It doesn’t get more Blackpool than the Winter Gardens. This massive cultural complex sits in the shadow of the Blackpool Tower and is a great place to start a self-directed walking tour of the history of Blackpool’s entertainment industry. First opening in 1878, the Winter Gardens has been entertaining crowds in Blackpool in its collection of theatres, ballrooms, exhibition halls and public spaces for over a century. Hollywood stars such as Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Peter Kay and One Direction have performed to sell-out audiences here.

After pounding Blackpool’s pavements and getting your adrenaline pumping at the Pleasure Beach, no doubt you’ll be looking for somewhere to unwind. Enter: The Art B&B. A bed and breakfast like no other, it is designed by artists and you’ll spend the night sleeping soundly in your own unique art installation. Artists include Professor Tim Etchell’s who has installed some trademark tube-lighting – ‘Now you see it, now you don’t’ – and Louise Ahl who crafted a hypnotic soundscape for the room she designed. But before calling it a night, be sure to grab a drink in the ART BAR with its sea views and bespoke cocktail menu. To top it all off, The Art B&B re-invests profits in arts and community projects – so you really can rest assured you’re in good hands.

One of the country’s best loved landmarks and an icon of the British seaside,  Blackpool tower is one of the town’s most popular tourist attractions with visitors lured not only by the view from the top, but the world famous ballroom, the Tower Circus and the other myriad family-friendly attractions held within the building.

The £2.6m Comedy Carpet was commissioned by Blackpool Council as part of the multi-million-pound regeneration of the seafront including vital sea-defence works. The Carpet speaks to the long and illustrious history of comedy in Blackpool, a place where many comedians have cut their teeth and made their names. It refers to an astounding roll-call of 1,000 comedians, featuring jokes, catch-phrases and songs in visual form. Check it out, and have a laugh through the ages while you enjoy your Blackpool walk.

Both a thrillseekers paradise and family friendly day out, the landmark Blackpool Pleasure Beach is home to over 125 rides and attractions. Located on the seafront, opposite South Pier, the park is probably most famous for The Big One, a steel hypercoaster which was the tallest and steepest in the world when it opened in 1994. It remains the highest coaster in the country and a place of pilgrimage for serious adrenaline junkies. There’s more than rides here too. The arena hosts seasonally themed shows all year, including theatre, pantomime and the spectacular Hot Ice skating show, now going 80 years strong. Food and drink options range from fine dining to fast food, so you can grab a quick bite on the go or sit down for a three course meal should you choose. A perfect place to wind up after a morning walking around Blackpool’s sights!

The Great Promenade Show consists of ten pieces of artwork along Blackpool Promenade from South Pier. It is generally thought of as an outdoor art gallery reflecting Blackpool’s history and character, with the works commissioned from both established and emerging artists. The artworks were chosen by a public selection process in 2000, making this public art by name and nature. The works have now become permanent residents of the Blackpool shore, and while walking around the 2km site you’ll see art by Sir Peter Blake and John Gooding. The perfect walk for the art lover in the bracing Blackpool sea breeze!

Originally opened in 1921, The Regent served as a cinema until 1969 when it was converted first for bingo use, and then as a pool and snooker hall. After a period of disrepair, the impressive Grade II listed building, with Doric columns and domed roof, was restored and opened as an antiques centre in 2014. Steadily expanding over the three floors, it wasn’t long before the vintage inspired tea rooms were added on the first floor, providing shoppers with cake and hot drinks, alongside hearty breakfast and lunch menus. Plan your walk around a lunch and tea stop at The Regent and treat yourself to a slice of proper Blackpool history.

Easily reachable on foot from the centre of Blackpool, Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve is free to access. A network of designated footpaths and bird hides make it an easy walk, with plenty of places to stop and rest or try and catch a glimpse of the wildlife. In the winter, be sure to look out for the long-eared owl, a much-loved resident of the mere! All year round, however, you’ll find  a healthy bird population making use of the open water and reedbeds, and, especially at dusk as the daylight dims, the odd bat too. For those more interested in fauna, orchids grow on the site and an afternoon is well-spent spotting these elusive and beautiful plants.

Salisbury Woodland Gardens are slap bang in the middle of Blackpool, offering residents and visitors to the sea side resort a chance to relax and unwind. Known simply as the ‘Woodland Gardens’ to the locals, it is a popular place to meet friends off the beaten track of the pier or promenade (especially in lockdown!). It’s central location makes it an easy spot to visit during a daytrip to the popular town, and prehaps a welcome chance to get away from the crowds and excitement of the Pleasure Beach. A stroll along its winding paths will take in its diverse trees, wildlife, and ornamental brooks.

It was no small feat for Stanley Park to be voted in the best park in the UK in 2017 by the Fields in Trust Awards. But going on to win the award again 2 years later sealed Stanley Park’s place at the top of the nations favourite parks. And it is a well-deserved title – with attractions from lakes, to cricket grounds, to an art deco café the park has much to recommend it. No wonder 2 million people visit each year!