Meet up at Wigan North Western bright and early with the whole crew — 6, Gallus, Yona, Sandbar, Ocellus, Smolder, Silverstream, Thorax, Ember, Grandpa Gruff and Rutherford — and board the train to Blackpool; grab hot drinks from the station café and wave goodbye to Wigan as the coast draws near. Use the journey to hand out printed maps, confirm room assignments at the guesthouse and share excitement about the Christmas village opposite the Tower.
Arrive in Blackpool and walk from the station to the Eric Hotel for a smooth check-in, drop bags, and freshen up before heading across the road to take first photos opposite Blackpool Tower. Stretch legs with a short promenade stroll to the nearby festive stalls, letting the kids and grown-ups sample mince pies, hot chocolate and pick up a small souvenir while scouting tonight’s dinner options.
After settling into the Eric Hotel, enjoy a relaxed evening walk along the illuminated promenade opposite the Tower, popping into a cosy café or stall for snacks and warming drinks as lights twinkle over the sea. If appetites allow, gather the group for a casual meal nearby or arrange a simple in-room feast, then wind down with a story or board game so everyone—especially Grandpa Gruff and Rutherford—gets an early, peaceful night ahead of the busy village day tomorrow.
Wake to the smell of sea air and mince pies at the Eric Hotel, then head across the road to the Christmas by the Sea village opposite Blackpool Tower for first light photos with the family — include shots of Gallus, Yona, Sandbar, Ocellus, Smolder, Silverstream, Thorax, Ember, Grandpa Gruff and Rutherford gathered by the tower. Start the day with gentle rides at the Dragon Nest mini Starflyer and a spin on the flying balloon ride, while the little ones chase glittering decorations and you grab hot chocolate from a nearby stall on the prom.
After a relaxed picnic or a festive meal at a nearby café (check The Promenade cafés or a park bench if indoor venues are closed), dive into action at the GTA dodgems on the pier for bumper-car chaos that everyone can join. Explore the Christmas stalls for handcrafted gifts and seaside treats, then take a slow stroll along the pier toward the arcades so kids and adults can try classic seaside games and photo ops with the tower in the background.
As lights come up, return to the village for a final round on the flying balloon ride at dusk and capture group portraits with the illuminated Tower behind you, then warm up with mulled drinks or sea-warmed fish-and-chips nearby. Head back to the Eric Hotel for a cozy wind-down — swap highlights from the day, play a short board game, and tuck the little ones in so everyone gets a restful night before Boxing Day adventures.
After a restful night at the Eric Hotel, set off for Blackpool Pleasure Beach to arrive early and beat any queues — let the kids (Gallus, Yona, Sandbar, Ocellus, Smolder, Silverstream, Thorax and Ember) try family-friendly rides like the Nickelodeon Land attractions and the scenic Big Dipper viewpoint while Grandpa Gruff and Rutherford enjoy a gentle wander through the landscaped areas. Grab a warming coffee or hot chocolate from a Pleasure Beach kiosk and take group photos by the entrance before exploring the arcade machines and classic fairground sights.
Head down the promenade for a leisurely seaside lunch — choose a cosy café near the Sandcastle play area or pick up fish and chips to enjoy on a sheltered bench by the sea — then let little ones burn off energy on the sandcastle and beach while the adults browse the nearby arcades and souvenir stalls. If Pleasure Beach has special Boxing Day shows or seasonal performances running, gather the group for a mid-afternoon show; otherwise, sample a few more rides on the pier and take in the view opposite Blackpool Tower.
As dusk falls, stroll back along the illuminated promenade with a stop at the festive stalls for mulled drinks and warm treats, pausing to photograph the Tower’s lights reflecting on the sea for one last family portrait. Return to the Eric Hotel for a relaxed evening of board games and storytelling — enjoy a simple in-room supper or local takeaway, share highlights from the trip so far, and make plans for a calm morning beach walk before your return journey tomorrow.
Wake to a final seafront sunrise opposite Blackpool Tower and take a gentle family beach walk along the promenade so everyone—Gallus, Yona, Sandbar, Ocellus, Smolder, Silverstream, Thorax, Ember, Grandpa Gruff and Rutherford—can pose for one last group photo by the Tower. Return to the Eric Hotel to pack, collect any forgotten keepsakes from the Christmas by the Sea village, and enjoy a final takeaway breakfast (warm pastries and coffee) in the guesthouse lounge before check-out.
With luggage stowed, stroll the short route from the Eric Hotel to the station, pausing for a last hot chocolate or fish-and-chips snack near the pier if time allows, then board the train from Blackpool to Wigan North Western. Use the journey to swap favourite moments from the trip, show off photos of the Dragon Nest and GTA dodgems, and let little ones nap while Grandpa Gruff and Rutherford chat about plans for the next seaside visit.
Arrive back at Wigan North Western in the early evening and disperse warmly—unpack at home or head to a nearby café to regroup if needed—wrapping up your Christmas by the Sea weekend with a final sharing of highlights and plans to keep the festive memories alive. Tuck the children in with a short story about the Tower lights and promise a photo slideshow night soon to relive the best moments from Blackpool.