Things To Do In Blackpool On Your Trip

Blackpool is a seaside resort on the northwest coast of England and a popular holiday destination in Lancashire. Since the 1840s, people have been visiting the town.

Even now, when tourists go outside the UK for holidays, it’s still an excellent town to visit if you’re looking for a fun staycation.

If you’re making a trip to Blackpool, we’re here to help you by finding the best things to do while you’re there. No matter the time of year you visit, you’re sure to find something that will suit the whole family on their fun trip. 

1. Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Blackpool Beach is possibly the UK’s favourite theme park destination. At Pleasure Beach, you’ll find various theme park rides suited for families and thrill seekers.

Many families will enjoy the home of the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land, where kids will love to go on rides based on some of their favourite Nick shows.

Many different events occur here, including comedy and magic shows. No matter when you visit, you’ll find different events will take place each month, promising a different experience each time.

Ideally, it’s best to visit Blackpool Pleasure Beach during spring, summer, and early autumn. They often close over the winter months, with a reduced timetable beginning in autumn to prepare for this time.

If you want to visit, we recommend preparing in advance so you know what hours the park is open. You’ll also be relieved to know that plenty of hotels are available nearby, so you won’t have to travel too far to visit. 

2. Blackpool Zoo

Blackpool Zoo is home to over 1500 animals, so plenty is available for you to see. This is a large zoo, where you’ll find some popular activities.

Some popular activities include the Dinosaur Safari, Project Elephant Base Camp, Orangutan Outlook, and Lemur Wood. These themed activities will allow you to observe these magnificent animals and educate you on how they live. 

If you want a more personalised experience, you can even book an animal experience day.

These allow you to be a keeper at the zoo, shadowing the professionals and getting up close and personal with the creatures within.

There’s also a VIP experience tour, allowing you to see how the zoo is run behind the scenes. Of course, all scenarios depend on the weather and the nature of each animal on the day.

If you want to visit, you should check the calendar and book your trip in advance, as the hours depend on each day. 

3. Blackpool Tower

Undoubtedly, Blackpool Tower is the most famous attraction throughout the town. It was first opened in 1894 and was praised for its amazing architecture.

Since then, it’s been a tourist hotspot and one of the best venues for conferences and weddings. Around here, you’ll find eleven rooms to visit, with five attractions to enjoy.

Let’s go into further detail, so you know what’s available.

Blackpool Circus takes place here. As Blackpool’s longest-running show, you’ll be able to see the performers Mooky and Mr Boo live as world-class acrobats and stunt performers join them.

If the circus isn’t available, you’ll be able to see High Jinx, a contemporary variety show that an award-winning illusionist invented.

Families can also visit the Blackpool Tower Eye, a skywalk where you can overlook the town and even further away.

Up in the Tower is a 4D cinema, and you can also arrange to book yourself in with Dino Mini Golf while you’re there.

For those interested in history, you’ll find the Blackpool Tower Dungeon, an immersive experience that takes you through time.

Achieved with special effects, actors, scene changes, and a fantastic drop ride, you’ll have the time of your life. Lastly, we have the Fifth Floor, which is home to conferences and comedy acts.

You can also visit the Blackpool Tower Ballroom if the Tower isn’t available due to maintenance. Always check the calendar before you visit, as the Tower sometimes closes for maintenance. 

4. Sandcastle Waterpark

Did you know that Blackpool is the home of the UK’s largest indoor waterpark? The Sandcastle Waterpark is even home to the world’s longest indoor roller coaster water slide: The Master Blaster.

Within the park, you’ll find a wide range of activities to choose from that the whole family can enjoy.

There are plenty of activities to choose from, including family-friendly rides and other slides for thrill seekers. Adults can also enjoy a chance to get pampered in the spa too.

If you want to visit, you should check the calendar. They may be closed at some points during winter, but throughout the rest of the year, they are open for longer. 

5. Stanley Park

First opening in 1926, Stanley Park is Blackpool’s main park and has been voted the Best Park in the UK twice. This park is a beautiful blend of architecture, horticulture, and recreational activities.

There are so many things to do, and within the park, you’ll find formal gardens in the northern and western areas of the park.

There are lakes and woodlands to the east, sports facilities and children’s play areas to the south (find more British lakes in our guide). 

Among the recreational activities at the park are some pedal boats you can take out on the lake. You can enjoy pitch-and-putt with the family or take a train through Stanley Park.

BMXers can take their bikes out, or you can even enjoy some time trampolining or bowling. When you want to eat, go to the Art Deco Café, where you’ll find delicious meals.

The park is free of charge to the public and opens from 9 am until 5 pm, but is open for 24 hours during bank holidays. 

6. SEA LIFE Blackpool

SEA LIFE in Blackpool is one of the best places to visit if you want to enjoy various activities and events.

With numerous sea creatures available to view, the most popular are turtles, sharks, rays, jellyfish, and clownfish. There are four zones for exploring and seeing where each sea creature lives.

These areas are the Rockpools, Rainforest Adventure, Ocean Tunnel, and the Four Corners of the World.

Generally, opening times vary depending on the time of year you visit. Outside of the holiday season, SEA LIFE is open for fewer hours, with extended opening times during the holiday season.

There are also shorter openings expected in winter, so you should keep this in mind when you’re planning your next trip. 

7. Winter Gardens 

Winter Gardens is one of the largest entertainment complexes in the UK and Europe. So many different events occur here, so you can always catch a show in the evening.

Not only has Winter Gardens been host to fan conventions, but they also do a wide variety of performances, from film screenings to concerts.

When visiting Blackpool, you can always check what’s on at the Winter Gardens. Feel free to go to a show you haven’t heard of before and appreciate the ambience.

You’ll find plenty of fun to have throughout the evening.

8. Coral Island Family Arcade

Families will love the Coral Island Family Arcade, Blackpool’s largest indoor family attraction. It’s free of charge to enter, and inside you’ll find a selection of rides and restaurants to visit.

Among the family rides are a spooky Ghost Train or the adventurous Pirate Flyer. Kids who love VR will be delighted to find several VR-based attractions while they visit too.

These can be found in the arcade, where prizes and many classic games can be won.

If you want to visit, you’ll be glad to know a host of different events occur throughout the year. We recommend visiting at Halloween and Christmas for the best experiences. 

9. Fleetwood Market

Have you always wanted to visit a traditional coastal market? Well, your opportunity has come here at Fleetwood Market. You‘ll find a wide variety of different stalls that sell a wide range of products.

These include food, jewellery, clothes, and so much more. They’re open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Fleetwood Market will even be open on Bank Holidays too. 

This is an excellent opportunity to purchase locally made crafts and appreciate the community’s skills. 

10. Great Promenade Show

Lastly, we have the Great Promenade Show, an outdoor art gallery that can be found along the Promenade.

The public chose these artworks in 2000, and have been installed through the years. You can visit them anytime during the day and walk around the Promenade whenever you want. 

Some of the most notable features include the High Tide Organ, the Swivelling Wind Shelters, Glam Rocks, and They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?

If you want to check them out, why not stroll down the Promenade yourself?

Final Thoughts

There are so many things available to do when you’re visiting Blackpool, so we’ve tried to narrow down the best activities.

Adults and children alike will love the different activities available. These aren’t even all the things to do, but the ones that have been regarded as must-do activities that everyone will enjoy.