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Attractions in Blackpool

Sarah Catherine Jones

Arguably one of the UK’s favourite family resorts, Blackpool has something for everyone.

Whether you’ve got just a couple of hours or a full weekend, this iconic seaside town is jam-packed with attractions for the whole family; get lost in immersive storybook worlds, marvel at superheroes, or see some the country’s most iconic landmarks up close and personal.

With a whole host of venues and activities for a range of budgets, as well as some special seasonal events, family fun is 100% guaranteed – whatever the weather.

Our top picks

Blackpool Tower

Blackpool Tower, The Blackpool Tower, The Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 4BJ - Visit now

One of the country’s best loved landmarks and an icon of the British seaside, Blackpool Tower remains one of the town’s busiest tourist attractions, with myriad family-attractions like the Ballroom and Circus held within the building.

© Merlin Entertainments 2024.

Blackpool Illuminations

Blackpool Illuminations, Blackpool, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 5AA - Visit now

Known as the greatest free light show on the planet, the famous Blackpool Illuminations have been around for some 140 years now, and they endure for good reason.

Blackpool Illuminations
Image courtesy of Blackpool Illuminations / Visit Blackpool.

Blackpool Tower Ballroom

Blackpool Tower Ballroom, Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 4BJ - Visit now

Hidden at Blackpool’s very heart is a pocket universe of jarring beauty: the historic Tower Ballroom — a must-visit on your Blackpool itinerary.

© Merlin Entertainments 2024.

Madame Tussauds Blackpool

Madame Tussauds Blackpool, 89 Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 5AA - Visit now

If you want to rub shoulders with your favourite celebrities, look no further than Madame Tussauds Blackpool, where you’ll get up close and personal with A-listers, Marvel Superheroes, soap stars and much more.

Two children stood in front of the Hulk
© Merlin Entertainments 2024

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Blackpool Pleasure Beach, 525 Ocean Blvd, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 1EZ - Visit now

Both a thrill-seekers paradise and family-friendly day out, the landmark Blackpool Pleasure Beach is home to over 125 rides and attractions.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach, courtesy of Visit Blackpool.

The Blackpool Tower Dungeon

The Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Tower Entrance, Bank Hey St, Blackpool, FY1 4BJ - Visit now

Are you brave enough to descend to the depths of Blackpool Tower Dungeon and immerse yourself in stories of Lancashire’s ‘orrible past? With interactive shows and an impressive drop ride, you’re guaranteed thrills from the moment you enter.

Pendle witch scaring visitors at Blackpool Dungeons
© Merlin Entertainments 2024

Blackpool Tower Eye

Blackpool Tower Eye, The Blackpool Tower, The Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 4BJ - Visit now

Experience one of the country’s most well-known landmarks in a whole new way. Brave the glass SkyWalk, head to the 4D cinema, or soak up the views at Bar 380.

© Merlin Entertainments 2024
© Merlin Entertainments 2024

The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse

The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse, The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse, The Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 5AA - Visit now

Ever wanted to step into the world of The Gruffalo? Now you can! Run wild in the lands of Gruffalo and friends as they explore the magic of the deep dark wood.

Children talking to a costume character at a family event
© Merlin Entertainments 2024

Blackpool North Pier

Blackpool North Pier, North Pier Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1NE - Visit now

The oldest and longest of Blackpool’s three piers, the The Grade II listed North Pier retains its Victorian magnificence. Visitors can catch a show in the historic North Pier Theatre, enjoy a tipple whilst listening to the organist in The Sunset Lounge or play the machines in the pier’s amusement arcade.

Ian Jones.

High Jinx at The Blackpool Tower Circus

High Jinx at The Blackpool Tower Circus, The Blackpool Tower, Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 4BJ - Visit now

Resident clowns Mooky and Mr Boo are back. Bringing a whole host of new acts together, Blackpool Circus is celebrating its 130th anniversary in style – and you’re invited to join the party.

