Blackpool & The Grand National - Festival Zone - 2026
- Duration: 3 days
- Board Basis: Half Board
- Tour Ref: D2TCAL22587
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
3 days
3 Days Away
And…… we’re off for a three 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..
PRICE FROM
?
£289
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.
Itinerary
What's Included?
- Coach travel with reserved seating
- Two nights dinner, bed and breakfast at The Grand 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 Grand Hotel - Prominent on the seafront, the very large red brick hotel is one of the most stylish and modern hotels in Blackpool, with many facilities and rooms overlooking the sea – plus full leisure facilities available to guests including a fitness centre, sauna and steam room.
The Grand National
The Grand NationalThe 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.
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
InsuranceHoliday 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!
Grand National carousel
Blackpool
BlackpoolA 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.
The Grand Hotel, Blackpool Carousel
Back to topAccommodation
The Grand Hotel, Blackpool The Grand Hotel, Blackpool
The Grand Hotel is a historic seaside hotel, located on Blackpool’s North Shore seafront promenade. It offers stunning views over the iconic promenade and easy access to amazing local attractions.The stylish hotel's prominent location on the seafront is close to Blackpool Tower and the renowned Blackpool Pier, and the hotel provides a perfect base for exploring the vibrant area. Enjoy picturesque views, take leisurely strolls along the famous promenade, or visit the nearby iconic landmarks.
Inside, the hotel boasts spacious rooms with a range of thoughtful amenities to help make your stay that much better.
From the elegant Promenade Restaurant to the welcoming Lounge Bar, the hotel offers a variety of places to relax and unwind. For guests looking for relaxation, the health and leisure club provides a fitness centre, an indoor pool, and a sauna.
Hotel features:
- All bedrooms with en-suite facilities
- In the room: Tea and coffee making facilities, TV, Hairdryer
- Entertainment suites with cabaret
- Lounge with light bites and drinks
- On-site bar with indoor and outdoor seating
- Large, spacious restaurant with sea views
- Room service available
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas and bedrooms
- Full leisure facilities: fitness centre, indoor pool, sauna and steam room
- Accessible lift to all floors
- Accessible rooms
- Car parking - to pay for