Welcome to Blackpool, the quintessential British seaside resort that has been delighting visitors for over 150 years. This vibrant town on England’s northwest coast is home to iconic attractions like the Blackpool Tower, three historic piers, and the thrilling Blackpool Pleasure Beach theme park. Stroll along the bustling promenade, build sandcastles on the golden sandy beach, or enjoy traditional seaside amusements like donkey rides and dodgems on the famous Golden Mile.
Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Blackpool ☀️:
- ✨ 5-Star: The Stranded Hotel
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Viking Hotel - Adults Only
- 💸 Cheap: Sarnia holiday flats
- 🏢 Apartament: Vibe Holiday Apartments
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: The Burlington by STAMP SA
- 🏩 For Couples: Sunnydene Holiday Flats
Blackpool continues to reinvent itself while maintaining its classic charm. From the North Pier to South Beach, there’s plenty of space for fun and relaxation. Take a ride on the historic tramway connecting Blackpool North to Bispham and Cleveleys, or explore nearby towns like St Annes on the Fylde coast. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly attractions like Sea Life Blackpool and the Sandcastle Waterpark, or simply want to indulge in fish and chips by the seafront, this beloved beach resort offers something for everyone at any tide.
Beautiful Beaches in Blackpool: Quick Overview 🏦
- 🏖️ For traditional seaside fun and family entertainment: Blackpool Central Beach
- 🌊 For water sports enthusiasts and surfers: Blackpool North Beach
- 🎢 For thrill-seekers and amusement park lovers: South Beach
- 🐕 For dog walkers and quieter strolls: Bispham Beach
1. 🏖️ Blackpool Central Beach: Heart of Seaside Fun
🎡 Family Entertainment Hub: Blackpool Central Beach is the epicenter of traditional seaside fun, offering a perfect blend of nostalgic charm and modern attractions. The beach is flanked by the iconic Central Pier, home to a variety of rides and amusements that cater to all ages.
🍦 Promenade Delights: The famous Golden Mile promenade runs alongside the beach, lined with ice cream parlors, fish and chip shops, and souvenir stores. Visitors can enjoy classic seaside treats while taking in the lively atmosphere and sea views.
🏊 Safe Swimming: The beach boasts a Blue Flag award for its cleanliness and safety standards. Lifeguards are on duty during peak seasons, making it an ideal spot for families to enjoy swimming and paddling in the sea.
🎢 The Best Sights
- Blackpool Tower: Iconic landmark offering panoramic views of the coastline.
- Central Pier: Victorian pier with fairground rides and entertainment.
- Coral Island: Large indoor amusement arcade with various attractions.
🍽️ The Best Places to Eat
- Harry Ramsden’s: Famous for traditional fish and chips.
- Notarianni Ice Cream: Family-run gelato shop with a secret recipe.
- Beach House Bistro & Bar: Seafront restaurant with stunning views.
🚶♂️ Getting Around: The beach is easily accessible on foot from the town center. The famous Blackpool Tramway runs along the promenade, providing convenient transportation to other parts of the seafront. Plenty of parking is available nearby for those arriving by car.
Best Hotels Near Blackpool Central Beach 🌊
- The Stranded Hotel: A newly refurbished hotel in Blackpool featuring seven en-suite bedrooms and a ground-floor easy-access suite with a wet room. While there is no on-site parking, paid car parking is available nearby.
- Denville Hotel: A welcoming hotel located in Blackpool, offering comfortable accommodations with amenities such as a bar and lounge area. It’s conveniently situated for exploring local attractions and enjoying the vibrant seaside atmosphere.
- Sarnia holiday flats: Situated just 0.7 miles from Blackpool’s center, these flats are perfect for family stays, offering accommodations for up to six guests and located only 150 yards from the nearest beach.