© Merlin Entertainments 2024

Showtown Blackpool

Showtown Blackpool, Bank Hey St, Blackpool , FY1 4TQ - Visit now

Learn more about Blackpool’s showbiz history at this all-singing, all-dancing attraction. You’ll get to meet a whole host of iconic performers who helped this seaside resort become what it is today.

Hufton + Crow, courtesy of Visit Blackpool.
Hufton + Crow, courtesy of Visit Blackpool.

Peter Rabbit™: Explore and Play

Peter Rabbit™: Explore and Play, 91 Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 5AA - Visit now

Hop down the rabbit hole and join Peter Rabbit for an adventure like no other. Enjoy a fun and creative day out as you bounce, skip and jump your way through Mr McGregor’s garden, The Burrow and more.

Peter Rabbit Explore and Play
© Merlin Entertainments 2024

Blackpool Winter Gardens

Blackpool Winter Gardens, 97 Church St, Blackpool, FY1 1HL - Visit now

Another must-visit, Blackpool’s Winter Gardens is an opulent collection of theatres, exhibitions halls, ballrooms and event spaces. An extravagant entertainment palace that’s been welcoming locals and tourists alike since it opened its doors in 1878.

Blackpool Winter Gardens

Blackpool Central Pier

Blackpool Central Pier, Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 5BB - Visit now

In comparison to the aura of gentility carefully curated by the older North Pier, Central Pier has placed an emphasis on fun right from the off. It has a proud history of dancing, amusements and fairground rides that continues through to this day.

Image by Sean Conboy, courtesy Visit Blackpool.

SEA LIFE Blackpool

SEA LIFE Blackpool, Promenade, Blackpool FY1 5AA, Blackpool, FY1 5AA - Visit now

As one of the most popular SEA LIFE sites, Blackpool welcomes thousands of visitors each and every year. What once started as a showcase of marine creatures from the Irish Sea has now snowballed into a full-scale ocean adventure that includes exotic species from all over the world.

SEA Life Blackpool Seahorse
© Merlin Entertainments 2024

Grundy Art Gallery

Grundy Art Gallery, Queen Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1PU - Visit now

Well over one hundred years old, the Grundy is recognised as a leading contemporary arts venue in the North West, where it continues to programme the work of established and emerging artists from the UK and around the world, alongside historic art from its own collection.

JJ.

Blackpool Grand Theatre

Blackpool Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1HT - Visit now

One of Frank Matcham’s architectural masterpieces, the beautiful Blackpool Grand Theatre opened its doors in 1894, and remains cornerstone of Blackpool’s rich cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into the town’s glorious past and, more importantly, its bright future.

Grand Theatre Blackpool

Sandcastle Waterpark

Sandcastle Waterpark, Sandcastle Waterpark, Promenade, Blackpool , FY4 1BB - Visit now

Whether you want to experience white knuckle waterslides or fantastic flumes, Sandcastle Waterpark has it all. Bring the whole family together for a day of fun, thrills and exciting aquatic adventures.

Sandcastle Waterpark, courtesy of Visit Blackpool.

Mythic Coast Artwork Trail

Mythic Coast Artwork Trail, Mythic Coast Artwork Trail, Cleveleys, Lancashire, FY5 1LB - Visit now

The Mythic Coast Artwork Trail is a collection of outdoor sculptures that take inspiration from a children’s book: The Sea Swallow. Characters and motifs from the book are represented in a collection of artworks by North West artist Stephen Broadbent, which range along the Cleveleys seafront and lift the story from the pages, onto the shore.

The Mythic Coast Artwork Trail

Coral Island

Coral Island, Bonny St, Blackpool , FY1 5DW - Visit now

When you think of Blackpool, Coral Island is the type of place that flashes front and centre: big, bold and flat-out fun. All your old favourite arcade amusements are here, plus the latest innovations, including panoramic video games where you can do everything from blasting zombies to racing supercars.

