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Things to Do in Blackpool

Activities To Do In Blackpool

Whether it is a long serene walk down the beach or mingling with the local crowds at a historic Promenade, there is a whole list of interesting things to do in Blackpool that will appeal to everyone. A quaint seaside resort in England, Blackpool comes packed with old-school amusement parks, landmark towers, and ballroom dancing. The Victorian town is one of the most popular destinations for a complete family holiday in the United Kingdom.

Explore the famous Blackpool Tower, Blackpool Piers, and Blackpool Promenade to get an authentic feel of the city’s culture and tradition. You can also visit its other fun places including Louis Tussaud’s Museum where you will see some of the most stunning works of art. Head to Pleasure Beach to enjoy one of the world’s tallest and steepest roller coasters, or marvel at the scintillating lights while aboard a tram at the Illuminations. There are a plethora of other activities to do in Blackpool such as visiting the Sandcastle Waterpark and enjoying a day at the cute Blackpool Model Village and Gardens, among others to make the most of your visit to the favorite beach resort in the whole of UK.

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Which are the best things to do in Blackpool?

1. Visit the famous Blackpool Tower: One of the most renowned towers in the whole of England, the Blackpool Tower is reminiscent of the Paris Eiffel Tower and one of the most interesting things to do in Blackpool. Get an absolutely mesmerizing view of the entire city from the very top of this tower, also the most famous landmark here. Standing at a height of 158 meters over Blackpool's Golden Mile it can not only be seen from any part of the city but also from other neighboring cities. There are five attractions housed within the tower- Blackpool Tower Eye, the Blackpool Tower Dungeon, the Tower Ballroom, the Tower Circus, and the Fifth Floor.

Timings :
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: GBP 92

2. Spend an afternoon at the Blackpool Pier: 
Among the most fun things to do in Blackpool is spending time in its three Victorian piers- the North, Central, and South Piers that house several outlets that guarantee complete family entertainment. Walk the Golden Mile between the North and South Piers soaking in its rich history and the surrounding views. The oldest of the three, the North Pier is the most popular, especially with families. The Big Wheel, also one of the city’s most iconic landmarks from where you can enjoy stunning views of the Fylde Coast, is at the Central Pier. End your tour at the fun family bar, Laughing Donkey at the South Pier where you can enjoy a sumptuous meal and a refreshing drink.

Timings:
10:30 AM – 10 PM (Sunday), 10 A – 11 PM (Monday - Saturday)
Entry Fee: Free

3. Take a stroll along the Blackpool Promenade: 
Enjoy some of the most unique Blackpool attractions as you take a walk down the Victorian Promenade, a popular haunt among locals and visitors alike. The promenade is divided into three Shores, North, Central, and South, each offering its own distinct and interesting things to do in Blackpool. Do not miss out on the famous Comedy Carpet located in front of the Blackpool Tower. This 2200-square meters artwork created with numerous granite letters fixed in concrete is a tribute to the city’s longstanding history of performance and entertainment. 

Timings:
10:30 AM – 10 PM (Sunday), 10 A – 11 PM (Monday - Saturday)
Entry Fee: Free

4. Enjoy the stunning works of art at Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks: 
A museum that boasts over 150 wax replicas of eminent personalities from across the globe makes for one of the most exciting things to do in Blackpool. From film stars and TV personalities to political figures, royalty, sports stars, and pop singers, you are sure to find the figures of some of your most admired celebrities here. Located on the Blackpool Promenade, the wax museum is also among the oldest attractions in the city. Explore each of the 13 themed chambers when you are here including the football changing room, coronation street, music room, and much more. 

Timings:
10 AM - 4 PM
Entry Fee : 
Adult - GBP 15.95,
Child - GBP 12.95

5. Get an adrenaline rush at the Blackpool Pleasure Beach: 
Visiting this old-school amusement park which also houses the tallest and steepest roller coasters in the entire UK- The Big One, is among the most thrilling things to do in Blackpool. Get striking views of the surrounding areas when you reach the top followed by a nerve-racking adventure as you plummet down. The park is located on the South Promenade and is a great place to have a fun family outing. Head to the cute Nickelodeon Land if you have small kids or simply enjoy the other traditional rides, wooden roller coasters, and the park’s oldest ride. 

Timings:
11 AM - 5 PM
Entry Fee : 
Adult - GBP 30
Child - GBP 27

6. Experience a vivid display at Blackpool Illuminations
First displayed in 1879, the Blackpool Illuminations have picked up much popularity over time and are a world-famous feature today. It is a 6-mile stretch of animated tableaux and bright lights make for a splendid display. It uses more than a million bulbs that glow every night usually from the end of August until the beginning of November. This is also the time when special trams run along this stretch so that you can get the best views of the lights. The Lightpool Festival takes place around the same time where you can enjoy free live performances.

