10 Money Saving Tips in Blackpool
How to Enjoy Blackpool With a Small Budget
Blackpool is a premier destination for any traveler looking for a relaxing yet exciting experience on the coast of the Irish Sea. Known best for being a seaside resort town, entertainment can be found on virtually every corner, as it has been a hub for vacation adventures for over a century.
While popularity can often drive local price increases, there’s still plenty to do in Blackpool on a budget. In fact, you’ll find quite a few attractions that are completely free. Here are some of the best money-saving tips in Blackpool to help you experience this seaside town with a small budget.
1. The Three Piers
The iconic piers along the town’s coast
Good for: Families, History, Photo, Budget
Along the beach in Blackpool, you’ll find 3 distinct piers: the North Pier, Central Pier, and South Pier. Each has something special to offer, and it doesn’t cost a thing to visit them. The North Pier is Victorian, with an onsite theater hosting live events regularly.
The 19th-century Central Pier has a funfair, while the historic South Pier offers rides, musical performances, and games. Even if you’re looking to save as much as possible with your budget, it’s worth visiting the piers just to gaze out into the water for truly spectacular views. Read more
Location: Promenade, Blackpool FY4 1BB, UK
Open: Varies by venue
The Three Piers
2. Penny Farm
Meet more than 60 rescued horses
Good for: Families, Budget
Penny Farm offers a large collection of rescued horses you can interact with. The farm is run by a charity called World Horse Welfare, which cares for abused and abandoned horses. When you visit, the staff will be happy to take you on a tour, where you can meet and pat their friendly ponies as well as learn about the work they do to give these horses the best life possible.
The main stable is covered, so you can visit no matter what the weather is like. Admission is free, so the only money you’ll be spending here is to get a snack at the cafe if you’ve worked up an appetite Read more
Location: World Horse Welfare Penny Farm, Preston New Road, Blackpool FY4 5JS, UK
Open: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays)
Phone: +44 (0)1253 766983
Penny Farm
3. RNLI Blackpool
Impressive lifeboats that keep the coast safe
Good for: Budget, Adventure
Being a beachfront town, it’s important for Blackpool to have lifesaving services available for people who run into trouble in the water. That’s where RNLI Blackpool can help. These heroes are specially trained to venture out and help anyone with their collection of lifeboats. To get a closer look at these boats and their equipment, you can visit their local station for a tour.
Not only will you learn all about the lifeboats themselves, but you can learn more about the organization as a whole and what you can do to help them keep people safe along the Blackpool shores. These tours and educational resources are free, though there is a gift shop. Read more
Location: Central Promenade, Blackpool FY1 5JA, UK
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 125 362 0424
RNLI Blackpool
4. Blackpool Illuminations
An awe-inspiring light show
Good for: Budget, Families, Nightlife, Photo
Blackpool Illuminations is an awe-inspiring light show that’s held every year during the Lightpool Festival around the promenade from September to November. During the festival, lights are set up all across town from the Blackpool Tower to local buses and trams. The lights are arranged in intricate designs sporting vibrant colors that can turn every night into a shining extravaganza.
The Switch-On event starts it all off, so you could see them turn on the lights for the first time and listen to the live musical performances that accompany the event. Given that the lights are set up in public places throughout town, going out to view the lights is entirely free. Read more
5. Golden Mile
The iconic promenade
Good for: Shoppers, Photo, Food, Budget
Blackpool’s promenade features an iconic stretch known as the Golden Mile, and it’s one of the most popular attractions in the city. It’s around 1.7 miles long and encompasses the land between the North Pier and South Pier. Along the Golden Mile, you’ll find a variety of pubs, restaurants, arcades, rides, and souvenir stalls.
If you’re looking to preserve your budget, it also features some of the best beachfront in all of the UK with its shining golden sands. For those looking for souvenirs or adventures at the local attractions along the promenade, it’s not difficult to find affordable options among the stores and restaurants. Read more
Location: Promenade, Blackpool FY1 5BD, UK
6. The Comedy Carpet
A lot of laughs
Good for: Budget, Couples, Nightlife, Unusual
You’ll find the iconic Comedy Carpet in the shadow of Blackpool Tower. This concrete installation is packed full of the best of British humor, with each step leading you to new jokes immortalized by some of Britain’s best comedians and writers. You’ll find jokes from 850 writers and comedians included in this massive public artwork, and there are some with letters large enough to be seen from the nearby tower.
They’re not simply painted on concrete, either. Each slab features 1-inch think solid granite letters. As if that weren’t enough, the Comedy Carpet occasionally hosts live performances by comedians, so why not stop by and see what’s occurring.
Location: Tower Festival Headland, Promenade, Blackpool FY1 1AP, UK
Phone: +44 125 347 8222
The Comedy Carpet
7. Blackpool Beach
Fun in the sun at the beach
Good for: Families, Photo, Budget
One of the most iconic parts of the city and most pleasant beaches is Blackpool Beach. In fact, this beach was awarded the coveted Blue Flag for its environmental standards, which puts it on par with other high-quality beaches along the Mediterranean and Pacific. In addition to the golden sands, there are 3 piers along the shore from which you can cast out your line. Or, you could browse around by the arcade or simply enjoy the stunning views of the water.
Kids can paddle out and enjoy the waves or stay onshore and build sandcastles. Access to the beach is free, and you can stay for as long as you like. Read more
Location: Promenade, Blackpool, UK
Blackpool Beach
8. Coronation Candy
Tour a local sweets factory
Good for: Families, Shoppers, Food, Budget
Coronation Candy Factory produces a wide variety of sweets, which are shipped across the world for consumption. When you’re in Blackpool, you can take a peek inside their process to learn how they accomplish their amazing sweet feats, all while trying a few samples along the way.
If you’re worried about the cost of admission, you’ll be glad to know that these tours are entirely free. You just have to book a time, and that’s it. After exploring the factory, don’t forget to purchase some candy on the way out.
Location: Candy UK Manufacturing Ltd, Unit 3, Wellington Point, Amy Johnson Way, Blackpool, FY4 2RG, UK
Phone: +44 (0)125 336 2810
Coronation Candy
9. Grundy Art Gallery
Local art exhibitions
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
The Grundy Art Gallery is one of the oldest institutions in all of Blackpool. Opened in 1911, this art gallery has since accumulated a permanent collection of both historic and contemporary works numbering around 2,000 objects. Among these objects, you’ll find iconic works by painters like Augustus John and Paul Nash, in addition to ceramics, prints, and photographs.
You’ll find ever-changing exhibitions at the gallery as well where you can see incredible works from established and emerging artists from both the UK and abroad. Access to the gallery won’t cost you anything, as you only have to pay if you’re looking for a guided tour. Exploring on your own, however, is completely free. Read more
Location: Queen St, Blackpool FY1 1PU, United Kingdom
Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 4:45 pm, closed on Sunday and Monday
Phone: +44 1253 478170
Grundy Art Gallery
10. Stanley Park
An award-winning park that’s great for picnics
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
At the award-winning Stanley Park, you’ll find 390 acres of well-maintained parkland in Blackpool that’s entirely free to access. It functions as a culmination of architectural, horticultural, and recreational excellence with vibrant gardens, tranquil greens, and a massive lake.
The lake is even big enough for you to take a boat out on and traverse its calm waters. Additionally, you’ll find play areas for kids with swings and roundabouts, sports facilities, formal Italian-style gardens, and a woodland area. You could easily spend all day here. Read more
Location: W Park Dr, Blackpool FY3 9HU, UK
Open: Daily from dawn to dusk
Phone: +44 1253 477 477
Stanley Park
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