Coral Island
Ian Jones.

Afternoon Tea at Blackpool Tower Ballroom

Afternoon Tea at Blackpool Tower Ballroom, Blackpool, Until 1 December 2026, from £60.00 - Book now

The iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom is known for its ornate architecture, sprung dance floor and rich history, making it the perfect place to indulge in one of Britain’s favourite pastimes: Afternoon Tea.

Afternoon Tea at Blackpool Tower Ballroom
© Merlin Entertainments 2024

Blackpool South Pier

Blackpool South Pier, Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 1BB - Visit now

Originally known as Victoria Pier when it opened back in 1893, Blackpool South Pier has built a reputation as the most ‘adrenaline-fuelled’ pier in Blackpool – and for good reason.

Blackpool South Pier courtesy of Visit Blackpool.
Image courtesy of Visit Blackpool.

The Comedy Carpet

The Comedy Carpet, Tower Festival Headland, Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1NE - Visit now

Lancashire’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visitors to the floor of laughs will find a unique twist on the original walk that celebrates the famous British sense of humour with sayings from over 1,0000 different UK greats. 

The Comedy Carpet
Creative Tourist

Turtle Feeding Experience at SEA LIFE Blackpool

Turtle Feeding Experience at SEA LIFE Blackpool, Blackpool, Until 1 December 2026, from £75.00 - Book now

Phoenix the giant green sea turtle was rescued from the Cayman Islands as part of SEA LIFE Blackpool’s popular ‘breed, rescue, protect’ programme. She’s now safely protected and cared for by trained aquarists, and enjoys a few treats from guests and visitors too!

Green Sea Turtle at SEALife Blackpool
Ian Jones.

Hotels in Blackpool

Doric Hotel Blackpool
Blackpool
Hotel
Doric Hotel

Previously ranked TripAdvisor’s number 1 family hotel in the UK, Blackpool’s bright and airy Doric Hotel offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea.

Cliffs Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
Cliffs Hotel

A hit with families seeking the all-inclusive treatment, this Baroque-style hotel on the north shore is one of Blackpool’s oldest and most popular.

King's Boutique Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
King’s Boutique Hotel

Set in a Victorian townhouse looking out to the sea, King’s Boutique Hotel is just a minute’s walk from Blackpool’s famous Pleasure Beach.

Boulevard Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Boulevard Hotel

With its own signature restaurant, two bars and a sleek lounge, this award-winning hotel on New South Promenade offers visitors to Blackpool luxury in spades.

The Big Blue Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
Big Blue Hotel

At The Big Blue Hotel, guests have some of the UK’s most exciting rides right on their doorstep – and can even get free Blackpool Pleasure Beach day tickets.

Hampton By Hilton Blackpool
Blackpool
Hotel
Hampton By Hilton Blackpool

This contemporary hotel on Blackpool’s South Shore offers a functional base for tourists wanting to be close to central attractions such as The Pleasure Beach.

The Lawton Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Lawton

Thanks to its lime green-painted brick frontage, this family-friendly guest house certainly stands out from the crowd in the centre of Blackpool.

The Ruskin Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Ruskin

Sitting in the shadow of the town’s famous Blackpool Tower, this established three star hotel is popular for its handy location and family-friendly pricing.

Bailey's
Spotlight on

Bars in Blackpool

Check out Blackpool's best bars for a Christmas tipple, whether you're looking for modern craft beer, outlandish cocktails, or globe-trotting wines.

Take me there

Restaurants in Blackpool

Spotlight on

Museums and Galleries in Blackpool

Covering arty escapades, family head scratchers and everything in between, here's our round-up of Blackpool's best museums and galleries.

Take me there
Fish and Chips
Spotlight on

Fish and chips in Blackpool

No trip to Blackpool is complete without visiting a chippy, but how on earth do you choose which one, when there are so many fish in the sea?

Take me there

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Blackpool Tower Eye banner

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