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Children will be defined as being 2 years and above. The upper limit will be subject to the hotels own contracted child age policies.

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Here at the Travel Village we want to satisfy your wanderlust and help you to create and enjoy challenging, exciting but above all relaxing holidays. Whatever your desire for exploration, be it city breaks*, beach holidays, guided tours or cruises - we can help. Established in 1959 , and well known throughout the travel industry, we can offer you an unprecedented wealth of knowledge to put together the perfect trip to excite and delight.  Your complete satisfaction is our goal.

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Tesco Travel Money Blackpool is conveniently located inside our store so you can easily exchange currency. Take a look at the Tesco Bank website to see our stocked currencies.

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Blackpool travel guide

Blackpool tourism | blackpool guide, you're going to love blackpool.

With a population of 143,101, Blackpool is a must-see destination in England, United Kingdom. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. Blackpool deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Blackpool

If you’re looking for affordable options, The Bank Bar & Grill (28 Corporation Street) and No 10 Ale House Blackpool & Thai Kitchen (258-260 Whitegate Drive) are great picks.

When to visit Blackpool

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Blackpool in July, when the average temperature is 60.8 °F, and the highest can go up to 64.4 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 35.6 °F, with an average temperature of 39.2 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in February, when precipitation is around 1″. In contrast, May is usually the driest month of the year in Blackpool, with an average rainfall of 0.2″.

How to Get to Blackpool

When flying to Blackpool, you’ll arrive at Blackpool (BLK), which is located 3 miles from the city center.

Northern Rail is the most popular train carrier serving Blackpool, followed by Avanti West Coast. Located 0.3 miles from the city center, Blackpool North is the busiest station in Blackpool. Another popular train station is Blackpool South, located 1.3 miles from the center.

Another option to get to Blackpool is to pick up a car rental from Edinburgh, which is about 148 miles from Blackpool. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and Europcar, among others, in Edinburgh.

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Blackpool, including National Express, FlixBus and Megabus. From Preston, the bus ride to Blackpool takes 40 miles and will cost you around $18. From Manchester, the ticket costs about $17 for a journey of 75 miles. The most popular bus station is Blackpool Central Coach Station, located 0.2 miles from downtown Blackpool. Blackpool Starr Gate is also a commonly used station, and is 3 miles from the city center.

Airports near Blackpool

Airlines serving blackpool, where to stay in blackpool.

Average rates range from around $62 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $122 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Wilsons Hotel - Blackpool Tower View and The Albert Inn Hotel Blackpool . There are also lots of vacation rental options in Blackpool, with prices from $20 to $139 per night. North Shore is the neighborhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, vacation rentals in Blackpool are about 104% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Where to stay in popular areas of Blackpool

Most booked hotels in blackpool, renting a car in blackpool.

Renting a car in Blackpool costs $31 per day, on average, or $62 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

Expect to pay $6.89 per gallon in Blackpool (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $82.67 and $110.23. The most frequently booked car type in Blackpool is Compact (Vauxhall Astra or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Opel Corsa or similar) are, on average, 64% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

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Visiting Blackpool for the First Time: Travel Tips & Info

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: August 31, 2023

Planning to visit Blackpool, UK , and wondering what to expect? In this guide, we share top tips and insider advice for your trip. Find out!

One of the most popular tourist destinations for families in the UK, Blackpool has lots of exciting attractions and fun activities to offer . But as it often goes with such popular places, your vacation can be a hit or a miss, and so much depends on advance preparation and having a good idea of what to expect.

If you are visiting Blackpool for the first time , this guide should help you make the most of your vacation, weekend getaway, or a day trip to this popular seaside resort in the UK. You can learn about free activities to enjoy, the best ways to get around town, where to stay, when to visit, and lots more. We also include a few local words and phrases, so you won’t be totally confused when you hear them!

Good to know: This article with top travel tips for visiting Blackpool is written by our writer Christine, who lives in Blackpool and knows the city and the area very well. So in addition to all the useful info, you’ll also find some insider tips and her personal recommendations.

Read on for our top tips on how to make the most of every minute of your trip to this fun and friendly coastal town!

When to visit Blackpool

If you are looking for the typical seaside holiday – making sandcastles on the beach and paddling in the sea – then July and August are the best months to visit Blackpool! The temperatures are at their highest, there are lots of opportunities for sunbathing and it remains light late into the evenings.

That being said, these are also the busiest months in Blackpool by far. Children in the UK are on their summer holidays from mid-July through to early September and Blackpool’s popularity means that its beaches and attractions are packed at this time of year.

If you don’t mind the weather being slightly cooler – but still very pleasant – you might prefer to visit Blackpool in June . Whilst still busy with daytrippers at weekends, the weekdays tend to be much quieter throughout June. All the attractions are open, so you have a much better chance to enjoy them at your leisure.

September is another great month to visit Blackpool. The temperatures may have cooled off slightly, but at the start of the month, the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations are lit. They usually continue to shine for 66 days, although this is sometimes extended. In addition to enjoying the display – known locally as ‘The Lights’ – you can also enjoy the World Fireworks Championships, usually held along the Promenade every Friday evening throughout the month of September.

But Blackpool has plenty to offer during the colder seasons too: long romantic walks along the coast, storm-watching, indoor attractions and museums, and also shows and entertainment.

Where to stay in Blackpool

If you want to be in the heart of the action, then there is only one place to stay in Blackpool – and that is on the Promenade itself! You’ll find everything from luxury hotels to bed and breakfast inns extending the entire length of the main Promenade and beyond.

Pretty much all of the hotels and guest houses along the Promenade are within comfortable walking distance of the majority of Blackpool’s main attractions. Plus they all have rooms offering sea views! Here are some of the most popular Blackpool hotels along the Promenade:

• Hampton By Hilton Blackpool (South Promenade)
• Imperial Hotel Blackpool (North Promenade)
• Royal Seabank Hotel (Central Promenade – right between the two of the most popular areas)

Should the focus of your visit be the Pleasure Beach amusement park , there are two very popular hotels here: the Big Blue Hotel and the Boulevard Hotel . They also offer packages including tickets for entry to Pleasure Beach amusement park.

If you would prefer to escape the hustle and bustle of the main Promenade at the end of the day, there are many hotels and inns in the many side streets leading off the Promenade , plus a few slightly further inland. These hotels tend to be much cheaper than those on the promenade and usually offer great value for your money. Check out The Carlton close to the Blackpool Tower (North) or The Marsden Hotel close to Pleasure Beach (South).

A popular choice outside of town is the Village Hotel , set in 236 acres of the countryside but still only a 10-minute drive from the main Promenade. This hotel is located almost immediately adjacent to Blackpool Zoo and just across the road from the award-winning Stanley Park.

READ ALSO: Best Hotels in Blackpool

If you prefer a self-catering option, there are lots of self-catering apartments in the center and a few caravan parks / holiday parks in and around Blackpool.

The largest caravan park is the Haven site at Marton Mere. Not only does this give you easy access to the area’s Nature Reserve, but it is only 20 minutes by car to the centre of town and the Promenade. Alternatively, you can take the ‘Beach Bus 26’ that runs regularly from the caravan park and offers an express service to all the attractions.

Plan & book everything well in advance

If you plan to visit Blackpool at the peak of the season (July/August or during The Illuminations), you will need to book your accommodation well in advance , as everything gets booked up very quickly.

There is so much to see and do in Blackpool that it can be overwhelming, so it is also a good idea to plan what you want to see and do ahead of time . You can easily spend a week or more in the town and still not have done everything! So I recommend checking out our guide to the best things to do in Blackpool before your trip and deciding on the things you want to see the most, based on the time you have available.

Blackpool frequently plays host to major festivals and events, including everything from the Lightpool Show (that coincides with The Illuminations) to the Rebellion Punk Festival in summer. This is when punks from all over the world gather to celebrate their style, music, and Mohawks! So be sure to check the events calendar ahead to see if there’s anything you’d enjoy taking part in during your stay.

TIP: Once you have decided on the attractions you want to visit, I highly recommend booking your tickets for the most popular places in advance. Almost all of Blackpool’s attractions are bookable online and the ticket prices are generally lower than if you pay at the gate. There is often a separate entrance for those who have pre-booked, so this will cut down on queuing time too.

