November marks the beginning of Blackpool's winter season. Although the seaside resort is in the stereotypically cold United Kingdom, its winter season isn't as harsh as in other parts of the country. This is partly due to its sheltered location, and also to the fact that the sea wind brings along its own weather.
This time of year sees average temperatures fall from 11°C in October to 7°C, marking a steep shift as we transition from autumn into winter. This month also has an average high temperature of 9°C and an average low temperature of 5°C. This means that a day in double digits counts as unusually warm at this point of the year! Although the temperature may reach 0°C during the month, it will rarely fall below that in November. All of this means that you should be careful to pack clothes for cold weather: be sure to bring jumpers and coats, and to wrap up in scarves and gloves if you are normally sensitive to the cold.
The sea also experiences a light dip in temperature as it averages 12°C in November. It is getting far too cold to go for a swim: even if the sea itself is not too cold for you, you will have the problem of coming out of the sea into a much cooler temperature in the air, which could leave you feeling unwell.
Furthermore, the month receives plenty of rainfall with an average precipitation of 14mm, and average of 19 days seeing some rain. This may not be a huge amount of rain, but it does cover a large percentage of the month. Check the weather forecast regularly to know whether you need your umbrella with you.
Where to Stay
For a November stay, it's important that you can get the most comfort possible. Head to the Cherry Tree House Hotel for a small inn with an intimate feel. You will find newly refurbished rooms here, with en-suite facilities in each as well as electric showers, a colour TV, and free tea, coffee, and biscuits. Traditional English breakfast is available every morning, and they also have a fully licensed bar.
Then there's The Kenley, a guest house run by celebrity chef Mark Solomon. There are just 7 guest rooms here, but the property has 4 stars and is close by the Pleasure Beach. They serve breakfast every morning and of course offer top quality cuisine in the evenings, created by the owner himself. A bar and lounge rounds out the attraction.
If you like a place with a bit of history, try the Victorian 9-bedroom guest house, The Manhattan. Stag and hen parties are not allowed, but there are en-suite bathrooms for your comfort as well as a good proximity to a lot of local attractions. There are free hot drinks in the rooms, each of which is cleaned daily.
Restaurants and Nightlife
If you fancy some fine meat, head to JK's Steakhouse, where the value for money is just one of the talking points. It is located right in the town centre, and offers a good starting point for a night out as well as being open throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. There are two floors of seating areas in this popular steakhouse, with seating outdoors for those made of stronger stuff.
It is unusual to find German cuisine in the UK, but The German Sausage House offers it in spades. They focus on pairing up German sausages with homemade chips, along with German beers. They create traditional dishes so that you can get a taste of Germany without having to leave Blackpool! This is another favourite for those enjoying a night on the town.
Then there is the chance to eat at Italio, which as you may guess from the name serves quality Italian food. There is a lot of focus on presenting beautifully made plates, but they also offer a takeaway service. The aim is to create a modern Italian dining experience, not just the same old pizza.
Things to Do
If you want to make the most of a November trip, head indoors away from the cold. Sandcastle Waterpark is the largest indoor water park in the UK, which means it's definitely worth a visit. Here you will find 18 rides and attractions, all in one place which is fully accessible for all. There is even a spa and cabana here if you are travelling as a couple rather than a family!
Of course, if you visit this town, you can't miss the Blackpool Illuminations. This is the largest free light show on the planet, and it is one of the main attractions here. Each year sees new displays added, along with the old favourites, dating back to 1879 when there were just a few small lights on this area of the promenade.
Be sure to check out the Comedy Carpet, too. This is an unusual and certainly unique installation in Blackpool, which makes references to the work of more than 1000 comedy writers, in the form of jokes, visual aids, and written songs. There are more than 160,000 characters embedded into this concrete area, and it is a great homage to the art of comedy. You will easily find it by the Blackpool Tower.
