Visit Blackpool
Visit Blackpool
Things To Do
Accommodation
Plan Your Trip

Things To Do In Blackpool

With the end of the national lockdown nearly in sight, many of us are now searching for staycation ideas and looking for new things to see and do.

In Blackpool there’s something for everyone, from glorious coastline walks to exhilarating rollercoasters. In a time of uncertainty, there is one thing we can be certain of and that is you’ll never be bored in the UK’s favourite beach resort!

Below, we’ve rounded up 40 exciting things to do in Blackpool. What will be on your bucket list this summer?

  1. Visit Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the UK’s most ride-intensive theme park

Celebrating its 125th birthday this year, there is nowhere quite like Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The park boasts 10 hair-raising rollercoasters, including the extraordinary ICON, as well as numerous attractions, including Wallace & Gromit’s Thrill O-Matic, voted Best Indoor Attraction in the 2020 UK Theme Park Awards, Younger thrill seekers can enjoy the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land with 12 rides ranging from Dora’s World Voyage to soaking good fun at SpongeBob’s Splash Bash.

  1. Go to the top of The Blackpool Tower

A trip to Blackpool is never complete without a visit to The Blackpool Tower. It takes just 60 seconds to reach the Tower Eye at a whopping 380ft. Enjoy breath-taking panoramic views over the Irish Sea and, on clear days, you might catch a glimpse of the Lake District and North Wales.

Feeling brave? Step on the SkyWalk, a five-centimetre thick glass viewing platform, for a burst of adrenaline – if you dare!

  1. Grab some fish ‘n chips

Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that are the most memorable. Why not head down to the Promenade and treat yourself to a portion of fish ‘n chips?
There’s more chippies in Blackpool than you can shake a stick (of rock) at, including Yorkshire Fisheries and The Cottage, some of the oldest chippies in town.
Just like fish ‘n chips, a stick of rock goes hand in hand with Blackpool. After all, it’s part of our local delicacy! After your fish ‘n chips, pick up this naughty-but-nice treat from one of the many seafront stalls.

  1. Book a Heritage Tram Tour

2020 marked the 135th anniversary of the Blackpool Tramway, one of the oldest tram systems in the world! Step on-board an original heritage tram dating back to the 1930s. Make sure your camera is at the ready for some fantastic resort snaps.

  1. Visit all three piers

Blackpool has not one, not two, but three piers, and they all offer something different.

First up you have North Pier, the oldest and longest pier, and is considered the most laid back of the three. Stroll along the boardwalk and don’t forget to relax and take in the beautiful views from the new, instagrammable Bloom Bar.

Central Pier is home to one of Blackpool’s most famous landmarks, the Big Wheel. Here you will find amusements galore, games stalls and kiosks, and a spacious outdoor Terrace Bar with family entertainment, perfect for relaxing with an ice-cool drink in the sun.

Last but not least, South Pier offers an adventure-filled day out and is home to the Adrenaline Zone, featuring some thrilling rides above the sea.

  1. Wander down the Promenade

Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside! Blackpool is blessed with many open spaces so head to the great outdoors, breathing in lungfuls of fresh sea air. You’ve got six miles of promenade to explore - from the Great Promenade Show which is an outdoor art gallery reflecting Blackpool’s history and character, to the Comedy Carpet, one of the largest pieces of artwork on display in the UK.

  1. Book a seaside staycation

When restrictions ease, why not make a long weekend out of your Blackpool trip or visit mid-week for a quieter experience? We have a wide range of accommodation choices which are all ‘Good to Go’ accredited, meaning they have all the necessary COVID-measures in place to keep you safe. Browse all our accommodation options here.

  1. Pop into our Tourist Information Centre

Your go-to place for all your Blackpool memorabilia, the Tourist Information Centre located next to the Wedding Chapel on the Promenade offers a plethora of Blackpool souvenirs – from keyrings and jigsaws through to model tram cars, along with official BPL merchandise and discounted show tickets. Our friendly experts can also assist you with any travel queries and resort information.

  1. Treat yourself to a Notarianni’s ice cream

The family-run ice cream parlour, which has been in the resort for over 90 years, specialises in deliciously creamy vanilla ice cream (made to a secret family recipe) and is consistently voted one of the best ice cream parlours in Lancashire. Find out more.

  1. Book tickets to see a show at Blackpool Grand Theatre and Winter Gardens

It’s been a challenging period for the arts industry with many venues across the country unable to open their doors since March 2020. This year, however, there are some spectacular shows lined up at Blackpool Grand Theatre and the Winter Gardens. Take a look to see what’s on here.

  1.  Make some waves at Sandcastle Waterpark

It’s the largest indoor waterpark in the UK with more than 18 slides and attractions. Whizz down the Aztec-themed slides or make a splash on the Masterblaster, the longest indoor rollercoaster waterslide in the world. Soak up the warmth with its 84-degree tropical climate, ideal for those blustery, rainy days. Find out more here.

