This town, which is still regarded as one of England's best seaside resorts, is quite chilly in February with an average temperature of 4°C. This low temperature will mean you'll want to wear jumpers, gloves, and coats, as it is just as cold as the January weather. This month has an average high temperature of 6°C and an average low temperature of 1°C, which actually makes it edge into position as the coldest month of the year. Just like the other months in the winter season, temperatures are likely to drop well below 0°C, particularly during the night or as soon as the sun starts to go down, which can be early in the evening.
Blackpool receives a fair amount of rainfall in February, and averages around 25mm of water over around 17 rainy days, making it the wettest month of the year. As the majority of the month will be wet, be wary of getting caught out in the rain. You won't want to remain in your wet clothes and catch a cold, so always take your coat and umbrella with you and check the weather forecast so you know when it's most likely to rain.
The sea is also very cold and has an average temperature of 7°C throughout the month. It is not recommended to go for a swim in winter. The sea temperature does not improve until May at least, so if you are expecting a beach holiday then summer is the season for you. Most parts of the United Kingdom see similar low temperatures at this time, especially in coastal areas where the sea breeze leaves you with little shelter. That doesn't mean you cannot enjoy a holiday here in February, but make sure you plan to see plenty of indoor attractions.
Where to Stay
With February being so cold, it's important to choose a comfortable place to stay to keep out of the worst of the weather. The Elgin Hotel Blackpool is a family-run establishment which welcomes families. Here you can choose from smaller rooms, larger suites, or rooms with a sea view. In the evening you can enjoy a special dinner in the dining room followed by entertainment in one of the two bar lounges, where you'll be able to enjoy cover singers.
The Clifton Court Hotel is a smaller metro hotel within walking distance of the beach and the South Pier. The nearby tram stop is useful if you want to go exploring further afield. They offer family rooms as well as doubles and singles, and you can enjoy a full English breakfast every morning. The Banthai lounge area offers the chance to enjoy free hot drinks and the Pirates Rum Pub is great for alcoholic drinks in the evening.
The North Ocean Hotel is a pink slice of Blackpool's seafront, with a range of modern rooms from standard singles to superior doubles. Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and tea and coffee making facilities. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the hotel. This is a good spot if you want to be able to easily reach the main attractions in town.
Restaurants and Nightlife
If you love Italian food then make sure to head to Piazza Italia, a traditional Italian café and bistro right in the heart of Blackpool. The recently refurbished restaurant has a focus on fresh and local ingredients. You'll find it opposite the Winter Gardens Theatre. Daily specials and an a la carte menu feature pizza, pasta, fish, meat, and side dishes depending on your appetite.
For food with a truly British flavour, head to Yorkshire Fisheries. Here you can order fish and chips - freshly prepared from local catches. This is the oldest fish and chip shop in Blackpool which offers a seated restaurant as well as takeaway options. Alongside your traditional fish and chips they serve pies and burgers. With 100 years of experience under their belts they can certainly serve up a great meal.
Another option is the Fahrenheit Restaurant, which is part of the Genting Casino in Blackpool. Here you can find an a la carte menu open from 6pm to 11pm every day. There are lots of special deals on offer depending on the day of the week, and it's the perfect way to celebrate a win in the casino itself.
Things to Do
With February being so cold it's important to make the most of warm indoor places. At Glasform Ltd, you might even want to take your coat off! This is where master glassblower John Ditchfield creates beautiful glass work of all shapes and sizes. You can come to watch him work, purchase one of his creations, or even book in for a glassblowing class if you want something really special.
You could also head to the Little Marton Windmill, which is easily visible as you travel on the M5 into Blackpool. It has an interesting story and is a treat to look around with most of the original machinery still in place. Here you'll learn why windmills are so important in Blackpool's history.
If you appreciate good art why not take a visit to Grundy Art Gallery? They put on exhibitions throughout the year, featuring the work of contemporary artists as their work tours around the country. It is close to the train station as well as the North Pier, so it's a great place to soak up some culture and warm up from the cold outdoors.
