View of the Blackpool promenade vintage weather shelters

Things to do in  Blackpool

Life’s a (pleasure) beach

The bright lights and golden sands of Blackpool have drawn travelers to its fun-filled seashore for more than 150 years. Originally a seaside resort for mill workers from the busy cities of northern England, Blackpool has become a center of entertainment and things to do—from ballroom dancing to stage shows, roller coasters to music festivals. The World Fireworks Championships are held here every year, and the world famous Blackpool Illuminations light up the promenade and Victorian piers in the run-up to Christmas.

Top 8 attractions in Blackpool

Blackpool Tower Circus

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At the base of Blackpool’s landmark tower, the Blackpool Tower Circus has provided spectacular entertainment since opening in 1894, making it Blackpool’s longest-running show. Book a ticket and the clowns, acrobats, and musicians will be sure to keep you amused with their antics and stunts.More

Blackpool Tower Eye

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Perched 380 feet (116 meters) up the Blackpool Tower, the Blackpool Tower Eye has indoor and outdoor observation decks and commands spectacular views. Visitors can soak in the panoramas, stand on the glass Skywalk above Blackpool promenade, and enjoy a 4D cinematic journey through Blackpool’s history as a curtain-raiser to their visit.More

Comedy Station Comedy Club

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Blackpool's first-ever (and Lancashire’s only purpose-built) comedy club, the Comedy Station is the only comedy club in Blackpool that hosts a completely professional lineup. Here you can laugh along with comedians from around the world that have appeared on shows such asMock the Week,8 out of 10 Cats,Live at the Apollo, and more.More

Blackpool Tower Dungeon

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The Eiffel Tower–inspired, century-old Blackpool Tower is the northern English city’s most recognizable sight. More than a landmark, though, the tower is home to a variety of entertainment venues, including the Blackpool Tower Dungeon, which takes visitors on a trip through a thousand years of Lancashire’s gruesome and macabre history.More

SEA LIFE® Blackpool

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Located on Blackpool’s promenade, SEA LIFE® Blackpool is a popular, family-friendly attraction. The center houses more than 2,000 sea creatures, allowing visitors to marvel at the marine life of the UK’s shoreline and the world’s deepest oceans—from sharks and rays to seahorses, reef fish, and turtles.More

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

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For over 120 years, this 42-acre (17-hectare amusement park has been drawing fun-loving visitors to England’s northwest coast with its roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and immersive shows and events. Today’s highlights include the recording-breaking Big One, iconic Big Dipper, and the UK’s first multi-launch coaster, Icon.More

Madame Tussauds Blackpool

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Madame Tussauds is a popular visitor attraction all around the world, but Madame Tussauds Blackpool—the only UK branch outside London—grants you an audience with some of Britain’s best-known celebrities. Here you can come face to face with everyone from singer Olly Murs to athlete Mo Farah, and even the late Queen Elizabeth II.More

Blackpool Tower Ballroom

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In addition to being the city’s most recognizable landmark, the Eiffel Tower–inspired Blackpool Tower is home to a variety of entertainment venues, including the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The 19th-century ballroom is a destination for dance fans from across the globe and filming location for the BBC seriesCome Dancing and some editions of the dance-competition seriesStrictly Come Dancing.More

All about Blackpool

When to visit

There really is something to do year-round in Blackpool, but when it comes to weather, spring and summer are the best times to visit. Some attractions are only open at certain times of the year, such as the Illuminations, which are usually switched on in a star-studded ceremony in September or October. Pleasure Beach amusement park has a main opening season of April to October, and some of the rides may not be open during the off season.

Getting around

Blackpool has a compact, pedestrianized town center that is easy to walk around. Trams are available to take you up and down the promenade. There are tour buses offering hop-on hop-off tickets, and the standard local bus service is a reliable way to travel further afield. Trains run from Blackpool South and Blackpool North directly to Preston, Liverpool, and Manchester Airport. There are also non-traditional ways to travel—Victorian horse-drawn carriages operate on the promenade.

Traveler tips

Blackpool has a great local food scene, and there are a number of top restaurants in town. If you fancy getting away from the usual fish and chips, it’s easy to find somewhere to dine on high-quality global cuisine. It’s worth booking tickets to enjoy a show or musical act in the Winter Gardens or Grand Theatre while in Blackpool—the interior and exterior Victorian architecture of both ornate buildings is a must-see.

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People Also Ask

How can I spend a day in Blackpool?

Get to the seaside early for a traditional English breakfast in a café overlooking the beach. Stroll along the promenade and head to Central Pier or North Pier and play in the arcades. Hang out at Pleasure Beach amusement park, and then finish with fish and chips by the sea.

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Is there much to do in Blackpool?

Yes, Blackpool has something for everyone. There are attractions and amusement park rides for kids of all ages, and bars and traditional English pubs for a drink. There is always live music and entertainment on offer, and the drag shows are noteworthy.

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What is Blackpool popular for?

Blackpool is popular as a spot for entertaining, fun-filled holidays, and weekend breaks. There is a calmer side to Blackpool—cocktail bars, high-end restaurants, and nearby spas—but the majority of travelers visit Blackpool to enjoy Pleasure Beach amusement park, the zoo, and the beach.

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What month is best to visit Blackpool?

High summer can be busy, but it's also when the weather is at its best. Visit at the beginning or end of the English summer holidays to avoid most of the crowds—around May or early September is your best bet. For a more festive side of Blackpool, visit from October-December.

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Can you walk around Blackpool Pleasure Beach without paying?

No, you need a ticket to enter Blackpool Pleasure Beach amusement park, and every member of your group will need to purchase one to access the park’s grounds. These are available as eTickets, directly downloadable to your phone for easy access. Children under 11 have a reduced price ticket.

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Is it free to see Blackpool Lights?

Yes, Blackpool Illuminations are always free to view. To see them, travel to the promenade when they're lit (generally September 1–January 1)—you can choose to drive underneath the displays, or park and ride. Alternatively you can walk the full length of the Illuminations and enjoy the atmosphere from the sidewalk.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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What are the top things to do in Blackpool?
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