In collaboration with
Rough Guides
Blackpool Attractions
Blackpool’s attractions for visitors
Blackpool remains Britain’s archetypal seaside resort. Alongside its Golden Mile, amusement arcades, tram and donkey rides, candy floss stalls and glitzy show venues, it boasts six miles of fine beach.- Visit Blackpool Tower
- Head to the Pleasure Beach
- Have a laugh at the Comedy Carpet
- See the twinkling Blackpool illuminations
- Stroll down the Golden Mile
- Visit the Winter Gardens
- See the Great Promenade Show
- Enjoy a donkey ride in Blackpool
Looking for a quintessentially English resort? A good beach, a pier or two and fish and chips at every turn? Blackpool in the northwest is the pinnacle.
1. Visit Blackpool Tower
No, you’re not in Paris! This is Blackpool’s answer to its very own Eiffel Tower. Cast your eye to Blackpool’s skyline and you’ll see the 158-metre tall Blackpool Tower. The “Eiffel Tower” on the seafront and other refined diversions were built to cater to the tastes of the first influx of visitors.
Best for: One of the most famous Blackpool attractions
While you're there: Ride up to the top for the stunning view and an unnerving walk on the see-through glass floor.
2. Head to the Pleasure Beach
The major draw in town is Blackpool Pleasure Beachon the South Promenade. Entrance to the amusement park is relatively cheap, but you’ll have to fork out for the superb array of white-knuckle rides including the 235ft-high “Big One”. The wonderful antique wooden roller coasters (“woodies” to aficionados) may seem like kids’ stuff, but each is unique. The original “Big Dipper” was invented at Blackpool in 1923 and still thrills, as does the “Grand National” (1935). Recuperate in the park’s champagne and oyster bar, which adds a bit of class to the huge number of fast food options on offer.
Best for: Blackpool thrills
While you're there: Don’t disregard the warning at the thrilling “Valhalla” ride - you will get wet, save this one until the end of the day.
3. Have a laugh at the Comedy Carpet
Right outside Blackpool Tower, The Comedy Carpet is one of the country’s most engaging pieces of public art. The area is a 2200m-square, cross-shaped pavement comprising jokes and catchphrases from around a thousand comedians and writers, both old-school and new. It’s a dazzling typographic display that recalls a music hall playbill. Opened in 2011 by end-of-the-pier stalwart Ken Dodd, it’s a unique celebration of British comedy and a marvellous way to spend an hour.
Best for: Public art
While you're there: Go get your photo taken next to the Blackpool tower!
4. See the twinkling Blackpool illuminations
The Blackpool lights have been a tourist attraction for over a century. The city comes alive with a sparkling array of colours. More than half a million light bulbs create the Illuminations that decorate the prom. There’s a whole special event for the turning on of the Blackpool Illuminations. Switch-on weekend is celebrated with free events and music. Looking for Blackpool holidays? Book your accommodation ahead if you’re going for the Blackpool illuminations switch-on - it’s a popular time to visit. The switch-on weekend takes place in late August or early September to early November. Check the website for more details.
Best for: A popular Blackpool sightseeing experience
While you're there: Note that Blackpool Dance Festival takes place from August to September, so is a busy time to visit too.
5. Stroll down the Golden Mile
Fast-food stalls, restaurants, bingo halls and amusement arcades line the Golden Mile. The area skirts wide stretches of sand, where sand-surfers and kite-flyers have the time of their lives. Trams trundle along the prom and three piers offer traditional summer entertainments. Every kind of fairground ride is available at Blackpool - the possibilities are endless!
Best for: A fun walk in Blackpool
While you're there: Make the most of the fish and chips on offer at the beach and don’t forget Blackpool’s famous rock!
6. Visit the Winter Gardens
One of the main Blackpool tourist attractions is the Winter Gardens. The area is a grand Victorian entertainment complex housing an opera house, a ballroom and several theatres. Events held here range from boxing matches to magic shows. In the past, it has also often been used by Britain’s main political parties for their annual conferences.
Best for: Entertainment
While you're there: The Winter Gardens is also home to great gigs. Try and catch your favourite band here while you’re in Blackpool!
7. See the Great Promenade Show
Perhaps nowhere sums up Blackpool better than the Great Promenade Show. This is a set of ambitious outdoor sculptures, installations and soundscapes set along a mile or so of the new promenade. Every feature relates to some aspect of Blackpool’s history or its natural environment. These include the mighty High Tide Organ, which gives off haunting music when “played” by the swell of the waves and a set of sculptures of circus characters by Sir Peter Blake.
Best for: Exploring the new promenade
While you're there: Spot the world’s largest disco ball, named “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?”
8. Enjoy a donkey ride in Blackpool
Travelling with kids? Here’s number one for Blackpool sightseeing for families. On the beach, you will find plenty of donkeys waiting for your little ones. Kids will love taking a ride on a donkey and exploring the length of the sand on four hooves! A traditional donkey ride in Blackpool has been in practice since the 1880s, proving how popular this attraction is.
Best for: A fun day out with animals
While you're there: Kids will also love spotting their favourite celebs at Madame Tussauds as well!
