.jpg)
With four award-winning beaches, a variety of entertainment and an exciting history to delve into, the northern beach resort of Blackpool has remained a firm holiday destination favourite for many years.
Niamh Spence, a digital writer for VisitBlackpool, has put together a list of trip ideas, which offers tips and advice about how to make the most of your next group visit to the coastal town.
1. Delve into Blackpool’s dark history
Shaped by years of battles and invasions, Blackpool has a past that’s worth delving into.
In the Blackpool Tower Dungeons, you can learn how the area of Lancashire survived bloody fights, deadly diseases and witchcraft in a walkthrough experience.
Explore the grime and filth of the 1349 Plague Street, experience being hanged for witchcraft on the Drop Dead ride, and find your way out Judge Blackheart’s labyrinth.
Groups of five or more people will receive 30 per cent off admission prices.
2. Catch a ride
With three to choose from, the Blackpool piers offer groups the chance to enjoy the Northern coastline. Choose from stalls and rides as well as food and drink on the North Pier, South Pier or Central Pier.
Alternatively, visit one of Blackpool’s best known attractions, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which boasts a collection of thrill rides and roller-coasters.
It also plays host to a series of events and shows each year – don’t miss Craig Christian Evolution of Magic between 9th April and 11th September 2016.
3. Have a deep sea adventure
Sealife Blackpool offers a full day trip for visitors, and is an ideal indoor destination if the weather turns.
Visitors can explore an underwater world full of sea creatures, and learn something new from the feeding demonstrations and educational talks that take place each day.
Sealife highlights include being able to touch a crab or starfish in the interactive rock pool, and a stroll through the underwater glass tunnel to see sharks and stingrays swim above you.
4. See Blackpool’s Illuminations
The Blackpool Illuminations have attracted visitors for years, and now, accompanied by a Heritage Guide if you wish, your group can learn about how the famous attraction has grown from 10,000 lamps in 1912 to the digital lightshow that it is today.
A tour also means you can see photographs, diagrams and artwork from throughout the ages of the light display. Next year’s lights will be on from 2nd September until 6th November.
5. Make the most of the outdoors
Blackpool’s sandy beach is a great scenic outdoors starting point for a visit; good for a walk, a picnic or a place to play traditional beach games like cricket.
Additionally, the greenery of Stanley Park provides groups with an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, while the high ropes course is a fun physical challenge for those looking for something a little more exerting.
6. Head to the zoo
Blackpool Zoo is a great all-weather attraction and houses a collection of over 1,500 animals including elephants, gorillas and the latest addition to the lion pride, Khari.
A series of talks and feeding sessions allow visitors to get closer to their favourite animals, and learn about the habits and habitats of various animals and birds.
Discounts on tickets to the zoo are available for parties of 15 or more.
7. Enjoy some entertainment
While Blackpool is well known for its iconic landmarks including The Blackpool Tower and its beaches, it’s also a cultural hotspot with plenty of theatre, arts and comedy to unearth.
Put the Comedy Mile at the top of your Blackpool to-do list to see something a bit different. Groups can hop on one of the Blackpool trams and head up The Golden Mile to visit the Comedy Carpet, which is a floor covered in legendary catchphrases and one-liners from British comedy classics.
This attraction is a must for anyone who loves Monty Python, Morecambe and Wise, Tommy Cooper and The Two Ronnies.
8. See Blackpool from above
A trip up to The Blackpool Tower Eye and the SkyWalk is a must for any visitors. At 380 feet tall, its views across the Fylde Coast are worth taking a camera for.
The attraction also has a glass floor, so views are available of the promenade and sea below. Parties of ten or more can claim a discount on entry tickets.
