On a tight budget this summer? The team at Blackpool’s Back have given us a list of ten things families can do over the summer without spending a penny!
The summer holidays can be quite an expensive time of year for families; days out here and there can quite easily start totting up in cost, but there is still plenty you can do with spending too much.
With so many budget-friendly attractions, events and activities to offer to its visitors, it is little wonder why Blackpool has remained such a popular seaside destination. If you are planning to make a family trip to Blackpool over the summer, here are ten ideas of things to do and see to make your trip truly memorable, without spending a penny!
The Beach
Blackpool Beach is a wonderful day out for families looking to indulge in some traditional British summertime fun. Children can build sandcastles and paddle in the sea whilst leaving parents to relax and enjoy the miles of golden sand on the award winning beach. A perfect trip for a sunny day, Blackpool Beach can offer hours of fun for all family members. We recommend going down early and taking a picnic, then venturing down the promenade later on in the day.
The Promenade
If you have never been to Blackpool before, then a stroll down the promenade is not to be missed. There’s always so much going on in the seaside town and plenty to take in, so even walking around and looking at everything can be good fun for everyone. The seafront under-went a £100million regeneration back in late 2011, and now includes eye-catching art installations along the way and additional seating in the form of the wave walls and pebble shaped seats. This is always great when combined with a day on the beach as they are right next to each other, and both absolutely free!
The Three Piers
Blackpool beach has three individual piers which are packed full of exciting activities and rides – The North Pier, The Central Pier and The South Pier. The piers have been around for many years, with the North Pier being built in 1863, the Central Pier in 1864 and the South Pier in 1890, and have over the years developed into the impressive attractions they are today. The most prominent of the three piers – the Central Pier – can be seen from afar due to the colossal Ferris wheel which is over 100 feet high. Some of the attractions on the piers, like the rides, do require for you to pay however admission is free.
Penny Farm
Located just a little bit further out of Blackpool centre, Penny Farm is a fun-filled day out for animal-lovers. Home to around 65 horses, one of the Penny Farm volunteers will take you around the stables and introduce you to them all on your visit.They have also recently launched a new activity called ‘Dale’s Trails’ – named after the horse who leads the course – which allows visitors to complete a fun activity trail around the farm. Penny Farm has additional activities on during the school holidays, including ‘August Fun Wednesdays’ where families can enjoy games, a BBQ and a bouncy castle.
The Blackpool Illuminations
A trip to see the Blackpool Illuminations is a perfect option for one of the last trips before the children go back to school. The Illuminations stretch across 10km and have been one of Blackpool’s most popular attractions since 1879 when visitors described the modern wonder as ‘Artificial Sunshine’. Every year people can get a sneak preview of the Illuminations before the grand opening by attending the Ride the Lights event. This is an event where the organisers close the road along the promenade and only allow cyclists; it is followed by the switch-on weekend which starts the beginning of the Illuminations period, which lasts up until November.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is the main park in Blackpool; on a day trip here you can expect to see stunning gardens, historical buildings and fun activities for children. You can take a picnic and sit out in the gardens to have lunch, or go to the art deco cafe and dine out whilst enjoying some live music. Children can feed the ducks on the lake or explore the children’s play area, which includes rocking horses, see-saws, slides and climbing frames amongst other playground classics.
The Blackpool Tower & Comedy Carpet
Although a trip up The Blackpool Tower does cost you money, there is nothing stopping you from admiring the architecture of the legendary Blackpool landmark from outside. There are some public areas in the Tower which won’t cost you anything to enter, including the coffee shop. Additionally, just across from The Blackpool Tower is one of the newer attractions – The Comedy Carpet. This is a big piece of public art that celebrates the jokes, songs and catchphrases of some of Britain’s most loved comedians and writers.
Grundy Art Gallery
Grundy Art Gallery is a perfect day trip destination for families with budding artists amongst them; the art gallery features a programme of different contemporary visual art exhibitions from both new and established artists in the UK and abroad. On a trip to the Grundy Gallery, you can expect to see Victorian oil and watercolour paintings, contemporary prints, photographs and much more.
Arcades
The classic arcades are an aspect of Blackpool held dearly in all British holiday seekers’ hearts. They are a great way for you and your kids to get involved in the magic of a traditional British seaside holiday. To enter the arcades, it is free. However, obviously to play each machine you would have to submit a small amount of change. This may vary from 10p-20p to £5.00.
The Blackpool Airshow
Blackpool annually hosts an air show which showcases a spectacular range of modern and classic planes. The air show is a wonderful attraction for all ages and takes place over the 10th and 11th August. It features a wide range of different planes, including the world famous RAF Red Arrows, performing aerobatic displays.
Many families don’t have a big budget to spend over the holidays on days out but if you know the right places to go, you can still be thrifty and enjoy a fun-filled summer break!
Author Bio: Cassie Forshaw is Head of Marketing at Blackpool’s Back. Blackpool’s Back is an information website about all of the top attractions, events and things to do in Blackpool.