Open Spaces

With so much going on in our lives, protecting our physical and mental health can be a challenge, which is why it’s more important than ever to rediscover our love for the great outdoors.

Thankfully, Blackpool is blessed with many open spaces. After all, way back in the day that is why people flocked to our shores! Whether you live nearby and you are looking for a change of scenery or you are searching for a much-needed escape, here are six open air spaces in Blackpool to help you embrace the outdoors and reconnect with nature.


 

Stanley Park

Did you know Stanley Park was voted the UK’s best park in 2019? This Grade II listed park boasts 390 breath-taking acres of parkland and offers a unique blend of landscape design and historical architecture. 

Take a stroll through the beautiful Italian Gardens and explore the areas of woodland with various paths. The nights might be drawing in now but autumn in Stanley Park offers a beautiful kaleidoscope of colour with a blanket of crunchy leaves delicately coating the ground. It’s one of the most tranquil places Blackpool has on offer.

Find out more about Stanley Park

Blackpool Beach

Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside! Blackpool’s beautiful coastline stretches for six miles and it was one of the most talked about locations during the first lockdown when people praised our serene blue waters.  

Our coastline is the perfect recipe of enjoying the great outdoors with unlimited open space. Make sure to check the tide times in Blackpool so you can take advantage of extra space on a vast expanse of beach.

There’s always something undeniably invigorating about a coastal walk; the fresh air and gentle exercise connects us to nature and improves our health and wellbeing. In fact, did you know the salt minerals in the air actually reduces stress levels? Take in the sea breeze and recharge your batteries!

Find out more about Blackpool beach
 

Comedy Carpet

The Comedy Carpet, situated in the shadow of the world famous Blackpool Tower, is a must-see. Did you know it’s one of the largest pieces of public art ever commissioned in the UK? It features the famous quotes and names of over 850 writers and comedians. Plus, we’re all yearning for some positivity after this rollercoaster of a year, so this hilarious collection will certainly put a smile on your face! 

After you’ve marvelled at the 1880-square metre Comedy Carpet experience, why not head to Central beach just a few short steps away or take a stroll down the breezy promenade?

Find out more about the Comedy Carpet

The Great Promenade Show

It can be easy to admire the space between North Pier and Central Pier, commonly known as Central Beach, but with six miles of promenade, there's so much more to explore. The Great Promenade Show is a series of impressive outdoor art installations along Blackpool Promenade from South Pier heading south (towards Blackpool Pleasure Beach). The vision for the artworks is that of an outdoor gallery or a visual variety show, a programme of 'acts', each one reflecting an aspect of Blackpool's diverse character.

On your self-guided tour, you'll spot the striking Mirror Ball, the world's largest dance hall mirror ball, titled ‘They Shoot Horses, Don’t They’ (currently under renovation but will be back in Summer 2021). There are also the 'Glam Rocks' -  three large pebbles with hundreds of fibre optic lights that gently come alive at dusk to represent the seaside and glamour of Blackpool. 

On your way, don't forget to take a break and make a detour to the coastal defence wall which is arranged in tiny honeycomb-shaped sections. The high tide leaves a wealth of marine wildlife in each cell, creating its own microhabitat. Fun for all ages, rockpooling offers an educational insight into the underwater world. Please do make sure you're a responsible rockpooler, though. This means leaving everything exactly where you found it, be gentle and take away any litter you may have.

Find out more about the Great Promenade Show here

Blackpool Zoo

Across the road from Stanley Park is the award-winning Blackpool Zoo, home to over 1,500 rare and endangered animals. The family-friendly attraction is 32-acres, making it easy to roam around and explore. 

Blackpool Zoo became one of the first attractions to open in line with the Government’s advice. Their extensive opening measures, including limiting the number of visitors along with multiple hand sanitiser stations, should make you feel at ease throughout the day. The attraction is also mostly outdoors, suiting visitors who want to avoid enclosed spaces.  

Blackpool Zoo has done a tremendous job looking after their animals during this time of uncertainty, so you’re certainly in safe hands. Support our zoo, enjoy your favourite animals and take in their beautiful parkland- you won’t regret it!

Find out more about Blackpool Zoo

Blackpool’s Three Piers

The seaside pier is one of the most iconic symbols of the British seaside and our visitors are in for a treat as Blackpool is the only UK resort to boast three piers! Discover these beautiful Victorian structures which stood proud for well over a century.

Each pier has its unique features which make up our seaside heritage, so it’s often too difficult to choose which pier to visit - so why not discover all three? Start your stroll at North Pier, our oldest pier of the three and, at your leisure, walk the Golden Mile towards Central Pier and finish at the South Pier.  The walk from North to South is around 1.6 miles and would take around 35 minutes (excluding the piers).

There’s plenty of space on both the promenade and piers to feel safe and a walk over the waves will feel like a much-needed escape from lockdown.

Find out more about North Pier, Central Pier and South Pier

Blackpool Illuminations

Blackpool Illuminations will be shining from 3 September - 3 January 2022, so why not experience some autumn magic and Christmas sparkle with our world-famous light display?

Park up your car, grab some fish and chips and leisurely stroll through the Illuminations. We encourage you to visit mid-week when it’s much quieter compared to the weekends.

Plan your Blackpool Illuminations trip here