Places to Visit in Blackpool
Situated on the North West coast of England, Blackpool is one of Europe’s best-loved seaside attractions. Often called the “Las Vegas of the North,” its iconic promenade runs for miles, lined with classic attractions, modern experiences, and places to eat. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a weekend trip, or a longer visit, you’ll discover plenty to enjoy in the heart of this lively resort.
Unmissable Attractions on the Promenade
Blackpool Tower & The Tower Eye
No trip is complete without the Blackpool Tower. Head up to the Blackpool Tower Eye for panoramic coastal views and a thrilling glass SkyWalk.
Time your visit for sunset if you can. Combo tickets and online offers often include other attractions nearby, and always check the latest ticket details before you go.
Blackpool Tower Ballroom & Afternoon Tea
Step into a world of heritage at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Watch dancers glide beneath the chandeliers, or book afternoon tea to soak up the atmosphere in style. It’s a magical slice of old-school glamour right in the heart of town.Family Favourites: Seaside Fun for All Ages
Blackpool Tower Circus
For laugh-out-loud fun and jaw-dropping stunts, the Blackpool Tower Circus delivers big-top action whatever the weather. Performances are family-friendly and a great way to break up an action-packed day on the seafront.
SEA LIFE Blackpool
Dive into the deep at SEA LIFE Blackpool to explore rays, sharks, seahorses and more.
It’s educational and hands-on, and there are frequently bundle tickets with other Merlin attractions (Madame Tussauds, the Blackpool Tower Eye, etc.) to help keep costs down.
If you just want a quick taster, even the window displays along the promenade are fun to peer into—totally free.
Madame Tussauds
Meet your favourite celebs at Madame Tussauds; from music superstars to sporting legends. Photo ops galore, and it’s close to the beach, so you can toggle between selfie-spots and sandcastles without losing time.
Pleasure Beach & Piers
Just close to the South Shore, the historic Blackpool Pleasure Beach is home to classic wooden coasters and cutting-edge rides for a full day of thrills. Prefer a gentler pace? Stroll the North, Central and South Piers for arcades, rides and fish-and-chips with a view.Sandcastle Waterpark
Across from the Pleasure Beach, Sandcastle Waterpark is the UK’s largest indoor waterpark. Rapids, wave pools, and multi-slide towers make it ideal in any weather. Look for family offers and off-peak tickets if you’re trying to save.
Culture & Green Spaces
Winter Gardens & Grand Theatre
Catch a touring musical, comedy show, or live music at the Winter Gardens, or admire the Edwardian elegance of the Grand Theatre. Both venues sit in the heart of Blackpool and frequently host world-class productions.
Stanley Park
A short hop from the seafront, Stanley Park is a beautifully landscaped escape with lakes, Italian gardens and an Art Deco café. It’s perfect for a free morning walk or afternoon picnic when you want a breather from the seaside action.Culture & Green Spaces
Outdoor Revolution – Kids Go Wild
If you’re after something different and hands-on, Kids Go Wild (run by Blackpool Sports Centre) gets children exploring nature in the parkland and woods around Stanley Park. Think bug hunts, den building, team challenges and playful wildlife learning. Adults can join in group activities too, ideal for families who like a little outdoor action beyond the beach.
Nightlife & Entertainment
Blackpool Illuminations (Seasonal)
Blackpool’s world-famous Illuminations transform the promenade into a glittering light trail in autumn. Walk, cycle, or hop on a heritage tram to enjoy the spectacle. For timings, road closures and latest news, check official channels before you visit.Rainy-Day Winners
Escape Room Centre
Rain on the forecast? Gather a team and test your wits at the Escape Room Centre. Work together to find clues, crack codes and break out within an hour. It’s a great way to add indoor action to your day, especially when the weather turns.
Brooks Collectables & Museum
Next to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Brooks is a delightful mix of shop and museum. Browse classic and modern collectables (from Betty Boop to SpongeBob), and don’t miss the 5-ft model of Blackpool Tower and a huge 1890 town map, which is fascinating context for how the resort grew before the tower was built.
Beach Time: Simple, Sandy, and Free
Sometimes the best moments are the free ones. Build sandcastles, paddle, or just enjoy the sea air along miles of golden beach. Keep an eye on the tide times so you can explore the sands safely, and remember that stretches of the promenade have handy shelters for impromptu picnics.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit
- Tickets & Bundles: Look for multi-attraction passes that offer savings (e.g., Tower Eye + SEA LIFE + Madame Tussauds). Buying tickets online can save time at busy periods.
- Getting Around: The tram runs the length of the promenade, so it’s easy to move between North, Central and South Shore. Many highlights are within walking distance in the heart of the resort.
- What’s On: For schedules, maintenance closures and the latest news, check official sites before your trip, especially for seasonal events.
- When to Go: Mornings are quieter at headline attractions; late afternoon can be lovely for beach walks and sunset views from the Blackpool Tower Eye.
- Close By: With good rail and road links, Blackpool makes a great base to explore the Fylde Coast and discover nearby towns on a day trip.
Sample One-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Stroll the promenade, ride the tram, and pop into SEA LIFE Blackpool.
- Lunch: Classic chippy or café in the heart of town.
- Afternoon: Up the Blackpool Tower Eye for those views, then linger over afternoon tea in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
- Early Evening: Arcade fun on the Central Pier, or an Escape Room challenge.
- Night: Catch the Illuminations (seasonal) or a show, then round off your day with a relaxed walk by the sea.
Why Blackpool Works for Everyone
From heritage halls and headline attractions to outdoor adventures and free seaside moments, Blackpool offers a little bit of everything. You can toggle between high-energy action and peaceful parkland in minutes, making it easy to discover your own perfect balance; whether you’re here for a quick day out or a longer visit to this world-famous seaside town.
Are you planning a trip to Blackpool to enjoy the famous illuminations and other attractions? There are many wonderful things to do for all the family throughout the year.
If you want to enjoy our wonderful seaside town, we offer comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation at reasonable prices. We are located in the heart of Blackpool with easy access to all the local attractions. We look forward to seeing you at our cosy guest house.