Blackpool has long been known as a classic family resort with, its trams, donkey rides and three piers as well as seven miles of sandy beach. Now, a huge regeneration and development project has brought this busy seaside town into the 21st century, with a sense of activity, culture and atmosphere.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach and its Hidden Gems

Take a walk through the sculpture gardens, explore the maze and catch their Spectacular Dancing Water Show, or wander through the stunning art gallery at The Globe. There is also an adventure golf course to test your putting skills and a wide range of restaurants and cafes where you can refuel before catching any of their shows that go on throughout the day. You’ll be spoiled for choice with the entertainment on offer: from magic to comedy to ice shows to dancing.

An Afternoon at Stanley Park

Just a short taxi ride away from the beach is the antithesis of sand and seaside rock; the 390 acre Stanley Park is an exquisite blend of horticulture and architecture. This beautiful park has been granted a Grade II listing and boasts a beautiful Italian garden, rose gardens and remembrance garden. The park is also divided up into quarters and each section has its own attractions including a boating lake, golf course, sports centre and interesting model village. A whole day could be spent in these charming surroundings alone and what could be lovelier than spending a summer’s day here?

The Grand Theatre

Close to your hotel is the Blackpool Grand Theatre. It’s hard to believe that this glorious piece of Victorian architecture was only just saved from the jaws of demolition in the 1960s. As well as having an excellent programme of theatrical delights, Frank Matcham’s architectural masterpiece is a stunning relic of times gone by with wonderful artwork in the tower ballroom. You won’t be able to stop yourself looking in awe at the ornate proscenium arch paintings or the gilded plasterwork before the lights go down for a show or during one of the fantastic guided tours on offer.

Madame Tussauds

The famous Madame Tussaud’s opened in Spring 2011 . The only other city to offer this attraction is London. Located opposite the central pier, this would be the perfect place to while away an afternoon should the weather turn during one of our Great British Summers. Sealife has also opened up an aquarium in the area and is a wonderful place to explore.

Retail Therapy

Blackpool has also become an excellent choice for shopping. Featuring all our favourite high street chains, you’ll also find an array of boutiques and speciality shops - showing just how diverse shopping here can be. There is also a year-round illumination display giving a brilliant centrepiece sound and light show in the centre of Blackpool and the recently updated piazza at St John’s has beautiful sculptures and blue glass artwork to take in while walking through the centre and you’ll often find street entertainment too.

Grundy Art Gallery

Finally, if you’ve got any time left, spare a couple of hours for the Grundy Art Gallery. The gallery houses an awe inspiring contemporary collection in beautiful Edwardian-style surroundings and is only a short walk from all the hotels we use in Blackpool. The gallery puts on eight different exhibitions a year so there will always be something new to see. The shop specialises in jewellery made by local artists as well as exhibition publications, toys, greetings cards and journals. This popular and publically funded gallery is a bit of a secret gem and even offers free admission.

You deserve a few breaks in life...