Blackpool & The Grand National - Festival Zone - 2026

Duration: 4 days
Board Basis: Half Board
Tour Ref: D2TCAL22376

Holiday Summary

Travel Type: Coach

4 days

4 Days Away

And…… we’re off for a four day break to enjoy the buzz and drama of the famous Grand National! The Grand National is the ultimate test of bravery and stamina as the best steeplechasers and their riders take on the most challenging fences in horse racing. With inclusive admission to the Festival Zone Aintree and coach transfers to and from the racecourse.
.

£319 per person

PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.

pick up point
departure date
Adult Tickets
Child Tickets

Plan My Trip

Itinerary

What's Included?

Coach travel with reserved seating
Three nights dinner, bed and breakfast at The Georgian Hollies Hotel, Blackpool.
Evening entertainment
Admission to the Festival Zone at Aintree for the thrilling Grand National
Time to enjoy the delights of Blackpool

Please Note: Although the Jockey Club has advised the date, it is subject to change until the race calendar for 2026 is finalized.

The Grand National - a 4.5 mile handicap steeplechase featuring 30 of the most testing fences and hurdles in the world of jumps racing. Up to 40 runners and riders must complete full circuits of a unique 2¼ mile (3,600 metres) course, in front of 150,000 spectators at Aintree Racecourse (as well as an estimated worldwide TV audience of 600 million across over 140 countries!). Aintree, on the outskirts of Liverpool has hosted the Grand National Festival since 1839.

The Festival Zone is the largest and most atmospheric enclosure at Aintree, with access to view the Parade Ring, Winners Enclosure and Red Rum Lawn.

Blackpool - With its many visitor attractions, traditional seaside charm and award-winning beaches, it’s not surprising that so many holidaymakers visit this popular resort.

The Georgian Hollies Hotel - A genuine welcome and a good time (it’s renowned for its evening entertainment), this typical Blackpool hotel is close to Church Street - and one of the most buzzing in Blackpool.

The Grand National

The Grand National

The Grand National

Even if you don’t follow horse racing - every year, there is one fascinating horse race that’s bound to get your heart racing.

The Grand National is a 4.5 mile handicap steeplechase featuring 30 of the most testing fences and hurdles in the world of jumps racing. Up to 40 runners and riders must complete full circuits of a unique 2¼ mile (3,600 metres) course, in front of 150,000 spectators at Aintree Racecourse (as well as an estimated worldwide TV audience of 600 million across over 140 countries!). Aintree, on the outskirts of Liverpool has hosted the Grand National Festival since 1839.

A unique course

The current course opened in 1839 – the longest jump racing distance in the UK and features 16 wooden fences dressed in distinctive Lake District spruce, each of which are jumped twice with the exception of The Chair and the Water Jump, which are jumped on the first circuit only.

It’s not just the unique course which makes the race so fascinating – it’s the event’s unpredictable history.

No dress code – but a good excuse to dress up

The Grand National Festival starts with Opening Day, followed by Ladies Day and then Grand National Day. Contrary to popular belief, there is no dress code - but it’s a good excuse to dress up!

The Festival Zone

It's Aintree’s most atmospheric enclosure

The Festival Zone is the largest and most atmospheric enclosure at Aintree – offering a relaxed experience with views over the closing stages of every race including The Grand National.

Your zone pass gives you access to a lot

While your Festival Zone Pass does not give you full access to the racecourse – it does however give you access to a lot! Live music and entertainment, plenty of food, drink, betting facilities and big screens are found throughout the area.

You’ll have the opportunity to get a good look at the runners before you place your bets (at the Parade Ring), as well as access to the winner’s enclosure (where the winning horses are reunited with their owners and trophies are presented).

And it's got the best places to drink!

You’ll get access to The Irish Bar, which has screens and betting facilities of its own, as well as the iconic Red Rum Garden, a hive of activity and entertainment - complete with Red Rum statue, a tribute to the most iconic winning horse at Aintree.

UK Holiday Insurance

Insurance

Holiday Insurance Tailored to You!

At Caledonian Travel, we always do everything we can to ensure your holiday runs as smoothly as possible from start to finish. Travel insurance is a vital aspect to booking a holiday, giving you protection against unforeseen circumstances that could otherwise spoil your holiday.

To provide you with a holiday insurance policy designed with our customers in mind, we’ve teamed up with specialist insurance providers Towergate Travel. Some of the benefits of our insurance policy include:

Covid-19 cancellation if diagnosed within 14-days of departure included *
Emergency medical expenses on breaks outside the UK included *
All ages are considered, plus there are no premium loadings if you are over 65
24-hour English speaking emergency assistance
Low or no excess charges
Cover from only £9.95 including IPT!

A year-round resort

Blackpool is a coastal town full of character, by the Irish Sea in the Northwest of England. It’s the UK’s most popular seaside resort – and that’s in the summer AND winter.

In the summer, traditional seaside novelties like fish and chips, amusements, piers and long stretches of golden sand siren the masses.

From autumn to winter, it’s the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations light up the town, attracting 3.5 million visitors every year. Many local establishments now trade all year round.

Take a unique trip around Blackpool

The only surviving first-generation tramway in the UK provides a unique trip around town. A number of the original fleet are still available to ride, and there are illuminated trams running September to January - the best seat to see the Illuminations!

A playground for kids – and adults alike

There is so much to do and see in Blackpool, whether you’re 5 or 50! There are many top attractions – including:

Golden beaches
The Pleasure Beach
BlackpoolZoo,
SEA LIFE aquarium,
Tower Dungeons,
Winter Gardens,
Opera House,
Black Tower Ballroom,
Madame Tussauds and
And the iconic Blackpool’s Tower, the town’s landmark,modelled on The Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Accommodation

The Georgian Hollies Hotel, Blackpool The Georgian Hollies Hotel

You'll get a genuine welcome
As soon as you walk into the hotel from Albert Road, a road that leads directly to the golden sandy Blackpool seafront, and top attractions like SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds and the Blackpool Illuminations between September and January - you are genuinely welcomed.

Renowned for being friendly – and fun
Customers often remark upon the friendly well-established staff team at The Georgian Hollies Hotel. The other book-inducing hotel features are its renowned evening entertainment including visiting cabarets, quiz nights and bingo – and its central location.

It’s really close to Church Street
It is less than a 5-minute walk to The Blackpool Tower, the Winter Gardens, the beach and promenade, the main shopping street (Church Street) and the Houndshill Shopping Centre.

A favourite in the UK’s most popular seaside resort
Well-regarded by Caledonian Travellers too, this typical Blackpool terrace has an on-site restaurant, cabaret lounge and bar with a pool table and TV, which is buzzing every day from midday. The bar is well-stocked with an excellent range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks - take yours out to the front terrace in the summer months!

What are the bedrooms like?
Inside the en suite bedrooms, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay – a TV, tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi.

Insider info - Sometimes, visiting stalls will spring up with gifts in the hotel’s reception.

Hotel features:

• All bedrooms with en-suite facilities
• TV & tea/coffee making facilities in room
• Bar with pool table and TV
• TV lounge
• Restaurant
• Evening entertainment
• 24-hour front desk
• Free Wi-Fi
• Lift to all floors
• Cabaret lounge Back to top

Coach Holidays, Escorted Tours & Events

0330 440 3999

Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm