Things to Do in Blackpool
Opened in 1896 and still a popular spot for an adrenaline rush, the 42-acre (17-hectare) Blackpool Pleasure Beach is packed with fairground attractions, in addition to the 11 white-knuckle roller coasters and simulator rides, gentle family carousels and the UK's only Nickelodeon Land, where kids can meet characters such as the Rugrats and Spongebob Squarepants.
The most popular daredevil rides include the notorious Grand National mega coaster and the 85-mph Big One, Britain's highest coaster at 214 feet (65 meters). The fun park's stomach-churning Red Arrows Skyforce was designed in collaboration with the world-renowned Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.
Indoor attractions include a Ripley's Believe it or Not!, skating performances at the arena, live musical shows, penny arcades and the Horror Crypt. Other activities include bowling, golf and talent shows, while more than 20 food outlets and shops are scattered across the park. There’s even luxury accommodation at the sleek Big Blue Hotel.
Perched 380 feet (116 meters) up the Blackpool Tower, the Blackpool Tower Eye has indoor and outdoor observation decks and commands spectacular views. Visitors can soak in the panoramas, stand on the glass Skywalk above Blackpool promenade, and enjoy a 4D cinematic journey through Blackpool’s history as a curtain-raiser to their visit.
Madame Tussauds is a popular visitor attraction all around the world, but Madame Tussauds Blackpool—the only UK branch outside London—grants you an audience with some of Britain’s best-known celebrities. Here you can come face to face with everyone from singer Olly Murs to athlete Mo Farah, and even Queen Elizabeth II.
The Eiffel Tower–inspired, century-old Blackpool Tower is the northern English city’s most recognizable sight. More than a landmark, though, the tower is home to a variety of entertainment venues, including the Blackpool Tower Dungeon, which takes visitors on a trip through a thousand years of Lancashire’s gruesome and macabre history.
Blackpool's first-ever (and Lancashire’s only purpose-built) comedy club, the Comedy Station is the only comedy club in Blackpool that hosts a completely professional lineup. Here you can laugh along with comedians from around the world that have appeared on shows such asMock the Week,8 out of 10 Cats,Live at the Apollo, and more.
Located on Blackpool’s promenade, SEA LIFE® Blackpool is a popular, family-friendly attraction. The center houses more than 2,000 sea creatures, allowing visitors to marvel at the marine life of the UK’s shoreline and the world’s deepest oceans—from sharks and rays to seahorses, reef fish, and turtles.
At the base of Blackpool’s landmark tower, the Blackpool Tower Circus has provided spectacular entertainment since opening in 1894, making it Blackpool’s longest-running show. Book a ticket and the clowns, acrobats, and musicians will be sure to keep you amused with their antics and stunts.
In addition to being the city’s most recognizable landmark, the Eiffel Tower–inspired Blackpool Tower is home to a variety of entertainment venues, including the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The 19th-century ballroom is a destination for dance fans from across the globe and filming location for the BBC seriesCome Dancing and some editions of the dance-competition seriesStrictly Come Dancing.