Whilst we are currently enjoying an Indian summer on the Fylde Riviera, there are no guarantees it will hold out until half term. So if the weather actually does what it often does in the north west of England in autumn what options do you have? Here are ten suggestions, covering a mixture of indoor and alfresco activities and ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to nature walks.
Go Down The Rabbit Hole
LightPool 16 brings three brand new shows being projected on the Tower each night until November 6 including Down The Rabbit Hole, an astronaut’s astonishing journey through space; Chasing Stars, another epic space adventure featuring real-life spaceman, Tim Peake; and Enchanted Blackpool, a fairy-tale collaboration between designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and his daughter Cecile. All shows are free to watch. For more information visit the Lightpool website.
Have a Peregrine adventure
It’s one of the major cinematic releases of the autumn, and much of it was filmed right here in Blackpool. If you want to follow in the footsteps of Miss Peregrine and the occupants of her home for peculiar children, then we have got just the thing – a trail that takes you through the iconic film locations including North Pier, The Blackpool Tower and Circus, and the famous promenade. Go to the VisitBlackpool Tourist Information Centre close to North Pier to pick up your Peregrine map and for more information go to the VisitBlackpool website.
Be Amazed at LightPool Festival
There is a brand new festival coming to Blackpool for this October half-term, turning the town centre into a spectacular playground. Between 28 October and 2 November, there will be a range of light-based art works for everyone to explore as well as a full programme of live performances and illuminated trails. For the full festival programme visit the Lightpool website.
Take a trip through the Lights fantastic
Yes it’s obvious, but still worth mentioning The Illuminations. If the weather is kind you can walk through the tableaux and maybe other stretches as well. On less clement nights you can drive through or take a tram, including one of the spectacular illuminated trams when available.
Get your culture fix at the Neon Exhibition
NEON: The Charged Line is a highly acclaimed exhibition of neon-based artworks showing at The Grundy Art Gallery until the end of the year. It features works by some of the world’s leading artists, including Tracy Emin and Gavin Turk.
Sink your teeth into Halloween!
It’s that time of year when the fun gets spooky. This year, Halloween in Blackpool is spine-tinglingly good. There’s the thrilling Blackpool Tower Dungeon and a full week of horrors at Blackpool Pleasure Beach (October 22-31) where you will find zombies, creepy-crawlies, fire eaters, live music, pumpkins galore and a Circus of Horrors. And on October 29 the gore-fest comes to a heart-stopping finale when the Pleasure Beach becomes Vampire Beach with live bands and exhilarating night time riding.
Go Star Trekkin’
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Star Trek franchise with a fantastic exhibition on the Golden Mile. Produced in association with Paramount and CBS, Star Trek: The Exhibition, includes original props, costumes, scripts and photographs that have never previously been seen in Europe, as well as the opportunity to step aboard a spectacular recreation of the iconic bridge from the Starship Enterprise.
Experience the magic of the musicals
Blackpool wouldn’t be Blackpool without a vast array of top shows. This October, you can enjoy some of the best quality entertainment outside London’s West End. The Opera House will be staging Ghost The Musical between 3-15 October and the infectious jukebox musical SHOUT! from 19 October to 3 November 3. And just down the road at The Grand Theatre you can hear the very best of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons in the brilliant Walk Like A Man from 17 to 29 October.
Go Tropical in Sandcastle Waterpark
If it’s cold and wet outside carry on the fun indoors at the UK’s largest waterpark, which is open from 9.30am to 6pm throughout half term week. If your nerves can take it why not go on the Sidewinder, the white knuckle waterslide including an almost vertical drop.
Enjoy a nature walk in the sand dunes
If it’s nice why not take in one of the new programme of free walks run by Lancashire Wildlife Trust volunteers in the St Annes dunes. Launched this month dates have been set through to next June, walks will include spectacular views of Blackpool, and on good days the Lake District and Snowdonia. Meet at 10am at North Beach Car Park, Clifton Drive North, St Annes. For more information visit the Lancashire Wildlife Trust website.
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