PRO TIP:  If you are planning to visit several of Blackpool’s top sights, the PICK ‘N’ MIX Pass offers amazing value. It allows you to choose your own combination of the top 8 attractions (The Blackpool Tower Eye, The Tower Circus, The Tower Ballroom, The Tower Dungeon, SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, Peter Rabbit, and The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse). You can opt for a pass for 1, 2, or 7 days.

Some of the town’s most popular restaurants will be very busy at peak times, so you might also want to reserve your table for dinner in advance too.

!!! Don’t pack your days with activities and be sure to allow yourself some time just to relax ! Whilst Blackpool’s bustling energy is exhilarating, so too are some of the more tranquil moments. And sitting on the Promenade watching the sun go down on the horizon will make a special memory of your visit here.

Getting around in Blackpool

The great thing about Blackpool is that most of the main attractions are so close together that you can explore everything on foot. Only a few attractions – Blackpool Zoo, Stanley Park, Blackpool Model Village, and Marton Mere Nature Reserve – are out of town. But even those places are all easily accessible by public transport and only around 20 minutes away by taxi.

Whilst hiring a car is an option if you want to explore further, parking in Blackpool is relatively expensive. It is also hard to find a spot! Although there are more than 5,000 spaces, parking in the vicinity of the Promenade at the peak of the season is challenging.

Almost all of the major car parks are owned by Blackpool Council and use a Pay by Phone system, which enables you to download an app and make your payment from there. I recommend using that system if possible, as you can extend the length of your parking session remotely.

If you buy a ticket at the machines in the car park (which accept cash or debit/credit cards), you have to predict how long you need. This may result in rushing back to the car when you might have preferred to stay in town for longer!

The easiest way to get around Blackpool is via bus or tram , both of which are clean, modern, and efficient. You can buy tickets on the bus/tram, or download the Blackpool Transport app and buy them from there. The app also allows you to track vehicles in real time and lets you know about any service updates. Alternatively, you can buy tickets from local shops displaying the PayPoint sign.

You can use contactless payment cards on Blackpool’s buses (just place it under the scanner when you board). Stops are announced so it is easy to find the one you need and there is route information available on the app. At the time of writing, contactless payments are not accepted on Blackpool’s trams, but this is set to change soon. Cash is accepted on both buses and trams, but try to have the correct change ready if possible.

Note that Blackpool’s Heritage Trams are not included in any regular bus or tram tickets, but can be booked separately online .

Taxis in Blackpool are well-regulated, reasonably priced, and safe to use. Just call any of the local taxi companies to book your ride – you will be sent a text to let you know the taxi is on its way and the vehicle’s registration number. You will usually be sent another when it has arrived. There is no Uber in Blackpool.

Blackpool’s main train station – Blackpool North – is an end-of-the-line station, well connected to the National Rail Network. Blackpool is quite easy to reach by train from most bigger cities in the UK; it’s just 1.25 hours to Manchester or Liverpool and only 3 hours to London !

So if you are just planning to stay in town and don’t really need a car, it’s best to come by train!

Dress for the weather

If you are visiting Blackpool in the summer, then hopefully you will be welcomed with warm days and plenty of sunshine. Temperatures can soar in July and August, so make sure you have lots of sun protection and stay well hydrated at all times.

However, the British weather is notoriously unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared with waterproof clothing in case of rain and a couple of extra layers of warm clothes in case temperatures drop.

Remember that the main Promenade runs right along the coastline and that sea breezes can sometimes be cool, particularly in the evenings. A lightweight waterproof is also ideal for taking with you to the Pleasure Beach – on some of the rides you can get very wet indeed!

As you will likely be spending most of your time enjoying the attractions along the main stretch of the seafront, make sure you wear comfortable shoes for all that walking!

Enjoy Blackpool’s beaches

If you prefer your walk on the beach to be quiet and tranquil, walk north from North Pier towards Bispham.

Central Beach – between North and Central piers – is much busier, with a lively, family atmosphere. This is also where you will find the popular Blackpool donkeys providing rides for children.

For the very best photos, head south past Central pier . The beach is wide and you can get the big wheel and the Tower in one shot, capturing the iconic Blackpool skyline. Keep going south and you will come across numerous rock pools, which are great for kids to explore.

TIP: It is very important to check tide times when visiting Blackpool. In part, this is because the beach is entirely underwater at high tide – very disappointing if you’re not expecting it! But you also need to be aware of whether the tide is going in or out, as sandbars make it possible to become cut off from the main beach by rapidly incoming waters. Beach patrol officers are on duty daily and it is important to heed their advice and obey any signage.

Money matters

Credit, debit, and other contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, although be sure to set aside some cash for buying ice creams on the Promenade or playing the funfair-style games on the pier. Contactless limits have recently been raised, but you will sometimes need to use Chip and Pin (a card with a chip and a 4-digit PIN number). So be sure to have these available.

Don’t be surprised to be given Scottish banknotes in your change. There are lots of Scottish visitors in Blackpool, so you will see a lot of banknotes issued by Scottish banks. Just like English banknotes, these represent pounds sterling and are accepted everywhere.

TIP: If you use an ATM during your stay, choose to be charged in local currency (GBP). If you choose to be charged in your home currency instead, the bank or ATM provider will set the exchange rate. This will make your fees higher.

Money-saving tips & free attractions

There are plenty of ways to keep the family entertained in Blackpool for free, or at a very low cost. The biggest free attraction is, of course, the magnificent coastline – an unbroken 7 miles of clean, flat sand, where you can easily while away the hours making sandcastles and enjoying the sunshine.

The piers are free to enter and there are lots of places to sit along their length and simply admire the view! Other free attractions include The Illuminations (more about it further below), Stanley Park , Grundy Art Gallery , and Marton Mere Nature Reserve .

You can save money on bus and tram travel by buying a 24-hour or 7-day ‘saver’ ticket , which is much cheaper than buying tickets separately. Saver tickets are available for adults, young people, children, and groups (including family groups).

They can be bought via the app, onboard buses/trams, or at shops displaying the PayPoint logo. They are valid for unlimited travel on all of Blackpool’s buses and trams, so they are good value for money. Also, if you buy paper tickets onboard the buses and trams, check to see if there are any discounts for local attractions printed on the back of these tickets .

Many of Blackpool’s major sights – including all the attractions inside the Blackpool Tower , but also SEA Life and Madame Tussauds – offer deals where you can get reductions if you book another Blackpool attraction at the same time (see the PICK ‘N’ MIX Pass for all the options).

Depending on which options you choose, the PICK ‘N’ MIX Pass can save you over 50%!

TIP: If you travel into Blackpool by train, you may be entitled to a ‘2 for 1’ ticket to many attractions. Visit the National Rail website to find out more. And if you are in a group, be sure to check the website for the venue or attraction you are planning to visit for group discounts .

Make the most of your visit to the Pleasure Beach

Located on the South Promenade and boasting the tallest and steepest rollercoaster in the UK, the Pleasure Beach amusement park is one of Blackpool’s most popular attractions.

All entry tickets are ‘e-tickets’, which means they will be on your phone. Make sure that your phone is fully charged for your visit, and if possible bring along a portable charger too.

Because Pleasure Beach is so busy, consider buying a Speedy Pass, which will queue virtually for you and save you standing in line. It won’t get you on the ride any quicker, but it means that you can go on other rides whilst waiting for your turn. If you really want to splash out, you can get a VIP Speedy Pass that reduces your waiting time by 90%, enabling you to go on more of the most popular rides during your visit.

If you don’t have a Speedy Pass, a good tip is to wait until towards the end of the day to go on the very best rides, as the queues will have died down somewhat by then. The closing time for each ride is clearly posted at its entrance, so make sure you don’t leave it too late! One exception is the Icon – the theme park’s newest ride. Although the queues for the Icon look very long, they go down quickly, especially when all 3 trains are running.

TIP: Avoid visiting the Pleasure Beach when it is windy, as – due to its extreme height – the Big One (the steepest rollercoaster) will be closed.

There are lots of places to eat inside the grounds of Pleasure Beach and you can buy an ‘All you can Eat’ ticket ahead of time, which covers all your food and drink for the day. However, this is quite an expensive ticket and it doesn’t include every eating establishment (most notably, Burger King isn’t included!). You can bring in a picnic if you prefer and there are lockers available to store it while you ride.

