Spend the Scottish Holidays in Blackpool
30 June 2017
by Visit Blackpool
With the sizzling weather, beautiful coastline and amazing attractions, it’s no surprise that Blackpool was the no.1 ‘staycation’ destination in the UK in 2016.
And that’s largely thanks to, in part, our Scottish visitors, who travel in their hundreds of thousands to make up Blackpool’s tourism and business.
This time of year, Scottish tourists flock to our shores to enjoy a relaxing getaway by the sea. Whether it’s sampling the fish ‘n’ chips; getting their adrenaline rush or just breathing in the sea air; it’s a popular choice that stems from times gone by.
Why do Scottish tourists love Blackpool?
The reasons for Scotland loving Blackpool are not so different to why anybody loves Blackpool! But it also has a lot to do with the historic links between the two destinations.
In the 19th Century, the end of July marked the ‘Glasgow Fair Fortnight’. This is when small factories and shipyards all over Glasgow would shut, to allow workers some ‘recreational time’.
With the spread of the railway in the 1840s, Blackpool was suddenly within very easy reach and it was a place people could get almost anything they wanted, at an affordable price.
Nowadays, Blackpool is more popular during early July, when the school holidays have started. With the promising weather; the piers; rides and family attractions, it’s the ideal UK destination for a stay by the seaside.
Take a walk down almost any street and you’ll see many Scottish trademarks about the resort.
Whether it’s the Edinburgh Castle rock and bottles of Irn Bru sold alongside Blackpool rock or the Celtic and Rangers merchandise laid out among the market stalls...Blackpool knows how to make its Scottish visitors feel at home.
So strong was the affinity for Blackpool for some, that they even set up their own B&Bs. The Elgin, Gleneagles, The Argyll, and Oban House, are just a few of the places you may find yourself staying when you come to visit.
Things to Do in Blackpool
This time of year is the perfect time to visit Blackpool, with so much going on and the weather at its most generous.
Plus, with the Blackpool Resort Pass, you’ll be able to save money whilst getting more out of the many main attractions Blackpool has to offer.
What is the Blackpool Resort Pass?
The Blackpool Resort Pass gives you access to six of the biggest attractions in Blackpool, with optional extras to suit your tastes and needs.
From the day of your choosing, the Pass allows for seven days of non-stop fun, with two great-value options available – the Blackpool Resort Pass Original and Blackpool Resort Pass Plus.
Blackpool Tower is just one of the attractions covered by the pass, which offers breathtaking panoramic views across Blackpool and beyond (once you get to the top!).
If you’re brave enough, step onto the ‘Walk of Faith’ glass walk and take a look at the bustling promenade below. There’s even a 60 minute thrilling Blackpool Tower Dungeon ride and a 4D cinema giving you a glimpse of the sights of the resort.
No trip to Blackpool would be complete, of course, without a day at the Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The park holds more than 125 rides to suit all ages, including ‘The Big One’, which is the tallest rollercoaster in the UK!
Be sure to also check out the Blackpool Pleasure Beach All-You-Can-Eat wristbands, which entitle you to eat at your pick of outlets and restaurants within the park.
If you fancy more of a splash, you can head to the Sandcastle Waterpark – also covered by the Pass (and the biggest waterpark in the UK!) – for an eclectic mix of adrenaline-rushing, tropical-inspired water attractions.
Kids and nature lovers will enjoy Blackpool Zoo and SEA LIFE Blackpool, where a huge array of exotic and mysterious creatures awaits. Or, for a true taste of the outdoors, come and visit Marton Mere Nature Reserve where you can experience the local wildlife in the flesh.
‘The Golden Mile’ promenade is still known as Blackpool’s ‘Mecca’ of entertainment, stretching between the North and Central piers and boasting a myriad of attractions and amusement arcades.
Get up close to your favourite celebrities at Madame Tussauds or put your brain to work at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum. Even if you’re not looking to spend much money, this walk down the Prom could really fill a whole day!
The Winter Gardens Opera House and the Blackpool Grand Theatre are just some of the iconic venues and some of your main stops for evening entertainment, with productions covering musicals, drama, music, comedy, dance and sport, so there’s something for everybody.
To see more upcoming events, take a look at our Things to Do section and start planning your Blackpool staycation today.
For more information about the Blackpool Resort Pass and what it covers, head to blackpoolresortpass.com or explore this website for visitor information.