While Blackpool is a great town for walking, there was some artistic license used when they named the main promenade the ‘Golden Mile’. In reality, the distance from the Blackpool Pleasure Beach in the south to the Blackpool Tower is more like three miles long. Luckily, it’s super easy to jump on a bus or tram to save your aching feet. And, while there’s plenty to do close to your Blackpool hotel, if you fancy a day trip out of town, a world of outstanding natural beauty awaits. Pretty mill towns, quaint seaside villages and stunning walks are right on its doorstep! You just need to know how to get there and luckily, our guide is here to help.
Getting around Blackpool
Airport transfers
Blackpool once had its own international airport. Sadly this stopped offering commercial flights in 2017 (although some flights are still available to the Isle of Man). Now, if you’re hoping to pay a flying visit to the Las Vegas of the North, your only options are Manchester and Liverpool Airports.
Manchester Airport is closest, taking about one and a half hours to Blackpool by public transport. Take the train from the airport railway station to Blackpool North, either going direct or changing at Preston.
Liverpool Airport takes about two hours by public transport. Take the regular shuttle bus to Liverpool South Parkway station and get the train from there to Blackpool North, changing either at Liverpool Lime Street or Manchester Piccadilly. And if you’ve got a late or early flight, booking into a hotel near Liverpool Airport can really help soothe your stress levels.
Manchester Airport
Train stations
Public transport
Train stations
Blackpool has not one but three train stations: Blackpool North, Blackpool South and Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
Blackpool North is the main station and has a lot more services than Blackpool South and Blackpool Pleasure Beach, as it’s on a different line to the other two. The station is served by Northern and Virgin Trains, with one train per hour to Preston, Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester and Leeds, and four trains per day to London Euston. Staying in our hotel near Blackpool North station means you’ll be less than three miles away from your train.
Blackpool South isn’t connected to Blackpool North, and only has hourly services to Preston on weekdays and Saturdays.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach station has an hourly service northbound to Blackpool South only. Heading south it can take you to Preston, Blackburn and Colne.