Blackpool Heritage Tours Return

Balloon 717 passing the replica Spitfire at the Gynn on Bank Holiday Monday

August Bank Holiday Weekend saw the return of Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours to the Promenade, but not in their usual format due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. There was no hop-on, hop-off allowed this time, no chance for families to spontaneously take a ride on the old trams as in previous years, and while the open Boats looked very tempting over the fine weekend, only pre-booked journeys were possible. Instead of trams running approximately every 15 minutes, there were only five tours during the whole day. Two types of tour were on offer, the Promenade Tour from North Pier to Bispham, Pleasure Beach and back to North Pier, and the Coastal Tour, running through to Fleetwood instead of Bispham. The 1030 Bispham and 1300 Fleetwood tours were operated by Balloons, the 1130 Bispham tour used a vintage tram, and the afternoon tours at 1400 and 1530 saw Boats in use each day. All trips needed to be pre-booked online in advance via the Heritage Tram Tours website, and the mandatory wearing of face masks was required (apart from people who were exempt). Trams could only be boarded at North Pier, although those wishing to leave a tour could do so at any of the heritage stops.

Balloon 717 at Gynn Square on the first tour of the day on 31st August

Brush Car 621 on driver refresher duties on 30th August

Standard 147 at Gynn Square on a Promenade Tour on 31st August

Boat 227 passing the Spitfire at Gynn Square on 30th August

Boat 600 at Little Bispham on Bank Holiday Monday

Bolton 66 at Gynn Square on the vintage Promenade Tour on 30th August

Balloon 715 returning from the Coastal Tour to Fleetwood on 30th August