Blackpool is UK's trending weekend destination

Blackpool is once again the destination of choice for weekend breaks, according to data analysed by The Hole in Wand.

Using a combination of historical Google search data and official visitor numbers, the wizarding mini golf experience found that demand for weekend breaks in Blackpool is on the rise.

While COVID had a major impact on local tourism, since December 2022 searches for the term 'weekend break in Blackpool' have risen by 38% (720 to 1000).

Since December 2021 - the first festive period post-lockdown - the rise in searches has increased by 156% (390 to 1000).

When compared to weekend break locations that had similar search volumes on December 2021, we can see Blackpool has had the biggest growth in interest.

'weekend break in new forest'
- Dec 2021 Searches: 390
- Dec 2024 Searches: 720
- Growth: 84%

'weekend break in blackpool'
- Dec 2021 Searches: 390
- Dec 2024 Searches: 100
- Growth: 156%

'weekend break in bath'
- Dec 2021 Searches: 390
- Dec 2024 Searches: 720
- Growth: 84%

'weekend break in kent '
- Dec 2021 Searches: 390
- Dec 2024 Searches: 320
- Growth: -18%

Searching leads to visiting

These searches for weekend breaks in Blackpool are converting into feet on the promenade.

In 2022, visitor numbers for the year hit 20 million - higher than pre-Covid levels of around 18 million .

Footfall on Blackpool's Promenade - home to The Hole in Wand Blackpool - was up in the summer of 2024 when compared to 2023 .

Mobile phone data shown to Blackpool Council's Tourism, Economy and Communities Scrutiny Committee found that footfall was up by 9% in June, 41% in July and 24% in August.

These visitors provide a huge boost to the Blackpool economy.

The annual STEAM report, which analyses data from tourism and hospitality businesses, shows the resort's visitor economy in Blackpool is now valued at £1.7bn per year and supports in excess of 22,000 jobs.

Tourism accounts for a substantial portion of local employment, with one in five jobs linked to the visitor economy.

But who's making the trip to Blackpool? Mainly it's couples enjoying a romantic weekend playing mini golf and drinking love potions.

Blackpool Council data shows the visitors coming to Blackpool are:

• Couples: 47%
• Families: 28%
• Single adults: 15%
• Adult groups: 11%

Thankfully, The Hole in Wand caters for all these visitors.

Sam Budworth, Head of Operations - North East and West, said: "Since we opened on the promenade in Blackpool in 2022, we've been thrilled by the thousands of locals and tourists who have visited our wizarding mini golf experience.

"We cater for everyone at The Hole In Wand Blackpool, from families, couples and students to friendship groups. We chose Blackpool as a location for the attraction as it's such a vibrant and historic location for holidaymakers and we wanted to sprinkle more magic to this popular magical destination.

"We can't wait to see what 2025 holds for the vibrant seaside town of Blackpool and the many different attractions that make it so desirable as a weekend break."

For further information on this press release, please contact Jonathan Brown: Jonathan.brown@edge45.co.uk or call: 01904 373005.

Edge45: The Guildhall, St Martins Courtyard, Coney Street, York YO1 9QL
The Hole in Wand: 50A Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 4QU

The Hole in Wand mini golf experience is part of The Potions Cauldron Group. It has mini golf locations in Blackpool, Chester, York and Dalton Park.

The Potion Cauldrons Group was founded in 2018 by owners Phil Pinder and Ben Fry.

As well as the wizarding mini golf, they are also the makers of magical drinks and the creators of magical experiences recently announcing their partnership with Disney Cruise line.

This release was published on openPR.