2. 🌊 Blackpool North Beach: Watersports Paradise
🏄♂️ Surf’s Up: Blackpool North Beach is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, particularly surfers. The beach’s exposure to the Irish Sea creates consistent waves, making it a popular spot for both beginners and experienced surfers.
🚣♀️ Diverse Activities: Beyond surfing, the beach offers opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and kitesurfing. Equipment rentals and lessons are available from local providers, catering to all skill levels.
🌅 Scenic Beauty: The beach boasts stunning views of the coastline and is less crowded than its central counterpart, providing a more relaxed atmosphere for those who want to combine water sports with sunbathing and picnicking.
🏛️ The Best Sights
- North Pier: Victorian pier with a theatre and traditional amusements.
- Blackpool Model Village & Gardens: Miniature village set in beautiful gardens.
- Gynn Square: Historic square with Art Deco buildings and sea views.
🍽️ The Best Places to Eat
- Compass Cafe Bar: Beachfront cafe with panoramic sea views.
- The Gynn Pub & Restaurant: Traditional pub with sea-facing beer garden.
- Bella Italia: Family-friendly Italian restaurant near the beach.
🚗 Navigation: The beach is located at the northern end of Blackpool’s seafront. It’s a short tram ride from the town center, with regular services running along the promenade. Ample parking is available for those driving, including dedicated spots for water sports enthusiasts.
Best Hotels Near Blackpool North Beach ☀️
- Holiday Inn Blackpool, an IHG Hotel: Located at 85 Talbot Road, this hotel boasts a great location near the train station. It offers family-friendly accommodations with options for children’s beds and pets allowed upon request. Enjoy modern amenities and easy access to Blackpool’s attractions.
- ART B&B: A unique boutique hotel in Blackpool, ART B&B combines contemporary art with comfortable accommodations. Each room is individually designed by artists, offering guests a creative and inspiring stay just steps from the beach.
- Vibe Holiday Apartments: These apartments offer a great location with railway access, just 400 yards from the beach. They provide various accommodation options suitable for families, accommodating up to eight guests, making them ideal for longer stays or group visits.
3. 🎢 South Beach: Thrill-Seeker’s Paradise
🎠 Amusement Park Adjacent: South Beach is located right next to the world-famous Blackpool Pleasure Beach, making it a hotspot for thrill-seekers and amusement park enthusiasts. The beach offers a perfect balance of relaxation and excitement.
🌊 Waterpark Proximity: The nearby Sandcastle Waterpark, the UK’s largest indoor waterpark, adds to the area’s appeal for those seeking water-based thrills beyond the sea.
🎣 Fishing Opportunities: South Pier, which extends from the beach, is a popular spot for sea fishing, offering another dimension of entertainment for visitors.
🏛️ The Best Sights
- Blackpool Pleasure Beach: Iconic amusement park with world-class roller coasters.
- South Pier: Victorian pier with modern rides and attractions.
- Sandcastle Waterpark: Indoor waterpark with numerous slides and pools.
🍽️ The Best Places to Eat
- Yellows on the Beach: Beachfront bar and grill with stunning views.
- The Velvet Coaster: Large Wetherspoons pub with sea views.
- The Beach Cafe: Casual eatery perfect for quick bites.
🚌 Transportation Options: South Beach is easily accessible via Blackpool’s efficient tram system. For those driving, there’s ample parking at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The area is also well-served by local bus routes, making it easy to reach from various parts of the town.
Best Hotels Near South Beach ⛱️
- Viking Hotel - Adults Only: This adults-only hotel is located at 479 Promenade in Blackpool, just 100 meters from the nearest beach. It features two restaurants, Sea View Restaurant and Coffeeshop, and offers a variety of breakfast options including continental and traditional English. Guests can enjoy evening entertainment, live music, and a nightclub on-site.
- The Burlington by STAMP SA: Situated in Blackpool, this aparthotel offers family-friendly accommodations with modern amenities. It’s conveniently located for exploring local attractions and provides a comfortable stay for families visiting the area.
