My Blackpool Stag Weekend: A Real Groom's Review

Editor's Note (December 2025): While these legendary stag dos took place a few years ago, we have updated this post to ensure all venues, activities, and prices are accurate for the 2025 season.

There are some places that are synonymous with stag dos. Brighton, Newcastle, Bournemouth... but the king of them all is Blackpool. It is the ultimate playground for a groom's last weekend of freedom.

But what is a Blackpool stag do actually like? Is it just L-plates and tacky bars, or is there more to it? We’ve compiled diaries from two different groups to give you the inside track on where to stay, where to drink, and how to survive the weekend.

Review 1: The "Alternative" Stag (Activities & Rock Bars)

The Vibe: Live Music, Digger Driving, and Vampire Bars.

Friday: The Journey & The "Quiet" Night

We piled into a minibus from the south coast at 8 am, fuelled by Red Bull and bacon sandwiches. The journey went through the standard stag stages: quiet conversation, loud music, and finally, the first beer. We arrived mid-afternoon at our hotel, a stag-friendly spot near the tower. The owner was a legend—he kept the bar open late and even had a pool table. It was the perfect base.

We started the night with a surprisingly good meal at a Noodle Bar (hunting for carbs!) before finding Marley's Rum Bar (sometimes called Fubars). This place had a live reggae band and a massive selection of rums. After sampling a few too many, we moved on to the Galleon Bar. This place is a hidden gem; decked out in music memorabilia with a great rock band playing, it was a brilliant alternative to the usual cheesy clubs.

Saturday: Diggers, Drifting & Clays

Saturday morning was an early start (7:30 am!), but it was worth it. We were picked up by a minibus and taken to the Lochter Activity Centre for a "motors and mayhem" package.

• Karting: We started on the massive outdoor 'Lochterstone' track. It’s 1km long and based on Silverstone. The karts push 60kph, making it a proper race rather than a procession.
• Digger Driving: This was the highlight. Learning to control a 5-tonne metal monster and compete in challenges (scooping footballs, balancing tires) was brilliant fun and something none of us had done before.
• Blindfold 4x4: Trying to drive a Land Rover blindfolded while your mates shout conflicting directions is exactly as chaotic as it sounds.

Saturday Night: Vampires & Tunnels

After recovering at the hotel, we headed out for the big one. We started with a pre-booked meal at Revolution (essential fuel), then things got weird—in a good way. The night ended at a club called The Tunnels (literally inside tunnels). It was kicking when we arrived, so having guest list entry sorted by The Stag and Hen Experience was a lifesaver. We skipped the queue and danced until the early hours.

Review 2: The "Classic" Stag (Pleasure Beach & Pop)

The Vibe: Cheesy Pop, Friendly Locals, and Hotel Banter.

Friday: Breaking the Ice

We booked our weekend through The Stag and Hen Experience to save the hassle of collecting money. We stayed at the Victoria Hotel, just a few minutes from the Tower. It was adults-only and catered specifically for stags and hens.

We started our Friday crawl at Yates on the seafront for a meal. We actually bumped into a hen do there and ended up combining groups for the rest of the night—proof of how friendly Blackpool is! We moved on to Walkabout (a stag classic) before heading to Popworld. We had guest list entry, which was brilliant. It was cheesy, full of pop classics, and exactly what we wanted to break the ice.

Saturday: The Big One

After a massive buffet breakfast at the hotel (much needed!), we headed to the Pleasure Beach en masse. I haven't been on a rollercoaster with a hangover before, but the adrenaline definitely wakes you up!

We rode everything we could—Icon, Iceblast, and Avalanche were highlights—but the main event was The Big One. It might not be the world's tallest anymore, but the first drop is still terrifying. We spent the rest of the afternoon watching the football in a sports bar before prepping for the final night.

Saturday Night: Trilogy & Nightcaps

For the final night, we started back at Walkabout before heading to a massive club called Trilogy. It’s set across three levels, so the lads could split up depending on what music they wanted (Dance, R&B, or Disco). We ended the night back at the hotel bar with the owner serving nightcaps until the sun came up.

Top Tips for Surviving a Blackpool Stag Do

• Don't Fear the Stereotype: Yes, it’s rowdy. Yes, you will see L-plates. Embrace it. The atmosphere is unpretentious and fun.
• Book Guest List Entry: Saturday nights are busy. Queuing for 45 minutes in the rain kills the vibe. Having pre-booked entry (like we did with The Stag and Hen Experience) makes you feel like VIPs.
• Use the Trams: The promenade is long (7 miles!). Don't try to walk from the Pleasure Beach to the North Pier in new shoes. The trams are cheap and run constantly.
• Eat Before You Drink: It sounds obvious, but with so many bars, it’s easy to forget. Book a table at a chain like Revolution or Yates early in the evening to guarantee the group gets fed.

The Verdict

Is a 13-hour round trip to Blackpool worth it? Absolutely. Whether you want alternative rock bars or cheesy pop clubs, the variety is unbeatable. The value for money is incredible, and the atmosphere is unmatched.

Both of these weekends were organized by The Stag and Hen Experience. If you want to replicate these itineraries, check out our Ride The Big One Package or call us on 01202 566100.