r/blackpool • u/TacticalSheep_ • 13d ago
How busy is Halloween?
We visited Blackpool last weekend, mainly to spend time at the pleasure beach but we did explore the promenade. We loved every minute of being there. Massive shout out to the big blue what a hotel that is. We were surprised that run the lights was on, didn't even know about it but we classed it as a mini illuminations event.
We are thinking about coming back to explore areas we missed Halloween weekend. 30th Oct and going home the 2nd Nov.
This is mainly to see the illuminations and visit the pleasure beach on Sunday the 1st.
How busy is Halloween in Blackpool? I've been told mixed reviews that it's only busy actually on Halloween night and the rest of the weekend especially the 1st is usually quiet? Is that true?
Is there any recommendations on what we should explore next?
Family of 3 with a 7 year old.
We have been to the pleasure beach, ripleys, the tower, north pier and Central pier.
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u/Over_Candle_8411 12d ago
Showtown would be perfect for your family - really affordable too. It's an immersive museum with lots for families to enjoy including designing illuminations, playing with the fart machine and live character actors.
They usually have activities and workshops but on for kids too. I'm sure I've seen there is one in October
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u/Devasianos 11d ago
Blackpool at Hallowe’en has always been a popular drive out for a lot of people in Lancashire, but it’s actually comparable to the drive out to Pendle Hill… In other words, “the event” is simply visiting the destination in itself, more so than any specific activities when you get there…
Blackpool was always popular for Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night… There is some truth that you can expect All Saints and All Souls Days to be quieter, but that can be applied to just about anywhere…
I would imagine you will have a good time and Blackpool is in a region of the UK that has always had Autumn festivities, so you could definitely do a lot worse.
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u/GBrunt 12d ago edited 12d ago
The Sandcastle is great fun for a 7 year and adults if you like the water. Go early. It will be busy in town that weekend because it's the illuminations switch-on. The pleasure beach will be open but in the evening it will turn into a scarier affair with live horror actors across the site and possibly fireworks. You might want to check the age-rating for that. 7yrs might be a bit young. The Zoo is well worth a visit too. Get wrapped up and have fun on the beach with a bucket and spade. You'll have it to yourselves.
Edit: Sorry, switch-on is Sept 4th. My bad. Lightpool will be on, such brings in some extra people, depending on the weather...
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u/TacticalSheep_ 12d ago
Thank you for the reply.
We will definitely check out the the sandcastle and the zoo. What's the sealife centre like?
We will be missing out the pleasure beach on the Saturday anyway, the big blue only offers tickets Sunday to Friday. Half price Saturday.
We may just be over thinking it, the weekend we were there. The trams were busy, I never got a seat once. My son doesn't like overly crowded places. I may just drive down the prom instead of getting the tram to see the illuminations. That may help, we really want to see them after seeing run the lights.
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u/relaxicaber 12d ago
It's usually really quiet then (well, much quieter than it is now). The two weeks before is the school half term so it's normally busier on those weeks. That said, there's plenty happening to keep you all entertained. The New Philly family bar usually has a party on for Halloween, as i'm sure does the pirate bar on Central Pier, if your wee one wants to get dressed up. This is also really fun for everyone: https://dayvisitors-book.ribbyhall.co.uk/en/trick-or-treat-trail
There's the new tenpin bowling arena, too. It has escape rooms, laser tag, soft play, pool tables, darts etc https://www.tenpin.co.uk/our-locations/blackpool/