May in Blackpool marks the end of spring and the last moment before a long, warm summer. As such, this is the beginning of the resort's peak season, so you can expect larger crowds wherever you go. That is not to say that it will be over-crowded quite yet, however, so it is still definitely a good month to visit.
This spring month has an average temperature of 11°C, which is a good improvement from the 8°C of April. This upward trend will only continue as the year goes on. The month has average high temperatures of 15°C and average low temperatures of 7°C, giving a great range which means there may be some days during your stay when you can go out without a coat or jumper and just enjoy the warmth.
The sea starts to warm up during May and has an average temperature of 11°C. This might be a good time to go for a paddle in the shallows of the sea, rolling your trouser-legs up in the timeless tradition of the United Kingdom!
Furthermore, this month does see some rainfall, as does every month of the year in the United Kingdom. It will average around 11mm of precipitation with an average of 14 days of rainfall. This is one of the driest months of the year, which is one of the reasons why it is so popular to visit at this time. It is important to note that the weather changes frequently and, although it may be sunny in the morning, it could easily rain in the afternoon. Therefore, it is always advisable to go out with an umbrella or check the weather forecast often.
Where to Stay
If you are looking for a bit of a luxury stay for May, then head to the Park House Hotel. It is run by the Taylor family, who have invested heavily into creating a fine hospitality standard for all of their guests on the North Promenade. There is entertainment every night in the Bar Lounge and Ballroom, and you can also relax in the sun lounge which overlooks the sea.
Right on the Queen's Promenade you will find the Maples Hotel. It was built on the site of the first ever hotel on North Shore, the Mount Hotel, and since then has been fully refurbished at least once. It looks over the sea with a tram stop close by, and all of the rooms include en-suite bathrooms. Wi-Fi and daily newspapers are available for free, and a full English breakfast is included in the room fee.
The Premier Inn Blackpool (Beach) Hotel is great for getting to all of the main attractions. You can expect the full standard of any Premier Inn property here, with a restaurant on site and full access for wheelchairs. Free parking is available as well as Wi-Fi throughout the building, so you can get around easily and share your adventures with friends.
Restaurants and Nightlife
Italian and Mediterranean food can be discovered at Nunzio's, a family-run restaurant with an extensive menu. Fine wines are on offer to accompany your meal. It's only a short distance from the North Pier, and they accept large group bookings as well if you are celebrating.
For something a little different, head to Othello's Greek. The Greek cuisine served here also includes traditional Cypriot dishes, and there are takeaway options available if you want to sit by the beach while you dine. They also serve steaks, and their salads are a very popular option. It's definitely a must-try, with their motto of simple, honest food.
A British seaside staple can be found at C Fresh Fish and Chips. You will discover them on Lytham Road, and they are proud to claim that they have the best offering of fish and chips around. You haven't really visited Blackpool until you have strolled on the beach with a serving of chips wrapped up in paper, seasoned with plenty of salt and vinegar!
Things to Do
One of the star attractions that you absolutely need to visit is Illuminasia. This indoor exhibition features magnificent illumination displays, using ancient Chinese traditions and combining them with modern production to create an unforgettable experience. It's like nothing you will have ever seen before, and gives you a chance to duck inside during one of those brief May showers.
You can also head to Coral Island Blackpool, a casino which does not require you to sign up for membership. With an entertaining pirate theme, you can play arcade games and bingo here as well as those casino games, and even enjoy some rides such as the ghost train. It's a great slice of seaside life: a casino mixed with a theme park!
There's also the Grosvenor Casino Blackpool if you prefer a more grown-up gambling experience. As well as the tables in the casino, where you can play poker, blackjack, and roulette, you will find a full restaurant allowing you to sample fine foods. This is also the home of one of the rounds of the GUKPT, a poker tour which moves around the UK each year.
