Blackpool Tower

Tom Grieve, Cinema Editor
© Merlin Entertainments 2024.

One of the country’s best loved landmarks and an icon of the British seaside, Blackpool Tower recently celebrated its 130th birthday. Since its opening in 1894, the 158 metre tall tower is one of the town’s most popular tourist attractions with visitors lured not only by the views from the Tower Eye, but the world famous Ballroom, the Tower Circus and the other myriad family-friendly attractions held within the building.

Blackpool Tower has renewed its reputation in recent years thanks to the frequent appearances of its grand ballroom on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Designed by renowned architect Frank Matcham, the current ballroom opened its doors in 1899. It features a unique sprung dance floor, spectacular, ornate design and its own Wurlitzer organ. In addition to the annual visits from the Strictly crew, the ballroom hosts guided tours, spectator events, while there are even opportunities to glide across the dance floor yourself.

Charlotte Graham, © Merlin Entertainments 2024

Today the tower is the 125th tallest in the world, and there can be no missing it — especially when it’s lit up as part of the Blackpool Illuminations — sitting proudly in the middle of the promenade. The Tower Eye boasts the best views in the region, as visitors are provided with a panoramic vantage point looking over Blackpool in one direction and the Irish Sea in the other. Why not start your trip with a 4D cinema experience, before braving the five centimetre thick glass SkyWalk and then recovering in the sky high cocktail bar?

There’s more too. The Tower Circus is as old as the tower itself, and the seasonal show still astounds as acrobats perform jaw dropping stunts, while clowns deliver their comedy capers to an eager audience. As if that wasn’t enough, families can also enjoy dinosaur mini-golf, the gruesome Blackpool Tower Dungeon and The Fifth Floor — a new attraction featuring a family bar, a circus-themed arcade and 8K virtual reality roller coaster.

The Blackpool Tower, The PromenadeBlackpoolFY1 4BJ View map
Telephone: 01253622242 Visit Now

Opening Hours

  • Monday11:00am - 5:00pm
  • Tuesday11:00am - 5:00pm
  • Wednesday11:00am - 5:00pm
  • Thursday11:00am - 5:00pm
  • Friday11:00am - 5:00pm
  • Saturday11:00am - 6:00pm
  • Sunday11:00am - 5:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Blackpool Tower

Until
ActivityLiverpool
Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

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ComedyManchester
Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

from £5.00
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ComedyManchester
The Comedy Vault

Every Monday night upstairs at Fierce Bar, The Comedy Vault hosts an outrageously funny open-mic night. Come and try your hand or just to watch and laugh.

free entry
Until
ComedyManchester
Comedy Balloon

Every Wednesday at Ape & Apple, Manchester’s official underground comedy club, Comedy Balloon’s friendly and warm comedy night takes place.

free entry

Where to go near Blackpool Tower

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The Merchant

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Artefact

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Lovelocks

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A highlight of Baltic Triangle’s speciality coffee scene, don’t miss Parliament Square Coffee’s fresh brunch options and excellent brews.

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COFFI

A speciality coffee shop in Liverpool’s historic Georgian Quarter, COFFI serves some of the best coffee in the city.

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Bean There Coffee

Sample delicious croissants with your lovingly made cappuccino at Bean There Coffee & Kitchen in South Liverpool.

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Rose Lane Coffee

Speciality coffee, delicious sweet treats and the super friendly staff make Rose Lane Coffee one of the best coffee shops in Liverpool.

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Stow is a new fire-based restaurant on Bridge Street in Manchester, from the team behind Trof.

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Gilpin Spice is the two AA Rosettes Asian restaurant at the stunning Gilpin Hotel in the Lake District.

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