Blackpool travel guide

Blackpool Tourism | Blackpool Guide

You're Going to Love Blackpool

Blackpool is a classically English seaside destination. With its bright illuminations, vibrant nightlife, charming attractions and sense of fun, it's easy to see why the city has become such a favorite with tourists.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Blackpool

1. A Galaxy of Entertaining Attractions

Blackpool offers a feast of entertainment, from the exhilarating rides of the Pleasure Beach to the comedy and music shows at the Winter Gardens.

2. The Beach!

Blackpool is famous for its immense beach, which stretches for miles when the tide is out. Enjoy quintessentially English coastal activities like donkey rides or just stretch out and relax.

3. The Beautiful Illuminations

Throughout the summer, Blackpool becomes a spectacular light show, with millions of bulbs illuminating the seafront. It's a magical sight.

4. Superb Nightlife

Another thing that Blackpool is famous for its nightlife. Clubs like Flamingo and Revolution attract top DJs from around the world, and they are always packed, even in the off season.

5. You'll be Within Easy Reach of Manchester, Liverpool and the Lake District

When you stay in Blackpool, you can use it as a base to visit nearby attractions like the Beatles Experience, Tate Liverpool, the Lake District or central Manchester.

1. A Galaxy of Entertaining Attractions

Blackpool offers a feast of entertainment, from the exhilarating rides of the Pleasure Beach to the comedy and music shows at the Winter Gardens.

2. The Beach!

Blackpool is famous for its immense beach, which stretches for miles when the tide is out. Enjoy quintessentially English coastal activities like donkey rides or just stretch out and relax.

3. The Beautiful Illuminations

Throughout the summer, Blackpool becomes a spectacular light show, with millions of bulbs illuminating the seafront. It's a magical sight.

4. Superb Nightlife

Another thing that Blackpool is famous for its nightlife. Clubs like Flamingo and Revolution attract top DJs from around the world, and they are always packed, even in the off season.

5. You'll be Within Easy Reach of Manchester, Liverpool and the Lake District

When you stay in Blackpool, you can use it as a base to visit nearby attractions like the Beatles Experience, Tate Liverpool, the Lake District or central Manchester.

What to do in Blackpool

1. Blackpool Pleasure Beach: Thrills and Fun for all the Family

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has been entertaining families since 1896, and it constantly seems to be reinventing itself. Regularly ranked among Europe's best amusement parks, it attracts well over five million visitors a year, and almost everyone who visits Blackpool pays a visit. There are 10 rollercoasters on site, including the Big One, one of the largest in the world. But there are more sedate attractions too including a Nickelodeon Land for kids as well as dodgems and carousels, crazy golf and even a branch of Ripley's Believe it or Not.

2. Blackpool Tower: A Victorian Marvel

When you step of the train to Blackpool, you won't be able to miss Blackpool Tower. Probably the resort's most recognizable building, the tower was built in 1894 as a response to Paris' Eiffel Tower -- and it is just as elegant and impressive. It has seen some action over the years, having been used as a wartime radar station, having huge King Kong statues attached to its side and serving as an unorthodox wedding venue. But for tourists, the main appeal is the fantastic views from the Tower Eye along with entertainment events in the Tower Ballroom.

3. Sandcastle Waterpark: Make a Splash!

A great complement to the Pleasure Beach, Sandcastle Waterpark is around 200 meters to the northwest and offers a completely different set of attractions. Here, families can enter a climate-controlled tropical funland and descend its 18 chutes (including the epic Master Blaster, the longest indoor slide in the whole world). If thrills and spills aren't your thing, Sandcastle offers a spa facility, and there are adventure playgrounds for smaller kids to enjoy as well. Basically, it's a family attraction that can be enjoyed whatever the weather.

4. Central Pier: Enjoy an Afternoon of Fun on the Ocean

Stretching out a massive 340 meters into the Irish Sea, Blackpool's Central Pier was intended to provide Victorian vacationers with a chance to get away from their work and the city and feel far away from the land. Since 1868, it has provided a place to escape, offering a huge array of games, entertainment venues and rides. These days, you can ride the Ferris Wheel, check out the fairground and enjoy a show at the Family Bar. And, if all of that isn't enough, SEA LIFE Blackpool is just across the road -- one of the UK's best aquariums.

5. Stanley Park: A Little Slice of Renaissance Italy

Back on dry land, Stanley Park is Blackpool's premier green space, but it's more than just a boring old park. Stretching across 260 acres, it offers a superb boating lake, a pitch and putt course and plenty of places to relax. But the main attraction is the Italian Garden. Featuring lion sculptures, Florentine fountains and probably the most beautiful café you will ever visit, the park's Italian Garden is a testimony to the Victorians' belief in healthy bodies and healthy minds.