Timings:
8 PM – 12 Midnight (Usually from September through November)
Entry Fee: Free

7. Take a splash at the Sandcastle Waterpark: 
Situated right across South Beach, the Sandcastle Waterpark is open throughout the summer season and offers some of the most fun activities to do in Blackpool including rides, slides, and roller coasters. It maintains a warmed temperature at 84 degrees Fahrenheit giving you a pleasant tropical feel when here. Enjoy each of the 18 thrilling rides that the park boasts ranging from water cannons to mini chutes for the youngest visitors to more thrilling rides for the older kids. The park also houses the longest indoor roller coaster in the world- the Master Blaster. 

Timings:
10 AM - 4:30 PM
Entry Fee : 
Adults (above 12 years) - GBP 15.50,
Child - GBP 12.50

8. Experience nature’s beauty at Stanley Park: 
Voted one of the UK’s best parks, Stanley Park spans almost 390 acres of beautiful green lands covered in beautiful flower beds. It comprises a stunning Italian Garden with a stately marble fountain that draws crowds by the hordes. One of the best activities to do in Blackpool is also to go boating on the lake at the eastern end of the park complete with ornamental bridges and views of ducks, swans, and waterfowl swimming by. As you go south, you will find several fun facilities for children with trampolines, a BMX track, and well-equipped playgrounds. 

Timings:
Dawn to Dusk
Entry Fee: Free

9. Spend a fun day out at Blackpool Beach: 
Get a firsthand experience of spending time at one of the country’s most elegant beach resorts that features almost 7 miles of clean, soft, white sand. Whether you want to go paddling, enjoy other water adventures, or simply build sandcastles and sunbathe, this beach offers some of the best things to do in Blackpool. If you are here with children, head to Central Beach where they can take a ride on the iconic Blackpool donkeys with Victorian names displayed on their bridles. For a quieter experience, go beyond the north pier. 

Timings:
Dawn to Dusk
Entry Fee: Free

10. Escape the bustle of city life at Blackpool Model Village and Gardens: 
Yet another top thing to do at Blackpool is the Model Village and Gardens located right next to Stanley Park. It is a place that can be equally enjoyed by children and adults with miniature versions of hundreds of village sceneries as well as their residents. There is a pleasant Cornish fishing village alongside a Tudor settlement as well as a Scottish castle. There is also a model railway as well as a working rail service that takes you through the entire village. The complete settlement is enclosed within an area of two and a half acres of well-manicured gardens and rolling greens. 

Timings:
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fee : 
Adults: GBP 9.95
Children (aged 3-16): GBP 7.25

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Which are the best activities to do in Blackpool with kids?

1. Visit the Blackpool ZooHome to more than 1300 animals, the award-winning Blackpool Zoo is one of the top things to do in Blackpool with kids. From big cats, elephants, and giraffes to wolves, orangutans, and a complete gorilla house, the 37-acre parkland has all the elements for a fun day out. The zoo grounds also feature a Playbarn which is a soft play center for young children to spend a carefree time here and is completely free to explore for anybody visiting the zoo.

2. Visit the Grundy Art Gallery
One of the hidden gems in the city, the Grundy art gallery falls on the list of interesting activities to do in Blackpool particularly if you are a family that appreciates art. The gallery features a wide range of work by established as well as emerging artists which has put it among the leading visual arts centers in the northwest. It is a nice way to introduce kids to some of the most renowned works by great masters. 

3. Enjoy a day at Blackpool Beach: 
This is among the most fun Blackpool things to do with kids, especially the ride on the city’s iconic donkeys. These donkeys can be found on Central Beach and are reminiscent of an old Victorian tradition. They still bear Victorian names and give children a ride on their backs across the waterfront. 

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Which are the romantic things to do in Blackpool?

1. Enjoy an evening of cultural performances and concerts: Take your special someone out to enjoy the lively cultural scene here, also one of the most romantic activities to do in Blackpool. The city is known for its historic entertainment venues- The Grand Theater and the Winter Gardens. The beautiful Grand Theater with its cantilever design and Baroque ceiling will give you the experience to cherish forever. The Winter Gardens has a theater and ballroom and holds exclusive shows, exhibitions, and festivals that you should not miss when here. Ballroom dancing in particular is a distinct experience that you should try as a couple and Blackpool offers the perfect opportunity. 

2. Soak in the tranquility of nature at Marton Mere Nature Reserve: 
Far from the bustling Blackpool Promenade, the calm and quiet nature reserve at Marton Mere is among the most romantic things to do at Blackpool. Spend a warm sunny afternoon here and quality time together as a couple trailing the designated footpath as you try to spot the wildlife in the surrounding area. These may include anything from a bat, otters, and herons, to a variety of dragonflies and butterflies. 

