My Rock & Roll Weekender in Blackpool

Blackpool...? Yes please!

While I haven’t travelled abroad as much this year, I’ve still had a few little adventures. For July and August, I’ve chosen to stay closer to home. I want to enjoy the UK and make the most of the sunshine while it lasts. And one of the highlights so far? A weekend in Blackpool with a brilliant bunch of friends.

It was a dancing weekend with Venture Away and it was so good I’ve already booked again for next year. That probably tells you everything you need to know.

Thursday: Seaside strolls and cowboy food

We arrived on Thursday afternoon, had a walk along the promenade and stopped for a few drinks at the bar on Central Pier. The sun was shining and the sea air hit just right. Dinner that evening was in a fun cowboy-style diner. Laid back, generous portions and exactly what we fancied after the journey.

Friday day: Cooked breakfast and up the tower

Roy and Steve cooked us a brilliant breakfast to start the day. We took the tram into town to pick up our tickets then popped into the Tower Café for coffee overlooking the sea.

They were warming up for a world record disco dance attempt. Some of the group joined in. I headed up the tower to the glass floor with a few others. We even managed a little stroll up there. Bit nerve wracking but very funny.

We then climbed the spiral stairs and ended up 410 feet above sea level. The views were stunning. We also caught the 4D cinema experience which was honestly better than I expected and really worth doing.

Friday night: Dancing feet on fire

Quick turnaround and then we were off to the Tower Ballroom. The doors opened at 5pm and we didn’t stop dancing. I clocked up over 20 kilometres just that night.

The bands were fantastic. The Jets, The Firebirds, Si Cranstoun, The Jive Aces, Mark Summers Elvis Experience, Glenn Darren and the Krew Katz, Mark Keighley as Fakin’ Stevens, Good Rockin’ Tonight and the King Cats. Proper live music and great energy from start to finish.

Saturday: Twelve hours of dancing

We were back up there for midday and didn’t stop until midnight. I danced non stop and loved every minute of it. By the end of the weekend I’d done over 84,000 steps and about 25 kilometres in total. Safe to say I slept well on Sunday night.

Sunday: A peaceful moment at the Arboretum

On the way home we stopped off at the National Memorial Arboretum. It is peaceful, beautifully maintained and well worth a visit. Entry is free but I’d recommend booking the car park for £5 and paying a little extra for the land train or golf buggy. It is a big place and a lovely way to take it all in.

Blackpool delivered

Blackpool is a bit tired in places. There are some empty hotels and a few boarded-up shops. But look beyond that and you’ll find music, laughter, nostalgia and proper seaside fun.

If you want a UK break with a difference, Blackpool is worth considering. And if dancing is your thing, this event at the Tower Ballroom is a winner.

Like the sound of it? I’ll help you plan every step.