If after a long day you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Blackpool Pleasure Beach and busy promenade, why not head to Stanley Park?
The 256 acres Grade II listed and Green Flag Award winning municipal park – the largest of its kind in Blackpool – is only 1 mile inland from the coast and is the perfect place to soak up the sun and relax in the busy resort.
Designed and built in 1926, Stanley Park is a true masterpiece of landscape design and also offers an incredible blend of architecture, horticulture and recreation.
Stanley Park was designed around the Italian garden and is divided into four main areas: The Eastern quarter, The Northern quarter, The Western quarter and the Southern quarter.
Stanley Park - The Eastern Quarter
The Eastern Quarter of Stanley Park contains the lake which is home to many water birds. Here you can hire rowing and motor boats. Around the lake, you will find a bandstand with a large amphitheatre, a small crazy golf course and one of the park’s two rose gardens.
Stanley Park - The Western Quarter
The Western Quarter of the park plays home to a 5,000-seater cricket ground which is home to Blackpool Cricket Club. In the Western Quarter you can also find the park’s indoor sports centre – containing three sports halls, a gym and a climbing wall - and athletics ground, as well as a putting green for golfers and table tennis tables!
Stanley Park - The Northern Quarter
The 18-hole golf course occupies most of the Northern Quarter of Stanley Park. Designed by the famous golf course architect Alister MacKenzie, the course is run as a municipal facility by Blackpool Borough Council. The club runs 4 "major" Competitions in summer including the William Cartmell Trophy, The Presidents Prize, The Captains Prize and the Sam Shepherd Trophy.
Stanley Park Golf Course is open to both members and non members.
You will also find the second rose garden in the Northern Quarter as well as no less than six bowling greens!
Stanley Park - The Southern Quarter
The Southern Quarter is home to playing fields such as tennis courts, astro turf pitches and a skate park, as well as a children’s playground.
You will also find the Model Village, an open air miniature village.
The Model Village is set in 2 ½ acres of gardens and was designed in the sixties to provide a new and different attraction to people living in and visiting Blackpool – away from the hustle and bustle of the promenade.
All models are hand crafted and depict buildings and scenes of Britain’s past.
Attractions, Sports and Events
Stanley Park offers plenty of activities and attractions for the family, which include:
- Miniature model village
- Bowling greens
- Crazy golf
- Putting greens
- Tennis courts
- Boating lake
- Children’s play area
- Blackpool zoo
Why not cool down by the beautiful fountains of the Italian Gardens or enjoy the smell of roses in the Rose Garden?
Blackpool Stanley Park plays host to a number of events including historical and nature walks, sporting activities, musical events and children’s entertainment.
Stanley Parks also hosts a large number of sporting facilities including a cricket ground, golf course, tennis courts, trampolines, pitch and putt, basketball and football pitches and many other sports facilities.
Eating in Stanley Park
If you want to cool down after a hot day in Stanley Park, why not grab an ice cream or cold drink from one of the kiosks dotted around the park or why not stop at the Art Déco Café for a bite?
Opening Times and Ticket Information
Stanley Park is free and is open all year from dawn till dusk.
Accommodation near Stanley Park
If you are looking for a bed and breakfast, hotel or guest house near Stanley Park, be sure to check our accommodation page where you will find over 370 bed and breakfasts in Blackpool.