Day Trips From Blackpool by Train

There’s tons to see and do in Blackpool (see our Visit Blackpool by Train page). But if you fancy venturing a bit further afield, see our pick of destinations that you can get to by train from Blackpool for a short day trip.

From quiet coastal walks to scenic countryside, historic buildings, culture, restaurants and shopping, you’re bound to find something to enjoy.

You can plan your train journey here, and don’t forget if you have a Railcard(external link, opens in a new tab) you can get 1/3 off your rail fares.

Day trips from Blackpool in 1 hour or under

Lytham St Annes

Just along the coast from the bright lights of Blackpool you will find the beautiful leafy seaside towns of Lytham and St Annes, both with stations of their own, but also with town centres just 3 miles apart and a beautiful coastal path connecting them. Visit the piers, historic windmill(external link, opens in a new tab) and Fairhaven Lake(external link, opens in a new tab), home to over 250,000 birds. For culture, check out the Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens(external link, opens in a new tab).

Nearest stations: Lytham, St Annes-on-the-Sea

Lancaster

In this stunning city you will find Lancaster Castle(external link, opens in a new tab) and multiple museums to explore, including the Maritime Museum(external link, opens in a new tab), which is dedicated to the history of the seas around the area. Stroll in Williamson Park and visit the newly renovated tropical butterfly house. For refreshments, visit Atkinsons Coffee Roasters(external link, opens in a new tab), a B-cert coffee roastery with a shop dating from 1901.

Nearest station: Lancaster

Accrington

Escape to the beautiful Lancashire countryside with a walk from the town, or enjoy the market and Victorian Town Hall. Accrington hosts events throughout the year, and is also home to the Howarth Art Gallery(external link, opens in a new tab), where you will find the largest Tiffany Glass collection outside of America.

Nearest station: Accrington

Preston

Preston has loads of things to see and do, from the Ribble Steam Railway(external link, opens in a new tab) and Brockholes Nature Reserve(external link, opens in a new tab) to vibrant shops and cafes, plus great nightlife with live music, and a wide selection of bars and restaurants to enjoy during your visit. The beautiful Avenham and Miller Parks(external link, opens in a new tab) are very close to the train station, and there is a handy bike hire hub at the train station if you fancy cycling the Guild Wheel(external link, opens in a new tab), a 21-mile circular route.

Nearest station: Preston (Lancs)

Day trips from Blackpool in 1 to 2 hours

Windermere and Bowness on Windermere

A mile away from Windermere(external link, opens in a new tab), the Lake District’s largest lake, you will find Windermere town and Bowness on Windermere. You can explore the area on foot, with a range of walks and hikes, get on your bike, or go out on the water for a cruise, or even some watersports if you’re feeling adventurous. Local attractions include Townend historic house(external link, opens in a new tab) and The World of Beatrix Potter(external link, opens in a new tab), and there are plenty of restaurants and pubs to choose from.

Nearest station: Windermere

Darwen

A friendly market town bordering the windswept West Pennine Moors and surrounded by the River Darwen, you can take in the magnificent views as you hike, bike or horse ride along one of the region’s pathways, or towards Darwen Tower(external link, opens in a new tab), built at the end of the 1800s to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Keen golfers can book at the challenging 18-hole Darwen Golf Course(external link, opens in a new tab), and fishing enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with the numerous waterways and reservoirs in the area.

Nearest station: Darwen

Kendal

Nicknamed the ‘Auld Grey Town’ thanks to its limestone buildings, Kendal is famous for its fabric production and, of course, delicious Kendal mint cake. There’s plenty here for food and drink lovers, from coffee shops and delicatessens to locally made hand-brewed beers. Visit Kendal Castle(external link, opens in a new tab), whose ruins stand on a mound or ‘drumlin’, and find out more about its history at Kendal Museum(external link, opens in a new tab).

Nearest stations: Kendal, Oxenholme Lake District

Clitheroe

A beautiful market town, Clitheroe offers a true day out in the countryside. The town is in the heart of the Ribble Valley and forms part of the Forest of Bowland(external link, opens in a new tab), a National Landscape recognised for its beauty. Learn more about the animals that make the Forest of Bowland their home at the Clitheroe Castle Museum(external link, opens in a new tab), take home great local food from the Bowland Food Hall(external link, opens in a new tab), or join a Bowland Brewery(external link, opens in a new tab) tour at Holmes Mill.

Nearest station: Clitheroe

Carlisle

Located on the border of England and Scotland, between the Lake District National Park and Hadrian’s Wall, is the bustling town of Carlisle. As well as a vibrant city centre with great shopping and dining, you can visit the famous Carlisle Castle(external link, opens in a new tab) (where Mary Queen of Scots was once held) and the beautiful Carlisle Cathedral(external link, opens in a new tab).

Nearest station: Carlisle

Grange-over-Sands

On the north side of Morecambe Bay, the elegant coastal resort town of Grange-over-Sands boasts a seafront promenade, ornamental gardens and plenty of shops and restaurants. Take one of the many walks around the Cartmel Peninsula and visit the Cartmel Priory(external link, opens in a new tab), which dates from the Norman era, or the impressive Holker Hall & Gardens(external link, opens in a new tab).

Nearest station: Grange-over-Sands

Find out more about Lancashire and Lake District, Cumbria

Go to the Visit Lancashire website(external link, opens in a new tab).

Go to the Visit Lake District website(external link, opens in a new tab).