No matter what time of year you visit, or who you visit with, Blackpool is home to a whole host of attractions and locations for everyone to enjoy. Offering attractions for hundreds of years, set on the Irish coast of England, there’s plenty to do.

(Header Image Credit: Gregg Wolstenholme Photography)

Things To Do In Blackpool

Grundy Art Gallery

Founded in 1911 by the Grundy brothers Cuthbert and John, the Blackpool Grundy Art Gallery for over 100-years has been the centre of cultural and artistic life in Blackpool. The gallery’s recent exhibitions have included works from acclaimed artists like David Hockney and Matt Stokes.

Grundy inspires audiences through an ambitious and varied year-round exhibitions programme that draws on the unique and invigorating context and heritage of Blackpool, for instance exploring the space between contemporary art, entertainment and popular culture.

Discover more about Grundy Art Gallery.

Comedy Carpet

Sitting in the shadow of the Blackpool Tower lies one of the world’s largest pieces of public art, the Comedy Carpet. Created by artist Gordon Young, and designed in collaboration with Why Not Associates this is Blackpool’s answer to the Hollywood Hall of Fame.

This work of art celebrates more than 1,000 loved comedians and comedy writers of Britain and their jokes, songs and catchphrases. A walk along the Comedy Carpet will surely be a barrel of laughs.

Discover more about Comedy Carpet

The Grand Theatre

Built in 1894 a trip would not be complete without a visit to Blackpool Grand Theatre. The Grand is by far one of the most entertaining things to do in Blackpool. The Grand is Lancashire’s premier touring theatre and has hosted the likes of comedians Michael McIntyre, John Bishop and Alan Carr! The cultured performances of the Royal Shakespeare Company, The English National Ballet and the Russian State Opera. And of course, you can’t forget Peppa Pig, Gangster Granny, or Bing Live.

The Grand Theatre combines a beautiful building with its cavorting cherubs, baroque ceilings and cantilevered balconies with must-see entertainment.

Discover more about Blackpool Grand Theatre

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Where better to start than the world-famous amusement park than Blackpool Pleasure Beach? The Pleasure Beach hosts white-knuckle roller-coasters, a spectacular show. It is also home to the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land so there is plenty for all visitors. The Pleasure Beach in its recent history has had visitors of the likes of Robbie Williams, David Hasselhoff and Prince William. The Pleasure Beach rides are known all around the UK, attracting visitors all year around.

The much-anticipated ICON is finally here. The Pleasure Beach Blackpool brings you the £16.25million UK first-ever double roller-coaster. Towering above them all is The Big One. Offering you seafront views, coupled with the thrill of being hurtled back to earth at up to 85mph. Other roller coasters include Infusion, a roller-coaster which suspends over water. The scary Valhalla, sending you around dark corridors (with a surprise around every corner). And of course the Grand National, the wooden roller-coaster, a 70-year-old treasure of the amusement park.

And then there is the only UK Nickelodeon Land, set in 6-acres of the Blackpool Pleasure Beach you will find 12 rides for children (and adults too). You will also find restaurants, games stalls and the chance to meet your favourite Nickelodeon characters. So if you fancy meeting Dora the Explorer and Spongebob Squarepants Nickelodeon Land is the place to be.

For Pleasure Beach opening times and ticket prices, find out more at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Blackpool Zoo

Set in 32 scenic acres you will find The Blackpool Zoo, home to over 1,000 animals. You will find all matter of birds, reptiles, elephants, zebras, gorillas, the list is endless. As well as an amazing place to see wildlife, you are also spoilt with a beautiful setting of trees, lakes and vast lawns.

Project Elephant Base Camp represents the single biggest investment in the history of Blackpool Zoo. The state of the art facility, which opened in March 2018, has been specially designed around the complex welfare needs of the mammoth species. The indoor area is now the largest in the UK, with state of the art equipment and facilities, while the outdoor area comprises of sanded areas, a bathing pool and a landscaped grass paddock.