Enjoy the greatest light show on earth, Blackpool Illuminations

If you come to Blackpool to see The Illuminations , be prepared for the Promenade to be VERY busy at night. If you plan to drive through them, try to visit on a weeknight. At the weekends, the traffic virtually comes to a standstill! A good tip is to drive through them from north to south, which always tends to be the quieter direction.

Alternatively, take the tram along the entire route, or join the Illuminated Tram tour, boarding one of three illuminated trams that run in a loop, originating from a stop opposite the Pleasure Beach. When you ride on an illuminated tram you almost become part of the illuminations yourself, so get ready to wave back at everyone you pass along the route!

But perhaps the nicest way to see the Lights is to walk along the Promenade and soak up the lively atmosphere, maybe enjoying a box of fish and chips along the way! If you can’t walk far, the best parts to visit on foot are the tableaux at the northern end of the display.

Good to know: The Illuminations usually take place from September to January ( see here for more info ) and are free to visit. But there are donation points along the route and you can even donate online . Another fun way to contribute is to become part of the Illuminations yourself! For £50 the image of you or a loved one can be brought to life in lights and included in the Headlights displays at the cliffs section of the northern Promenade.

Where to eat in Blackpool

Below, are some of our favorite restaurants in Blackpool. If you are in town for a longer vacation, be sure to try them all!

Blackpool is the home of fish and chips and the world-famous Harry Ramsden’s Fish and Chip Shop is located right on the Promenade. If you happen to miss it, there are plenty of other spots to enjoy this traditional British meal right throughout the town.

Be sure to check out Hive – an artisanal cafe that serves the very best coffee in town, plus mouthwatering breakfasts and lunches made with fresh local produce. It is located in the main shopping area, just a few minutes’ walk from the seafront.

For the best views, visit the White Tower Restaurant , which is housed in a gorgeous art deco building beside the Pleasure Beach. Enjoy the finest cuisine as you look out to sea. In autumn, it is one of the very best places from which to view The Illuminations!

There are plenty of international options too. The family-owned Hauze restaurant offers the very best European Cuisine and is truly a hidden gem, located just off the Promenade at North Shore.

For an authentic tapas lunch, head to Mi Casa Su Casa , located just off the Promenade at Bispham. The food is divine, the service impeccable and there is a covered outdoor area for dining al fresco and watching the world go by.

Ice cream is available everywhere in this seaside town, but for the best ice cream you’ve ever tasted, head to Notarriani , just off the Promenade at South Shore. This 4th generation family-run business makes its own Italian vanilla ice cream following a secret family recipe.

TIP: If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to try some Blackpool rock ! This iconic confectionery – still made by hand – is a cylindrical tube of solid, boiled sugar, usually flavored with spearmint or peppermint. What makes rock unique is that the name of the town runs right through it. Bags of cinder toffee – which are chunks of sinfully sweet honeycomb – are another type of confectionery very popular with the locals!

Visit some surrounding areas

Whilst Blackpool has good rail links to all of the UK’s major cities – and is just an hour away from the beautiful Lake District – there are many lovely places to visit just outside town.

Head south from the main Promenade to visit St. Anne’s , a lovely little town with a huge beach. At the northern end lie the sand dunes, a protected area with some beautiful views from the top and a great place to take a walk with the kids.

Head north from the Promenade and continue past Bispham into Cleveleys , a small, quiet town with a stunning Promenade. Just past Cleveleys is the Victorian resort of Fleetwood , where you will find lots of evidence of its history as a fishing town. Today it has an Art Deco Theatre, a beautiful beach, and a harbour yacht marina set beside a discount shopping village.

Blackpool is also surrounded by beautiful countryside and there are lots of pretty local villages to explore, along with the River Wyre which runs inland from Fleetwood.

LEARN MORE: Best Places to Visit Near Blackpool

Accessibility

Blackpool is very accessible, with all major attractions, venues, and the Promenade providing wheelchair access , and some attractions offering wheelchairs to hire.

All the new trams are accessible by wheelchair and the low floor buses are designed for easy access. Only one of the Heritage Trams – the Western Train – has a wheelchair lift, along with space for one wheelchair – the rest have steps. Nevertheless, the conductors are helpful and will do their best to assist everyone in getting aboard.

For more information about accessibility in Blackpool, check AccessAble .

Discover the local dialect

There are a few words and phrases used in Blackpool that you might not have heard in the UK. So here’s a quick rundown of some of the most common phrases to save you from confusion!

• Ey up cocker: Hello.
• Ta-rah: Goodbye.
• D’ya want owt? : Do you want anything?
• Nowt: Nothing.
• Chuffed: Very happy.
• Brew: Cup of tea.
• Chippy tea: Dinner from the fish and chip shop.
• Teacake: A bun with dried fruit.
• Barm cake: A bread roll.
• Lad/lass: Boy/girl.

• Depending on where you are travelling from, you may need a UK travel adapter for electrical appliances. Type G plugs are used in England, which are different from those used throughout much of the rest of Europe.
• Tipping in the UK is not as common elsewhere in the world, although it is still very much appreciated. If you are in a larger group, you may see this automatically added to your bill as an optional ‘service charge’. Should you wish to leave a tip, 10% of the bill is considered standard, rising to 15% for very good service.
• Do not litter! On-the-spot fines are issued to anyone caught littering, which includes discarding cigarette ends onto the ground.
• If you have any questions or problems during your stay, visit the Tourist Information Centre . It is located at Festival House on the Main Promenade, just 2 minutes from the Blackpool Tower.

So, these are our tips and info for visiting Blackpool. Hopefully, this gives you a better idea of what to expect and helps you make the most of your Blackpool vacation. Have a great time!

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Blackpool Where to Stay in Blackpool

More tips for your trip to the UK:

• Where to go:  Best Cities to Visit in the United Kingdom
• London:  Top London Sights and Attractions  &  London Tips
• For families: London with Kids
• Off the beaten path in London:  Hidden Gems of London  &  Best Views in London
• Popular excursions:  Best Day Trips from London
• Greenwich:  Things to Do in Greenwich  &  Painted Hall  &  Queen’s House and Tulip Stairs
• Liverpool:   Best Things to Do in Liverpool  &  Liverpool from London & The Beatles Locations in Liverpool
• Manchester:   Best Things to Do in Manchester  &  1-Day Manchester Itinerary
• Yorkshire:  Yorkshire Day Trips
• Cornwall:  Best Things to Do in Cornwall  &  Where to Stay in Cornwall
• Scotland:   Isle of Skye Itinerary  &  Scotland Whisky Tour
• Edinburgh:  Best Things to Do in Edinburgh  &  One Day in Edinburgh & Edinburgh Travel Tips
• Glasgow:  One Day in Glasgow

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Tuesday 16th of January 2024

Great overview of the city and what it offers. Greetings from the U.S.

Wednesday 17th of January 2024

Glad to help, Ric. Happy travels!

• 1 Understand
• 2.3 By train
• 2.4 By plane
• 2.5 By boat
• 3.1 On foot
• 3.2 By tram
• 3.4 By taxi
• 9.1 Self-catering
• 9.3 Mid-range
• 9.4 Splurge
• 10 Stay safe

Blackpool is a seaside resort in Lancashire on the northwest coast of England, bordering the Irish Sea. It's a traditional holiday resort with miles of sandy beach, the iconic Tower, and cheap and cheerful amenities for visitors. In 2020 the population was 145,000.

Understand [ edit ]

The Black Pool was a large peat-stained lake and wetland. West of it along the coast were sandhills and rough grazing: the main village was Poulton-le-Fylde ("pool town") and other tiny settlements were Thornton, Cleveleys, Norbreck and Bispham. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the wetland was drained for agriculture, so nowadays Marton Mere is its only remnant. Drainage made road access easier just as the fashion for sea-bathing took off, but getting here involved a lumbering expensive stagecoach ride so few visited.

In 1830 a railway was built from Preston to Fleetwood, which was intended to become a ferry terminal. That venture flopped but a railway spur was built to Blackpool in 1848 just as leisure time and disposable income were benefitting a mass market. Each northern factory town took it in turns to close in summer for maintenance, releasing its labour. You could tell which town was having its "wakes week", especially during the "Glasgow trades", by the accents heard along the sea front. The concept of "wakes" — vigils on the eve of a Saint's Day — was carefully described in 601 AD by Pope Gregory I, who somehow failed to see its Victorian evolution. Blackpool acquired its promenade, three piers, amusements, pubs and accommodation, with Blackpool Tower opening in 1894. It had by far the best beach, miles and miles of sand, on a coast that is otherwise silted by estuary outflow. Amusements were concentrated on the 1½ mile strip between the north and south piers, and this was dubbed "Golden Mile", a wry reference to its slot machines.

