Showtown Blackpool

Sarah Catherine Jones
Hufton + Crow, courtesy of Visit Blackpool.
Hufton + Crow, courtesy of Visit Blackpool.

Just next door to Blackpool Tower, Showtown Museum offers an immersive experience that captures the unique spirit of this famous town. Exhibitions change regularly, so you’ll be able to visit time and time again.

The family museum features six galleries in total; seaside holidays, magic, circus, shows, dance and illuminations. You’ll learn about the singers, dancers, magicians, musicians, clowns, comedians, entertainers, and acrobats who have all put Blackpool on the map, along with the people who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to raise the town’s profile.

There are a ton of activities to get stuck into here. You can enjoy guided tours, talks and films, as well as special family-friendly workshops in the run-up to Christmas. These tend to take place in Showtown’s contemporary learning space.

Showtown Museum
Hufton + Crow, courtesy of Visit Blackpool.

If you’re bringing little ones along, be sure to look out for SHOWTOTS baby and toddler sessions, where children between zero and four can have fun playing, creating and exploring together. These free sessions are in high demand, so make sure you book in advance online.

Older kids won’t feel shortchanged. They’ll have a chance to find new hobbies, test out their skills and master the art of performance; they can get on the dancefloor, learn to juggle, perform a Punch and Judy show, or design their very own Illumination.

But it’s not just about talent gone by. Blackpool Showtown is invested in future talent too. It’s been working with community arts organisation LeftCoast and local dance collective House of Wingz to collaborate with communities all over the world, creating new dances, ideas and moves. Inspired by the Get Dancing Movement and the novelty performances of yesteryears, Blackpool Showtown is fast becoming a hub for local artists looking to make an impact.

Whether you’re a budding performer or a showbiz enthusiast, there are plenty of ways to get involved and have fun.

Carers, under threes and Blackpool residents can visit this attraction for free.

Bank Hey StBlackpool FY1 4TQ View map
Visit Now

What's on near Showtown Blackpool

Two people sitting playing a video game.
Until
ExhibitionsCity Centre
Art Plays Games at FACT

Art Plays Games is a new show at FACT, celebrating games created by digital artists and independent video game developers.

free entry

Where to go near Showtown Blackpool

Blackpool Tower Circus
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
The Blackpool Tower Circus

Visit the oldest permanent circus in the world, showcasing some truly jaw-dropping stunts from contortionists, acrobats and trapeze acts.

© Merlin Entertainments 2024
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Blackpool Tower Eye

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

Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Blackpool Tower

Blackpool Tower first opened to the public in 1894, and includes the Blackpool Tower Circus and Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Event venue
The Blackpool Tower

One of the most recognisable landmarks in the UK, Blackpool Tower is an iconic tourist attraction that sits at the heart of the seaside town.

Tourist Attraction
Blackpool Promenade

Blackpool’s famous Promenade is a year-round visitor attraction.

The Comedy Carpet
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
The Comedy Carpet

Blackpool’s 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.

Charabanc blackpool
Blackpool
Shop
Charabanc

Charabanc is your go-to for vintage and handcrafted items including fashion, gifts and homewares.

Blackpool
Restaurant
Beach House Bistro & Bar

Positioned right on the Promenade, you’ll find Beach House Bistro & Bar, a modern Mediterranean-style restaurant and bar that serves up a particularly mean cocktail.

Grand Theatre Blackpool
Blackpool
Theatre
Blackpool Grand Theatre

Blackpool’s Grand theatre is home to a broad and high quality touring programme of entertainment including drama, musical theatre, opera, ballet and dance.

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Dynamic dance, party-performance, high-energy stand-up and a site-specific show set in a pub. All this and more in our newest theatre guide.

image shows pinned butterflies and pretty paper with frames
Tours and Activities in the North

Boozy tours, art workshops and a 'hobby house' that champions all things DIY, get the creative cogs whirring with our latest batch of tours and activities.

A large sphere floats in a dark room with an ornate wall pattern, flanked by two arched windows and a checkered floor.
Exhibitions in the North

From precarious ceramics to photography festivals, spring is here and brings with it a breath of fresh air in visual art and exhibitions.

Okechukwu Nzelu
Literature Events in the North

If it's inspiring, inclusive events and avant-garde, experimental afternoons you're after, look no further than live literature this spring – we've got you covered.

the artist
Music in the North

The outsiders, the oddities and the outrageous – we’re keeping it weird with a hot new batch of underground gigs about to hit Manchester, Leeds, and Liverpool.

A woman sits in a car with hands holding the steering wheel.
Cinema in the North

Vintage Alfred Hitchcock and a family friendly film festival are amongst our highlights this May.