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.

Walks in Blackpool
Courtesy of The Blackpool Tower

The Blackpool Tower Dungeon

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

Are you brave enough to enter the depths of The Blackpool Tower Dungeon? With interactive shows and an impressive drop ride, you’re guaranteed thrills, screams and entertainment.

Pendle witch scaring visitors at Blackpool Dungeons
© 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. You’ll get to meet A-listers, Marvel Superheroes and much more.

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

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 Tower Ballroom — a must-visit on your Blackpool itinerary.

Blackpool Tower Ballroom by Michael Beckwith

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 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

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.

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

The Comedy Carpet

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

Sitting in the shadow of Blackpool Tower, the Comedy Carpet remains one of the largest pieces of public art ever commissioned in the UK, coined the ‘horizontal Angel of the North’- a must visit spot.

The Comedy Carpet
Creative Tourist

The Blackpool Tower Circus

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.

Blackpool Tower Circus
© 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

Heritage Tram Tours

Heritage Tram Tours, North Pier, Promenade, Blackpool , FY1 1NE - Visit now

Embark on a unique journey along the famous Blackpool Tramway. Jump on board the best of the iconic Heritage Trams to learn more about their rich and varied history.

Traditional green and beige tram in blackpool
Heritage Tram Tours, courtesy of Visit Blackpool.

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.

Tim Etchells, Lets Pretend (Large) (2014), installation view, Grundy Art Gallery. Photo: Phill Heywood, courtesy Grundy Art Gallery.

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 takes front and centre: big, bold and flat-out fun. All your old favourites are here, plus the latest innovations in indoor amusements, including panoramic video games where you can do everything from blasting zombies to racing supercars.

Coral Island Sign
Sean Conboy for Visit Blackpool

Where to go in Blackpool

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 Blackpool.

Lancashire
Music venue
Bootleg Social

The live-music venue and bar is a hidden gem, standing out against the technicolour nightlife of Blackpool with its own understated edge.

Abingdon Studios
Blackpool
Gallery
Abingdon Studios

Abingdon Studios is a contemporary visual art studios and project space based in the heart of Blackpool Town Centre.

Salisbury Woodland Gardens
Blackpool
Park
Salisbury Woodland Gardens

Salisbury Woodland is a an attractive green space, planted in the mid 1930’s to serve as a public recreation area as well as shelterbelt for Stanley Park Golf Course.

Blackpool
Hotel
ART B&B

Situated in a classic Victorian seafront hotel, beautifully and completely renovated by 30 contemporary artists, ART B&B allows you to support the arts while you sleep.

Notarianni
Blackpool
Restaurant
Notarianni’s

This small family run ice cream parlour has been serving homemade vanilla ice cream since 1928.

Cakes by Hive
Blackpool
Café or Coffee Shop
HIVE Blackpool

HIVE is an independent artisan quality coffee shop with its own art gallery and resident baker.

Fish and Chips
Blackpool
Restaurant
The Cottage, Blackpool

Built in 1856, The Cottage has been Blackpool’s most famous fish and chip shop since 1920. With an easy order button on the website, you can either collect, or if you’re a resident in certain postcodes they are offering a delivery service.

Blackpool
Hotel
The Berkeley Apartments

Built in 1926 and located in a prominent position at the start of Queens Promenade, The Berkeley contains a number of luxury apartments.

Blackpool Visitor Guides

Records and Relics frontage
Shopping in Lancashire

Our guide to the best shops in Lancashire, including independents and markets in Blackpool, Lancaster, Morecambe, Burnley and Blackburn.

Northcote
Food and Drink in Lancashire

Our guide to food and drink in Lancashire, featuring restaurants and bars in Lancaster, Morecambe, Blackburn, Burnley and Blackpool.

Walks in Blackpool
Walks in Blackpool

A round-up of the best walks in Blackpool, including the sights of the promenade and nearby country walks.

Timekeepers
Spotlight on

Light Festivals in the North

From enchanting lantern parades to epic LED installations, light festivals are a brilliant way celebrate the magic of the winter months.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.