Blackpool is an unusual place – certainly one of the strangest I’ve come across in England. On the one hand you have a whole array of modern holiday attractions: from rollercoasters, to aquariums to the customary Madame Tussauds.
But look a little closer, and you’ll find vestiges harking back to the town’s glorious past as the country’s premier sea-side resort. And I have to admit that instead of becoming a tacky copy of its former self, Blackpool manages to pull off this nostalgia in a very charming way.
I’ve visited the town a couple of times for the Rebellion Punk Festival and each time made it a point to stick around a little afterwards to explore the town’s charms, so I feel qualified to give you my personal list of things to see and do in Blackpool.
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10 Exciting Things to See and Do in Blackpool, UK
Enjoy the Views from Blackpool Tower
The Victorian-era Blackpool Tower dominates the town’s skyline and was inspired by the Eiffel Tower. It’s one of the top sights in town and there’s a whole host of attractions in its base, including a ballroom, circus and the Blackpool Tower Dungeon (see below).
However, the main reason to come here is still the fantastic view from its top (marketed as ‘Blackpool Tower Eye’. Before going up, you’re herded through a ‘4D-Cinema’, which I could have done without, but it’s probably necessary to control the flow of visitors and kids might enjoy it.
In any case, the views of the town and the Irish Sea from the top won’t disappoint and there’s even a section of glass floor, allowing you to stand 380 feet or 120 meters above the Promenade. The opening times differ throughout the year – you can check them here.
Visit Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is THE place in town for thrill seekers. The most famous attraction in the park is the ‘Big One’ Rollercoaster, which unfortunately was closed due to high winds when we were here. We still managed to ride the 12 other coasters in the park, though as well as many other charming rides.
Some of the oldest amusement park rides in the world are still operating at Pleasure Beach, including several Roller Coasters from the 1920s and 30s (very bumpy, but fun), the first Ghost Train Attraction in the world (absolutely charming) and the Flying Machines, an air carousel dating to 1902.
Pleasure Beach is not just old world charm, though, and I can highly recommend the Infusion and ICON Coasters as well as the amazing Valhalla Dark Ride (expect to be utterly soaked!). The park has differing opening times and prices, depending on the season. Check their website for more details.
Walk Down Blackpool’s Historic Piers
Blackpool boasts three historic piers, each with its unique charm. The South and Central Pier feature the typical amusement-park rides and raucous arcades, but the North Pier is the odd one out. The oldest of Blackpool’s piers is less gaudy and more laid-back, allowing you to take in the historic ambiance.
The fading Victorian Glory is the perfect setting to just sit down with a coffee, while you stare mesmerized at the Irish Sea (or the antics of the cheeky seagulls). All the piers can be visited for free.
Try one of the ‘Chain Attractions’
Cheesy as they may be, you can’t deny that places like the Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Madame Tussauds and the Sea Life Centre have a certain charm. Which one’s for you (if any) obviously depends on your personal preferences.
Of the three, I only visited the Blackpool Tower Dungeon, which was a fun diversion with great actors, although it’s more on the side of dark comedy than actual scares (visit the Labyrinth of Terror for that!).
There are several amusing shows and atmospheric set-pieces to walk through with a tenuous connection to local history, and at the end there’s a small drop-ride (which you can also opt out of, if that’s not your thing). The opening times differ throughout the year – you can check them here.
Take a Stroll through Stanley Park
Stanley park shows you a very different side of Blackpool and serves as a kind of escape from the bustle of the Promenade. The beautifully landscaped park features some small lakes and fountains, and is an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or simply unwinding amidst nature.
Stanley Park is about 1mi. or 1.5km east of the centre along Hornby Road.
Brave the Pasaje del Terror
If you’re a fan of horror movies and being chased by homicidal maniacs, Pasaje del Terror is the place to go. Honestly, this might be my favourite attraction in town – it’s certainly one of the best haunted houses I’ve been to.
