The idea of a weekend away with family, friends or your partner is something that is much desired by many of us. The hustle and bustle of a city break can distract us from the hustle and bustle of our own busy lives. However, excursions to hugely popular cities mean that lesser known, but just as lively, areas can be forgotten about. If you’re looking for a weekend away outside the realms of the usual favourite go-to’s, the seaside town of Blackpool in the north of England could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Getting There
Being a small town , there are no direct flights from Ireland to Blackpool, but it is easily accessible by Liverpool or Manchester meaning a flight from Dublin to either airport is no more than 30 minutes. On the commute to Blackpool, there’s a chance to explore the city flown into. Thankfully, Blackpool is well serviced by public transport. You will be able to arrive in the town by train and once there, you can navigate yourself around by buses or a tram which runs along the coastline. A three-day ticket is usable for both buses and trams and costs £11.50, which is a small price to pay for commuting around the town.
Where To Stay
Blackpool is full of bed and breakfasts and there is always one no more than a five minute walk away from any point in the city. While B’n’B’s can be cute and cosy for some, it’s understandable that they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. Blackpool also has a Travelodge as well as Blackpool FC Hotel, which is part of their football team’s stadium. Both hotels are comfortable and affordable which is key if you wish to make your stay there more lavish.
Where To Eat
British food culture can be summed up in three words: fish and chips. Don’t forget pies. Or mash. These British beach favourites can be found on every corner, including more candyfloss and ice-cream than you can shake a stick of rock at. Aside from the beach time classics, Blackpool is home to exquisite restaurants. Italian cuisine isn’t hard to come by considering there are two branches of Bella Italia and a Prezzo in the heart of the town. The Wild West Diner is a barbecue lover’s paradise and offers a relaxed atmosphere and Rowley’s restaurant in FC Hotel is renowned for its gourmet meals.
Blackpool contains favourites from home too such as Nando’s, Pizza Hut and KFC. Regardless of what you’re in the mood to eat, Blackpool has you covered.
What To Do
It’s a fact that you will never be bored spending time in Blackpool. There are endless tourist attractions which cater for everyone’s interests. From visiting Houndshill Shopping Centre, to seeing a show in Winter Gardens or simply taking a walk along the piers and amusements, there isn’t a shortage of things to do. The three most arguably popular things for tourists to do in Blackpool however, is to visit Pleasure Beach, Madame Tussauds and Blackpool Tower.
Pleasure Beach is Blackpool’s theme park which is situated beside the sea. With endless rides and attractions for all ages paired with discount entry rates for groups and families, it is a guaranteed great day out. Madame Tussauds attracts hundreds of tourists and locals everyday. The wax museum is home to scarily lifelike figures of celebrities including the likes of Ant and Dec, Ed Sheeran, Simon Cowell, David Bowie and even Marvel superheroes. It’s the perfect place to take as many selfies as you desire with favourite stars.
The iconic Blackpool Tower is what the town’s most famous for- yet it is so much more than a landmark. The Tower Dungeons are located here, as is Blackpool Circus. Visitors can also be escorted to the top of the tower (over 500 ft) and overlook the whole town. What Blackpool Tower is best loved for is the most iconic ballroom dance floor in Britain. For just £5, visitors can sit in the ballroom and watch people dance all day accompanied by professional organ players and for only £8, visitors can dance on it themselves. Be warned though- a lot of the public who dance in the ballroom are either retired professionals or soon-to-be champions, so if you’re not familiar with Ballroom and Latin dances, it might be best to watch it from the seats.
Overall, Blackpool may not be the most obvious choice for a weekend away, but without fail it will keep you occupied. Whether you’re with your friends, family or partner there is nothing stopping you from having an excellent time. It may not be as popular as other holiday destinations, but if you’re looking for something different next time you go away, this seaside town is a real catch.
Michelle Townsend
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