identity documents: a passport, an Irish passport card or a national identity card issued by an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, if you’re eligible to use one. The identity document should be valid for the whole of your stay.
If you’re from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you must have a valid passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa, depending on which country you’re from. Please check here if a visa is required before you travel.