Seaside Traditions: Donkey Rides & Promenade Memories
Blackpool has always been a place of simple joys and timeless traditions. The sight of children riding donkeys along the beach is one of those rare scenes that feels as magical today as it did decades ago. For many families, a trip to the seaside isn’t complete without the clip-clop of hooves on sand and the soft nudge of a gentle donkey ready to give a ride. These charming creatures have become part of the fabric of Blackpool, and during the warmer months, they bring a sense of nostalgia to every day on the promenade.
Just steps away from Adelphi Holiday Flats, you can witness this tradition in full swing. The donkeys wait patiently near the central stretch of Blackpool’s beach, each one cared for under strict welfare rules and clearly loved by their handlers. Children light up with excitement as they mount the saddle, ready for a short but memorable trot along the sand. There’s something uniquely special about this experience. It’s not flashy or digital. It’s quiet, tactile, and rooted in the joy of being close to animals and the sea.
For parents and grandparents, watching a child enjoy their first donkey ride is a powerful moment. It often sparks memories of their own childhood trips, when the sea breeze was just as salty, and the fun just as honest. The beach itself, with its long stretch of golden sand and constant backdrop of laughter and seagulls, is the perfect setting for such simple pleasures. Even if you don’t opt for a ride, simply being nearby and soaking in the atmosphere is enough to create lasting memories.
Staying at Adelphi Holiday Flats makes enjoying these moments effortless. Located just minutes from the promenade, the flats offer a perfect base for seaside adventures. You can spend the morning on the beach, enjoy an ice cream as the tide rolls out, and then stroll back at your own pace for lunch or a rest. The flexibility of self-catering accommodation means you’re not tied to rigid schedules or crowded dining halls. You can relax entirely on your own terms.
In the afternoon, the fun continues. Maybe you’ll wander further down the seafront to the piers or explore the arcades where the buzz of games and the scent of warm doughnuts fill the air. You might visit one of the family-friendly restaurants nearby, like Hauze, where you can enjoy a relaxed dinner close to your accommodation. After a full day, it’s a pleasure to return to your own space, close the curtains, and fall asleep to the faint sound of waves in the distance.
Blackpool is a town that knows how to hold onto its heritage, and the donkey rides are proof of that. They’ve survived changing trends and new attractions because they offer something that never goes out of style—connection, joy, and a moment of quiet wonder by the sea. When you stay at Adelphi Holiday Flats, you’re not just booking a place to sleep. You’re stepping into a tradition, one ride and one memory at a time.
