Visit Blackpool

Free things to do

Sometimes, the best things in life are free – or require just a handful of small changel . Having a great time in Blackpool doesn’t need to cost you a fortune. You don’t need to flash the cash to have a good time, so here’s a round-up of some cool things you can do in Blackpool with very little budget. You’re welcome!
 

Stroll along the Prom

Everyone enjoys a stroll along the prom. Whether it’s to blow away the cobwebs, catch some rays or simply enjoy a relaxing walk along Blackpool’s famous Golden Mile.

There is so much to see and do that this six-mile walk really could fill a whole day for you. Take a selfie outside The Blackpool Tower and stroll along the Golden Mile. If you’re feeling very energetic, walk the entire length of the promenade – six miles in total. Phew.  Check out the three piers, entrance is free.

With magnificent sweeping Spanish steps, award-winning beaches, open views across the Irish Sea and miles and miles of scenic picnic spots, you really will be spoilt for choice when you see Blackpool’s beautifully restored and regenerated seafront.

blackpool promenade

World-famous events

Blackpool is famed for its fantastic large-scale events programme – and the best thing of all is that most of them are free to watch. Take in the spectacular two-day Blackpool Air Show in August; the dazzling fireworks nights in September and October, or bag yourself a free ticket to the biggest event in the Blackpool calendar – the star-studded Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On.

Find out more

ride the lights blackpool event

The Comedy Carpet and Tower Festival Headland

Take a walk where every step brings a smile and a giggle. The Comedy Carpet sits in the shadow of the world-famous Blackpool Tower and it’s one of the largest pieces of public art ever commissioned in the UK.  There’s nothing like the British sense of humour and and the outdoor Comedy Carpet celebrates all-things funny on a giant scale. It immortalizes jokes, songs, and catchphrases of more than a thousand of Britain’s best-loved comedians and writers. We defy you not to chuckle!

Comedy Carpet


South Promenade

Stand on the prom and watch people hurtle down a nail-biting incline of 235ft and whizzing round at speeds of up to 85 mph on the Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Then walk away feeling level-headed and smug that you’re not in their shoes when they eventually come back down to earth!

 

Winter Gardens

First opened to the public in July 1878 this “most magnificent palace of amusement” has been welcoming visitors ever since.
 
Transport yourself back to the Victorian era when the well-heeled would travel to Blackpool to “promenade” and enjoy the year-round gardens in the beautiful and breath-taking Floral Hall. Having recently been refurbished, the Floral Hall is a splendid place to sit and watch the world go by or to just simply wander around and wonder at the magnificent architecture. And don’t forget to check out the new tribute statue to the UK’s most loved comedy duo, Morecambe and Wise.

Opera House at Winter Gardens

Not one, not two, but three piers . . .

Blackpool is the only UK seaside resort to have three piers and, what’s more, you can enjoy the delights of all three for FREE.
 
The first pier to adorn Blackpool’s golden sands was North Pier in 1863 and this, and its two neighbours, are still going strong. Despite changes to the buildings, they all remain true to the original concept featuring a range of amusements, live music and dancing. 

North Pier was always the posh pier and remains a wonderful place to enjoy a stroll over the Irish Sea, while Central and South Piers represent fun. Built in 1868, today Central Pier is very much a family entertainment complex and South Pier, built in 1893, houses big thrill rides and its very own fun fair.

Big Wheel at Central Pier
 

Stanley Park

You don’t need to have green fingers to appreciate Stanley Park. It’s a great place to saunter round at your leisure and with 390 acres offering a magical blend of architecture, horticulture, and recreation, it’ll keep you occupied for hours. Events such as classic car shows are often staged there.

Get your skates on and check out the recently opened Skate Park, wander round the beautiful Italian Gardens, or take the kids to the Adventure Playground to blow off some steam. There are also some fantastic things to do if you have a small amount of money, including taking a boat ride on the lush lake, an ice cream or two at the Art Deco cafe, playing a spot of tennis or testing out your putting skills at crazy golf.

Call into the Visitor Centre to find out more information on what there is to see and do.

stanley park

Check out the amusements

Wander around Coral Island on the Promenade and get lost in the sound of dozens of arcade games beeping, clanging, and ringing out as dozens of delighted people chance their luck on the machines. The old school penny pushers are regarded as the most popular games, so you only need a handful of 2p coins to find out why!
 

Northern Lights

The world-famous Blackpool Illuminations need no introduction - the facts speak for themselves. They cost £2.4 million to stage; the equipment is worth £10 million; and they attract in excess of 3.5 million visitors to Blackpool every year. The display stretches almost six miles from Starr Gate to Bispham. Find out the display times for this year

Family at Blackpool Illuminations