About a mile inland from the tower as the crow flies is Stanley Park, a serene spread of green space boasting a pristine boating lake. The park hosts a varied programme of events and contains one of Blackpool's favourite cultural gems in Parks Art Deco Café. This idyllic establishment overlooks the quaint Italian Gardens and serves snacks and light bites from a seasonal menu. As well as all this, the northern end of the park is where you'll find the 18-hole Stanley Park Golf Course.
Pleasure Beach
Endearingly old school and treasured by many, Pleasure Beach is home to the kinds of high-octane, fluorescent and sticky pleasures we all dreamed of as kids. Complete with nearly 40 rides – including the majestic Big One – and countless shows, shops, games and arcades, the park promises a vintage brand of joy for all. It can be found on Ocean Boulevard, off the Promenade in the South Shore area of town.
The Grand Theatre Blackpool
The Grand Theatre has been entertaining visitors since 1894 and isn’t likely to stop anytime soon. Plush traditional interiors more than live up to the venue’s prestigious title, blending a traditional music-hall look with contemporary glitz, glamour and comfort. Top-notch live shows – including dance, opera, and all kinds of theatre – promise a memorable evening out. Found on Church Street, The Grand is a stunning example of modern restoration.
Blackpool Zoo
Making the most of some gorgeous English parkland, Blackpool Zoo is set on 32 acres of sprawling greenery adjacent to Stanley Park. With more than 1,000 entrancing animals to learn about and observe – including all your favourite big cats, primates, sea dwellers and stars of the Serengeti – it's a family adventure of the highest order. Educational talks, plenty of play areas, and up-close-and-personal introductions to the animals are all on offer.
The Golden Mile
The stretch of Promenade between the North and South piers is known as the Golden Mile. It's here you can find the best of the famous Blackpool Illuminations – a dazzling 66-day light festival that marks the closing period of the tourism season. While Madame Tussauds and the Sea Life aquarium sit along the Promenade, a trip to the mid-19th century North pier – a Grade II listed building jutting deep into the choppy off-shore waters – will please those looking to experience a little of Blackpool’s original and blustery heritage.
