Getting there:
By car: Blackpool has a motorway link direct to the centre of the resort – take the M6 to Junction 32 and the M55 will lead you there.
By train: The town has 3 railway stations, Blackpool North, Blackpool South and Blackpool Pleasure Beach. With direct services from London Euston, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh to nearby Preston, it’s then just a short connecting journey to the resort.
Suggested activities:
1. Take the lift to the top of Blackpool Tower
The famous Blackpool Tower rises to a height of 158m (518 feet). It was constructed in 1894 and inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris but differs as the base of this tower is hidden by a red brick, three storey building. It’s home to a circus and the famous Tower Ballroom with its Wurlitzer organ.
Tickets can be purchased covering some or all of the Tower attractions and are 20% cheaper if pre-booked online. Taking the lift to the top on a clear day is an absolute must. Included in the ticket price is a short film about the history of the tower and the resort. On entering the 4D theatre pick up a pair of 3D glasses and stand on one of the raised platforms ready for the performance to begin.
After enjoying the 4D cinema experience take the lift to the tower top. Watch cars and buildings decrease in apparent size through the steel girders as you ascend to the indoor viewing platform which is now known as the Blackpool Eye. If you have a good head for heights you can take ‘The Walk of Faith’, a 5cm glass floor running along the western edge of the tower. Blackpool Tower
2. Laze on a deckchair on North Pier
Take a stroll along North Pier, the oldest of Blackpool’s three piers which first opened in 1863 as a 500m pleasure pier with a landing jetty. There’s no charge to wander along this English Heritage listed wooden pier jutting out over the town’s Blue Flag beach into the Irish Sea. Along there, you’ll find bars, an ice cream parlour, a theatre and amusement arcades for traditional seaside fun plus lots of traditional deckchairs for a relaxing afternoon in the sun. Blackpool Piers
3. Take a ride on a heritage tram
Heritage trams are frequently brought out of their tram sheds to evoke memories of times gone by. During these golden tram heritage events, it’s possible to view different generations of the Blackpool Transport fleet and take a ride on one of them along the promenade. At all other times a modern fleet operates a frequent service along the seafront.
4. Explore marine life at the SeaLife Centre
The SeaLife Centre is located mid-way between North and Central piers. Climb the stairs to view the tanks filled with marine life from huge sharks to small, delicate seahorses. Walk through a concrete glass tunnel with fish swimming all around you and if you’re a thrill seeker you can enter a cage to snorkel with sharks and turtles.
5. View real- life waxworks at Madame Tussaud’s
Take a self guided tour around this world famous exhibition. Start with a scale model of the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom and view the presenters Tess and Claudia looking almost as if they were real.
Next, move along to the ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here’ gallery where you can walk along a re-created rope bridge into the bush, come face-to-face with Ant & Dec and even take part in a pretend bush tucker trial! Madame Tussauds
6. Buy a stick of rock on the Golden Mile
Wander south along the promenade passing the famous Golden Mile with its myriad of slot machine arcades, fortune tellers, fish and chip shops and stalls selling Blackpool rock. Tacky yes, but it’s what Blackpool is famous for.
7. Ride a rollercoaster at the Pleasure Beach
Facing the South Pier is the Pleasure Beach, a theme park featuring a selection of rides from roller coasters to gentler rides suitable for young children. For the ultimate in thrills why not brave the Big One, the theme park’s tallest rollercoaster or feel the thrill of one of the world’s only twin track coasters, the Grand National.
8. Marvel at the art-deco Opera House & Winter Gardens
The Winter Gardens complex comprises a collection of theatres, exhibition halls and a ballroom. Constructed in 1878, visitors are welcome indoors without charge to enjoy viewing the Art Deco interior and to marvel at the elegant Empress Ballroom.
Over the years it has hosted the conferences of all three main UK political parties and of several Trades Unions. Its Opera House is one of the country’s largest theatres in the country, seating 3,000 people, still attracting top performers to its stage.
In the spectacular domed entrance hall view the wonderful sculpture of the iconic comedy duo, Morecambe and Wise who performed in the resort more than 1,000 times, first appearing on stage in 1941. The statue was unveiled in 2016 to celebrate Eric and Ernie’s double act 75th anniversary. Winter Gardens
9. Go boating in Stanley Park
The main park entrance is located on West Park Drive, a 30 minute walk from the town centre. For visitors arriving by car, there is free parking along the entrance drive and behind the cafe further into the park. It’s Blackpool’s largest park and has been open since 1926. In 2019 it gained the accolade of best park in the U.K. and its Italian Gardens and boating lake take pride of place in the centre.
10. Browse the town centre shops and market hall
There’s plenty of variety from the modern Hounds Hill shopping centre leading onto vibrant Church Street and to the traditional stalls inside the popular indoor Abingdon Street market hall.
11. Be dazzled at the Blackpool Illuminations
The Blackpool Illuminations is an annual lights festival which was founded in 1879. It started life with garlands of 10,000 coloured light bulbs strung along the seafront and was such a huge success that it continued as an annual event extending the tourist season by an extra two months.
