15 Best Things To Do In Blackpool, England

Are you thinking of going to Blackpool, one of England’s most popular seaside towns? Considering a weekend away on the west coast of England?  Thinking about a quick getaway? Perhaps you’re considering a stag do or a hen night.

Well, why not?  Blackpool offers everything from entertainment and beaches to a rich history and a beautiful culture waiting to be explored. Blackpool, England, is the perfect place for those seeking seaside towns in England.

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About Blackpool England

Blackpool is a town and unitary authority located on the Irish coast of England. The city has been growing since the early 18th century and has become a popular tourist destination. Many families in England spend a weekend or take a day trip. Once known only for its resorts, it has plenty to offer, including landmarks, zoological parks, opera houses, and water parks.

Blackpool History

In the mid-18th century, spending summers in coastal areas became fashionable in England. It was the start of the town’s popularity, which was only considered a coastal Hamlet in Lancashire’s Hundred of Amounderness.

Visitors started flocking to the 7-mile-long sandy beach thanks to the new transport infrastructure built by the authorities. That included a railway line and a road connecting Blackpool with the rest of England.

The town that once housed 500 inhabitants grew to 2,500 due to the buildings erected in the early 19th century. Since then, it has continued to expand.  Now, this seaside town has a bustling population of about 139,720 people.

Getting to Blackpool, England

Now that transport infrastructure is developed, getting to Blackpool is not as challenging as it was in the 19th century. The town also houses an airport, but it closed in 2014 due to a lack of passengers. 

That leaves you with three options to get to Blackpool:

1. By Car

Blackpool has the luxury of a motorway link directing travelers to the heart of the town center. You can take junction 32 off the M6 and the M55. This will lead you directly to the beach. And while traveling on the M55, you can also catch a glimpse of the famous Blackpool Tower.

Blackpool has numerous car parks to choose from. And the best part? You can pay for the parking fees via phone at most council-owned facilities. This means no queuing, handling cash, or unnecessary contact with machines.

2. By Train

Blackpool also enjoys a well-connected railway network and super-fast Avanti trains. The trains bring the passengers to Preston, where Northern Railways provides two services an hour for the onward journey. Preston station serves all major cities in England, including London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Birmingham.

Northern Railways have also resumed their service from Manchester Airport to Blackpool North. And there are direct services from Liverpool Lime Street as well.

The approximate journey times from some prominent cities in England are:

• Manchester: 1h 28m
• York: 1h 18m
• Leeds: 2h 36m
• Sheffield: 3h 10m
• Birmingham: 2h 36m
• Newcastle: 4h 8m
• Bristol: 4h 12m
• London: 2h 54m

3. Coach

National Express Coach offers routes to and from Blackpool with a stop at Preston from Manchester and Birmingham, an excellent alternative for tourists traveling on a budget, thanks to the affordable fare prices of these coaches. 

Map Of Blackpool, England

Things To Do In Blackpool

In addition to beautiful sunsets at sandy beaches, here are some places that Blackpool, England offers.

1. Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Situated on the south shore, Black Pool Pleasure Beach is an amusement park (theme park) with plenty of fantastic roller coasters, spectacular shows, and phenomenal events. The Pleasure Beach is one of Blackpool’s most popular tourist attractions. It attracts thousands of Brits each year, especially during the summer months. Perfect for young children, teenagers, and adults alike – there is something for everyone here.

There is also an entertainment hub with a bar, catering units, and retail shops. The versatility of what you can do makes it an excellent place to spend time with family and friends.

2. Blackpool Tower Dungeon

Blackpool Tower Dungeon is a 60-minute entertainment show based on Lancashire’s past and Blackpool’s history. Several characters with unique roles make the show worth the price of admission. Be it the Jesters, Doctor’s Assistant, Torturer, or the Pendle Witches. Each character has been wonderfully crafted to make it the most entertaining show at Blackpool.

3. The Blackpool Tower

Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, the Blackpool Tower was the tallest building in the entire British Empire. It is iconic in British history and attracts thousands of tourists yearly. In addition to sightseeing, tourists can enjoy the Tower Eye, Tower Circus, and Ballroom, which are inside the iconic building. Blackpool is home to the Blackpool Tower Eye, an observation deck. The observation deck at the top of the tower is one of the best ways to see Blackpool from way up in the sky. At the top, you will have panoramic views of Blackpool and its coastline. Most guests spend about 60 minutes at the attraction.