Base Camp is home to Kate, a 49-year-old elephant who has been at Blackpool Zoo since 1972, and her 5 new companions, females Tara, Minbu, Noorjahan & Esha, and the latest arrival Emmett, a bull elephant.

Discover more about Blackpool Zoo.

The Big One

Opened in 1994, The Big One is one of the most famous rollercoasters in Blackpool. With an angle of 65 degrees on the first drop, this ride is for the thrill-seekers out there. It used to be called the Pepsi Max, and this attraction towers over the Blackpool coastline. The ride is currently the tallest in the United Kingdom, and is surely one to tick off the bucket list! 

How big is The Big One in Blackpool?

235 foot high!

How fast is The Big One at Blackpool?

The Big One reaches speeds of 137 km/h, or 85 mph! 

For more information about the Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and ticket info, head to their website.

North Pier

Built in the 1860s, the North Pier forms part of the Blackpool landscape. It is the oldest and longest of Blackpool’s three piers, and is recognised as such with traditional attractions, including cafes and children’s rides.

Be sure to check out the amusement arcades on your visit, otherwise, bask in the views offered at the sunset lounge, a victorian open-air lounge that takes in the magnificent views Blackpool has to offer. The Merrie England bar hosts live music events throughout the year, which is perfect for those taking a wander of an evening seeking out a spot of light entertainment.

The Blackpool Tower

The Blackpool Tower is home to the Blackpool Tower Eye and SKYWALK offering up the best views of the North West of England. You can take in the amazing views of the Irish Sea, Bowland and the Lake District.

You will also find a 4D cinema with some great footage of the history of the tower! Blackpool Tower Circus where you will see some jaw-dropping stunts! And the terrifying Dudgeons, Tower Eye and the magical Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

How tall is Blackpool Tower?

520 feet tall.

How old is Blackpool Tower?

Blackpool Tower was built in 1894 – you do the maths!

Who built Blackpool Tower?

Blackpool Tower’s origins lie with the Mayor of Blackpool, John Bickerstaffe, who was so inspired after a trip to Paris, he commissioned the Blackpool Tower we know and love today to be built on his return. The mayor invested £2,000 of his own savings into the project! 

How far can you see from Blackpool Tower?

On a clear day, it’s possible to see as far as Wales and the Lake District.

Are Blackpool Illuminations on every night?

The Blackpool Tower is lit up as part of the Blackpool Illuminations, which traditionally take place from September and throughout winter each year. You can find out more online about the 2020 Blackpool Illuminations and you can discover more about Blackpool Tower here.

Stanley Park

Blackpool Stanley Park is the areas number one green attraction, where you will find a Grade II listed facility set in the stunning historic 256 acres of parks and gardens. Blackpool Stanley Park has been welcoming guests for almost 100 years since it was first opened in October 1926 by Sir Edward Villers Stanley and hosts a variety of pretty walks amongst its woodlands, lakes, ornamental gardens and amazing architecture.

Stanley Park also hosts a number of free outdoor events throughout spring and summer so bring your picnic rug and enjoy an afternoon by the bandstand.

Discover more about Stanley Park.

Sandcastle Waterpark

Fun for the whole family, Sandcastle Waterpark is a great place to visit on your trip to Blackpool. Offering a taste of the tropics and a day out to remember, it opened in 1886 and is the UK’s largest indoor waterpark. There are no less than 18 waterslides at the park, including:

• Aztec Falls
• Master Blaster
• Manzazooma
• Duelling Dragons

You can find out more about their opening times and tickets on the Sandcastle Waterpark website.

Sea Life

Come and see over 2,500 spectacular aquatic creatures at Sea Life, Blackpool.

This underwater paradise brings you tropical sharks, seahorses, octopus and colour reef sharks. The displays of fish are very imaginatively presented, not only the fish but other plants and creatures too. With nine aquarium zones and a behind the scenes tour on offer, you won’t run out of creatures to discover.

Discover more about Sea Life Blackpool.

