The ultimate short break in Blackpool

For a sky-flying start to your day, head straight to the Blackpool Tower Eye – the north west’s highest observation deck, 120 metres above the town’s promenade. Its 4D cinema brings the tower’s history to life, and there’s even a glass-floored viewing platform where you can waltz (or whimper) with the Irish Sea and Blackpool’s rooftops at your feet. On clear days you can see as far as Liverpool, the Lake District and Isle of Man. 

Feeling brave? Venture into Blackpool Tower Dungeons, whose live shows cover 1,000 years of British history in all its grisly glory – with amazing special effects and a thrilling ride finale. It’s terrifying but hilarious, with moments that’ll make you jump out of your skin. Too chicken? Hit the dancefloor instead: Blackpool Tower Ballroom glitters with gold leaf, chandeliers and lavish murals – as featured every year on Strictly Come Dancing. Book a guided tour to whirl on its famous sprung dancefloor – and if you’re feeling peckish, it also serves afternoon tea.  

From Whitby Bay lobsters with garlic and lemon, to house-battered haddock and Scottish oysters mignonette, this cosy bistro champions Britain’s bounty of seafood. It also serves woodfired pizzas and garlic bread, as well as tapas and sharing dishes galore. You’ll find it right on the promenade, decked in stylish beach-inspired décor. 

Selfie mode at the ready! Madame Tussauds Blackpool features the world’s top movie stars, celebrities, singers and icons – from Nicole Kidman and Kate Winslet to the cast of Coronation Street. Expect an amazing level of detail and incredible photo opportunities, whether you’re hanging off a building with Spiderman, raising a pint in the Rovers Return, or posing with Harry Styles and Ariana Grande. Fancy something more extreme? Head to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, whose thrilling rollercoaster collection includes the UK’s tallest. 

The likes of Jason Manford, Gary Delaney and Maisie Adam have trodden the boards of the Comedy Station Comedy Club – so it’s worth checking out what’s on during your trip. It’s located on the seafront, with shows every Friday and Saturday, plus selected Thursdays and Sundays. Grab a drink from the bar and let the lols roll.  

Overlooking the Irish Sea from the Queen’s Promenade, the Doric Hotel is where you’ll rest up for the evening. Relax in your spacious room, go for a dip in one of the indoor or outdoor swimming pools, or catch the daily live entertainment. If you’re planning a trip with all the family, then kids stay free during the school holidays. 

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a night of 5-star luxury then check into the award-winning Boulevard Hotel. Located on the seafront, the Boulevard is perfect if you want easy access to Pleasure Beach. 

With a head full of nostalgia and a belly full of delicious food, it’s time to put your feet up at the recently refurbished Village Hotel Club. The rooms are fitted with TVs, Wi-Fi, complimentary tea and coffee, and are designed for everyone, from solo travellers to families. If you fancy a dip, the Village Hotel Club is equipped with a heated indoor pool, with dedicated times for children’s swimming. 

An alternative option for family stays is The Big Blue Hotel. The well-situated accommodation feels like a big (and blue) home away from home. Embrace the sleepover vibes of the Family Rooms, doze off on the bunk beds (kids only!) and tackle the wall-mounted board games. 

Start your second day in England’s showbiz capital with a stroll along the seafront, taking in the fresh air and stopping to admire a one-of-a-kind public art installation. The Comedy Carpet is an ode to British entertainment and features hundreds of visualised jokes, catchphrases and songs from beloved showbiz icons past and present. Can you find your favourite punchline? For more alfresco art worthy of your camera roll, check out Great Promenade Art Show.

Roll up, roll up! Be razzled and dazzled by the Showtown Museum, an interactive extravaganza of all the things that make Blackpool rock. See the ‘greatest seaside resort on earth’ as you’ve never seen it before, as you marvel at the Illuminations and discover donkey rides and deck chairs. Plus, peek behind the curtain and uncover the secrets of ventriloquists, magicians, and ballroom dancing through six colourful galleries. 

There’s no business like show business when it comes to working up an appetite, so grab a bite to eat at the Empress Coffee Bar & Bistro located in the historic Winter Gardens. The luxurious interior will have you feeling like a VIP. In the cooler months, opt for a hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows - an Empress speciality. The menu caters to all hunger levels, and if you’re feeling fancy, why not enjoy an afternoon tea?  

Who lives in a theme park over the Irish Sea? Spongebob Squarepants! Head on down to Pleasure Beach Resort’s Nickelodeon Land for the chance to hang out with everybody’s favourite sponge. Buckle up and tackle the 12 Nickelodeon-themed rides, including the Bikini Bottom Bus Tour, Avatar Airbender, and Rugrats Lost River. Yet only the bravest adrenaline junkies dare take on the drop of the Krusty Krab Order Up. If you’re still feeling the need for speed, the main park at Pleasure Beach has several rides suitable for all the family.

Since it first opened its doors to the public in 1911, the Grundy Art Gallery has been bringing world-class art to Blackpool’s seafront. Since 2015, many of the works in the collection touch on the central theme of ‘light’, one befitting of the town’s past, present, and future. The exhibitions change four times a year, ensuring that there’s always something fresh and exciting to see. Recent exhibits include larger-than-life, colourful sculptures from Yorkshire-based artist Jason Wilsher-Mills. 

For dinner, head to much-loved Michael Wan’s Wok Inn for some succulent Asian Cuisine. The Wok Inn is a contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant and has classic dishes from the continent such as Pad Thai, Katsu Curry and Chow Mein served in street food style. Michael Wan’s has been feeding the people of Blackpool for over 60 years. The Wok Inn’s sister restaurant, Michael Wan’s Mandarin, is widely considered to be one of the best Chinese restaurants in Europe, and food critic Jay Rayner is a fan too.

Consider your timbers shivered at the Coral Harbour Kitchen and Bar, a pirate-themed food hall at Coral Island. The extensive menu features food from all over the world and is perfect for all the family. Don’t forget to try the fish and chips, you are at the seaside after all. Make sure to take advantage of the generous Kids Eat Free with a paying adult offer. 

Pre-order the prosecco and end the evening with an unforgettable show at one of Blackpool’s premier venues. A taste of Vegas in the north west, Viva! has a packed programme of showstopping performances ranging from ABBA tribute acts to X Factor winners.  

You aren’t short for options in Blackpool when it comes to evening entertainment. The iconic Winter Gardens has a stellar schedule of quality acts to choose from or catch some stand-up or a musical at the Blackpool Grand Theatre.