Blackpool, when I mention it to you what do you think? We have just returned from our second visit to Blackpool with the kids, after an amazing visit last year.
We haven’t had a foreign holiday this year, instead we have been enjoying what the British countryside has to offer. My boys loved Blackpool last year and have been asking to return pretty much since we left. This time we stayed mid week rather than the weekend and spent three nights in the resort and packed in so much. I firmly believe that Blackpool is going through a resurgence.
What Blackpool gives families is something for children of all ages, from The Sealife Center and Blackpool Zoo, through to Madam Tussaud’s and the Pleasure Beach. See what our kids thought of all Blackpool attractions we visited.
This year we met up with my Brother in law and niece who is thirteen and everyone was entertained.
After staying ten minutes outside of Blackpool at Ribby Hall Holiday Village last year, this year we we stayed at The Big Blue Hotel, which is just outside of The Pleasure Beach and meant that we could park up the car and travel everywhere by the trams, which cost £10 per day for a family ticket. The hotel was a super base for our adventures and the breakfast was amazing setting us up for the day ahead. We also had dinner on our first night and it was delicious.
The weather this summer hasn’t been the best and I am going to admit that we were worried that we would have a horrible time if it rained, but even though there was a few rain showers they did not dampen our fab time.
I know a lot of people worry that going to somewhere like Blackpool will be expensive, but if you plan in advance then it really isn’t.
We had a resort pass this year to make sure that we got the best value entrance prices on the attractions we visited. In our three days we didn’t manage to fit in the Dungeon or the Model Village, but if you return within 90 days then you can still use your pass.
The resort pass lets you into:
- Blackpool Pleasure Beach
- Nickelodeon Land
- The Blackpool Tower Eye & 4D Experience
- The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
- SEA LIFE Blackpool
- Madame Tussauds Blackpool
- Blackpool Zoo
- Sandcastle Waterpark
- Blackpool Model Village & Gardens
You could also opt for a Blackpool Big ticket, which gives you access to the following for £155 for a family of four, which is superb value.
- The Blackpool Tower Eye
- The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
- The Blackpool Tower Circus
- The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
- Jungle Jim’s
- SEA LIFE Blackpool
- Madame Tussauds Blackpool
When it comes to food, we are a fussy bunch. We don’t eat out often, so have pretty high standards. I would rather pay for good food than have a mediocre meal out and the boys are the same. The trick to finding great food in Blackpool is tips from other people. Word of mouth goes a long way.
Our meal in The Big Blue Hotel was not inexpensive, but it was delicious and you can find great deals on rooms and meals from the hotel when booking.
At Captain Jacks in Coral Reef kids eat free and the food was great. The boys had a burger and a hot dog and my chicken kebab was cooked just right as was MadDad’s burger.
We are big fans of Fish and Chips, but living near Whitby we are spoilt with the UK’s best fish shops. We ate in Harry Ramsden’s and the chips were amazing, plus it is great to get a choice of haddock or cod.
When we visited Blackpool last year we ate in La Fontana and enjoyed it so much we had to go back this year. The food is delicious and reasonably priced. Even more so if you arrive before 7pm and get an early bird deal of starter and main for £10.99. It is a hidden treasure, authentic italian food with great service and the best margarita pizza Mini has ever had. Maxi is already talking about next years visit!
When it comes to ice cream nothing beats Notarianni’s ices on Waterloo Road. Just take a look at the sundaes we had. Their vanilla ice cream is the stuff Mini’s dreams are made of and are a meal in themselves.
Thanks to #BaclpoolsBack for our visit and we hope to come back next year, maybe for the illuminations.
I’ve not been to Blackpool for years but spend many happy times there in my teens and 20’s 🙂 Love the sound of the resort pass, so much to do!! x
I love Blackpool – so much to see and do and the beach is gorgeous though I don’t think we have ever visited in the Summer! Those ice creams looks amazing, will have to try those next time we are there. x
We used to go to Blackpool when I was younger and I loved it 🙂
Well, I’ve only ever had very drunken weekends there but you’ve shown it has much more to offer and loads to do for families.
I have never been to Blackpool it is somewhere I would love to visit one day though. x
We did a day trip there last year but it wasn’t long enough to do everything – we plan on staying next time
I went to Blackpool in my late teens! Drank a lot and rode on many rides! I’d love to visit again with the children! The illuminations are pretty special too!
We need to visit Blackpool as we want to fully use our Merlin Annual Passes and I keep meaning to fit in taking the boys to see the illuminations. Thanks for the post making me think about it. Great tips too.
We love Blackpool but we used to take the kids a couple of times a year so they want to go elsewhere now when it’s time to book a trip away – I’d go back time and time again though x x
I love cheesy seasside fun, it is 20 yeras snce I’ve been to Blackpool and I’d happily go back, it is just such a long way from me! Mich x
I’m sure I’ve commented on this before lol?! We took the kids to Blackpool last year and did the tower, zoo, sealife and MT. Haven’t been to the Pleasure Beach since I was little though
what a fantastic family trip and he looks great as a caterpillar lol
I haven;t been to Blackpool in years , in certainly looks a lot of fun
I’ve never been to Blackpool but it looks like there is SO much to do there! Worth a trip some time.
I haven’t been to Blackpool for many, many years, but it looks like a lot of fun. I remember going to the Sandcastle as a child! So long ago.
Ooh the resort pass sounds like such a good idea. We loved Blackpool last Autumn, especially the illuminations. Staying next to the Pleasure Beach would be a dream come true for GG!
Oh Jen it sounds like you had such a wonderful time. I didn’t realise there was so much to do there although my husband knows it well. He’s friends with one of the people that owns it although I’m not sure how often they’re around now. I hope you’re feeling suitably rested and back into a good routine x