Day trips in Blackpool

Booking your charming seaside getaway won’t cost the earth thanks to affordable rail services. With three stations in town and frequent services, train travel in Blackpool is stress-free. Here are just some of the trains to Blackpool.

Train stations in Blackpool

Trains serving Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Blackpool South are operated by Northern on the same line. Blackpool Pleasure Beach station is just ten minutes away from the Pleasure Beach Resort amusement park, and Blackpool South is a 13-minute walk from the Sandcastle Waterpark. The stations provide direct access to Kirkham, Wesham, Lytham St Annes, and Preston. Passengers can sit back, relax and enjoy the views from the train window. Grab a window seat and take in the stunning Lancashire countryside and the pier’s skyline on your journey to the coast.

Trains from the airport to Blackpool

Manchester Airport has direct trains to Blackpool North every hour, as well as a station within walking distance. It takes roughly 1 hour and 35 minutes to reach the resort town. Fares start from £6.00.

Trains from London to Blackpool

With exciting rollercoasters, a thriving ballroom scene, and spectacular free events, day trips in Blackpool offer more than the classic seaside experience. Take a look at our picks:

Places to visit in Blackpool

The Golden Mile stretches between the North and South piers, passing the Central Pier. See all three piers on foot or ride one of the town’s vintage trams. Recognized as one of the most striking structures in the town’s skyline, the Blackpool Tower has a host of fun activities and venues. Visit the swanky Blackpool Tower Ballroom at the base, or head up to the Tower Eye and brave the glass walkway.

Blackpool is teeming with arts and culture. There are many galleries and museums to choose from, including the family-friendly Showtown Blackpool next to the Blackpool Tower and Grundy Art Gallery (free entry), five minutes from Blackpool North on the way to the pier.

Escape the bustle of the promenade and the sounds of the amusement parks with a visit to Marton mere local nature reserve, a tranquil refuge full of wildlife and history.

Where to eat in Blackpool

Blackpool has an amazing range of food and drink. Naturally, this includes great fish and chips. Grab some from Yorkshire Fisheries, The Cottage, or Papa’s Fish & Chips for gluten-free and vegan options.

Experience a feast for your senses at Abingdon Street Market, a food and retail hall in the town center. Common and Meherin have locals’ seal of approval for South American and Indian cuisine. The Cask and Tap is a great spot to sample craft ale and cider. For hearty pub classics, check out No13 Bonny Street near Central Pier.

Blackpool events

There’s a host of events on Blackpool’s calendar that see the city come to life. As the first town in the world to have electric street lighting, Blackpool continues to wow visitors with Blackpool Illuminations, an incredible free light show, typically on from late August to early November.

Another mesmerizing free event is the Blackpool Airshow, with thrilling aerobatics above the seafront over two days in August.

Swap seaside charm for historical cities and quaint market towns with these enjoyable day trips from Blackpool.

Lancaster

A former market town, the city of Lancaster has an appealing blend of history and modern attractions. Northern trains run from Blackpool North (up to three trains an hour) or Blackpool South (one train each hour), and journeys take about 1 hour and 11 minutes including changing at Preston. Cheap fares start from £17.00. The popular castle dominating the skyline is only five minutes around the corner from Lancaster station. 

Located within Lancaster Castle’s former prison, the Lancashire Police Museum houses galleries within the cells; admission is free. For more history, head to the Judges’ Lodging, the city’s oldest townhouse and now a museum showcasing period rooms and Regency furniture. Walk through the city center and over the canal towards Williamson Park, a gorgeous 54-acre green space with city and countryside views.

Kendal

Home of the Kendal Mint Cake, Kendal is an excellent option for day trips from Blackpool. Eight Northern trains operate a day from Blackpool North and Blackpool South, taking roughly 1 hour and 43 minutes to reach Kendal station (including a change at Preston). Kick off the day with a short six-minute walk to the Quaker Tapestry Museum for exquisite embroidery displays. 

If you’re in the mood for another art collection, stroll along the River Kent, order coffee or food from Brew Brothers, and explore the Abbot Hall Art Gallery in a beautiful Georgian building. The park next door is the perfect spot to unwind. For amazing views of the town, climb up to the castle ruins. Train fares purchased in advance are around £30.00.

Preston

Complete your North England travel itinerary with a trip to Preston, Lancashire’s biggest city built on a rich history. Popular attractions include the Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library (free entry) on Market Square, 11 minutes away from Preston station. The nearby Market Hall has an excellent mix of fresh produce, independent stores, and cafés with hot and cold food under its impressive Victorian canopy. 

Looking for somewhere a bit quieter? Avenham and Miller Park is a charming oasis with a Japanese rock garden. The Continental pub on the outskirts of the park and by the banks of the River Ribble has become a city institution. Stop by for warming pub favorites or drinks. With Northern, train tickets cost as little as £2.00. Four trains run from Blackpool North each hour, and one service runs an hour from Blackpool South. The journey takes around 31 minutes.

Train travel in Blackpool and beyond is seamless and affordable. Get even more money off your tickets with split ticketing, Railcard discounts (typically 1/3), and Advance fares.