Train Services to Blackpool

Blackpool is brilliantly connected by rail with excellent services from across the North West and beyond. Most away fans arrive at Blackpool North station, which has the best connections and frequency.

• From Manchester: Regular direct trains (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes)
• From Liverpool: Direct services or change at Preston (1 hour 30 mins – 2 hours)
• From Leeds: Change at Preston or Manchester (2-2.5 hours total)
• From London: West Coast mainline to Preston, then local service (3.5-4 hours)
• From Birmingham: Via Manchester or Preston (3-3.5 hours)
• From Sheffield: Via Manchester or change at Preston (2.5-3 hours)

Blackpool South station has fewer services but is useful if arriving from the Preston direction and wanting to be closer to the Pleasure Beach end of town.

Check times: nationalrail.co.uk

From Blackpool North Station to Bloomfield Road

Walking (20 minutes – Recommended!): Exit station onto Talbot Road, head south through the town centre, follow signs towards the stadium. The route takes you past numerous pubs, cafes, and chip shops – perfect pre-match exploration! Walking distance approximately 0.9 miles through the heart of Blackpool.

Taxi: Available from the station rank. Approximately £5-8 to Bloomfield Road (5 minutes).

Tram Option: Blackpool’s famous heritage trams run along the Promenade. You can walk to the Promenade (10 minutes from North Station), catch a tram towards Pleasure Beach direction, then walk inland to the stadium. Great way to see the seafront first!

From Blackpool South Station to Bloomfield Road

Walking (25 minutes): Exit onto Waterloo Road, head north towards the town centre and the stadium. Approximately 1.2 miles through residential areas and into central Blackpool.

Taxi: Available from the station. Around £6-9 to the stadium (5-7 minutes).

Driving Directions

From M6: Exit at Junction 32 onto M55 westbound. Follow the M55 to its end, where it becomes the A583. Follow signs for Blackpool town centre and stadium.

From East Lancashire: M65 to the end, then A6063/A583 to Blackpool.

From North (Lancaster/Lake District): M6 south to Junction 32, then M55 as above.

From South (Southport direction): A565 north then A584 into Blackpool.

Stadium Postcode for Sat Nav: FY1 6JJ

Parking Options

Parking directly on Bloomfield Road is extremely limited and heavily restricted. Street parking in surrounding residential areas is monitored and restricted on matchdays. Better options include:

• Town Centre Car Parks: Multiple options near the Promenade and shopping centre (£4-8 for 4-5 hours)
• Houndshill Shopping Centre: Central location, approximately 15-minute walk to the stadium
• Talbot Road Car Park: Near North Station, within walking distance to the stadium
• Central Drive Car Park: Along the seafront, a pleasant walk through town to the stadium
• Promenade Car Parks: Various options along the seafront with easy access to the town centre

Top Tip: Park near the Promenade or town centre and enjoy Blackpool before/after the match. The walk to the stadium is easy and takes you through the best parts of town. Far better than battling for spaces near the ground!

⭐ Recommended for Away Fans

The Ramsden Arms – Traditional pub on the corner of Bloomfield Road and Caunce Street, literally next to the stadium. Very popular with both sets of fans on matchdays. Good mix, friendly atmosphere, proper football pub feel. Gets busy, but that’s part of the experience! Food available.

The Auctioneer (Wetherspoon) – On Caunce Street, very close to the ground (3-minute walk). Reliable Spoons’ choice with typical pricing and an extensive range. Popular with away fans, good pre-match option. Can get very busy on matchdays. Full food menu available.

The Pump and Truncheon (Wetherspoon) – Bonny Street in the town centre, approximately a 10-minute walk from the stadium. Slightly further, but worth it for a quieter atmosphere and an excellent selection. One of Blackpool’s best Spoons. Full menu available.

The Counting House (Wetherspoon) – Beautiful historic pub on Talbot Square near North Station. Stunning Victorian interior with original features, great real ale selection. About a 15-minute walk from the ground, but a superb pub – worth visiting just for the architecture! Listed building status. Full food and drink range.

Town Centre & Promenade Options

Promenade Bars – Numerous options along the seafront, including Notarianni’s, Walkabout, The Beach House, and many more. Mostly welcoming to away fans, great for soaking up the Blackpool seaside atmosphere. Perfect for afternoon drinking with sea views! A mix of traditional pubs and modern bars.