  1. Join the Circus celebrations

2021 promises to be special for the world-famous Blackpool Tower Circus as the talented Endresz family celebrate 30 years and nine generations in the show. To mark the occasion, they’ll be presenting more spectacular acts than ever before.

  1. See the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations

Blackpool Illuminations need little introduction. Spanning for more than six miles, the display is often touted as the best free light show on Earth. Even better, for the second consecutive year, the dazzling display has been extended to January 3, 2022, shining once again over the festive season. The grand Switch-On will take place on September 3, so mark it in your calendar!

  1. Head to Houndshill Shopping Centre for some retail therapy

Home to more than 60 stores, the Houndshill Shopping Centre has an array of independent and popular high street retailers for you to shop till you drop. Find out more here.

  1. Explore the underwater world at SEA LIFE Blackpool

Calling all underwater explorers, SEA LIFE Blackpool is one of the most magical places for all families to enjoy. Discover more than 2,500 species and learn all about the creatures that live beneath the surface from sharks to stingrays and seahorses to starfish.

  1. Go rockpooling

At South Beach, the coastal defence wall is arranged into tiny honeycomb-shaped cells. The tide leaves a wealth of marine wildlife in each cell, from starfish to tiny jellyfish. Rockpooling is a fantastic and educational activity for all ages to enjoy and, with a microhabitat waiting for you, it’s worth exploring! All you need is a small bucket, gentle hands and a love for wildlife. Make sure you leave everything as you found it and take any litter away with you.

  1. Enjoy a meal out

After the national lockdown, dining out with our loved ones will be back on the menu from April 12 (outdoor only). There is a fantastic selection of independent cafes, bars and restaurants in Blackpool, from the Budapest-meets-Singapore hawker restaurant, the Wok Inn, to the cosy Stefani’s which serve delicious homemade pizzas. There are also a range of chain restaurants in town, including Pizza Hut, Nando’s and Slug and Lettuce. Find out more here.

  1. Pose with the stars at Madame Tussauds Blackpool

The Strictly Come Dancing cast were unable to come to town last year, but you can still get your Strictly fix at Madame Tussauds Blackpool. Feel star-struck as you meet the glam presenters, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, and take a sneak peek backstage at their glittering, dazzling dressing rooms. There’s plenty more famous fun at the seaside too, including the Coronation Street and Marvel zones. You can even brave the critters in the I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here zone.

  1. Spot Bobby Ball’s quotes on the Comedy Carpet

Blackpool recently bid farewell to one of Britain’s most entertaining comedians, Bobby Ball, who was one half of the famous double act Cannon and Ball. Bobby was the star of numerous summer season shows in resort, bringing joy and laughter to so many people.

The Comedy Carpet sits in the shadow of the world-famous Blackpool Tower and features the quotes of the local comedian, including one of his famous lines ‘Rock On, Tommy’. Spot his classic sayings, along with 849 other comedians and writers in one of the largest pieces of public art ever commissioned in the UK.

  1. See the animals at Blackpool Zoo

Oh how we’ve missed the zoo and they’ve missed us whilst we’ve been away. Blackpool Zoo is home to more than 2,500 animals including the biggest elephant herd in Europe.

  1. Look around the Grundy Art Gallery

The Grundy Art Gallery features a varied year-round exhibitions programme that draws on the unique context and heritage of Blackpool. The free-to-enter Gallery is celebrating its 110th anniversary with a number of special exhibitions and events in store for you to soak up plenty of culture.

  1. Book to see a cabaret show at Funny Girls and VIVA Blackpool

A cabaret show should be on your bucket list on your trip to Blackpool. Put your hands up in the air and dance on your chair at VIVA Blackpool or feel the high-octane glamour at Funny Girls.

  1. Experience the Crazy Coaster on South Pier

Installed in 2018 and located at the end of South Pier, this is the UK’s fastest and tallest spinning Wild Mouse ride. We recommend riding the Crazy Coaster early evening for breath-taking sunset views over the Irish Sea.

You can also find other rides in the Adrenaline Zone, including Skyscreamer, a reverse bungee jump and Skycoaster which is a freefall swing ride that swoops over the sea. That’s not all, South Pier is jam-packed with arcades, games and food stalls and South Pier’s Laughing Donkey Bar, a family and sports bar with incredible views of the beach and sea.

  1. Buckle up! Your little ones can ride on the famous Blackpool donkeys

Cuteness overload! The famous donkeys are one of Blackpool’s most enduring attractions that have graced the beaches for decades. You can find these four-legged friends along Central Beach in the main summer season, except for Fridays – that’s when the donkeys take a well-deserved day off. Nee-haw!

  1. Step into a miniature world at Blackpool Model Village

Located next to Stanley Park and across the road from Blackpool Zoo lies the award-winning Model Village. Established in 1972, this mini village has sparked the imaginations of families for more than four decades.

