Jollies of Blackpool

Are you looking for fun things to do in Blackpool? Jollies of Blackpool offer guest house accommodation located near the Blackpool illuminations. We look at what attracts people to Blackpool and the best things to do in Blackpool.

Best Things to Do in Blackpool UK

When you think of the classic UK seaside holiday destination, chances are you think of Blackpool. The resort has been a popular destination since the Victorian age and continues to delight modern visitors today. While the west coast weather can be temperamental, and the Irish Sea itself a little chilly, Blackpool still draws millions of holidaymakers a year for some traditional fun for the whole family. 

Whether you're looking for light entertainment, traditional Victorian amusements or quintessential British seaside silliness, Blackpool has it all. The town has been a source of merriment for over two centuries when holidays to the seaside became the number one way to relax. Only in the mid-19th century did the coastal town become a fully formed pleasure resort.

With the addition of the North Pier, Central Pier and South Pier, numerous theatres, Blackpool Promenade (with the UK's first-ever electric tramway) and the now iconic Blackpool Tower, the town has become a beacon of holiday fun for families up and down the country. Not forgetting the Blackpool Illuminations, with over one million bulbs dazzling visitors every autumn since 1879. 

Famous Blackpool Landmarks

What attracts people to visit Blackpool?

As the original seaside resort of England's west coast, Blackpool was and is one of the premier coastal destinations for holidaymakers in the UK. With numerous attractions in Blackpool, from roller coasters to cabarets, it's no wonder the town continues to see millions of visitors every year. This popularity has existed since way back in the 18th century and shows no sign of waning, thanks to the range of attractions to visit in Blackpool.

Recent consumer surveys from magazines like 'Which?' have sampled thousands of reviews to determine that Blackpool is still the favourite seaside destination for UK residents. Fellow beach resorts, such as Bournemouth, Brighton, Whitby and Scarborough, all made it onto the list as well, but all were behind Blackpool. 

But what is it that makes Blackpool such a popular resort to visit? Here are some of the main attractions you can only see in the famous coastal resort:

 Adventure Golf

Blackpool's Adventure Golf course is truly worth the name "Adventure". Every hole has a unique and mind-boggling set of hazards and obstacles to overcome. From kickers, jumps and bumps to rivers and underground tunnels, there's a full range of things to work around, and that's before you've even had a chance to sink your put. But don't worry if all you want is a gentle game; there are different levels of difficulty on each hole for all player skill levels.

Other notable rides include The Big Dipper, built in 1923 and designated as a Grade II Listed Building, and The Grand National, built in 1935, which is one of only two wooden Möbius Loop roller coasters still on the planet. 

Nickelodeon Land is a popular area with plenty of rides for young children, while the Hot Ice dancing show is a great piece of entertainment for all the family. Of course, no trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach is complete without a trip to Valhalla - but don't think you're getting out un-drenched.

 The Big One

Blackpool Pleasure Beach's most iconic roller coaster definitely deserves its own entry on this list. And its sheer size has made The Big One as much a part of Blackpool's skyline as Blackpool Tower. 

It was the tallest roller coaster in the world when it opened in 1994 and continues to be the tallest in the UK, which is why you'll notice the warning beacons at the top of the 62m high first drop for the planes coming out of Blackpool airport.

 The Blackpool Tower Eye 

From the top of the Blackpool Tower Eye, you can enjoy fantastic views across the whole of the North West. However, the journey really begins at the bottom, with their 4D cinema showing an immersive story of how Blackpool Tower was built. These family fun activities are both fascinating and exciting, with incredible special effects and filming techniques.

Once you've taken that in, you can head up the 380ft of the tower to the Sky Walk. If you dare, step onto the glass viewing platform and view the Blackpool Promenade splayed out beneath your feet. Picking your eyes up, you can scan vast swathes of the Irish Sea and, on a good day, see as far as the Isle of Mann to the west, the Lake District to the North, Bowland to the east and Liverpool to the south.

 Blackpool Beach

Blackpool's South Beach has perfectly clean seawater and blue flag conditions for those who want to head out to the depths or paddle in the shallows. You can also experience traditional seaside family fun, from ice creams on the beach to donkey rides, candy floss and deckchairs.

With a light gradient and low tides that withdraw for hundreds of metres, paddling in the shallows and building sandcastles is almost a must. The three piers are also full of attractions for all the family. Just down from Blackpool South Pier, you'll find the Great Promenade Show, where famous and up-and-coming artists exhibit their artwork.

 Dino Mini Golf

If you've ever wanted to experience a round of golf in the days before man walked the Earth, Dino Mini Golf is the attraction for you. With nine holes to tackle, this enjoyable day out has all the fun families, friends and coworkers on team-building days out could wish for.

 Ascent Trampoline Park

There's so much to do at the Ascent Trampoline Park you could easily spend an entire day exploring all the fantastic things on offer. For starters, they have over 100 trampolines, one after the other, in the main trampolining area, so there's no better opportunity to prove to your friends that you can do a backflip. 

Alongside the trampolines, they have an indoor caving system, a giant airbag, a climbing wall, a soft play area, a basketball area, a dodgeball court, foam pits, flip lanes and a ninja assault course.

 Opera House & Blackpool Winter Gardens

Since it opened in 1939, the Opera House at the Blackpool Winter Gardens has showcased some of the most famous entertainers the world has ever seen. It is also one of the largest theatres in the UK, with a capacity of around 3,000 people. Everyone from Frank Sinatra to Peter Kay has trodden the boards at this celebrated venue.

A recent £1.25 million refurbishment has seen the Church Street entrance, Rotunda and Floral Hall restored to their inimitable glory. The cafe is also the perfect place for a spot of afternoon tea, while the dance floor in the Winter Gardens offers the perfect place to cut a rug.

 Blackpool Tramway

For lovers of bygone transportation, nothing beats taking the 11-mile journey along the Promenade on its Victorian Tramway. The line was built in 1885, making it one of the world's oldest tram systems. You can travel on one of the few surviving English Electric Balloon cars, taking the trip from the Fleetwood Ferry on the north end of the Promenade down to Starr Gate on the Ribble Estuary.

The Tramway also operate a heritage service on weekends, holidays and during the Blackpool Illuminations, allowing you to travel in some of their gorgeous heritage trams.

 Clip 'n Climb Blackpool

If your kids love climbing, then the Clip 'n Climb experience has to be on your list. They have a range of wacky and challenging indoor climbing walls for you to try, all fully safe and enjoyable for children of all ages. This brand-new concept for indoor climbing is a fantastic way to help your children learn to climb safely.

 Grand Theatre

There's a reason people refer to this theatre as "The Glorious Grand". The stunning Baroque decorations in the Victorian auditorium truly exemplify the splendour of that age. Bask in the ornate plasterwork from your private box and enjoy year-round live entertainment from outside the town and from the Blackpool Grand Theatre touring and arts centre performers.