Load up the minibus with Gallus, Yona, Sandbar, Ocellus, Smolder, Silverstream, Thorax, Ember, Gruff, Seaspray and Rutherford—making sure Percy the dog has his blanket, water bowl and favourite toy—then head north from Wigan onto the M6/M55 corridor. Stop for a quick stretch and coffee at a motorway services (many have pet-friendly walking areas) before continuing into Blackpool, enjoying wintery coastal views as you approach the town.
Park near the Promenade and take Percy on a gentle introduction walk along the North Shore; pop into the dog-friendly promenade cafés for a warming hot chocolate while the crew scouts this year’s Christmas by the Sea stalls and the newly expanded ride zone by the Pleasure Beach. Explore the upgraded market stalls around the Winter Gardens and the new “What’s New” installation — sample local street food, browse artisan crafts and note opening times for tomorrow’s busy festival schedule.
Check into your pet-welcoming accommodation, unload the crew and take a twilight stroll to see the illuminated Blackpool Tower and the seaside lights; Percy will love the fresh sea air and the crew can get photos with the winter light trail. Finish the night with fish and chips or a relaxed meal at a nearby dog-friendly pub (book ahead if you want an inside table) and plan tomorrow’s route through the expanded rides and stalls.
Start the day with a hearty breakfast at The Promenade Café near the North Pier, then take Percy for a brisk, festive walk along the Promenade to sniff out the new What’s New installation and the expanded Winter Gardens market stalls — don’t miss the artisan mulled cider stall opposite the Floral Hall. After a quick carousel ride at North Pier or a family spin on the Big Wheel, meet the crew by the Pleasure Beach entrance to pick up day wristbands and map out must-ride attractions, including the newly refurbished wooden coaster and the special Christmas light tunnel.
Spend the afternoon exploring the enlarged ride zone at Pleasure Beach — queue early for the seasonal coaster overlay and the limited-run ice-themed funhouse, then refuel with gourmet street food from the Christmas by the Sea marquees (try the Lancashire hotpot pie and the artisanal doughnuts by Stall 17). Wander back along the Promenade to browse the craft stalls outside the Winter Gardens, where you can find handmade dog bandanas for Percy, bespoke ornaments and the new local brewery pop-up pouring winter ales.
As darkness falls, converge at the Winter Gardens courtyard for the evening light parade and the special fireworks sequence above Blackpool Tower, then stroll with Percy to the illuminated South Pier to catch the Christmas projection show on the sea-facing facade. Finish with a relaxed dinner at The Dog & Partridge (dog-friendly seating) or grab fish and chips to enjoy on a bench watching the sparkling promenade lights, reflecting on the day’s new rides and stalls before returning to your accommodation.
Wake Percy early for a seaside sunrise walk along the North Shore, then enjoy breakfast at The Promenade Café where the outdoor seating is dog-friendly — pick up a handmade dog bandana from the Winter Gardens stall you spotted yesterday. After breakfast, take a gentle detour to the Winter Gardens arcade to grab last-minute souvenirs and a packet of artisan doughnuts for the road while the crew checks the minibus and stashes luggage.
Spend a final hour wandering the expanded Winter Gardens market and the ‘What’s New’ installation to pick up any remaining crafts, a bottle from the new local brewery pop-up and a warm Lancashire hotpot pie to-go; Percy can potter around the nearby dog-walking green before the drive. When everyone’s packed, head out of Blackpool via the M55, stopping at a motorway services with a pet area for a comfort break and a quick stretch before the journey back to Wigan.
Arrive back in Wigan in time for a cosy group supper — drop off Percy’s blanket and toys, then grab fish and chips or a pub meal at your favourite local spot to debrief the trip highlights like the seasonal coaster overlay and the nighttime fireworks. Unload the minibus, say thanks to the crew (Gallus, Yona, Sandbar, Ocellus, Smolder, Silverstream, Thorax, Ember, Gruff, Seaspray and Rutherford) and unwind at home remembering the lights and smells of Christmas by the Sea 2026.