The attraction whisks you away into another world as you walk round fantastical landscapes and hundreds of creative village scenes. Set in 2-½ acres, it’s a quaint and quirky miniature village that will put a smile on your face whatever your age.

  1. Try your luck at the arcade in Coral Island

Coral Island is the UK’s largest indoor family amusement complex and entry is completely free. Perfect for those rainy days, Coral Island is home to plenty of arcade games, slot machines, amusement rides and let’s not forget the ultimate Camel Derby. With a pot full of 1ps and 2ps, you’re guaranteed endless fun.

  1. Test your climbing skills at Clip ‘n Climb

We might have been climbing the walls out of boredom during lockdown, but Clip ‘n Climb make it fun. There are 20 multi-climber wall challenges of varying design and difficulty, testing agility and bravery in different ways. Suitable for all the family with no experience necessary, this climbing centre is perfect for adventurous individuals who can’t sit still.  There’s even a vertical drop slide for the daredevils!

  1. Relax in Stanley Park

Need a break from sightseeing? Unwind in Stanley Park, twice voted the UK’s best park. Take a stroll around the idyllic Italian Gardens or sit down by the beautiful boating lake and let the world pass you by. It’s a green sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of Blackpool seafront during the main season.

  1. Bravely climb the Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach

This isn’t for the faint-hearted! Blackpool Pleasure Beach is giving you the opportunity to walk the hill of one of the world's tallest rollercoasters. Whether you’re determined to conquer your fear of heights or you’re an adrenaline junkie, this escorted climb to the 235ft summit of the Big One is guaranteed to set your pulse racing. Whatever you do, just don’t look down!

  1. How about a round of Crazy Golf?

Practice your putt at the themed golf courses in resort – from Dino Golf in The Blackpool Tower or Graffiti Golf on the Promenade.

  1. Dare to venture down to The Blackpool Tower Dungeons

Looking for family fun? The Blackpool Tower Dungeons ticks all the boxes for a great day out. This thrilling attraction will catapult you on a journey through Lancashire’s dark history, bringing together an amazing cast of theatrical actors and special effects.

  1. Go on a ghost walk

Voted as the Number One Tour in Blackpool, the Blackpool Ghost Walk tour guides you to some of the town’s most famous, and most haunted, locations. Listen to the terrifying tales of the spooks, the phantoms, and the ghosts of Blackpool.

  1. Take a look at our spectacular events – most are free

Blackpool is home to some extraordinary events – and the best thing is many are free. From Ride the Lights, one of the most magical nights in the events calendar where cyclists get a sneak preview of Blackpool Illuminations before the official Switch-On to the World Fireworks Championship Blackpool, lighting up the sky with brilliant firework displays synced to music. Find out more here.

  1. Listen to live music

Oh, how we’ve missed live music! There are plenty of venues in Blackpool that will offer socially-distanced live music performances once restrictions allow. The impressive Empress Ballroom in the Winter Gardens will be celebrating its 125th birthday this year. If you’re looking for smaller, more intimate venues then head to places like Bootleg Social, The Galleon or Waterloo Music Bar.

  1. Dance in The Blackpool Tower Ballroom

The Blackpool Tower Ballroom recently received £700,000 from the Government Cultural Heritage Fund to restore its ornate ceiling. When it reopens, step into the sensationally stylish Tower Ballroom and prepare to be lost in a world of elegant charm and refined beauty. Dance away to the cherished sounds of the famous Wurlitzer organ or enjoy a Victorian afternoon tea in the opulent surroundings.

  1. Travel down the Promenade in style

Top off your magical day in Blackpool with a short ride in a horse-drawn Cinderella carriage. Perfect for all the family, this fairy-tale experience will grab the attention of passers-by as you travel down the Golden Mile. No pre-booking is necessary, just walk along the Promenade and step aboard.

  1. Build a sandcastle

Sometimes the most memorable moment of a seaside holiday is dipping your toes in the sand. So, find your ideal beach spot, grab a bucket and spade, and build your own sandcastle. No experience is required except buckets of imagination. Just remember to take all your building tools away with you when you’re finished.

  1. Find out your future

The Petulengro family have been gazing intently into their crystal balls and predicting the future for thousands of holidaymakers for more than a century. They have a stall at Blackpool Pleasure Beach as well as North Pier, so make sure you stop by to see what your future may look like; you’ll never know what they might find!

  1. Bounce around at Ascent Trampoline Park

On the outskirts of Blackpool Town Centre, you’ll find the North West’s best trampoline park. Suitable for anyone aged two and above, Ascent Trampoline Park contains more than 100 interconnected trampolines, along with a tumble track, dodgeball and foam pit. It’s the ideal rainy day activity to bounce off your energy.

  1. Watch a match at Bloomfield Road

Whether you’re a footie fan or new to the game, why not catch a match at Bloomfield Road, the place where sporting legends such as Stanley Matthews and Jimmy Armfield plied their trade. Blackpool Football Club also offer a 90-minute tour of their purpose-built football stadium too.

© 2024 Visit Blackpool