Blackpool needed visitors and income outside the summer holiday season. The Illuminations were inaugurated in 1879 to extend the season, and the Winter Gardens (opened in 1878) pitched it as a year-round resort. It majored on conferences, including party political and trade union annual conferences. It developed a gambling strip, as the Golden Mile tried to ape Las Vegas with casino hotels, though the idea of a "super-casino" was rejected. Meanwhile the traditional week-long summer visitors had dwindled, as the Med and further afield came within budget price-range. Blackpool nowadays attracts party weekenders such as hen or stag groups, plus an older clientele who enjoy the nostalgia. The strains of the Tower Ballroom Wurlitzer striking up with "Oh I do like to be beside the seaside" brings a tear to the eyes of many, not least because the sharp sea breeze has already set their eyes and noses streaming.

• Visit Blackpool visitor information

Get in [ edit ]

By car [ edit ]

Blackpool can be reached via the M55 from the M6 , the UK's main motorway through the North West of England. Blackpool has many car parks available to visitors, several of which are very close the town's main attractions and promenade.

By bus [ edit ]

Long distance buses don't run to Blackpool - change in Preston.

Stagecoach Bus 61 runs hourly from Preston taking 75 min. Bus 42 runs hourly from Lancaster via the university, Galgate, Garstang, Churchtown, St Michael's, Great Eccleston and Poulton-le-Fylde.

See "Get around" for local buses from Lytham, St Annes, Poulton-le-Fylde, Thornton-Cleveleys and Fleetwood.

The 53.8136 -3.0528 1 bus station is on Talbot Rd 200 yards from the beach front. It's a draughty coach-park with a prefab ticket office and toilets but little shelter.

By train [ edit ]

All trains to Blackpool run via Preston , taking about 30 min – change there coming from The Midlands or Scotland .

By plane [ edit ]

• Manchester Airport ( MAN  IATA ) has a huge range of flights. There are direct trains hourly between the airport and Blackpool North, taking 1 hr 40 min, plus other connections via Preston.
• Liverpool John Lennon Airport ( LPL  IATA ), 35 mi (56 km) south, has budget flights across Europe.

Blackpool airport no longer has scheduled passenger flights, but remains in use as an air-support base for the gas fields out in Morecambe Bay.

By boat [ edit ]

Ferries no longer sail from nearby Fleetwood. The closest ferry routes are from Heysham near Morecambe to Douglas , Isle of Man , and from Liverpool to Dublin and Belfast .

Get around [ edit ]

On foot [ edit ]

The seafront is a flat walk, but even the central promenade between Pleasure Beach and Bispham is 4 miles (6.4 km); the entire strip is 17 miles (27 km).

By tram [ edit ]

Trams run the length of the sea front from Starr Gate in the south near the airport to Fleetwood in the north. Trams run every 15 min from 6AM to 7PM then every 30 min to midnight. In 2022 a single fare is £2.90 and a return is £5, pay on board by cash or card. If arriving by train, a "Plusbus" ticket allows travel on trams within Blackpool but not Fleetwood. The standard trams are modern Bombardier Flexitys with low floors and are wheelchair accessible. (See below for heritage tram rides, by separate ticket.) The tramway has operated since 1885, the world's second oldest, powered from overhead cables once they realised what happened to under-street electrical conduits when sea-spray washed over the prom. In the 1960s the inland sections of the tramway system were decommissioned. There is however a revival with a spur linking the tramway system to Blackpool North Railway Station expected to open in 2023.

Buses within town are operated by Blackpool Transport .

Bus 1 parallels the tram route between Starr Gate, central promenade, Cleveleys and Fleetwood. Town buses 11 and 17 run from St Anne's via Lytham; Bus 11 follows the promenade while Bus 17 goes inland behind Squires Gate. Bus 7 starts from St Anne's and from Starr Gate runs inland.

Buses 5 and 18 zigzag though south districts, Buses 3, 6 and 20 serve southeast districts.

Buses 2 and 20 run east via the hospital to Poulton-le-Fylde. Bus 2C continues across the River Wyre to Hambleton, Stalmine and Knott End.

Buses 3, 4, 7 and 9 run through the north of town as far as Cleveleys. Bus 14 takes an inland route north to Thornton and Fleetwood.

The Blackpool "blue" fare zone 1 covers the entire town north to Cleveleys, east to Poulton-le-Fylde and south to Starr Gate. Anything beyond is "green" or Zone 2, covering Thornton, Fleetwood and St Annes. In 2022 a single in Zone 1 is £2.30 and for both zones is £2.90. A 24-hour ticket is £6.60 (slightly cheaper online) and 3, 7 and 30 day tickets are available.

By taxi [ edit ]

Over a dozen firms ply the town. Those around town centre include 24/7 (+44 1253 777222), C Cabs (+44 1253 292929) and Blacktax (+44 1253 596596). The maximum fare is set by the Council. In 2022 from 9AM to midnight it's £2.60 flagfall then reckon £2.50 a mile.

See [ edit ]

• Showtown just south of the Tower is an interactive museum about Blackpool showbiz, opening 15 March 2024.
• 53.81826 -3.05079 2 St Johns Anglican parish church ( behind the Tower ). Completed in 1878 in Early English style. It's part of the Diocese of Blackburn. ( updated Nov 2023 )

• 53.809 -3 8 Marton Mere is a freshwater lake and wetland wildlife reserve, all that remains of a much larger lake drained for agriculture in the 19th century. It's free to access 24 hours, and best approached from the south via the Holiday Village.

Do [ edit ]

• What's on? Check local listings for forthcoming events in Blackpool.
• Blackpool Sands extend for miles. The area between North and Central Piers can get busy and trash-strewn in summer. Take a donkey ride, ironically if that helps (not Fridays; 50-kg rider weight limit). It's all safe (though cold) for bathing but there are gullies near the sea wall that silently flood behind you and cut you off; if the shore watchman is waving and barking through a megaphone, it's time to return to the Prom. (Over 90 people got stranded one spring day in 2011.) The beach becomes shingly and muddy north of Bispham as you come into Cleveleys, but it is good all the way south to the sand hills of St Annes.
• Heritage trams . Late Mar-Dec: Weekends and some weekdays . Tour the Promenade, starting from the Tower. The standard tour is a one-hour ride north to Bispham then south as far as Pleasure Beach and back to the Tower. £6-8 . ( updated Feb 2024 )
• 53.82133 -3.05168 2 Funny Girls is a drag cabaret staged at 5 Dickson Rd FY1 2AX.
• 53.81285 -3.0549 4 Sea Life is an aquarium one block south of the Tower, open daily Nov-Mar 10AM-3PM, Apr-Oct 10AM-4PM.
• Blackpool Illuminations . A lights and laser show stretching for 6 mi (9.7 km) along the Prom, from Starr Gate in the south to Bispham in the north. The Lights, founded in 1879, are usually on from the end of Aug to early Jan, with a celebrity switch-on. (In 1977 they were switched on by the racehorse Red Rum.) You can walk or drive the route (south to north is recommended for driving, suggested donation £5 per car) or take a tram, which sounds cool but the view from within the trams is limited. ( updated Feb 2024 )
• Golf : 53.81755 -3.0279 6 Blackpool Park GC is on North Park Drive on Stanley Park. White tees Par 70, 6048 Yards.
• World Fireworks Championships are hosted by Blackpool on weekends in October. View them from the central promenade.

