Blackpool Starr Gate Tramway

The Tramway travels along the 11 miles of paradisical Blackpool coastline. It’s very much a mix of modern and nostalgia and folk can take a trip down memory lane on one of the original heritage trams which operate tours between the Pleasure Beach and North Pier. The Tramway has been running since 1885 and is one of the oldest of its kind in the world!

The tram connects some of the most popular and world famous attractions on its way, from the iconic Blackpool Tower to the three piers, South, Central and North as well as the mind-boggling, spellbinding Pleasure Beach and its invigorating rides.

The route runs parallel to the number 1 bus so, a great round-trip can be had by taking the tram one-way and then upstairs on the double deck bus on the way back to get, not quite the Blackpool Tower birds-eye view of this exciting town but a pretty good vantage point nonetheless, particularly over the glorious Irish Sea!

Blackpool’s a cracker of a place when it comes to endless entertainment and narrowing it down to what to do and see is the big challenge! Our suggestion is to simplify things by enjoying our suggested day out on the number 1 bus and also mopping up what you missed, by a trip on the Tramway, which, in the main, follows the path of the bus!

Starting Starr Gate and passing the famous Pleasure Beach, there’s fun to be had by stopping off at South Pier with its adrenaline-powered thrills, including the Crazy Coaster which is the UK’s fastest spinning wild mouse ride. Live music and DJs play at The Gin House and there’s modern bars to enjoy a tipple before getting back on the tram and heading to Central Pier with its world-famous Big Wheel and copious amusements, games, rides and The Terrace Bar which overlooks the stunning Irish Sea. Live performers and DJs also strut their stuff in the summer to entertain visitors.

Whilst at Central Pier, a visit across the road to The Sealife Centre is highly recommended. There’s some great aquariums here, including Rainforest Adventure, Rockpool, Ocean Time and Four Corners as well as the chance to meet a range of creatures, including turtles, rays, jellyfish, sharks and clownfish. Then perhaps a spot of lunch at the delightful Beach House Bistro and Bar with its fabulous views of the sea or at the world famous Harry Ramsden’s on the other side of the road, before a trip back onto the Tram to head to Little Bipsham and a quiet stroll round the North Blackpool Pond Trail where you can feel at one with nature and enjoy tranquility after the bright lights of the town. The trail provides a pleasant walk along a well maintained trail which takes in a number of natural ponds where you can see pondlife and wild fowl. Along the trail, there are information boards that explain the different species that live in the ponds and the different grasses, wild plants and flowers that grow in the different areas passed.

Back on board the tram and you can stop off at Cleveley’s for coffee or maybe go all the way to Fleetwood Ferry and a journey across the depths of the River Wyre channel to the slipway at Knott End and then a bite to eat tin the café, stroll on the seafront and visit to the Lowry statue before sailing back to Fleetwood for the tram back to Blackpool or possibly the 2c bus from Knott End to Blackpool to cap off a fantastic day out, combining energy, adrenilin and serenity!

Gateway to Tramway: By train to Blackpool South or Blackpool North. www.nationalrail.co.uk

By Megabus to Preston and change for the train to Blackpool South or Blackpool North. Direct Megabus routes run to Preston from Aberdeen, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Manchester, picking up at other destinations en route