Blackpool Madame Tussauds

Fancy a bit of celeb spotting? You won’t struggle at Blackpool’s Madame Tussauds. Come and see the wax figures of some of Britain’s best-known celebrities like Mo Farah and Keith Lemon. You will even find a waxwork of Queen Elizabeth II as well as world-famous musicians and sports stars.

Madame Tussauds Blackpool has also recently opened a new area where it brings you your favourite Marvel Superheros. You can have your picture taken with the Hulk, Thor and Spiderman as well as taking part in interactive experiences.

Discover more about Blackpool Madame Tussauds.

Escape Rooms

Ready for a thrilling adventure? Why not give Blackpool’s Escape Rooms a go? Race against the clock and even race against your own friends and family and see just how well you cope under pressure.

Perfect for large groups, work functions, or hen parties or stag do’s perhaps, the escape rooms offers an exhilarating afternoon which puts your mind and body to the test! Think you perform well under pressure? All will be revealed…

You can follow the link to find out more about Blackpool Escape Rooms.

Model Village

Set over 2 acres of landscaped gardens, the model village Blackpool is a perfect attraction for younger families. Boasting an exquisite collection of handcrafted models, including buildings, castles, cottages and a Tudor village, all set in a garden setting.

It opened to the public in 1972, there is a quiz and natural walkways to follow to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the beautiful models and features. Many new features are added each year, meaning you can visit more than once with 100s of creative village scenes to explore.

You can find out more about the Blackpool Model Village online.

South Pier

The Blackpool South Pier completes the three piers of Blackpool. As the name suggests, South Pier sits on the South Promenade. It is the shortest and widest of the three piers, which was a deliberate move by the designers.

Opened in 1893, the wider pier allows for more pavilions, and is 488 feet long. There are a number of amusements and adrenaline rides to be enjoyed, so no matter where you find yourself on the Blackpool coastline, you are sure to find entertainment! Blackpool South Pier rides include roller coasters, arcades, and the Skycoaster, a freefalling swing standing at 124 feet.

There is a family bar to accommodate everyone on the weekends and holidays, and a reverse bungee ride if you are daring enough! 

Find out more about Blackpool South Pier.

Blackpool Tramway

For a slice of history, be sure to take a ride on the Blackpool Tramway on your visit to Blackpool. The Blackpool Tramway was completed in 1885 and has been open ever since. The trams run from Blackpool to Fleetwood, for 11-miles to be exact. It is still a popular attraction and transport service, running along the Fylde Coast.

It is the 2nd oldest tramway in the UK, and its style is that of the first generation of town tramways, as the design hasn’t changed since its construction. It is one of the few tramways in the world to still use double-decker style.

Similar tram styles can be found in Hong Kong and Egypt; so for a tram ride full of nostalgia and heritage, in the heart of Blackpool, be sure to take a ride on the tramway. The 11-mile tramway saw a refurbishment project of £100 million in 2012, and with a frequency of between every 10 and 30-minutes, it’s an easy addition to your trip to Blackpool. You can find out more online about the Blackpool Tramway.

This list is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the sights and sounds of Blackpool. With plenty to do for all ages, be sure to make the most out of your trip to Blackpool with some of these must – see attractions. You can find out more about the wonderful town of blackpool on Visit Blackpool.

Blackpool Grand set out a COVID-Community Communication Programme (CCCP) during the Coronavirus pandemic. Our aims were simple, to CONNECT, COMFORT and UPLIFT. We would Connect people by offering tutorials on communication tools like Zoom and conduct community face-to-face meetings (book readings, youth groups and more). Comfort through stories of heritage, memories and storytelling, and to Uplift visitors spirits through laughter and exercise. Please do enjoy and if you can afford to donate please do.

The information in this story is accurate as of the publication date. While we are attempting to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continues to develop rapidly, so it’s possible that some information and recommendations may have changed since publishing. For any concerns and latest advice around COVID-19, visit the World Health Organisation. If you’re in the UK, the National Health Service can also provide useful information and support, while US users can contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.