Buy [ edit ]

• 53.8098 -3.0554 1 Blackpool Rock is a cylinder of hard candy that needs to sucked slowly, never bitten if you value your teeth. It has "Blackpool" written right through it, or a person's name if you pay more. It's usually peppermint or fruit-flavoured and is also sold in cut slices, lollipops and smashed bits. A basic stick might cost 50p.
• 53.79222 -3.05524 2 " Kiss Me Quick " hats once proclaimed the limit of the town's sexual debauchery. They're still worn nostalgically, while corny picture postcards where vast women declare "I've lost my little Willy..." have become antique collectables.
• 53.82105 -3.04739 3 Sainsbury's , Talbot Road ( next to North Station ), ☏ +44 1253 843480 . M-Sa 7AM-10PM, Su 10:30AM-4:30PM . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 53.81575 -3.05383 4 Houndshill Shopping Centre . It is a large shopping centre just behind the Tower. ( updated Jan 2024 )
• 53.82562 -3.03923 5 Big Woody's Skateshop , 370 Talbot Road FY1 1LF ( corner of Devonshire Rd ), ☏ +44 1253 296296 , [email protected] . M Tu Th-Sa 10:30AM-5:30PM . Huge selection of skateboard and scooter merchandise alongside a wide range of clothing, safety gear and accessories. A skater-owned shop. ( updated Dec 2022 )

Eat [ edit ]

• 53.81706 -3.05639 1 Beach House , Festival House, Promenade FY1 1AP ( one block north of Tower ), ☏ +44 1253 749899 . Su-Th noon-10PM, F Sa noon-1AM . Upmarket but relaxed bistro with global offerings. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.81742 -3.05558 2 Papa's , 66-74 Promenade ( a block north of the Tower ). M-Sa 11:30AM-10PM, Su 11:30AM-9PM . A very large fish & chips outlet ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 53.81628 -3.05538 3 Harry Ramsden's , Blackpool Tower , ☏ +44 1253 752861 . Daily 11:30AM-9:30PM . Well-known chain, slick offerings of trad fish & chips. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.81628 -3.05538 4 Wild West , The Promenade ( south flank of the Tower ). A cowboy-themed burger restaurant ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 53.8187 -3.0529 5 Mandarin ( Michael Wan's ), 27 Clifton Street FY1 1JD , ☏ +44 1253 622687 . Tu-Su 5-10:30PM . Great scores for this long-established Cantonese restaurant. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.81804 -3.05186 6 West Coast Rock Cafe , 5-7 Abingdon St FY1 1DG ( opposite Winter Gardens ), ☏ +44 1253 584238 . M-Sa noon-10PM, Su 11AM-11PM . Lively Tex-Mex serving huge portions. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.812 -3.0498 7 Red Pepper , 51 Central Drive FY1 5DS , ☏ +44 1253 291152 . Tu-Su 5-10:30PM . Good Chinese food near the bus station. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.8189 -3.0497 8 Boonnak , 60 Topping Street FY1 3AQ , ☏ +44 1253 290647 . Tu-Su noon-2:30PM, 5-10PM . Slick-friendly Thai restaurant with authentic cuisine. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.81917 -3.0502 9 Hungarian's , 57 Topping Street FY1 3AF ( 20 yd (18 m) north of Boonnak ), ☏ +44 7751 061687 . W-M 5-9PM . Something different: good reviews for this small Hungarian bistro. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.81947 -3.05005 10 Yorkshire Fisheries , 14 Topping St . M-Sa 11:30AM-7PM . is the town's oldest fish & chips shop, founded in 1907. ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 53.81848 -3.05028 11 Ziggy's Cafe Bar , 10 Cedar Square ( around the corner from Boonnak ). A quiet place for light bites. ( updated Nov 2023 )

Drink [ edit ]

• 53.82779 -3.04839 1 Corner House ( Last Orders Pub ), 80 Sherbourne Rd FY4 2PQ , ☏ +44 1253 628943 . Daily 10AM-midnight . Real trad locals' pub but welcoming to strangers. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.79868 -3.05528 2 Dutton Arms , 441 Promenade FY4 1AR ( corner with Waterloo Rd ), ☏ +44 1253 405428 . M-F 11AM-11PM, Sa 10AM-midnight, Su 10AM-10PM . Pleasant seafront pub, decent grub, dog-friendly. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.81527 -3.05555 3 The Albert and the Lion , Promenade FY1 4RU ( beneath Tower ), ☏ +44 1253 743690 . Daily 8AM-midnight . JD Wetherspoons with competitively priced food and drinks, named for the "Albert and the Lion" comic monologue. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.81599 -3.04833 4 Albert's Ale Micropub , 117 Albert Road . Th-Sa 2-11PM . An unrelated business in the basement of Albert Hotel. They serve an impressive variety of UK and continental craft ales. ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 53.81806 -3.05393 5 Rose & Crown , 22 Corporation Street FY1 1EJ ( two blocks from North Pier ), ☏ +44 1253 299821 . Daily 11AM-11PM . Very central place with Continental-style eating and drinking, large outdoor seating area. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.79964 -3.05435 6 Sun Inn , 88 Bolton Street FY1 6AA ( next to South Shore Yates ), ☏ +44 1253 342229 . Daily 10AM-midnight . Welcoming trad pub, independent with real ales and big screen sport TV. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.81805 -3.05393 7 Tache Rock Club , 22 Corporation St FY1 4NY . Stalwart customers feel this isn't what it used to be. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.79826 -3.02147 8 Blackpool Whiskey . Bankhall Distillery began production in 2020 and should begin sales in April 2023. They make Kentucky-style bourbon, not Scotch. No tours. ( updated Nov 2023 )

Sleep [ edit ]

Self-catering [ edit ].

• 53.80696 -2.99705 1 Marton Mere Holiday Village , Mythop Road FY4 4XN ( south side of lake 3 mi (4.8 km) from town ), ☏ +44 1253 767544 . Open mid-Mar to first week in Nov, this site has static caravans for self-catering lets, tourer and camping pitches, and amenities and activities. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.79464 -3.05432 2 Cleveland Court Holiday Apartments , 23 Withnell Road FY4 1HF , ☏ +44 1253 348406 . Friendly helpful owners. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.84941 -3.0529 3 Queen's Mansions in Bispham and similar upscale apartments are run by Burbage Holiday Group . They're wheelchair accessible and some accept dogs.

Budget [ edit ]

• 53.8041 -3.0543 4 Chesterfield Hotel , 5 Wellington Road FY1 6AR , ☏ +44 1253 345979 . Pet-friendly 3-star hotel, two Family Rooms (up to 4 people) 7 doubles, all en suite TV and tea/coffee making facilities. With bar lounge. B&B double £60 . ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.7942 -3.055 5 New Osborne Hotel , Osborne Rd FY4 1HJ , ☏ +44 1253 345110 . Small 3-star, good location, gets very mixed reviews for room comfort and cleanliness and reception. Not connected to the Osborne House Hotel on Read's Ave. B&B double £60 . ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.81398 -3.04542 6 The Address Hotel ( formerly Queens Park Hotel ), 91 Read's Ave FY1 4DG ( off Lytham Rd, half mile inland from Tower ), ☏ +44 1253 624238 . Clean friendly 3-star with 13 rooms. The ground floor room has disabled access. Relaxing lounge with licensed bar, non-smoking. Free parking. B&B double £60 . ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.81446 -3.04828 7 Kingscliff Hotel , 78 Hornby Rd FY1 4QJ ( half mile inland from Tower ), ☏ +44 1253 620200 . Check-in: 2-8PM , check-out: 10AM . Clean friendly 3-star, some rooms cramped. No pets, free parking may be available. B&B double £55 . ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.803 -3.0527 8 The Salendine , 44 St Chads Rd FY1 6BP ( 100 yd (91 m) back from South Shore Prom ), ☏ +44 1253 346749 . Friendly family run B&B, licensed bar. B&B double £50 . ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.8147 -3.05316 9 Chaplins Hotel , 15 Albert Road FY1 4TA ( 100 yd (91 m) south of Tower ), ☏ +44 1253 294440 , [email protected] . Very central 3-star with 13 rooms en suite. No parking here, use public parking for £14/night. B&B double £60 . ( updated Dec 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 53.82577 -3.05498 10 Canasta Hotel , 288 Promenade FY1 2EY ( half a mile N of North Station ), ☏ +44 1253 290501 . 30-bedroom licensed sea-front hotel. Karaoke on Fridays. Free parking if available. B&B double £60 . ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.7878 -3.05769 11 Staymor Hotel , 555 New South Promenade FY4 1NF ( near Sandcastle ), ☏ +44 1253 405757 . Check-in: 2-8PM , check-out: 10:30 . Clean welcoming 3-star. No pets, no lifts. Double (room only) £50 . ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.858 -3.049 12 Norbreck Castle Hotel ( Britannia Hotels ), Queens Promenade FY2 9AA ( 2 mi (3.2 km) north of tower ), ☏ +44 871 222 0031 . Vast fortress on north Prom, often used for conferences. Facilities include a swimming pool and gym. B&B double from £55 . ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.82957 -3.05527 13 Grand Hotel ( formerly Hilton ), Promenade FY1 2JQ . Run by Britannia. B&B double from £80 . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 53.82077 -3.0555 14 Metropole Hotel , 146-148 Promenade FY1 1RQ . 3-star run by Britannia. B&B double from £75 . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 53.83415 -3.05449 15 Savoy Hotel , Promenade FY2 9SJ ( 1 mi (1.6 km) north of tower ). Run by Britannia. B&B double from £70 . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 53.81918 -3.05393 16 Premier Inn , 4 Talbot Rd FY1 1LY ( 100 yards inland from North Pier ), ☏ +44 871 527 8000 . Reliable low cost chain. They have other branches at South Pier and Squires Gate. B&B double £80 . ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.7843 -3.057 17 Number One South Beach , 4 Harrowside West FY4 1NW , ☏ +44 1253 343900 . Smart welcoming hotel, basically B&B but can serve dinner given notice. Free parking. No children under 5, assistance dogs only. B&B double £100 . ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.7877 -3.0473 18 Number One St Luke's , 1 St Luke's Rd FY4 2EL , ☏ +44 1253 343901 . Sister hotel to No 1 South Beach, this clean comfy B&B with 3 rooms is a quarter mile from Pleasure Beach. No children under 4 or dogs. B&B double £110 . ( updated Dec 2022 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 53.7879 -3.0558 19 Big Blue Hotel , Clifton Drive, Pleasure Beach FY4 1ND , ☏ +44 1253 400045 , [email protected] . 4-star contemporary hotel next to Pleasure Beach, friendly clean and efficient. B&B double £100 . ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.78855 -3.05768 20 Boulevard Hotel , Ocean Boulevard FY4 1PL ( next to Big Blue at Pleasure Beach ), ☏ +44 1253 336073 . Luxury "destination" hotel, which the town has lacked, Boulevard opened in 2019. Most find it worth the price, a minority are not convinced. B&B double £130 . ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 53.8273 -3.0549 21 Imperial Hotel , North Promenade, North Shore FY1 2HB , ☏ +44 1253 623971 . Victorian 4-star with 120 rooms, showing its age. Car park £7 / night, no pets. B&B double £120 . ( updated Dec 2022 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Blackpool is generally a friendly and outgoing place, but exercise the usual caution over traffic, care of valuables, and children in the cold sea.

