Your Guide to Visiting the Giant Observation Wheel
Come for the wheel, stay for everything else Blackburn has to offer
The Giant Observation Wheel is an exciting new addition to Blackburn that we know everyone is looking forward to visiting. With so much else going on in town, we thought we’d give you a guide on what else to do, as well as places to grab a bite to eat and drink.
Pre-Visit Plans
With the wheel opening from midday (11am on Saturdays) there is plenty of opportunity to come into town early and grab a bite to eat and potentially check out many of the other activities available around town.
If you are coming in early, then why not make the most of it and get yourself breakfast! Blackburn has a diverse and exciting selection of options for everyone to enjoy. Let’s start you with the Early Bird Café, and a personal favourite, the Desi Omelette Bun! You can also pick up a variety of pastries alongside the coffee and teas. Similarly, Caffee Impresso is a staple of the town centre for amazing coffee and some of the flakiest and moorish pastries you’ll find.
Finally, we want to point you in the direction of an exciting new opening, KOHI coffee house, which is based on King William Street, having opened on 3rd May. Rumour has it, the Souffle pancakes are going to be a star of the town.
How about dinner?
We won’t suggest a large meal before going on the wheel (although we promise it doesn’t go that fast!) but once you’ve enjoyed the experience, why not take in dinner at one of the many restaurants we have in town, be that with friends, family or as a romantic end to the day.
For a fun evening of food, drink and music, The Fire Pit is a unique venue in the town that has a great collection of cocktails, refreshing beers and food ranging from steaks & burgers, through to a good vegetarian selection.
If you fancy a curry with friends, then the options are plentiful in Blackburn. We have the legends of the town, Akbars and their lovely setting for food. Then one of the newer places in town, Masala Fusion, with it’s famous masala chips. We also have to mention one of the highest rated places to eat across the whole of Blackburn, Thira – the Masala Dosa is fantastic.
If you are just looking to grab food on the go rather than a full sit down, then why not head over to 16th Street for a burger or Kings Castle with it’s Hollywood shakes and fun surroundings.
A True Family Experience
If you are visiting the wheel as a family day out, why not make a full day of it and incorporate a few other elements.
Planet Ice is an ideal place to take the whole family. It’s caters for skaters of all experience levels, so Mum and Dad don’t feel left out.
And if you really want some exercise, how about popping over to Blackburn leisure centre for a swim! Don’t worry, we are not making you work too hard, the real attraction for the kids are the slides – lots of slides!
For a less active day, head over to the movies after you’ve been on the wheel. We have both Reel Cinema and Vue Cinema in town, so you are guaranteed to find the movie that works for everyone in the family.
Shop till you drop
After looking out over everything Blackburn has to offer whilst sitting in the capsules, it might be a spot of retail therapy that you need.
Shopping in Blackburn starts with The Mall, which offers a wide range of stores, from fashionable boutiques to popular high-street brands. Explore the latest trends, find unique accessories, or simply enjoy window shopping. You’ll find a massive M&S on the high street as well.
But it isn’t just the well known brands that make Blackburn great, we are packed with cool, independent brands. You could have your own stylist at Boutique By Vee or get a bespoke suit at Pelle Menswear.
And for those that love a good market, Blackburn Market is packed with over 50 stalls, with so much variety, you might totally lose track of time. Don’t worry if that’s thirsty work, you’ll be able to get a drink whilst you shop!
Have a great time at the wheel and if you do combine it with a visit into Blackburn, then do let us know and remember, we’ve suggested a few places above but Blackburn has so many place, do check them all out.
Places to eat & drink in Blackburn