The Velvet Coaster – The Promenade opposite the Tower. All-day dining and drinking, pub grub, burgers. Great location for exploring Blackpool. Good for groups and families.

Yates’s – Town centre near North Station. Chain pub with sports screens and a full food menu. A reliable option, family-friendly during the day.

Real Ale & Craft Beer Options

The Saddle Inn – Whitegate Drive, slightly off the beaten track. Excellent beer selection, including guest ales and craft options. Traditional pub atmosphere. Worth the detour for beer enthusiasts (15-minute walk from the stadium).

Bispham Hotel – Red Bank Road. Great craft ale selection in a traditional setting. Locals’ favourite. Approximately 20 minutes from the town centre, but excellent for real ale fans.

The Counting House – As mentioned above, also excellent for real ale with a wide selection of guest beers and cask ales.

🐟 Fish & Chips (Mandatory Blackpool Experience!)

Harry Ramsden’s (The Promenade) – The most famous fish and chip shop in Britain! Right on the seafront with views across the beach. Yes, it’s touristy, but the quality is excellent, and it’s a proper Blackpool experience. Eat at a restaurant with table service or takeaway. Generous portions, classic preparation.

Seniors Fish & Chips (The Promenade) – Another legendary Blackpool chippy with decades of tradition. Brilliant quality, proper portions, reasonable prices. Always busy, which says it all. Takeaway or small eat-in area. Local favourite.

The New Cleveleys Fish & Chip Shop (Queen Street) – Town centre location, convenient for the stadium. Locals’ favourite with excellent quality and good value. Less touristy than seafront options but just as good. Traditional preparation.

Notarianni (The Promenade) – Historic ice cream parlour serving since 1928! Perfect for dessert after your chips. Proper Italian gelato in the heart of Blackpool. Wide range of flavours, traditional experience.

Other Food Options Around Bloomfield Road

Stadium Concourse – South Stand away concourse offers standard football fare, including pies (proper Lancashire meat & potato!), burgers, hot dogs, chips. Quality is decent. Prices £4-5 for pies, £4.50-5 for drinks. Beer available. However, you’re in Blackpool – the legendary chippy options outside are far superior!

Town Centre Options – All major chains present, including McDonald’s, KFC, Subway, Pizza Hut, around the main shopping areas. Convenient, but you’re in Blackpool – try the local specialities!

Indian/Chinese Restaurants – Dozens throughout the town centre and surrounding areas. Quality varies, but plenty of good options on Church Street and nearby. Standard curry house and Chinese takeaway fare.

Cafes & Restaurants – Wide range in town centre from budget cafes to mid-range restaurants. Most concentrated around the pedestrianised shopping streets and the Promenade.

⭐ Must Try: Fish and chips from any Promenade chippy, eaten while watching the Irish Sea. Follow with Notarianni’s ice cream. This is peak British seaside experience and proper away day tradition!

Recommended Hotels

Premier Inn Blackpool Central (Seasiders Way) – Literally next to Bloomfield Road! Can’t get more convenient – you could practically watch the match from your window! Modern chain reliability, comfortable rooms. Perfect if minimising walking is a priority. From £50-80 per night depending on season.

The Big Hotel (The Promenade) – Right opposite Blackpool Tower in the heart of everything. Modern hotel with good facilities. Walking distance to the stadium (15 minutes) and all attractions. Great location for exploring Blackpool. From £60-100 per night.

Premier Inn Blackpool South Promenade – Seafront location near Pleasure Beach end. Great for exploring Blackpool attractions. Regular tram services to the town centre and stadium area. Beach views available. From £50-85 per night.

The Imperial Hotel (The Promenade) – Historic Victorian hotel, the traditional upmarket choice for Blackpool visitors. Real character and history, elegant public areas. Seafront location opposite the Winter Gardens. More expensive but quality experience. From £100-200 per night.

Travelodge Blackpool South Shore – Budget option on the Promenade. Basic but reliable chain accommodation. Good value if you’re just after a bed and spending most of your time exploring. From £35-60 per night.

Budget Options & B&Bs

Seafront B&Bs – Literally hundreds lining the Promenade in all directions. Quality varies enormously, so check recent reviews carefully on Booking.com or TripAdvisor. Can find excellent value (£30-50 per night), but do your research. Traditional Blackpool accommodation experience! Many family-run establishments have decades of history.

