Blackpool gets most of the attention on the Fylde coast, but the towns and countryside around it are worth just as much of your time. Within half an hour's drive you've got quiet seaside villages, a Georgian market town, wide open country parks, and two proper cities with castles and museums. If you're searching for things to do near Blackpool, this list mixes a family favourite in Blackpool itself with 14 places worth the short drive out.

1. Start With Jungle World Park Blackpool

Before heading further afield, Jungle World Park Blackpool is worth building your day around. It's an indoor soft play centre with the tallest slide in the area, a mini zipline, trampolines, and a dedicated toddler zone for younger children. The on-site café serves pizzas, paninis, and jacket potatoes, so you can cover breakfast or lunch without leaving the building. It works well as a morning session before you head out to explore the wider coast, or as a wet-weather backup if your other plans get rained off. Weekends and school holidays sell out quickly, so book ahead.

2. Walk Lytham Green and See the Windmill

Lytham St Annes sits about ten miles south of Blackpool and has a different pace altogether. Lytham Green stretches for almost a mile along the seafront, with the town's landmark windmill at its centre. It's a good spot for a picnic, with views across the Ribble estuary toward Southport and the West Pennine Moors.

3. Relax at Fairhaven Lake and Gardens

Between Lytham and St Annes, Fairhaven Lake has recently been refurbished and now includes a water sports centre, an adventure golf course, a café, and pedalo hire on the lake. There's also a memorial to the Spitfire, a nice touch of history for what's otherwise a relaxed family stop.

4. Take the Ferry From Fleetwood to Knott End

Fleetwood, north of Blackpool, has a small passenger ferry that crosses the River Wyre to the quiet village of Knott End. It's a short, simple crossing and a nice way to see the estuary from the water. Fleetwood itself has a museum covering the town's fishing heritage and an outlet shopping centre if you want to combine the two.

5. Stroll the Promenade in Cleveleys

Cleveleys sits between Blackpool and Fleetwood and has a quieter, tidier promenade than its bigger neighbour. It's a good option if you want sea air and a walk without the crowds, with a handful of cafés along the front for a coffee stop.

6. Spot Wildlife at Wyre Estuary Country Park

Near Thornton, Wyre Estuary Country Park combines walking trails through woodland with wide views over the river. It's popular with birdwatchers, and there are picnic spots dotted along the paths if you fancy bringing your own lunch.

7. Browse the Market in Poulton-le-Fylde

Poulton-le-Fylde is a proper market town a short drive inland from Blackpool, with independent shops, a weekly market, and a good spread of pubs and cafés around its historic centre. It's an easy half-day out if you want somewhere less touristy.

8. Head to Garstang for the Day

Garstang, around 20 miles from Blackpool, was the world's first Fair Trade town and still holds a market every Thursday. The Lancaster Canal runs straight through the middle, giving you a level, easy walk, and the ruins of Greenhalgh Castle sit just outside town for anyone interested in local history.

9. Explore the Forest of Bowland

The Forest of Bowland is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covering more than 300 square miles of fells and valleys, reachable within about 40 minutes of Blackpool. Bowland Country Park, formerly Bowland Wild Boar Park, combines animal encounters with woodland walks and makes a good half-day trip for families.

10. Visit the Harris Museum and Avenham Park in Preston

Preston, roughly 18 miles from Blackpool, has the recently reopened Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library in the city centre, along with Avenham Park, a large green space running down to the River Ribble. It's a good pairing if you want a mix of culture and a walk.

11. See Lancaster Castle and Williamson Park

Lancaster, about 25 miles up the coast, has a castle dating back centuries and a museum covering the city's history, including the old Roman baths. Williamson Park, on the edge of the city, has woodland walks and views out toward Morecambe Bay.

12. Spend an Afternoon in Wrea Green

Wrea Green, close to Lytham, is regularly named one of Lancashire's best kept villages. It has a proper village green with a duck pond known locally as "the dub," a few small shops, and a well-regarded pub. It's a pleasant stop for an hour or two on the way to or from the coast.

13. Try the Activities at Ribby Hall Village

Ribby Hall Village, near Wrea Green, is a well-known leisure resort with a spa, swimming pools, and activities including archery, high ropes, and mini golf. It suits families wanting a full day of organised things to do rather than a self-guided visit.

14. Walk the Beach at St Annes

St Annes, next to Lytham, has a long stretch of beach and a Victorian pier that's quieter than Blackpool's. There's a good choice of cafés along the front, and it's a decent spot to let the kids run around before heading home.

15. Browse the Shops in Kirkham

Kirkham, a short drive inland, is the historic heart of the rural Fylde, with a market, independent shops, and a marked Heritage Trail past the town's older buildings. Recent regeneration work has added new public spaces too, so it's worth a wander even if you're only passing through.

Planning Your Trip

Most of the places on this list sit within half an hour of Blackpool, which makes it easy to build a loop covering two or three stops in a day. If you're travelling with young children, it's worth putting an indoor stop like Jungle World Park Blackpool either first thing or last, so the rest of the day can be spent outdoors without worrying about the weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best day trips from Blackpool? 

Lytham St Annes, Garstang, and the Forest of Bowland are among the best options, each within 20 to 40 minutes of Blackpool. All three offer a different pace from the town itself, from quiet coastal walks to open countryside.

Is there anything to do near Blackpool with young children? 

Yes. Jungle World Park Blackpool, Fairhaven Lake, and Ribby Hall Village all suit families with younger children, with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities depending on the weather.

How far is Lytham St Annes from Blackpool? 

Lytham St Annes is around ten miles south of Blackpool, roughly a 20 minute drive. It's one of the closest and easiest day trips from the town.

What can you do near Blackpool on a rainy day? 

Jungle World Park Blackpool, the Harris Museum in Preston, and Lancaster Castle all work well as indoor options. Fleetwood's museum and outlet shopping centre are also worth considering if the weather turns.

Is Garstang worth visiting from Blackpool? 

Yes. Garstang is about 20 miles from Blackpool and offers a market town, a canal walk, and easy access to the Forest of Bowland, making it a solid full-day trip from the coast.

‍