The Blackpool Tower is also home to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. A true Blackpool institution, the Blackpool Tower Ballroom offers a unique opportunity to experience the magic and history of The Blackpool Tower. Enjoy an afternoon tea while listening to the Wurlitzer or dancing to its sounds.

4. Fleetwood Market

Fleetwood is an open market with over 150 stalls where tourists can buy traditional goods and enjoy local culture. You can also polish your bargaining skills while shopping from these stalls. Some of the products on sale make excellent souvenirs to take back home.

5. Blackpool Zoo

Blackpool Zoo is home to over 1,350 animals from around the world. The most popular animal houses include Orangutan Outlook, Project Elephant, Reptile House, Gorilla Mountain, Lemur Wood, Active Oceans, Giraffe Heights, Wolf Ridges, and Big Cats. Tourists who love animals and visiting with the kids would enjoy the zoo. The zoo is one of the most popular places for families.

6. Madame Tussauds Blackpool

Madame Tussauds allows tourists to get close to their favorite celebrities and take photos with them. The latest addition to the collection is Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. You can also purchase discounted multi-attraction tickets at Madame Tussauds that can be redeemed at other popular destinations in Blackpool, England.

7. Sea Life Blackpool

Sea Life Blackpool offers a close-up experience for tourists, featuring over 2,500 marine creatures. It’s become one of the seaside towns’ most popular attractions. Tourists can immerse themselves in the mysterious, graceful world of stingray encounters. Popular marine animals at the facility include Honeycomb Whiptail Rays, Cownose Rays, Zebra Sharks, and Blue Spotted Stingrays.

Image Credit: Sea Life Blackpool

8. Comedy Carpet Blackpool

Comedy Park of Blackpool is located right under the shadow of the iconic Blackpool Tower.

Every step on the carpet brings giggles as tourists walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, filled with immortalizing jokes, animations, and comic catchphrases of the most beloved celebrities. And the best part? There is no ticket to see the most significant public art commissioned in England. 

9. Coral Island Blackpool

Coral Island is one of the world’s largest indoor family entertainment facilities, offering activities for kids and adults. While the kids can play in the arcade, the adults can try their luck at the casino. And when the games are over, families can dine at the most refined family bar, which serves delicious cuisine.

10. SandCastle Waterpark

No trip is complete without a crazy adventure at a waterpark, and a sandcastle ensures you do not leave without that experience. The waterpark has crazy slides that pump your adrenaline as you jump into the pool. And for those who love a casual swim, the waterpark is home to one of the largest swimming pools in the world.

Image Credit: SandCastle Waterpark

11. Great Promenade Show

The Great Promenade Show consists of 10 pieces in an outdoor art gallery featuring work by established and emerging artists. The ten pieces were selected following a public vote in May 2000 and further developed before their permanent installation at the Great Promenade Show.

Thousands of tourists visit every year to see these brilliant 10 pieces of art, and the cherry on top is that there is no ticket.

12. Stanley Park

Stanley Park is a delight for naturalists, offering a breathtaking oasis spanning 390 acres. Known for its boating lake, Italian gardens, and bandstand, the oasis is a truly magical blend of horticulture, architecture, and recreation. The park is divided into four zones: east, west, north, and south. Each of these zones has distinct landscapes.

Every year, millions of people visit the park, which demonstrates the facility’s elegance.

13. VIVA Blackpool

Viva Blackpool is an all-in-one facility home to comedy shows, theatres, music, and food courts. These shows have their own stories and justify the ticket prices. And if you happen to be at the facility on any local holiday, your experience would be even better. The VIVA organizes several cultural and traditional shows that become memorable experiences for visitors.

14. Central Pier

Blackpool’s famous big wheel is located on the central pier, but it is not the only attraction. The terrace bar is adjacent to the pier, offers breathtaking views, and serves a one-of-a-kind gin. Pirate Bay is the most extensive family bar in the town and offers free entertainment shows. And don’t forget that the Showbar, right at the front of the pier, exhibits seasonal displays. Don’t forget to visit a chip shop and eat England’s most famous dish – fish and chips! You’ll find plenty of fish shops near the pier and on the promenade.

15. Grand Theater

Grand Theater Blackpool is one of the few theatres that remained open during WWI and WWII. The theatre hosts several classical, comic, and musical shows that the visitors appreciate.

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