Booking Advice: Blackpool gets very busy during Illuminations season (September-January) and school holidays. Book early if visiting during these periods. Midweek matchday stays are usually easier and cheaper than weekends. Check Booking.com or Visit Blackpool for comprehensive listings and current availability.

🌟 Major Attractions

Blackpool Tower – The iconic 158m landmark built in 1894! Multiple attractions, including Tower Eye viewing platform (amazing coastal views across Lancashire), Tower Ballroom (stunning Victorian ballroom with original features), Tower Circus (traditional entertainment), and Tower Dungeon (if you’re brave!). Can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring. Tickets from £15 to £ 35, depending on the attractions selected. Official Website

Blackpool Pleasure Beach – One of Britain’s premier amusement parks! Over 40 rides, including the legendary Big One rollercoaster (UK’s tallest), historic Grand National wooden coaster, Revolution, and Valhalla water ride. Not just for kids – serious thrill rides alongside nostalgic classics. Allow a full day if visiting properly. Wristband prices vary (£35-45). Official Website

Blackpool Illuminations – World-famous light display running from September through January. Six miles of seafront transformed into a spectacular illuminated wonderland. British tradition since 1879! Best viewed from heritage trams running along the Promenade. Absolutely magical evening experience. Free to view (tram fare £2- £ 3). More Info

Blackpool Zoo – Excellent zoo approximately 2.5 miles from the town centre. Over 1,500 animals, including an active elephant herd, an African savanna area, and big cats. Great for families, surprisingly impressive quality. Allow 3-4 hours. Adult tickets are around £20. Official Website

SEA LIFE Blackpool – On Promenade near the Tower. Ocean tunnel experience, tropical shark lagoon, turtle rescue centre. Perfect for families or rainy weather. 1-2 hours visit. Tickets around £15-20. Official Website

🌊 Blackpool Experiences

The Three Piers – North Pier (traditional Victorian pier with theatre and elegant promenade), Central Pier (family entertainment and big wheel with sea views), South Pier (adventure rides and arcade games). Each has a distinct character. Walking all three and the Promenade between them is a classic Blackpool experience! Free to walk on piers (attractions charged separately).

Heritage Trams – Historic double-decker trams running along the Promenade, some dating to the 1930s! Brilliant way to see the seven-mile seafront, especially spectacular during Illuminations season. One of Britain’s last traditional tram systems and a proper piece of transport heritage. Day tickets around £6, single journeys £2-3.

The Comedy Carpet – Opposite the Tower, this massive public artwork celebrates British comedy with jokes, songs, and catchphrases from famous comedians embedded in granite. Over 160,000 letters covering 2,200 square metres! Free to view and surprisingly entertaining. Great photo opportunity.

The Golden Mile – The stretch of seafront between the three piers. Packed with arcades, gift shops, cafes, and entertainment venues. Brilliantly tacky, wonderfully British, completely unique atmosphere. Embrace the kitsch seaside charm! Free to explore.

Winter Gardens – Stunning Victorian entertainment complex with beautiful architecture, including Opera House theatre and Empress Ballroom. Check what’s on during your visit – everything from concerts and theatre to conferences. The Opera House is gorgeous even if not seeing a show. Official Website

Blackpool Beach – Seven miles of sandy beach from Bispham to Squires Gate! Often overlooked but actually lovely when the weather cooperates. Donkey rides, sandcastles, traditional British seaside activities. Free!

🐟 Fish & Chips: Absolutely mandatory! Seafront chippies are legendary – try Harry Ramsden’s or Seniors and eat watching the sea!

🚋 Heritage Trams: Take a ride on the historic trams along the Promenade – proper Blackpool tradition!

🎡 Weekend Trip: Make a proper weekend of it! Friday Illuminations, Saturday matchday, Sunday at Pleasure Beach!

🏆 The Matthews Final: 1953 FA Cup Final – came from 3-1 down to win 4-3! One of football’s greatest comebacks!

🍊 Tangerine Army: The famous orange shirts worn since 1887 – one of football’s most distinctive colours!

🌊 Seaside Stadium: Stone’s throw from Blackpool Tower and the Golden Mile – unique location in English football!

🟠 Blackpool FC: 01253 685 000 | blackpoolfc.co.uk

🎫 Ticket Office: 0871 622 1953 | blackpoolfc.co.uk/tickets

🚋 Blackpool Transport (Trams): 01253 473 001 | blackpooltransport.com

🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk

ℹ️ Visit Blackpool: visitblackpool.com