Blackpool
From traditional deckchairs on its sandy beaches to the tallest rollercoaster in Britain, the seaside resort of Blackpool welcomes visitors with open arms.
Why we love Blackpool
A gem in the colourful crown of Britain’s seaside destinations, Blackpool is as vibrant as it is fun-filled. The Golden Mile is the beating heart of this sea-breezy town, with top attractions including the Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the Blackpool Tower and Heritage Tram Tours snaking along its shoreline. With iconic illuminations, ballroom dance festivals, an accessibility award-winning water park and more, discover what this larger-than-life town is all about.
The Blackpool Tower
An icon of Blackpool’s skyline since 1894, the Blackpool Tower is not only a historical institution but a thriving cultural and activity hub. Take a spin in its historic ballroom, graced by the biggest names in dancing, or watch daredevil stunts, acrobats and clowns at the in-house circus. Shoot 380 feet into the sky for stunning 360-degree views across the surrounding area. Those brave enough can even traverse the glass walkway.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Brave the UK’s tallest rollercoaster, The Big One, or meet cartoon favourites at Nickelodeon Land; every age and thrill level is catered for making for a great day out. Stretching along Ocean Boulevard, Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach offers all the thrills and spills of the fair. With splash-tastic water rides, children’s activities, shows and events throughout the year, the main season runs from April to October. If you don’t fancy riding on The Big One, take a guided tour instead for a different perspective.
Madame Tussauds Blackpool
From Marvel action heroes to British TV legends, snap a picture with your favourite famous people. Feel like you’re stepped into the screen, with A-list stars all around! Located on the iconic Blackpool promenade, you couldn’t be in a better spot to explore the town’s top attractions.
Showtown Blackpool
This new museum brings the razzle-dazzle with six galleries packed with immersive entertainment. Detailing Blackpool’s seaside experience throughout the 20th century, get behind the scenes of magic shops, comedians, conjurers, ballroom dancing, Blackpool’s illuminations and more.
Things to do in Blackpool
Blackpool Central Pier
Blackpool Zoo
The Blackpool Tower Eye and 4D Experience
Blackpool Pride
Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
The Blackpool Tower Circus
Sandcastle Waterpark
Blackpool South Pier
Lightpool Festival
Blackpool filming locations
SEA LIFE Blackpool
Houndshill Shopping Centre
The Blackpool Tower
Showtown Blackpool
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Madame Tussauds Blackpool
Blackpool Central Pier
Blackpool Zoo
The Blackpool Tower Eye and 4D Experience
Blackpool Pride
Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
The Blackpool Tower Circus
Sandcastle Waterpark
Blackpool South Pier
Lightpool Festival
Blackpool filming locations
SEA LIFE Blackpool
Houndshill Shopping Centre
The Blackpool Tower
Showtown Blackpool
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Madame Tussauds Blackpool
Featured things to do
Award-winning gardens
For a spectacular spring sproll around Art Deco gardens, head to the Grade II listed Stanley Park. A peaceful oasis, the park features a boating lake, bandstand and Italian Gardens, plus a pretty cafe offering al fresco dining with a view.
Explore Stanley Park
Splashes and sandcastles
The only beach resort in Britain to boast three piers, spend the day exploring Blackpool’s beaches. Hire a traditional deck chair at Central Beach, wander down the Grade II listed North Beach Pier admiring street performers, or splash in the sea at the Blue Flag winning South Beach.
Relax at Blackpool’s beaches
Light up the town
Usually taking place from September to January, Blackpool’s illuminations are a wonder to behold. Stretching for six miles along Blackpool’s Promenade, enjoy what the locals refer to as ‘the greatest free light show on Earth’.
Enjoy the Blackpool Illuminations
Putting on a show
Head indoors when the winter chill kicks in to one of the largest theatres in the country. Historically welcoming the likes of Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland right through to Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey, become part of a sell-out audience and feel the atmosphere as showbiz greats take to the stage.
See a show at the Opera House and Winter GardensPlaces to stay in Blackpool
Blackpool town centre
A stone’s throw from the beaches, Blackpool’s town centre offers a range of accommodation options for all budgets, including hotels and luxury apartments.
Seafront views
Stay in the heart of the action along Blackpool’s Promenade, with guest houses, bed and breakfasts and hotels to choose from among the three main beaches.
Lancashire’s green spaces
From glamping to golf resorts, traditional holiday camps and country inns, Lancashire’s green space is a short drive from the city and sea front and offers a range of options.
Explore nearby
Getting to Blackpool
Blackpool is on England’s northwest coast overlooking the Irish Sea. Manchester Airport is the nearest international hub, with the train to Blackpool (via Preston) taking around one hour and 40 minutes. Blackpool is also served by Liverpool John Lennon Airport, with connecting train services taking around two hours.
Direct trains with Avanti West Coast from London Euston to Blackpool North station, take around four hours, although services with changes may take less time. Alternatively, coach travel from London to Blackpool with National Express takes around eight hours.
Getting around Blackpool
By bus or tram
Blackpool is easy to navigate by bus and tram, with services connecting most of the main Promenade. A three or seven-day travel pass is useful for hopping on and off while exploring.
By bike
With a mostly flat terrain, National Cycle Network signs and e-bike hire, Blackpool is ideal to explore by bike.
On foot
From strolling down the golden sandy beaches to exploring the town’s parks and green spaces, with many pedestrian areas, exploring Blackpool on foot is a breeze.
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