- Pleasure Beach House: Located near Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach, this hotel offers easy access to one of Blackpool’s most popular attractions. It’s ideal for guests looking to be close to the action while enjoying comfortable accommodations.
4. 🐕 Bispham Beach: Tranquil Coastal Retreat
🐾 Dog-Friendly Haven: Bispham Beach is a paradise for dog owners, offering unrestricted access for furry friends throughout the year. The wide, sandy expanse provides ample space for dogs to run and play.
🚶♂️ Peaceful Promenade: The beach is backed by a quieter section of Blackpool’s promenade, perfect for leisurely strolls and enjoying the sea air without the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas.
🌅 Scenic Beauty: Bispham Beach offers some of the best sunset views along the Blackpool coast. The relatively undeveloped shoreline provides a more natural seaside experience.
🏛️ The Best Sights
- Bispham Rock Gardens: Beautiful clifftop gardens with stunning sea views.
- Little Bispham Tram Station: Charming heritage tram stop.
- Cabin Lift: Historic cliff lift offering panoramic views of the coast.
🍽️ The Best Places to Eat
- The Eating Inn: Family-friendly pub with sea views.
- Bispham Kitchen: Traditional cafe serving British classics.
- The Highlands: Pub with a large beer garden overlooking the sea.
🚲 Getting There: Bispham Beach is easily accessible via Blackpool’s tram system, with a stop conveniently located nearby. For those preferring to drive, there’s free parking available along the promenade. The area is also popular with cyclists, with dedicated bike paths along the seafront.
Best Hotels Near Bispham Beach 🌄
- The Beach House, Luxury Apartments: These luxury 5-star apartments offer a high-end stay in Blackpool with modern amenities and elegant interiors. Guests can enjoy spacious living areas and stunning views, making it an ideal choice for those seeking comfort and style near the beach.
- Queens Mansions: Clitheroe Suite: Located in Blackpool, the Clitheroe Suite at Queens Mansions provides a luxurious retreat with premium furnishings and amenities. This suite is perfect for guests looking for a sophisticated and comfortable stay with easy access to local attractions.
- Sunnydene Holiday Flats: These holiday flats offer a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for visitors to Blackpool. Ideal for couples or small families, they provide convenient access to the beach and local attractions, ensuring a pleasant stay.
📝 Conclusion: Blackpool
Blackpool is a vibrant seaside town known for its vast expanse of sand and lively attractions, making it a top destination for a day at the beach. Blackpool South Beach is particularly popular, offering miles of golden sand where various activities are allowed on the beach, ensuring fun for everyone. The area of beach known as Blackpool is complemented by iconic landmarks such as the Comedy Carpet and Madame Tussauds, which attract visitors from near and far. For those interested in exploring beyond the beach, wildlife tours and air tours provide unique ways to experience the area’s natural beauty. Blackpool Council ensures beach safety with regular patrols, making it a safe and enjoyable destination.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
Does Blackpool have a sandy beach?
Yes! Blackpool boasts miles of golden sandy beaches, perfect for building sandcastles and enjoying seaside activities. The beaches are ideal for families and provide plenty of space for relaxation and play.
Is Blackpool Beach free entry?
Absolutely! Blackpool Beach is free for everyone to enjoy. You can bring a towel or blanket to sit on and soak up the sun without any entry fees.
Can you drink alcohol on Blackpool Beach?
No, drinking alcohol on the beach is prohibited. However, there are many licensed premises along the piers and promenade where you can enjoy a drink after your beach day.
Is the sea at Blackpool clean?
Yes, Blackpool Beach has achieved Blue Flag status, indicating high standards of cleanliness and water quality. The central beach has a good water quality rating, while the northern Bispham area boasts an excellent rating.
What is the best time to visit Blackpool’s beaches?
The best time to visit is typically from May to September when the weather is warmest. However, visiting during off-peak months like June or September can offer a quieter experience with all attractions open.
