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Our Family Day Trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach
When you’ve got a 11-year-old thrill-seeker and a 4-year-old, planning a day out that works for the whole family is no small task—especially when you’re doing it solo. I often take the kids out on my own, so finding somewhere that they can both enjoy (without one being bored or overwhelmed) is a real challenge. But in the summer holiday, we decided to take on the mission with a family day trip in the summer holidays to Blackpool, one of the UK’s most iconic seaside resorts in the North West and a popular destination for coach holidays, day excursions, and weekend breaks. Our main destination? The legendary Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a great attraction with something for everyone.
Travelling with a toddler then read our dedicated guide to is there much to do with a toddler at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
Total Spend for 1 adult and 2 kids (3yrs & 10yrs)
Train: With Family Railcard £
Pleasure Beach – £90
Hilton Hotel – £85 including breakfast and £35 evening meal
Sandcastle – Free Guest Invite
Meals Out – £65 (Fish and Chips and tea, ice creams, Lunch for us all at a restaurant.)
Getting to Blackpool: Train Ride and Tram Adventure
We travelled via train to Blackpool North, the nearest station to most of the central attractions. Just getting there felt like part of the adventure. The train ride was filled with snacks, games, and excitement. Once we arrived, we hopped on a tram—Blackpool’s famous Trolley Icon—which runs from North Pier to South Piers, passing key stops like Central Pier, the Blackpool Tower, and even the The Sandcastle Water Park. Trams are ideal for families and those on coach holidays who are using feeder vehicles to get around.
A quick side note: if you’re planning train travel with little ones, definitely check out the Family & Friends Railcard. It’s honestly worth its weight in gold. We’ve had ours for three years now and made the annual fee back within our first use. At just £35 a year, it’s a godsend and has saved us a small fortune on family travel.
Making It a Mini Blackpool Holiday
We decided to extend our Blackpool day trip into an overnight stay. With so much to see, it just made sense. We stayed near South Pier, which is a stone’s throw from Blackpool Pleasure Beach and within walking distance of the UK’s largest indoor waterpark, The Sandcastle. We’d been invited for an exclusive early-access session, and it absolutely delivered!
Suppose you’re planning a Family Blackpool holiday, along with a guide on what to do in Blackpool with kids. In that case, you may be looking at booking a hotel close to the piers, which makes everything easily walkable, especially when juggling prams and overtired little ones.
We decided to stay at the Blackpool Hilton Hotel, there was a good deal which included breakfast, and I preferred to go somewhere I would feel safe and secure with the kids, along with knowing how clean it would be. It didn’t disappoint. You can grab the tram, but we walked as Eliza was sound asleep in her pram and gave Kimi time to decompress from all the fun. We had an excellent tea, and the price wasn’t too bad. Then went up to a lovely clean room. Breakfast was great and easy, and we were packed and ready to go for our early start with the Sandacastle private swim session.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach: A Classic British Theme Park
Entering the amusement park, we were immediately met with the smell of doughnuts and the sound of rollercoasters. We booked 14 days in advance so paid £30 for an adult ticket instead of £50 and x 2 £30 instead of £45 as both kids 11 and under. Its really worth booking ahead if you can to keep the price down.
A tip: download your QR entry codes before you arrive. We forgot, but thankfully there’s a reception building just left of the entrance where staff were happy to help.
We headed straight to Nickelodeon Land. This area is gold for families with little ones. The rides are perfect for toddlers but fun enough to keep older siblings engaged. Our 4-year-old loved Dora’s World Voyage, and the 10-year-old was buzzing after trying out the Rugrats Lost River ride. I was slightly terrified not going to lie. She also loved the blue rollercoaster that was a fast right but she could also go on with me and her brother.
One of the standout moments was the Wallace & Gromit Thrill-O-Matic. This gentler ride takes you through famous scenes from the beloved animations. It’s a bit dark, and the giant bunny at the end caused a few toddler tears, but all was forgiven after a visit to the gift shop and an ice cream.
We also loved the Alice in Wonderland ride, a whimsical journey that had both kids captivated. It’s a perfect choice when your feet need a break, and you’re looking for a slower pace.
For something a bit different, don’t miss the often-overlooked Pleasure Beach Express. This mini-train loops through the park and passes beneath some of the big coasters. It’s one of those moments where you can sit back, relax, and wave to the other riders—a real family day highlight of some peace and quiet!