Blackpool Pleasure BeachBlackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool TowerBlackpool Tower
Central PierCentral Pier
Stanley ParkStanley Park

1. Blackpool Pleasure Beach: Thrills and Fun for all the Family

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has been entertaining families since 1896, and it constantly seems to be reinventing itself. Regularly ranked among Europe's best amusement parks, it attracts well over five million visitors a year, and almost everyone who visits Blackpool pays a visit. There are 10 rollercoasters on site, including the Big One, one of the largest in the world. But there are more sedate attractions too including a Nickelodeon Land for kids as well as dodgems and carousels, crazy golf and even a branch of Ripley's Believe it or Not.

2. Blackpool Tower: A Victorian Marvel

When you step of the train to Blackpool, you won't be able to miss Blackpool Tower. Probably the resort's most recognizable building, the tower was built in 1894 as a response to Paris' Eiffel Tower -- and it is just as elegant and impressive. It has seen some action over the years, having been used as a wartime radar station, having huge King Kong statues attached to its side and serving as an unorthodox wedding venue. But for tourists, the main appeal is the fantastic views from the Tower Eye along with entertainment events in the Tower Ballroom.

3. Sandcastle Waterpark: Make a Splash!

A great complement to the Pleasure Beach, Sandcastle Waterpark is around 200 meters to the northwest and offers a completely different set of attractions. Here, families can enter a climate-controlled tropical funland and descend its 18 chutes (including the epic Master Blaster, the longest indoor slide in the whole world). If thrills and spills aren't your thing, Sandcastle offers a spa facility, and there are adventure playgrounds for smaller kids to enjoy as well. Basically, it's a family attraction that can be enjoyed whatever the weather.

4. Central Pier: Enjoy an Afternoon of Fun on the Ocean

Stretching out a massive 340 meters into the Irish Sea, Blackpool's Central Pier was intended to provide Victorian vacationers with a chance to get away from their work and the city and feel far away from the land. Since 1868, it has provided a place to escape, offering a huge array of games, entertainment venues and rides. These days, you can ride the Ferris Wheel, check out the fairground and enjoy a show at the Family Bar. And, if all of that isn't enough, SEA LIFE Blackpool is just across the road -- one of the UK's best aquariums.

5. Stanley Park: A Little Slice of Renaissance Italy

Back on dry land, Stanley Park is Blackpool's premier green space, but it's more than just a boring old park. Stretching across 260 acres, it offers a superb boating lake, a pitch and putt course and plenty of places to relax. But the main attraction is the Italian Garden. Featuring lion sculptures, Florentine fountains and probably the most beautiful café you will ever visit, the park's Italian Garden is a testimony to the Victorians' belief in healthy bodies and healthy minds.

Blackpool Pleasure BeachBlackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool TowerBlackpool Tower
Central PierCentral Pier
Stanley ParkStanley Park

1. Blackpool Pleasure Beach: Thrills and Fun for all the Family

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has been entertaining families since 1896, and it constantly seems to be reinventing itself. Regularly ranked among Europe's best amusement parks, it attracts well over five million visitors a year, and almost everyone who visits Blackpool pays a visit. There are 10 rollercoasters on site, including the Big One, one of the largest in the world. But there are more sedate attractions too including a Nickelodeon Land for kids as well as dodgems and carousels, crazy golf and even a branch of Ripley's Believe it or Not.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

2. Blackpool Tower: A Victorian Marvel

When you step of the train to Blackpool, you won't be able to miss Blackpool Tower. Probably the resort's most recognizable building, the tower was built in 1894 as a response to Paris' Eiffel Tower -- and it is just as elegant and impressive. It has seen some action over the years, having been used as a wartime radar station, having huge King Kong statues attached to its side and serving as an unorthodox wedding venue. But for tourists, the main appeal is the fantastic views from the Tower Eye along with entertainment events in the Tower Ballroom.

Blackpool Tower

3. Sandcastle Waterpark: Make a Splash!

A great complement to the Pleasure Beach, Sandcastle Waterpark is around 200 meters to the northwest and offers a completely different set of attractions. Here, families can enter a climate-controlled tropical funland and descend its 18 chutes (including the epic Master Blaster, the longest indoor slide in the whole world). If thrills and spills aren't your thing, Sandcastle offers a spa facility, and there are adventure playgrounds for smaller kids to enjoy as well. Basically, it's a family attraction that can be enjoyed whatever the weather.

Central Pier

4. Central Pier: Enjoy an Afternoon of Fun on the Ocean

Stretching out a massive 340 meters into the Irish Sea, Blackpool's Central Pier was intended to provide Victorian vacationers with a chance to get away from their work and the city and feel far away from the land. Since 1868, it has provided a place to escape, offering a huge array of games, entertainment venues and rides. These days, you can ride the Ferris Wheel, check out the fairground and enjoy a show at the Family Bar. And, if all of that isn't enough, SEA LIFE Blackpool is just across the road -- one of the UK's best aquariums.

Stanley Park

5. Stanley Park: A Little Slice of Renaissance Italy

Back on dry land, Stanley Park is Blackpool's premier green space, but it's more than just a boring old park. Stretching across 260 acres, it offers a superb boating lake, a pitch and putt course and plenty of places to relax. But the main attraction is the Italian Garden. Featuring lion sculptures, Florentine fountains and probably the most beautiful café you will ever visit, the park's Italian Garden is a testimony to the Victorians' belief in healthy bodies and healthy minds.