Contrary to Blackpool Tower Dungeon, this place primarily is about the scares and I only recommend it to serious thrill seekers (Honestly, the lady walking behind me looked like she was close to a nervous breakdown at the end).
I won’t give away too much, but you basically walk through a series of horror movie set-pieces with live actors trying to scare the living bejeezus out of you. No one will touch you, but they’ll be jumping from dark corners or creepily blocking your way.
Expect some well-known villains to pop up. For instance, I had a close brush with Michael Meyers and The Nun, while the people behind me were chased by Leatherface. While the scares are effective and basically come non-stop, I have to admit that I left with a broad grin. I thought the actors did a terrific job and the whole thing was super atmospheric.
The Labyrinth of Terror is close to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and can easily be combined (for instance after the Park closes), but you’ll need a separate ticket to visit it. The opening times differ – you can check them here.
Check out the Comedy Carpet
This vast artwork between Blackpool Tower and the sea celebrates decades of classic British humour. Written onto the pavement are countless jokes, catchphrases, and quotes from comedians, movies and TV Shows, including classics like Blackadder, Father Ted and Only Fools and Horses.
It’s a lot of fun to just walk around the carpet to browse some of British humour’s greatest moments (and get some inspiration for stuff to check out in the future). The Comedy Carpet can be found directly to the west of Blackpool Tower.
Visit the Winter Gardens
The Winter Gardens are a historic entertainment complex hosting concerts, plays and conferences. Built in the late 19th century, they feature some beautiful Victorian architecture.
I feel like I know this place better than any other in Blackpool, as this is where the yearly Rebellion Punk Festival takes place. If you have a chance to visit, check out the splendid Empress Ballroom or Opera House Theatre, arguably the prettiest parts of the complex.
The Winter Gardens are located in central Blackpool, close to the North Pier and Blackpool Tower.
Try some Classic Sea-Side Grub
No trip to a British seaside town is complete without trying the classic fish and chips, and there’s no shortage of places selling it in Blackpool. Freshly fried fish, usually cod or haddock, is served with thick-cut fries (chips) and often accompanied by mushy peas and tartar sauce.
If you’re eating outside, make sure to keep an eye out for the gulls, which might like to share your meal and can get quite insistent about it.
Take a Walk down Blackpool Promenade
When I was talking about the town’s vestiges of former glory in my introduction, I was mainly thinking of Blackpool’s Seaside Promenade with its wacky collection of old-timey shops, bingo arcades and fortune-tellers. Strolling down the promenade feels a bit like stepping back in time a few decades.
If you want to become your dentist’s worst nightmare, this is also the place to try some Blackpool Rock, the colourful local brand of hard candy. I tried it once, and it wasn’t for me, but it seems to be rather popular judging by the number of shops selling it.
Map of Blackpool
All the sights mentioned above can be found on this map of Blackpool.
Practicalities
How to get to Blackpool and Away
Blackpool North Railway Station has connections to all bigger cities in Northern England, including Manchester and Liverpool (both about 1 hour 15 minutes), as well as Leeds (about 2 hours) and Sheffield (about 2 1/2 hours). The station can be found to the north-east of the town centre.
Alternatively, there are coaches going to many nearby destinations from the Blackpool Central Bus Station, which can be found east of the Central Pier. Have a look below for the best train and bus connections.
Finally, there’s the more costly (but also more convenient) option of using a private shuttle service from Manchester Airport or elsewhere.
The Best Hotels in Blackpool
Due to its role as one of the premier seaside resorts in the UK, Blackpool offers a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets.
If your budget is limited, there are countless affordable Bed-and-Breakfasts in town. During my last visit, I stayed at Camelot House, run by the lovely Noreen and Steve.
Imperial Hotel Blackpool is a well-reviewed mid-range choice, and if you’re looking for a bit of luxury, you could try 1820 Boutique Rooms & Suites. Have a look at the map above for more options.
Where to go next
The Lake District National Park, England’s best area for hiking
Chorley, the perfect base for exploring the West Pennine Moors