Stanley Park, Blackpool
Lancashire
Stanley Park is Blackpool's largest park, opened in 1926 on former farmland between the town centre and Marton, and covers around 260 acres of formal gardens, woodland and open grass. Dogs must stay on a lead throughout, but the shaded woodland paths make a welcome break from the seafront crowds. At its centre the Italian Garden has ornamental flowerbeds and a marble fountain, and nearby the boating lake, bandstand and Art Deco cafe are among the park's best known features. This roughly 3.5km circuit takes in the boating lake, the Italian Garden and the quieter woodland paths around the edges of the park, all on flat, surfaced paths with no climbing to speak of. The park's original Edwardian and 1920s landscaping survives well, and mature trees give shade across much of the route.
This is a dog friendly park, though dogs must be kept on a lead throughout, including around the boating lake and gardens, and are not allowed into the play areas or sports pitches. Within those limits it is a pleasant walk for a dog, with plenty of grass to sniff, waterfowl on the lake to watch from a distance and shaded paths in the woodland sections for a hot day. There is no off lead exercise here, so this suits a stroll rather than a run. The Art Deco cafe by the boating lake has outdoor seating where well behaved dogs are often welcome, and parking is free at the main car park on West Park Drive.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.5 km (2.2 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- Park, Lake
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Art Deco cafe with outdoor seating by the boating lake; toilets; boat hire (seasonal).
- Parking
- Free car park at the West Park Drive and North Park Drive entrance (FY3 9HU).
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Stanley Park, Blackpool, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Meadow Cottage At Swarbrick Hall Farm
Sleeps 10 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £1,917 / 7 nights
Cross Keys Inn Cottages - One Dorchester Drive
Sleeps 5 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £423 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in LancashireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Stanley Park, Blackpool dog friendly?
Stanley Park is a pleasant option for dogs, earning a 7 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. The park's 260 acres include shaded woodland paths, open grass and a boating lake to sniff around, and the Art Deco cafe by the lake has outdoor seating where well behaved dogs are often welcome. Dogs are not permitted in the play areas or sports pitches, but within those limits it makes for a relaxed, flat walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Stanley Park, Blackpool?
Unfortunately not — dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the entire park, including around the boating lake and gardens. There is no designated off lead area here, so Stanley Park is better suited to a steady stroll than a run-around. If your dog needs to stretch their legs properly, you may want to combine this visit with a trip to a nearby beach or open space.
What should I know before visiting Stanley Park, Blackpool with my dog?
Keep your dog on a lead at all times and steer clear of the play areas and sports pitches. The route is around 3.5km on flat, surfaced paths with no climbing, so it's accessible and easy going for most dogs. Parking is free at the main car park on West Park Drive (FY3 9HU), and the Art Deco cafe by the boating lake is worth a stop for a sit-down — outdoor seating is available and well behaved dogs are often welcome alongside you.
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