The Illuminations or ‘The Lights’ as they are often referred to run from late August to early November each year. Nowadays they extend for 6 miles (10 km) and contain more than one million light bulbs.
Drive slowly through the illuminations, walk or view the extravaganza on board one of the illuminated trams which are shaped to resemble a train, a boat and a rocket. Blackpool Illuminations
12. Explore further afield
Fleetwood
Enjoy a tram ride along the coast to Fleetwood at the end of the line, taking around 45 minutes. The track extends for 11 miles starting from Starr Gate in the south of the town up to Fleetwood in the north. The town lies on the Wyre estuary overlooking Morecambe Bay. There has been a flourishing market in Fleetwood since the 1840 with both indoor and outdoor halls selling produce, clothes and almost everything else. Take a stroll along the esplanade and venture into the seafront gardens. For some retail therapy head to the Affinity Outlet featuring 45 stores and cafes overlooking the Marina.
St. Annes-on-Sea
A short 25 minute bus journey (11 or 11X) or car ride takes you to stylish St. Annes-on-Sea with its broad square, tree lined avenues and attractive small shops and cafes. There’s a beautiful Victorian pier just a short walk from the town centre with a Tudor style entrance reflecting the town’s heritage and feeling of grandeur.
Stroll through the promenade gardens and view the Victorian bandstand and ornamental fountain, both of which have been carefully restored and are surrounded by ponds and neat flower borders.
Poulton-le-Fylde
An attractive small market town located just five miles from Blackpool, accessible by car or by taking the No. 2 bus. The quaint town centre is in a conservation area and its historic market place closed to traffic.
Visit the parish church of St. Chad’s at one end of the square, it’s churchyard is noted for its delightful springtime display of crocuses. Pop in one of the pretty little tea shops for a bite to eat and then before leaving spend time looking in the Teanlowe indoor shopping centre with its upscale Booth’s supermarket (the north of England’s answer to Waitrose).
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Wonderful read, it has been such a long time since I’ve been to Blackpool but this brings back fond memories. I’ll have to try get back up there now I’m a bit older 🙂
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Some things are still the same but lots have changed for the better in recent years. Hope you get back at some point for a day or two. Marion.
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The place is so pretty! That park caught my eye
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Thank you for taking an interest in this post on Blackpool. Stanley Park is really nice. Hope you have a nice weekend. Marion
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Yeah it is, I’ll surely be paying it a visit when I go there someday. Thank you! I hope you have an amazing weekend as well
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Thanks for the great post. When we come next month will definitely have to check out Blackpool
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Thank you for taking an interest in my post featuring Blackpool. Hope you enjoy visiting the resort.
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Not been to Blackpool for so many years but your photos make it look well worth visiting again. Love the Ant and Dec figures and that Morecambe and Wise statue is fabulous. May be a long weekend away in the Autumn.
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That sounds a good plan Jonno. How is the house hunting coming along? Exciting times!
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How beautiful! I’d love to visit Blackpool one day 🙂
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I’m sure you would enjoy it Carissa. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, it’s much appreciated.
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Lovely post Marion. I remember parts of Blackpool even though I went there some 55 years ago.
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How funny Sue, many of the buildings such as the Tower haven’t changed, at least not from the exterior! The town has spent a vast amount of money in recent years making improvements with several new stylish hotels opening. Thanks for commenting and hope you are having a good week. Marion
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I really really love the Art Deco style adopted by many of its buildings! Hoping to one day visit Blackpool once travel restrictions for Singapore ease up again!
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I’m certain you will enjoy visiting Blackpool Zikry and it will happen before too long. I’ve been to Singapore twice and can’t wait to have an opportunity of getting back there either! Hope you have a good day. Marion
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Blackpool is a fun place to visit, especially when the lights are on. Its years since we have been, perhaps its time for us to visit again
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I’m sure you would enjoy a return visit to Blackpool. It’s changed a lot but all for the better! Thanks so much for commenting.
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You show us so many truly interesting things!
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That’s so kind of you to say, thank you. I’m glad you enjoy my travel posts.
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How the years roll by. It’s well over 20 years since I went to Blackpool so time for a return to see what’s changed.
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I believe that it’s changed for the better. Hope you get to visit the resort before too long. Thanks for taking the time to comment Paul.
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Looks like a lovely place to explore for the day when the weather is nice. I like that there are a variety of activities during the day and at night. The Blackpool Illuminations are neat. I can’t believe how long it extends for and that it contains more than one million light bulbs!!
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It was definitely a clever idea all those years ago to run the illuminations every evening until early November as it still encourages visitors to visit the seaside resort even when the weather isn’t at its best. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. It’s much appreciated. Hope your week is going well. Marion
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Blackpool looks to be the perfect blend of amusement park-like fun by the Pier and old timeliness of its Old Towns (especially Poulton-le-Fylde). Looks like you could spend a whole day (if not an entire weekend) taking it all in. Thanks for sharing this gem of a place!
