Blackpool Parks and Gardens

(Blackpool, Lancashire, England, UK)

Whilst Blackpool is known for its seafront and fast roller coasters, many people are surprised to find such a large expanse of green, right in the heart of Blackpool. With a number of beautiful gardens, Stanley Park was developed by Blackpool's town council in the 1920s, after refusing numerous proposals for housing developments. In fact, when the park was created, the town council even purchased much of the surrounding land, demolishing buildings to expand this space.


To one side of Stanley Park, the Model Village and Gardens is not to be missed and each year attract many thousands of visitors. All over Blackpool you will find seasonal flower displays, with hanging baskets, window boxes and bedding plants often squeezed into the most unlikely of places. Here are Blackpool's main parks and gardens.

Stanley Park

Address: West Park Drive, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY3 9HU, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1253 694604
The most important recreational area in the whole of Blackpool, Stanley Park lies directly east of the town centre, on the southern side of the Layton area. A large and popular parkland, the overall area is more than 250 acres / 100 hectares. Stanley Park offers leisure activities, while the gardens feature colourful flower borders throughout the year, together with pathways, secluded spots with seating areas, and a number of landscaped and themed areas. These include the centrally located Italian Garden, where the fountains are a major feature, and also the extremely fragrant rose gardens, which are at their best during the summer months.

Blackpool's Stanley Park contains a huge lake, known as the Swan Lake, which regularly attracts a wide variety of native birds and wildlife. Boating is especially popular on the lake and includes paddle boats, rowing boats and even motorised boats, all of which are available at the boat pier, on the western side of the Italian Gardens.

Attractions at the park suiting children and families are plentiful, with crazy golf, pitch and putt, an inviting playground area and even a sports centre. Stanley Park is sited approximately 3 km / 2 miles from Blackpool's central seafront area and dates back to 1926. Featuring many traditional features, the park is home to a prominent bandstand, where many open-air concerts take place each year, often attracting in excess of 2,000 people. Other highlights at the park include a tall clock tower, a number of cafes, bowling greens, a tropical house, and visitors centre.
Open hours: daily - 07:00 to dusk
Admission: free

Model Village and Gardens

Address: East Park Drive, Stanley Park, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY3 9RB, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1253 763 827
A popular tourist attraction in its own right, the Model Village and Gardens is located along the East Park Drive and dates back to the 1960s. With a number of television appearances over the years, the gardens are home to many intricate models of houses, period thatched cottages, churches, a lighthouse, a village green and much more. Lying on the southern side of Stanley Park, the gardens also feature a cafe, gift shop, picnic facilities and large car park.
Open hours: April to November, daily - 10:00 to dusk
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, children and families