3. Enjoy a fun evening at the Comedy Station Comedy Club: 
Located opposite the Blackpool Tower entrance, this club is a well-known venue for wholesome evening entertainment. The club is strictly meant for adults and is great if you are looking for some unique and fun activities to do in Blackpool with your partner. You can watch a range of upcoming as well as popular comedians from the British stage and TV world come and perform here. End your day at this unique outlet with a good laugh and warm camaraderie with your partner.

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Which are the best things to do in Blackpool for free?

1. Go to Boot Sales: Experience this unique traditional flea market where traders sell their wares from the boots of their vehicles across an open field. It is one of the most fun activities to do in Blackpool for free where you can not only engage in some interesting shopping experiences but also enjoy the bouncy castles and the variety of catering outlets. 

2. Explore the Marton Mere Nature Reserve: 
Located just a 20-minute drive away from the city center, this reserve is great for a family visit especially if you are a nature lover and looking for the best things to do in Blackpool for free. The flatlands feature open water habitats, grassland, and reed beds. An absolute haven for wildlife enthusiasts, it is also home to a huge bird population with some rare and exotic birds that can be spotted here. 

3. Get amazed by the Blackpool Illuminations: 
Enjoy one of the most mesmerizing free light shows you have ever seen, which is also among the best Blackpool things to do. Locally known as ‘The Lights’, these vivid displays make use of about a million light bulbs. Embark on a specially illuminated tram that runs all the way between Pleasure Beach and Bispham when the displays are lit.

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Which are the adventurous activities to do in Blackpool?

1. Enjoy water adventure at Sandcastle Waterpark: If you are looking for adventurous activities to do in Blackpool, go for the thrilling roller coasters at the largest indoor waterpark in the UK. Apart from some of the most adrenaline-pumping white knuckle rides, there is also a wave pool, rides for children, a spa, a cafe, and plenty of places to sit and relax.

2. Go to Peter Rabbit: Explore and Play: 
Meet the fun and mischievous Peter Rabbit as you have seen it in your picture books, only much larger now. This exploration and play zone certainly falls on the list of great Blackpool things to do where kids, as well as adults, can follow their furry friends and share in their pleasure. Embark on an adventurous journey with the oversized rabbit and his friends across five fluffy-tailed themed zones. 

3. Visit Pleasure Beach: 
This is the largest and most popular amusement park here which is also considered one of the top Blackpool things to do. It is also counted among the most visited places in the entire country with more than forty fun-filled rides. The Big One is one of the park’s highest roller coasters and the Infusion here is the world’s first-ever suspended looping coaster that runs entirely over water. 

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Which are the best things to do near Blackpool?

1. Enjoy a day at Avenham and Miller Park: This scenic park in Avenham Valley stretches across miles of rolling greens and is a great way to spend an afternoon. Going on a long walk or biking here is also among the best things to do near Blackpool. Set by the banks of the River Ribble, you can bask in the tranquil atmosphere of the park or go walking or cycling along its beautiful trails. The riverside path takes you through the parks all the way to The Pavilion. 

2. Bask in nature’s bounty at Brockholes Nature Reserve: 
Enjoy nature and its abundance at Brockholes Nature Reserve, one of the best things to do near Blackpool during your visit here. You will find a range of activities to engage in including a zip line, an adventure play area, as well as a climbing forest. The park also houses a floating visitors center where you can enjoy a sumptuous meal.

3. Visit Williamson Park: 
Williamson Park’s Butterfly House and Mini Beast Cave are very popular zones among visitors looking for a quiet time amid nature and some quintessential Blackpool things to do like. Explore the park’s hidden pathways to discover interesting sundials, mosaics, and follies, picnic in the vast shaded greens, and let your children have a fun time in its numerous playgrounds.

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What is the best time to visit Blackpool?

The best time to visit Blackpool is from the middle of March to October which comprises the spring and summer months. During this time, the weather remains the most pleasant here and perfect for visiting its various amusement parks, beach activities, and other festivals.

How to reach Blackpool?

1. By Train: Blackpool is well connected by the rail network with major cities in the UK like London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Birmingham and you can easily reach here by train. You can take the Superfast Avanti trains to Preston and then take an onward train to Blackpool by Northern Rail.

2. By Car: 
You can drive down to Blackpool from major cities by taking the direct motorway link to the heart of the city. You can take Junction 32 off the M6, and the M55 that will lead you straight to Blackpool.

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What is Blackpool known for?

Blackpool is famous for some of the most famous amusement parks in the whole of the UK such as Pleasure Beach which houses the highest roller coasters in the country. It is also known for its Illuminations, old-world ballroom dancing, tranquil beaches, and great seafood.

How many days are enough to explore Blackpool?

If you are traveling to Blackpool you should have at least two days in hand to enjoy all the fun and thrill the place has to offer. The city boasts world-class entertainment as well as picturesque natural beauty which make it the country’s favorite beach resort.

How far is Blackpool from London?

Blackpool lies at a distance of about 242 miles from London which can be easily covered by train in 4 hours and 44 minutes.

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