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Thanks Rebecca for taking an interest in this post on Blackpool. I agree that there is a good mix of fun things to do along with classic trams and interesting small towns. Hope your day goes well. Marion
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I went to a hen do in Blackpool – and i still wouldn’t have known about any of these things apart from the pier and tower; I’ll blame the Prosecco…and it means I have to return one day 🙂
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Return you must! and if/when you do check out the Boulevard Hotel – it’s gorgeous! Thanks for your welcome thoughts Hannah. Hope your week is going well. Marion
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I had no idea there are so many amazing things to do in Blackpool, and , wow, the views from the top of Blackpool Tower are truly stunning. What a lovely place to enjoy beach vibes. Thanks for sharing and have a nice day 🙂 Aiva
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Thank you for taking an interest in my guide to Blackpool Aiva. It’s one of the UK’s top seaside resorts and will hopefully enjoy a renaissance this year with most foreign travel being off the cards. Hope you have a good week. Marion
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Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside!
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Thanks Shane, this year is seeing a renaissance of our traditional seaside holidays with foreign travel being almost impossible. It’s a blessing for the hospitality industry, that’s for sure. Hope you have a good week, Marion.
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This looks like a very fun filled place! I love the turn of the century amusement park feel to it. Thanks for the wonderful tour of Blackpool 🙂 -Meg
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It’s my pleasure Meg. Blackpool is a traditional seaside resort and is regaining popularity this summer with the lack of overseas travel opportunities which is good news for the town’s economy and hospitality industry. Marion
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it looks like a fun place to go for a day trip! Although it looks very quiet in your photos – are they taken in covid times?
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Blackpool strikes me as the U.K.s answer to Las Vegas or Niagara Falls. A lot of glitz and entertainment to help people forget their real lives and drop some serious coin. The small towns nearby do best by just being themselves, giving a chance for tourists to escape to a calmer place. Looks worth a visit for sure Marion. Thanks for sharing. Allan
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Blackpool is one of the country’s premier seaside resorts and with recent openings of stylish new hotels, now appeals to both the traditional holidaymaker and those wanting a more luxurious break. Thanks so much for taking an interest Allan and welcome back to the UK when it’s safe to return. Marion
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I love a traditional seaside resort, and although I’ve never made it to Blackpool it’s always the place I think of for a good old bucket and spade holiday. I’m sure travel restrictions this year will mean more visitors than previous years discovering Blackpool. Lovely post showcasing the variety of activities on offer.
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Thank you Helen for your kind words. I’m also certain that with little prospect of overseas travel that our seaside resorts will receive a much needed boost and a return to traditional holidays.
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Madame Tussauds is a must see! I went to the one in NYC and was amazed by how much work goes into the wax figures. Also, I realized how short I am compared to most celebrities 😅
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I’d love to visit the one in NYC as well, the waxworks are so realistic. I’m really small too, maybe even more so than you at only 5’1” but I like being petite and am happy with that. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, it’s much appreciated. Marion
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No problem! I’m 5’2″ so I’m sure you’ll be dwarfed by Beyonce too 🙂
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good place seems you had fun there too
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Thank you, yes we enjoyed a lovely weekend in Blackpool.
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Aw, I really enjoyed this one. I’ve always had, correctly or not, a very romantic idea about Blackpool. It’s definitely on my list, even more so after your article. I didn’t realise they had a Madame Tussaud’s and love the statue of Eric and Ernie. I saw a statue of Eric when I visited Morecambe a few years back. Great stuff Marion!
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Blackpool is a traditional seaside resort and should do very well this year with foreign holidays being off the cards for most people. It’s a great town and I believe the only other one to have a Madame Tussaud’s in the UK. I’ve also seen the Eric Morecambe statue in Morecambe and think both that one and this one in Blackpool are really lifelike. Hope you get to visit sometime Leighton, go up the tower top and take a ride on a heritage tram. Thanks for commenting. Have a good week, Marion.
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So many things to see in Blackpool! The view from the tower is stunning … and just love tram rides! This must be quite a popular destination – something to do and see for everyone!
Lovely photo’s – I’m sure with summer in full swing in the UK, Blackpool will be a busy seaside resort!
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Blackpool is a popular seaside resort and is expected to have a bumper season this year with foreign holidays being almost impossible. It will be such a relief for all those involved in hospitality up and down the country after being closed for so long. Thanks for taking an interest Corna and for your ever welcome thoughts. Marion
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Really a good blog!
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Thank you Ankt, I’m pleased you enjoyed reading my post on Blackpool.
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The city certainly knows how to advertise its image. Marvelous pictures both day and night and the view from the tower is spectacular. I did not know the UK had several waxworks. I’ve only seen the London one.
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I believe that Blackpool and London are the only two waxworks in the country. Hopefully I’ll get to the London one too someday. Thanks for your welcome thoughts Allan. Marion
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