Visits are generally incident-free. During Friday and Saturday nights, the busiest areas of the town centre such as Talbot Square and Queen Street can become very crowded and somewhat rowdy, but there is a large and generally good-natured police presence. The seafront and piers are usually crowded so are generally safe.

Town centre becomes raucous at night with less-than-sober crowds, but it's all good-natured. Swerve clear of the occasional aggressive drunk.

A few blocks back from the seafront are dingy areas blighted by deprivation, street sex industry, drug dealing and opportunistic crime. You have no reason to be there.

Due to its unfortunate deprivation problems, Blackpool has an issue with homelessness. The overwhelming majority of homeless people are harmless, friendly and genuine, and even listening to what they have to say without giving any money or items will put a smile on most of their faces. Just to be safe, don't walk directly along the beach at night, particularly along the stretch opposite St Chad`s Road. Although not dangerous as such, you may find the atmosphere here after dark less than welcoming.

Blackpool is also a pretty sizeable place which many do not realise until they are in the town. It can take up to an hour to walk from the south shore area where Blackpool Pleasure Beach is to the main area of town by Blackpool North station and Tower, where most of the town's nightlife and restaurants are found. Blackpool Trams are a very safe, reliable, reasonably priced and very friendly service to get around town. The last tram often departs before midnight so if you are returning late, order a taxi from a licensed taxi company. Uber exists, however it is not as frequent as in other towns.

Gay male visitors should avoid the Middle Walk cruising area; a gay man was murdered here in 2007, and there have been several violent homophobic attacks. Lighting in this area has been improved and there are regular police patrols. The "gay quarter" around Talbot Road, Dickson Road and Queen Street is as safe as the rest of the town centre. It is now being heavily monitored with CCTV.

Finally, don't eat ice cream and fish and chips before getting on the Big One rollercoaster. You have been warned!

Connect [ edit ]

As of April 2022, Blackpool has 5G from EE, Three and Vodafone, and 4G from O2.

Go next [ edit ]

• The beach turns muddy further north. Thornton- Cleveleys and Fleetwood have cheap accommodation but few attractions; you might visit just to take the tram ride.
• Lytham St Annes is a pair of family-oriented seaside towns; St Annes has sand dunes and the better beach.
• Preston 's main attraction the Harris remains closed.
• Lancaster the historic county town retains its old castle and judicial quarter. The Lake District starts further north.

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Visit Blackpool

Since the 1800s, monarchs and celebrities have vacationed by the beach and entertainment piers of Blackpool. Record-breaking roller coasters swing at top speeds around edges of the 19th-century wharfs of Blackpool Beach. Embark on this path to entertainment enjoyed by such esteemed former visitors as the Beatles and the royal family.

Uniting three historic piers is the Golden Mile, a promenade complete with casinos and hotels. Get food from the fish and chip shops and ice cream parlors that continue to carry the torch for Victorian seaside traditions.

For exposure to 19th-century genteel Englishness, set foot on North Pier, Blackpool’s longest and oldest wharf. Built in 1863, the pier’s theater and carousel capture the refined essence of the English gentry.

Walk south to Blackpool Central Pier, constructed with entertainment in mind. Palm readers, bumper cars and a Ferris wheel provide non-stop fun. Continue south for the city’s most famous sight, Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Wooden roller coasters and big drops make this one of the country’s most thrilling amusement parks.

Seek tranquility in the quieter district inland from Blackpool’s Fylde Coast. Stroll through the stylish Italian Gardens of Stanley Park and take a paddleboat out on its lake. Bring kids to Pirate Adventure Mini Golf and the Blackpool Zoo.

Amble through the city center to appreciate the 19th-century architecture, with Blackpool Central Library and Blackpool Grand Theatre among the iconic spots. Ever-present above the townscape rises Eiffel-esque Blackpool Tower, with its observation deck, circus and Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Blackpool is located south of the Lake District National Park in the northwestern corner of England. Fly to the airports of Liverpool or Manchester, two large and cultured cities about a 1-hour drive from Blackpool. For a change of scenery, take a trip to the undulating scenery of Yorkshire Dales National Park and the rugged bluffs of the Pennines.

With its amusement parks, piers and fish and chips shops, Blackpool delivers a traditional British seaside experience.

Where to stay in Blackpool

Blackpool Town Center

Blackpool Town Center is noteworthy for its theaters, and you can make a stop at top attractions like SEA LIFE Blackpool and Coral Island.

North Shore

The fantastic nightlife and breathtaking beach views are just a few highlights of North Shore. Make a stop by North Pier or Winter Gardens while you're exploring the area.

South Shore

South Shore is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Sandcastle Waterpark.

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Popular places to visit.

• Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Experience weightlessness from a huge drop and zoom around the tracks with a stunning panorama of Blackpool’s coastline in this vast theme park.

• Blackpool Tower

Toast your visit to Blackpool with cocktails, and mocktails for kids, in the bar and observation deck at the summit of this 19th-century tower.

• Winter Gardens

The Beatles, Oasis and The White Stripes are among the world-famous bands that have performed on the stage in this complex of arenas for music, comedy and plays.

• Blackpool Central Pier

With its arcade games, rides and palm readers, this fun and entertaining wharf was designed as a lighter alternative to its genteel northern neighbor.

Recall the customs and entertainments of yesteryear at a Victorian tearoom and a Venetian Carousel on the city’s oldest and longest pier.

• Blackpool Zoo

Your kids can spend the day as zookeepers, as they tend to the big cats, the penguins and the giraffes. See smiling frogs and cheeky monkeys in this zoo.

Things to do

Friday & saturday night comedy club entry, reviews of blackpool, 5/5 - excellent.

I love Blackpool very much and I will be visiting again Rosemary Lechuga

It's a fun town with lots and lots of entertainment and lots of places to eat and drink. The prices were fantastic

Walk along the northern section of the Blackpool promenade to Bispham and beyond. Beautiful!

