Blackpool, which draws 20 million visitors annually, is making a strong push to be named the UK's City of Culture for 2029, with the decision expected later this year. The Lancashire town has been a holiday destination since the railway arrived in 1846, and a recent two-night visit with family showcased its enduring appeal.
A Two-Night Stay at the Hotel Sheraton
The family stayed at the Hotel Sheraton on Queen's Promenade, a bit further from the main prom but benefiting from the location. The family-run hotel boasts multiple World Luxury Hotel Awards and a 2023 Recognition of Service Excellence (ROSE) Award from VisitEngland. The 109 bedrooms come in eight styles, from standard rooms to suites. The Club Class Room had a king-size bed and a single bed, spacious with a walk-in shower, TV, kettle, and hot chocolate kits for children.
The hotel is opposite the Grade II-listed Cabin Lift, built in 1930 to transport visitors to the lower cliff level. Closed since the 1970s, the lower area now hosts a go-kart track by the sea. Car parking is limited but a nearby car park charged £7 for 24 hours. Trams are convenient: a family day saver for two adults and up to three children costs £15.
Hot Ice Show XC: A 90-Year Tradition
The first stop was the Hot Ice Show XC at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Arena, celebrating 90 years of ice skating at Pleasure Beach. The two-hour show features 31 world-class skaters, including former Olympians and national champions, with costumes featuring up to 11,000 hand-picked rhinestones. "After watching it, my nine-year-old niece told us she now intends on being an ice skater instead of a police officer," the author noted.
Exploring Blackpool Zoo's New Additions
The next morning the family visited Blackpool Zoo, about 30 minutes from the hotel. The 37-acre zoo is home to elephants, tigers, red pandas, penguins, and kangaroos, including a Lemur Wood with Shelly, one of the world's oldest red ruffed lemurs. A recent £500,000 upgrade to the outdoor giraffe habitat, the Kidepo Trail, triples the space and adds an upper walkway and Savannah-style soundscapes. The zoo also recently welcomed rare Asian elephant calf Zaiya, giant anteater pup, three endangered king colobus monkey babies, a critically-endangered cotton-top tamarin, and baby Magellanic penguins—the only UK facility to house the species. With 1,000 animals, the zoo can take hours to explore.
Evening Dining and Entertainment
Back at the hotel, the three-course dinner offered extensive choices. Starters included grilled goat's cheese with red onion chutney and toasted walnuts. For mains, the rump of lamb with dauphinoise potatoes, roasted carrots, tenderstem broccoli, and minted gravy was "cooked to perfection." Honey soy garlic-glazed salmon with pak choi, roasted new potatoes, and tenderstem broccoli was also a hit. The kids' menu offered chicken goujons, beans, and chips. Desserts included sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream, three scoops of ice cream, and lemon posset described as "light yet rich" with wild berries and shortcrust biscuit. Evening entertainment featured soul music from local band Soul Station.
The next morning, after breakfast and checkout, the family planned to visit Pleasure Beach but encountered a charity fun run closing the prom. Previous visits included the Blackpool Tower, the £13m Showtown museum, thrill rides at Pleasure Beach (Valhalla, Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic, and new AVIKTAS), the Tower Circus, and the Dungeons.
Final Thoughts on the City of Culture Bid
Blackpool offers something for everyone—rollercoasters, giraffes, ice skating spectacles, or sea air—and continues to attract families year-round. Whether it wins the City of Culture title or not, its appeal remains.
Adam and his family stayed at the Hotel Sheraton (FY2 9RP). Rooms start from £47 per person per night. Tickets for Hot Ice XC, running until September 10, range from £5 to £25. Blackpool Zoo tickets start from £22.94 online for adults and £18.69 for children; under-threes go free, with 15% summer discount when booking at least two days in advance. Blackpool Tourism's Ultimate Ticket (six attractions over 90 days) is reduced to £56.88 until September 1 as part of the Government's Great British Summer Savings initiative.