Feeding the Troops
There are plenty of places to eat, with everything from quick bites to sit-down meals. Expect theme park pricing—burgers, chips, hot dogs—but if you want a quieter moment, indoor spots offer more choice—even a glass of wine if you fancy it!
We kept it simple and grabbed a bench with our food, taking in the atmosphere and letting the kids run off some energy. Leaving enough for ice creams later.
We also had a free breakfast at the Blackpool Hilton with our stay but did diner that night as well as the kids were so tired. We grabbed lunch at one of the big pubs by the Sandcastle and tea was fish and chips on the front.
Beyond the Rides: Exploring More of Blackpool
Blackpool isn’t just about the Pleasure Beach. While in town, don’t miss the incredible Sea Life Centre, which showcases marine life from the Irish Sea and beyond. It’s a perfect gentler activity if the weather turns. There is also The Sandcastle Blackpool a huge waterpark packed with so much fun.
Another must-see is the Blackpool Illuminations. Although we missed the official switch-on by a few days, you could already feel the buzz building.
These lights stretch along the promenade in a dazzling display and are a true seasonal highlight and I still remember going with my dad when I was little. Plan your date of travel accordingly—they’re a magical way to end the day.
Other fab stops to consider on your Blackpool day trip or longer stay include:
- Winter Gardens: Especially if you’re visiting during one of the town’s many special events.
- Central Pier & North Pier: Full of traditional seaside fun, including arcades and even donkey rides.
- Local pubs like the Half Moon and Tuns Pub are good for a hearty family meal.
- Comedy Carpet: An artistic celebration of British humour right under the tower.
- Sandcastle: Uk largest water park so much fun.
- Blackpool Zoo: A little further out but a popular tourist attraction
Longer Stays? Make It Part of a Tour
Blackpool works wonderfully as part of wider coach holidays or regional tours. Add it to a Northern England itinerary that includes:
- Forest of Bowland
- Lake District National Park, home to England’s most beautiful lake
- A trip to Newby Hall or Hull Truck Theatre
Travelling with a tour operator or booking as part of a family travel package often includes stops at places like Blue Planet Aquarium, and having set pick-up points and free time included in your itinerary can make things much easier when travelling with young children and a big number of passengers.
Top Tips for Families Travelling to Blackpool:
- Download tickets in advance: Save time and stress at the entrance.
- Check height restrictions: Avoid disappointment by knowing which rides are suitable.
- Use the rider swap system: Take turns without doubling the queue time.
- Measure kids in their shoes: This is especially important when they’re close to a height cut-off.
- Visit Guest Services. To speed things up, you may be able to get a wristband indicating your child’s height.
- Pack snacks and water: While there are food options, having your own bits makes life easier.
- Plan around nap times: Use the quieter rides or shows as rest periods.
- Keep expectations realistic. Flexibility is key with young kids. The goal is unforgettable adventures, not a minute-by-minute itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids at Blackpool Pleasure Beach to do?
From Nickelodeon Land to the Alice in Wonderland ride and Pleasure Beach Express, there’s plenty for toddlers and tweens alike.
Is Blackpool suitable for toddlers?
Yes! With gentle rides, soft play zones, and attractions like the Sea Life Centre and donkey rides on the beach, toddlers will be in their element.
What is the nearest train station to Blackpool Pleasure Beach?
Blackpool North is the nearest major station, followed by Blackpool South, for easier access to the Pleasure Beach itself.
How much are tickets for Blackpool Pleasure Beach?
Prices vary, but booking online in advance can save you money. Look out for family passes and railcard discounts, too.
Final Thoughts: Why Blackpool Pleasure Beach Works for All Ages
We arrived at 11:30 am and stayed until 5:30 pm. And honestly? We could’ve stayed longer. From rollercoasters and character rides to beach walks and arcades, Blackpool delivered a great destination for our mixed-age family.
Whether you’re planning a last-minute day excursion, a weekend Blackpool holiday, or building it into a whole coach holiday route, there’s no denying the charm and convenience of Blackpool for families. There’s a nostalgic seaside magic in the air—one that’s stood the test of time.
So next time you’re wondering where to head for a family day packed with fun laughs, and a bit of sand between your toes, give Blackpool a go. You might love it as much as we did.
Keep following for more of our UK-based family travel adventures—from seaside towns to nature escapes, always tried and tested by real mums like me.