2/5 - Disappointing

Very thin walls and floors. You could hear banging of doors and children running up and down the room above well into the sleeping hours of the night. We had a very disturbed sleep due adjacent room noise. Management were unable to stop the noise

Blackpool is unique it is what it has always Ben, cheap a cherful

A great place for fun beach shows tram rides even donkey rides or dance in the tower ballroom or take a trip up the tower see the circus or go to the zoo and Stanley park with a large lake with boats.

• Cities near Blackpool

Lytham St. Anne's

Poulton-le-Fylde

Thornton-Cleveleys

• Places of interest
• Sandcastle Waterpark
• Coral Island
• Blackpool North Shore Beach
• Blackpool Grand Theatre
• Blackpool Football Club
• Blackpool Tower Ballroom
• Victoria Hospital
• Blackpool Illuminations
• SEA LIFE Blackpool
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• Stanley Park
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• Blackpool Promenade
• Gynn Square
• Funny Girls
• Mecca Bingo
• Madame Tussauds Waxworks
• Central Beach
• Pleasure Beach Arena
• Ripley's Believe It Or Not!
• Stanley Park Cricket Ground
• Moor Park Swimming Pool

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Blackpool Travel Guide

Posted by discovertheoutdoors | Mar 15, 2022 | Travel Guide | 0 |

What to expect from our article

• 1 Visit Blackpool – our travel guide to visiting this historic seaside town.
• 2 Where is Blackpool?
• 3 Why Should You Visit Blackpool?
• 4 Things to Do in Blackpool
• 5 Where to Eat in Blackpool
• 6 Places to Stay in Blackpool
• 7 History of Blackpool

Visit Blackpool – our travel guide to visiting this historic seaside town.

This article contains affiliate links. To find out more about affiliate links click here .

Where is Blackpool?

Blackpool is a large seaside town in Lancashire , England. It can be found on the northwest coast of England, and it is the main settlement within the borough, which is also called Blackpool. This town is right by the Irish Sea and is between the Ribble and Wyre rivers . Blackpool is:

• 27 miles north of Liverpool
• 40 miles northwest of Manchester

Why Should You Visit Blackpool?

One of the main reasons for visiting Blackpool is to explore the many attractions and sights that the town has to offer. There are lots of things to see and do here, so you won’t be stuck for ideas. If you feel like taking a break from all of the attractions on offer, you could also take some time out of your trip to explore the excellent range of beaches at this popular holiday destination . 

Things to Do in Blackpool

One of the best things about Blackpool is that you will never be stuck for things to do as there are so many attractions there. Whether you fancy popping down to Madame Tussauds to explore famous wax figures or exploring the creatures of the ocean at Sea Life , there is something for everyone to take part in.

Blackpool Zoo

There are so many amazing animals to see at Blackpool Zoo , from meerkats and otters to African lions and Iberian wolves . There is a huge range of animals that call Blackpool Zoo their home, so you can wander around and see them all for yourself, listen to interesting talks from experts, and take a look at some amazing exhibits . If you really want to get involved, then you can even book an animal experience to enhance your visit.

Blackpool Tower

The Blackpool Tower is a famous landmark that first opened its doors in 1894. You can head over to the tower to see its remarkable design and intense scale up close with your own eyes. This building certainly has its own wow factor, with 11 different rooms and 5 attractions around the tower.

If you are seeking a thrill, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the place to be. This is the UK’s most ride intensive amusement park, and it is even home to the only Nickelodeon Land in the UK. There are rides there for everyone, including families, children, and thrill-seekers , and you won’t be disappointed by what’s on offer. Aside from the epic rides and rollercoasters , the Pleasure Beach also hosts various shows and events throughout the year.

At Madame Tussauds Blackpool , you can get up close and personal with wax figures of some of your favourite celebrities . You can step into the action and come face-to-face with Marvel superheroes , travel through space and time to meet the Doctor and his tardis , or even take a selfie with the queen!

Sea Life Blackpool

Are you completely fascinated with the life that goes on underwater? Sea Life is one of the best places to go to get as close as possible to some of the most wonderful underwater creatures that you will ever see. You can walk through the different themed underwater zones and see everything from clownfish to sharks and everything in between.

Where to Eat in Blackpool

One of the best things about Blackpool is that lots of the restaurants are close to nearby attractions , so you won’t have to travel far to get a bite to eat. As a seaside location, you won’t find it difficult to get your hands on a classic fish and chips, but there are also more adventurous options available for those that want to try something new.

Ziggy’s Cafe Bar

If you are searching for a place to take a break and grab something to eat on a busy day, then you should stop by Ziggy’s Cafe Bar . They serve full English breakfasts from 10am until they close at the end of the day, as well as lots of cafe classics, like jacket potatoes with a choice of different fillings, toasties and paninis , and so much more. They also cater for vegans and vegetarians , and there are options on the menu that are gluten-free .

Beachcomber Steakhouse

The Beachcomber Steakhouse is open throughout the summer months for those that are heading away on a beach holiday . You can choose from various dishes on the menu that come straight from the grill , like steak, gammon, or a delicious burger . Alternatively, you can opt for something simpler, like a jacket potato, lasagne , or classic fish and chips . 

Number five

Number 5 is a great little coffee shop/café to stop in for a bite to eat throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a hot drink. They offer an excellent fry-up for breakfast in the mornings, as well as other British favourites for lunch and dinner.

Ciao Ciao is a great place to go if you are looking for variety, as they offer Italian , Mediterranean , and European cuisine . They have a great selection of pizzas, pastas, and more, and they also have a list of daily specials that are worth taking a look at before you order. 

Places to Stay in Blackpool

There’s so much to see and do in Blackpool that you’re bound to want to stay for a few days to take it all in. There are lots of hotels to choose from in the area, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury stays, depending on what you are looking for. 

Hampton By Hilton Blackpool

The Hampton is a beautifully modern hotel in Blackpool that is under Hilton Hotels. You can expect clean and comfortable rooms that are bright and airy to see you through your stay. This hotel can be found on the new South Promenade , and it features amazing views of the Irish Sea. It’s also just a five-minute walk from one of Blackpool’s most famous attractions , Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Travelodge Blackpool South Promenade

If you’re looking for a well-trusted hotel to stay with on a budget, then you should take a look at Blackpool’s South Promenade Travelodge . This hotel offers all the essentials that you might need, like parking, free wifi, and a bar/restaurant. If all you’re after is a place to lay your head at the end of the day, then this could be the perfect hotel for you. 

Boulevard Hotel

The Boulevard Hotel can be found on Ocean Boulevard in Blackpool. This is a luxury seafront property that’s right by Blackpool Pleasure Beach and has plenty of stylish rooms to choose from. You can choose between a coastal or park-facing room, or even upgrade to a coastal or junior suite, depending on what you’re looking for.

History of Blackpool

A skeleton that was found in the late 1970s suggests that people were living in Fylde, or what we now know as Blackpool , as far back as the Palaeolithic era . A British tribe lived in the area, which was controlled by the Romans in AD80. During this time of Roman occupation , the area itself was covered in oak forests and bog land.

Some of the earliest villages to be created on the Fylde that would later become part of Blackpool town were Anglo-Saxon settlements. However, some of them had 9th and 10th century Viking place names. This would suggest that Vikings and Anglo-Saxons were able to peacefully coexist in the area. Some of these place names were later joined together to form one. 

During mediaeval times , a stream ran through the peatlands, which discoloured the water. This is why the area became known as “ Black Poole “. The first house in the area was built in the 17th century by Edward Tyldesley. Later, plots of land were allocated to landowners in the area, and many long, straight roads were built in the areas that are south of the town centre. 

During the middle of the 18th century , it became common practice to bathe in the sea to cure diseases , and many people were drawn to Blackpool for this purpose. In 1781, a private road to the area was built, and some amenities, including four hotels , were also developed. The town started to grow slowly over time. By 1801, 473 people lived there.

In 1846, the first train line to Blackpool was created, and the area was booming with visitors that arrived by rail. This is what provided the motivation for entrepreneurs to build new accommodation and to create new attractions. A health board was formed in 1851, and gas lighting was introduced the following year. Piped water reached the area in 1864.

In 1863, the North Pier was completed, which brought in even more visitors . The Central Pier was completed in 1868, and the South Pier was completed in 1893. This made Blackpool the only town in the entirety of the UK that had three piers . In 1879, Blackpool became the world’s first municipality to have electric street lighting, and the town quickly became North England’s most prominent holiday resort .

