15 Best Things To Do In Blackpool, England

Are you thinking of going to Blackpool, on 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 by you. Blackpool England, is the perfect place for those seeking seaside towns in England.

But before we get to the main attractions, let’s talk about where Blackpool is: Here’s all you need to know about Blackpool, how to go there, and the best places to visit.

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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 multiplying 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 in landmarks, zoological parks, opera houses, and waterparks.

Blackpool History

In the mid-18th century, spending summers in coastal areas became fashionable in England. It was the start of popularity for the town that 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 newly erected buildings constructed in the early 19th century. Since then, it has not stopped expanding.  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 town centre. 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, and 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. The Preston station directly services all major cities of 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 of 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

Where To Stay in Blackpool, England

Blackpool is known for bed and breakfasts. Many of the terraced houses have been converted into bed and breakfasts. There’s no shortage of great places to stay. Choices are abundant, and many of them are affordable.

Here is a variety of accommodations:

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 the most popular tourist attractions in Blackpool. It attracts thousands of Brits each year, especially during 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 ticket prices. 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. The 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 60 minutes at the attraction on average.

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 along to the sounds of the Wurlitzer.

4. Fleetwood Market

Fleetwood is an open market with over 150 stalls where tourists can get their hands on traditional goods and enjoy local cultures. 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 a close-up of 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 to tourists with over 2,500 marine creatures. It’s become one of the seaside towns’ most popular attractions. Tourists can immerse themselves in the mysterious and graceful world of stingray adventures. 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 the tourists walk through the Hollywood Walk of Fame, filled with immortalizing jokes, animations, and comic catchphrases of most loved 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 most extensive indoor family entertainment facilities and home to 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 in the most refined family bar that serves some delicious cuisines.

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

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

12. Stanley Park

Stanley Park is a delight for naturalists as they enjoy the breathtaking oasis stretches along 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 shows the elegance of the facility.

13. VIVA Blackpool

Viva Blackpool is an all-in-one facility home to comedy shows, theatres, music, and food courts. These shows have a story of their own 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, which become a memorable experience for visitors.

14. Central Pier

Blackpool’s famous big wheel is located in 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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