Discover Blackpool through two dates and its sweeping coastal setting: The Blackpool Tower opened in 1894; the Blackpool Tower Circus opened in the same year. The Circus has not missed a season since. Alongside this long history of entertainment are galleries, promenade art and natural spaces – different sides of the town that you can explore according to your interests.
Culture, architecture and entertainment
The Blackpool Tower’s glass SkyWalk viewing area offers panoramic views. The Tower also serves afternoon tea accompanied by live music from organists and the Wurlitzer organ. Check the SkyWalk’s operating details and the seasonal availability of afternoon tea in advance.
Showtown’s six galleries are devoted to themes such as seaside holidays, magic, circus, shows, dance and the Illuminations. Interactive activities include dancing, juggling, a Punch and Judy show, and designing your own Illuminations. The exhibitions may evolve; the themes offer a glimpse into different facets of entertainment in Blackpool.
The Grundy Art Gallery’s permanent collection includes more than 2,000 works. Exhibitions and events featuring contemporary art are held throughout the year, alongside a free programme of workshops, tours and talks. Specific dates may change. The Blackpool Grand Theatre offers a different cultural perspective, with its Victorian auditorium designed by Frank Matcham.
The Winter Gardens were developed between 1878 and 1939 and comprise eleven unique spaces. Their architecture ranges from Victorian design to contemporary Art Deco. They offer a way to trace a long period of development in one venue.
Promenade and coast
The Great Promenade Show comprises ten works of art along Blackpool Promenade, which runs south from South Pier. The Blackpool Illuminations are also part of the Promenade: traditional strings of lights, tableaux and interactive elements stretch for six miles. The dates of the annual Illuminations vary. Blackpool Beach is a seaside resort that is free to access; check local conditions before your trip.
Parks and nature conservation
Opened in 1926, Stanley Park is a Grade II listed park. Its features include a bandstand, a boating lake and Italian gardens. Leisure activities include pedal boats, pitch and putt, train rides and trampolining; some activities may change. The park combines listed design with outdoor activities.
Marton Mere is a local nature reserve and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Reed beds, meadows, woodland, scrubland and open water form the area’s varied habitats. A circular trail with wildlife-viewing points offers a way to explore nature; check trail conditions before your visit.
Rides and discoveries
At Pleasure Beach Resort, a multisensory dark water ride lasts six and a half minutes. In Viking boats, it travels through scenes featuring fire, snow and icy mist; ride details may change. Nickelodeon Land at the resort has twelve rides and attractions. The Big One is described as an especially thrilling roller coaster – a different kind of experience from the themed water ride.
Sandcastle Waterpark offers more than 18 water slides and attractions in a tropical climate of 84 degrees. The park provides planning resources for guests with disabilities and additional support needs; confirm specific arrangements in advance. SEA LIFE Blackpool showcases more than 2,500 marine animals. In the Jurassic Ocean Tunnel, marine animals swim overhead; animal presentations and exhibitions may change.
Getting around Blackpool
The Blackpool Tramway runs for eleven miles along the Fylde Coast, from Fleetwood to Starr Gate, passing Cleveleys and Blackpool Town Centre. Service arrangements may change, so it is worth checking the latest timetables. The VisitBlackpool Tourist Information Centre sells three- and seven-day tickets; check which products are available before your trip. At Tramtown, visitors can also see the technical operations of the Heritage Tram Centre.
Discover more destinations: Blackpool, Bispham, Warrington, Wirral, Wigan, Liverpool, Halton, Knowsley.
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