The Grand Theatre , one of Britain’s first all-electric theatres, and Blackpool Tower opened in 1894. Shops and department stores made their way into the town by the 1930s.

Interestingly, there are documents that suggest that the reason Blackpool had escaped being heavily damaged in the second World War was that Adolf Hitler had intended to keep the town as a place of leisure after his planned invasion. In the years following the war, millions of people would visit Blackpool each year, but this growth became untenable. 

As package holidays were on the rise, many of the people that traditionally visited Blackpool went abroad instead, as the weather was more reliable. As well as this, improved road communications and the construction of the M5 motorway meant that it became easier to visit Blackpool as a day trip rather than a holiday . However, it’s still an area of interest when it comes to tourism today.

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discovertheoutdoors

I love history, travel, and discovering new things. My love of all of these things has led me to create this website to share my discoveries with you. I hope you enjoy reading my articles as much as I enjoy creating them.

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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.

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.

Activities & attractions in Blackpool

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

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.

How to Get to Blackpool

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

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

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

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, where to stay in blackpool.

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

Popular Neighborhoods in Blackpool

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

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

Best car hire deals in Blackpool

Intermediate SUV

5 adults, 3 Bags

2 adults, 2 Bags

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.

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Blackpool travel guide: Where to stay and what to do on a weekend break to the coastal city

Go for the illuminations, stay for the winter gardens, public art trail, a martini with 007, and tea and dancing at the tower.

Travel essentials

The kiss-me-quick seaside resort continues to reinvent, shaking off its bawdy image with new places to eat, stay and party.

Its Golden Mile hints at the long swathes of sand you’ll find here, lined with everything from arcades to  public art  installations. But there’s more: as well as three piers, there is seven miles of sandy seafront to enjoy, from St Anne’s to Cleveleys, making it a firm favourite on high days and holidays.

Autumn finds brassy Blackpool bathed in “artificial sunshine”. The world-renowned Blackpool Illuminations along the promenade (1) build on a tradition that began in 1879, when arc lamps replaced gas lights to bring winter cheer. The Lightpool Festival is a two-week October fixture, with large-scale light installations and projections at various venues. For more, see  visitblackpool.com .

Where to stay

The North Pier is a good base and there are options for all budgets. The Premier Inn North Pier (2) has a central location, family and accessible rooms, plus an all-day dining restaurant. Doubles from £79 room only ( premierinn.com ).

An interesting new mid-range option is Art B&B (3) ( artbb.org ), a boutique hotel near North Pier, where artists from across the UK have designed bespoke in-room installations.

Neon-lit “Now You See It”, for example, is inspired by magic illusions, while “Carnesk”y tells the story of Blackpool showgirls through ephemera. Doubles from £100 room-only (new café-bar for breakfast to open in 2022).

To splash out, The Boulevard Hotel (4) ( boulevardhotel.co.uk ) forms part of the Pleasure Beach complex and has contemporary rooms either overlooking the waterfront or the Pleasure Beach. Doubles from £175 B&B.

How to get around

The central district is very walkable with rail connections arriving at twin stations, North (5) and South (6) at either end of town, or secure parking at the central car park on West Street (7). Exploring the full length of the 12-mile promenade is best handled by tram; a single journey costs £2.10. Better value is a one-day pass for unlimited travel with prices from adult/child £5.20/£2.50 ( blackpooltransport.com/saver-tickets ). Buy in advance online for discounts.

Start the day

Upside Down café (8) (upsidedown blackpool.com) is an independent coffee shop open from 10am with hipster brews, house plants for sale and a vegan- or gluten-free-friendly menu, including chickpea pancakes and piles of sourdough.

The illuminations dominate the seafront during autumn, but public art is flourishing across Blackpool year-round, with Call of the Sea (9), a bronzed mermaid with a climate-change message, now installed in Talbot Square, plus pop-up installations in the market. The town’s arts hub is the Grundy Art Gallery (10) ( thegrundy.org ), which this autumn celebrates 110 years of contemporary-art exhibitions.

Its latest is Not Without My Ghosts, a Hayward Gallery touring exhibition that explores art inspired by the spirit world; open Tues-Sat, 11am-4pm, free admission. Blackpool channels a frisson of Las Vegas glamour with crowd-pleasing shows. The hot ticket remains Funny Girls, the burlesque drag show at the Funny Girls bar (11) ( funnygirlsshow.co.uk , Weds-Sun from £12).

The historic Winter Gardens (12) ( wintergardensblackpool.co.uk ) also hosts regular events. Look out for the statue of the comedians Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise in the foyer, and an homage to the Rolling Stones, who were long banned from Blackpool in 1964 after their gig at the venue’s Empress Ballroom ended in a riot. The Old Electric (13) ( theoldelectric.co.uk ) is the town’s new community arts space for offbeat events and creative gatherings.

Time for a drink

The brand-new Spyglass bar (14) ( spyglassblackpool.com ) has licence to thrill for aperitifs. It forms part of the Sands Venue Resort Hotel, Blackpool’s first five-star hotel, set to open in autumn 2022, and features spy memorabilia, projecting classic Bond films across the bar. For more of a laid-back vibe, The Beach House near North Pier (15) ( beachhouseblackpool.co.uk ) has sundowner cocktails with sea views.

Dinner reservation

Wok Inn (16) ( michaelwanswokinn.co.uk ) is a lively noodle bar with a great pan-Asian menu, ranging from pad thai to katsu chicken curry, all served street market-style. The décor of the bathrooms is as interesting as the food. Dinner only, closed Mondays.

Take a tour

Soak up the atmosphere of the neon-laser Golden Mile after dark with the Heritage Tram Tour. These 20s-era trams trundle into the starry night, taking in the sweep of the illuminations as well as other themed excursions. Board at the tram stop opposite the Pleasure Beach near South Pier (17) ( blackpoolheritage.com ) for the one-hour trip. Pre-bookings (weekends) adult/family £10/25.

Go for a stroll

The South Promenade, beyond the Pleasure Beach, is a quieter section for seaside strolling. But it is also home to The Great Promenade Show, a 1½-mile public art trail with installations inspired by Blackpool’s history. It is centred on the newly restored Mirror Ball (18) by the artist Michael Trainor. Afterwards, pop into nearby Notarianni Ices ( notarianni.co.uk ); it has been serving its family-recipe vanilla ice cream since 1928.

Lunch break

The Bank Bar & Grill (19) ( thebankblackpool.com ) is a friendly, modern bistro combining British favourites with an Italian twist. Think pizza, pasta and seaside staples such as battered fish and chips. There’s also brunch and vegan/vegetarian options. Open Weds-Sun.

Have a treat

The quintessential Blackpool experience is taking afternoon tea at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom (20) ( theblackpooltower.com ), eating cucumber sandwiches under the dancefloor mirror ball as seen on TV’s Strictly Come Dancing . Pensioners cut a rug on the dancefloor, calorie-laden pastries are devoured with gusto and the stage opens to reveal the museum-piece Wurlitzer organ. Afternoon tea for two £50, served most days. Afterwards, brave the Blackpool Tower Eye to step out on to the all-glass SkyWalk, a viewing platform 380ft up the Tower with views across to the Lake District and Isle of Man (from £16.50).

Get out of town

It’s 45 minutes up the M6 to the seaside town of Morecambe, where the new Eden Project North is gearing up for its 2024 opening ( edenproject.com/new-edens/eden-project-north-uk ). Extend your stay with a night at The Midland Hotel, Morecambe’s restored Art Deco gem.

Ask a local Richard Williams, Illuminations manager, Blackpool Council Richard Williams (Photo: Supplied) “To make the most of the illuminations, drive north to south, starting at Bispham. Better still, take a tram or walk, visiting the interactive sections, such as the projections on to the Blackpool Tower or the Spiro light tunnel by the Comedy Carpet.”

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Blackpool Events Guide 2024 

Inside this handy guide, you will find a month-by-month checklist of brilliant entertainment for all the family. With all of our venues and attractions fully open for the 2024 season, it promises to be a year to remember.

Blackpool Destination Guide 2024

Whatever is on your wish list, you'll find it right here in Blackpool. So, what are you waiting for... This action-packed guide will enlighten you on how to make the most of your time in the ultimate family resort. Let the adventure begin…

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