It’s the news that everyone has been waiting for – the Fylde Coast reopening to visitors after closure because of coronavirus!
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the announcement on Tuesday 23 June 2020, that the hospitality industry can reopen its doors. Pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, attractions and amusements are all getting ready to welcome you from 4 July 2020.
And social distancing measures are also to be relaxed, from the 2m rule to 1m, where 2m would make it impossible to trade. This means that pubs, bars and restaurants will find it easier to comply with the rules.
Enjoy a look around, and some of the videos we’ve filmed in recent weeks.
Fylde Coast Reopening to Visitors
It’s lovely to see the Fylde Coast reopening to visitors. Hotels, guest houses and accommodation providers are all* getting ready to welcome you back from 4 July.
Blackpool Zoo opens the doors on Monday 29 June. Capacity is reduced so you must book online in advance to guarantee entry.
On Saturday 4 July 2020…
Blackpool Pleasure Beach also reopens! Admission only with a prior online booking. Again, capacity is reduced to ensure the safety of guests.
Merlin operate The Blackpool Tower, SEA LIFE and Madame Tussauds. On 4 July they plan to open the Tower Eye at the top of the Tower, SEA LIFE and Madame Tussauds. Again, online bookings only, and cashless payments in the venue.
Hopefully the Tower Ballroom and Dungeon will reopen later in the summer. There’s no confirmation as yet about a start date for the Tower Circus.
Blackpool’s three piers are scheduled to reopen on 4 July. More here about North Pier, South Pier and Central Pier.
Arcades and amusements and other places that make Blackpool great will also be opening their doors! Coral Island is planning a phased reopening in early July.
Other Fylde Coast Reopenings –
Other places which can now reopen, if they are able to do so safely, include
- Museums and galleries
- Cinemas
- Playgrounds
- Libraries
- Social clubs
- Places of worship and community centres
Enjoy a Staycation!
Make a break of it and enjoy a staycation – accommodation is also reopening too. Rediscover the Great British Seaside!
Good to Go!
Visit England has launched a national campaign called ‘We’re Good to Go’. Look out for the UK-wide industry standard and consumer mark. It shows that a business adheres to Government and public health guidance.
A number of new hotels are in construction on the Fylde Coast. Understandably, their completion dates have been delayed. The new Premier Inn near North Pier should have been ready in September. It’s now due to open in December 2020.
The Sands Venue Resort Hotel, currently being constructed on the promenade, is due to open in July 2021.
The caveat* of whether or not premises can implement new safety measures will determine whether or not they open on 4 July or later.
Shops and other Facilities
Most of the non-essential shops reopened here on the Fylde Coast on Monday 15 June. Again, social distancing measures apply.
We went to Blackpool town centre a few days after the shops re-opened. Take a look –
Shopping centres reopened on 15 June. We popped into Houndshill while we were in Blackpool to take a look at their new arrangements –
We also took a walk through Cleveleys town centre, on the day that non-essential shops were allowed to reopen.
And a week later we took a look round Affinity Lancashire, the shopping outlet at Fleetwood.
Possibly the most important thing – the public toilets have been open for a while!
Places to eat has been a little more challenging – up to 4 July only takeaway facilities have been available. However, there’s no shortage of choice, and many previously eat-in businesses also now offer a takeaway service.
But from 4 July pubs, bars and cafes are able to reopen. But only if they have social distancing and safety measures in place.
Transport and Travel
Blackpool Trams, including the Heritage Trams, have been suspended during the coronavirus pandemic. However the service is expected to resume in July – date to be confirmed.
Buses are operating, but please check times and frequency of service before travelling.
And don’t forget – face coverings are required on public transport.
Events and Things to Do!
Sadly, the entire Fylde Coast events programme has been badly affected by the coronavirus crisis. All of the large summer events that you love have been cancelled. Late summer/autumn events are also under review.
Don’t despair though, there’s still plenty to see and do along the length of the Fylde Coast!
Blackpool Illuminations Switch On goes online this year, for everyone to enjoy. Then the Lights will shine bright until the New Year, going off on 3 January 2021.
Some attractions, including the Pleasure Beach, are opening during Winter Weekends too!
Don’t be Complacent
However, this doesn’t mean that coronavirus has gone away.
- Face coverings are required on public transport and may be a requirement of some venues. Please also wear a face covering where social distancing is difficult.
- Social distancing rules always apply
- Keep washing your hands or using hand sanitiser
‘Close proximity’ venues will remain closed for now. This includes indoor gyms, swimming pools, water parks, soft play areas, nightclubs etc.
The new measures follow the recent downgrading of the coronavirus alert level to level 3: the virus is circulating in the community.
We all need to remain cautious – keep on with the hand washing and hygiene and keep out of close contact from everyone who you don’t live with.
Not Reopening Just Yet…
Unfortunately, Sandcastle Waterpark has to remain closed a little while longer. We’ll let you know when it reopens!
The Grand Theatre is hoping to reopen from 5 September. However, the advertised schedule is still subject to change.
And Blackpool Winter Gardens is working on a phased reopening, which includes the possibility of using the Opera House as a cinema. Watch this space!
Viva Blackpool was anticipating being able to reopen on 4 July but this is delayed due to government guidance.
Have a great time!
Blackpool, Fleetwood, Cleveleys, St Annes and Lytham are all looking forward to welcoming you back.
Enjoy your staycation and rediscover what you always loved about UK holidays. We’d love to see your photos too – join our Visit Fylde Coast Facebook Group and post your pictures there!