Where to Eat in Blackpool

If you want perfectly cooked fish and chips, don't miss Yorkshire Fisheries or Taylors. For gourmet Italian, try La Fontana, while the Beach House offers fine dining in a lovely seafront setting. Expect to pay around £6 for fish and chips or £15-20 for sit-down meals.

When to visit Blackpool

Blackpool in December
Estimated hotel price
$60
1 night at 3-star hotel
Blackpool in December
Estimated hotel price
$60
1 night at 3-star hotel

If you want to enjoy the beach at its best, head to Blackpool between June and early September. However, you can have plenty of fun in spring and fall as well, with events like May's Blackpool Dance Festival filling the calendar.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Blackpool

Plane

Flights from North America land at Manchester International. From there, trains to Blackpool North run every 30 minutes and cost as little as £6.

Train

Trains run into Blackpool North from Liverpool, Manchester and London. Direct trains from London Euston take just under three hours and start at £35.

Car

From London, take the M40 to Birmingham, then the M6 and finally the M55 at Preston. The M61 runs from Manchester.

Bus

National Express run daily bus services from London, which take a little over seven hours and can be as cheap as £10.

Plane

Flights from North America land at Manchester International. From there, trains to Blackpool North run every 30 minutes and cost as little as £6.

Train

Trains run into Blackpool North from Liverpool, Manchester and London. Direct trains from London Euston take just under three hours and start at £35.

Car

From London, take the M40 to Birmingham, then the M6 and finally the M55 at Preston. The M61 runs from Manchester.

Bus

National Express run daily bus services from London, which take a little over seven hours and can be as cheap as £10.

Airports near Blackpool

Airlines serving Blackpool

Lufthansa
Good (4,490 reviews)
KLM
Good (824 reviews)
SWISS
Good (912 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,284 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,611 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,253 reviews)
Air France
Good (972 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,533 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (482 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,845 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,112 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,469 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,460 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (219 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (801 reviews)
Finnair
Good (898 reviews)
LOT
Good (672 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,116 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (889 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (811 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Blackpool

High-quality luxury hotels within sight of the Blackpool Tower include Number One South Beach, the Imperial Hotel and the Ashley Victoria Hotel, which is right next to the beach.

Popular Neighborhoods in Blackpool

South Shore - The southern half of Blackpool features the fantastic Pleasure Beach, one of Europe's largest amusement parks.

North Shore - Home to the famous Blackpool Tower, the main pier and family attractions like Madame Tussaud's and Sea Life Blackpool, the North Shore is full of entertainment options.

Newton - Just east of the city center, Newton is another major tourist destination thanks to Blackpool Zoo and the quirky delights of the Blackpool Model Village.

South Shore - The southern half of Blackpool features the fantastic Pleasure Beach, one of Europe's largest amusement parks.
North Shore - Home to the famous Blackpool Tower, the main pier and family attractions like Madame Tussaud's and Sea Life Blackpool, the North Shore is full of entertainment options.
Newton - Just east of the city center, Newton is another major tourist destination thanks to Blackpool Zoo and the quirky delights of the Blackpool Model Village.

Where to stay in popular areas of Blackpool

Most booked hotels in Blackpool

HY Hotel, BW Premier Collection
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, 2345 reviews)
$128+
Glendower Hotel, BW Signature Collection
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 2082 reviews)
$102+
St Ives Hotel
2 stars
Excellent (8.2, 2578 reviews)
$100+
Dalmeny Resort Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 1223 reviews)
$125+
The Imperial Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8, 9064 reviews)
$58+
The Regal Hotel
2 stars
Good (7.8, 528 reviews)
$62+

How to Get Around Blackpool

Public Transportation

The tramway is a great way to get up and down the promenade and there are buses to other local destinations. Bus fares start at £1.20, while tram tickets start at £1.60.

Taxi

Taxi rates vary, but expect to pay £4 for the first mile, followed by around £6 for every subsequent mile.

Car

Car rental companies in the Blackpool area include Europcar and Enterprise, and rates can be as low as £15 per day.

Public Transportation

The tramway is a great way to get up and down the promenade and there are buses to other local destinations. Bus fares start at £1.20, while tram tickets start at £1.60.

Taxi

Taxi rates vary, but expect to pay £4 for the first mile, followed by around £6 for every subsequent mile.

Car

Car rental companies in the Blackpool area include Europcar and Enterprise, and rates can be as low as £15 per day.

The Cost of Living in Blackpool

Shopping Streets

The biggest shopping mall in town is probably Houndshill, home to plenty of major clothing chains. Head to the Regent if you are after craft gifts (and have a cup of tea in the Victorian Tearoom while you are there).

Groceries and Other

Local supermarkets include Asda and Morrisons. As an indicator, prices should be around £1.70 for 12 eggs.

Cheap meal
$15.52
A pair of jeans
$70.16
Single public transport ticket
$3.43
Cappuccino
$3.36
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