Top 5 Things To Do in Blackpool

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside. We recently enjoyed a little mini break to Blackpool in collaboration with Travelodge and as part of the trip we were tasked with having as much fun as possible so I thought I would share with you our Top 5 things to do with a child under 5. We had lots of fun exploring Blackpool even if it did rain for 50% of our time there, its actually thanks to the rain that we found a gorgeous little beach bar which I just have to share with you! With budget accommodation via the Travelodge South Shore Hotel which is in walking distance of all the main attractions, see our full review here you can’t help but explore the sights of Blackpool.

Unless you are happy to hop on and off trams, part of the fun of exploring Blackpool is the endless walking up and down the promenade. As a young girl I remember strolling up and down, and up again, walking from one end to the other, right from the Pleasure Beach to the Winter Gardens. Visiting Blackpool over the Easter holidays brought back so many childhood memories and I am so glad that I got to share them all over again with Lil G. He was such an excited little bunny all weekend. Can you believe Mr H had never been to Blackpool as a little boy! What were my in-laws thinking. It’s a childhood must.

We explored Blackpool through Lil G’s eyes and what fun we had. This weekend was all about spending time with our gorgeous little boy. It was a trip all about him and I am so glad that despite the rain we still headed out on an adventure or five! There was oodles of fun to be had and thankfully we found a lovely spot looking out to sea where we could fill our bellies with coffee and cake. It couldn’t all be about Lil G now could it, although he does love cake too. Prior to our little trip Mr H and I researched what fun things we could do, what would most interest our four year old, so we drew up a little list and handed it over to Lil G for him to choose. These are his Top 5 Things To Do In Blackpool, tried and tested…

1.Sandcastle Waterpark

Lil G had a splashing time and according to him it was his most favourite part of our trip. He and Mr H enjoyed a morning of fun in the waterpark whilst I enjoyed another slice of cake whilst reading my book! A little tip for you – I would recommend you getting in as it opens at 9.30am as by 11.00am the park was very busy and at times you couldn’t see for the volume of people around you. I would also recommend entry after 3.00pm as this is also a quieter time to visit. For the benefit of the swashbuckling children there is no time restriction on your visit, which definitely has its benefits for the older visitors. Lil G was tired out and getting a little cold after two hours and so we ended our visit by enjoying hot drinks and cookies from one of the cafes.

Lil G loved the water slides, wave machine, lazy river and the Caribbean treehouse. There were many areas for little ones to have fun in so do explore and ask the staff for guidance. We found the staff extremely helpful which started right from the beginning of our visit with the reception and security staff. I particularly liked the office which was brightly signposted in the event you lost your child. We pointed this out to Lil G and made a point of using it as a marker in case he lost one of us. The waterpark was very clean and tidy and very welcoming. So much for children of all ages. A must visit if you are in Blackpool!

2.Blackpool Circus

Hilarious. Lots of belly laughs to be had here. Mr H and I were really looking forward to the Circus, it is renowned locally and as it was the opening weekend we were chuffed when Lil G added it to his list. The circus really does offer fun for all the family, set in a traditional round theatre you can’t help but feel like you have been transported back in time. For Lil G Mooky & Boo were the stars of the show. There was one particular act which he has now started to rein act which for me just shows how much he enjoyed the show. He spent the two hours laughing along and dancing to the music in his seat and hasn’t stopped talking about it since!

One thing you should be aware of is that buying a ticket does not guarantee you entry. They recommend that you get to the show for when the doors open which is roughly 30-45 mins prior to the show starting. As it was raining we arrived 1 hour before to shelter and found ourselves in a very long queue even then! I would also advise you take out a loan, on entry to the Circus you are then hounded with circus material, food & drink, games, face painting and memorabilia. For me it all felt a little bit too much. It certainly wasn’t a cheap do but we did have fun.

3.Promenade

No trip to the seaside should be without a walk along the promenade and then on to the pier. Such a simple pleasure but one not to be forgotten. And let’s not forget picking up a tray of fish & chips to be enjoyed on the promenade steps looking out to see. One of our favourite things to do when at the seaside. Blackpool has recently revamped its promenade and so it really is pleasant to walk along. Have you been recently?

4.Blackpool Tower Eye

Lil G is a thrill seeker that’s for sure. He couldn’t wait to take the lift up to the top of the tower to then to step out on to the glass ceiling. He was so brave, much braver than I was! It took me a good few minutes to step out on to the ceiling and then I quickly turned and looked away! Eek. I love that our gorgeous boy has no fear. It certainly does make our adventures so much more fun.

5.Pleasure Beach

Due to the weather we didn’t actually get chance to explore the pleasure beach. We did however visit the Nickelodeon Land when we visited in September which we can highly recommend. If you are thinking of visiting, I would definitely pre-book tickets online before arriving as buying tickets on the day can be much more expensive. The mini log flume was a huge hit as was meeting the Turtles!

We also found two superb family friendly restaurants which I just have to share with you. We always find eating out in a different City or Town really tricky. It can be a minefield finding a restaurant which caters for children as much as adults without it having a fast food culture. We were recommended two spots; The Beach House Bar which is located directly opposite the Tower and La Fontana which is a family run Italian restaurant just a few streets behind the Tower.

Both offered a completely different setting. The Beach House Bar was fun and modern. With a gorgeous terrace overlooking the sea. The terrace was undercover, complete with heaters which made it the perfect spot for when the storm hit. We sheltered from the rain twice during our stay, the first time we just had coffee and cake (really yummy) and the second time we had lunch. Lil G happily dazed out of the window from our rather comfy sofa seats. So relaxing to sit back and watch the storm pass over us. They had a dedicated children’s menu which always makes our little boy feel special. The food was delicious on both occasions and the service was superb. A must visit if you are in Blackpool.

The second restaurant we visited was in the evening; La Fontana. I would recommend booking, we arrived around 6.30pm after our trip to the circus and managed to take the last table before a queue formed. A traditional looking, beautifully decorated Italian restaurant with the most attentive staff. They were all more than happy to interact with Lil G, they had a menu which doubled up as a colouring pad which always pleases a little one and of course allows us parents the opportunity to eat our food as its served! Right from the start we knew we were going to enjoy great food. A must visit. There was such a great vibe in the restaurant, infectious actually.

And that’s a wrap. Our Top 5 Things To Do In Blackpool. Have you visited Blackpool recently? And would you add anything to the list?