The Top Things to Do and See in Blackpool

One ticket to this outstanding attraction grants visitors entry to a host of Blackpool’s best sights. The tower itself, opened in 1894 and now a Grade I-listed British landmark, was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It’s 158m (518ft) tall and sits between the north and central piers. The Blackpool Tower Eye, a glass-floored observation tower, offers a panorama out over the Irish Sea and also boasts a 4D cinema, which presents visitors with a fascinating film about the town. The tower also comprises the Circus, Dungeons and Ballroom.

Blackpool’s spectacular sandy beaches stretch out for miles, making them popular with families, couples and day trippers. A site for romantic late-night strolls, family picnics, beach games with friends or a tranquil spot to delve into a good book – Blackpool’s beaches cater for all. Three piers line the shore, and there are stalls and ice-cream vans along the whole stretch of promenade, offering no end of entertainment options.

Three piers, north, south and central, attract visitors who come to enjoy carousels, rides, arcades, live music and local street artists. Spend a day relaxing on deckchairs while gazing out on the awe-inspiring sea views, or explore the arcades, restaurants and other establishments that line the piers. These historic sights have formed an integral part of the Blackpool skyline since the 19th century.

This yearly extravaganza has become a popular event in the British calendar. Since its launch, in 1879, this festival of light is held each autumn, when more than 10km (6mi) and 1m bulbs light up the streets in style. The Illuminations, which are free, last for 66 days and the Big Switch On is hosted by a different celebrity each year, with concerts held once the lights are on. You can enjoy the light show by a drive-through on a bus or in a car, or choose a local open-top tram or horse-drawn carriage.

Lush green spaces and fascinating wildlife are what’s on offer at Blackpool zoo. You’ll be whisked away to the African savannah, the Amazon jungle and a host of other far-flung places. Around 1,500 incredible creatures roam around the vast 32-acre (13ha) zoo, including tigers, elephants and zebras to name but a few. Gorilla Mountain and the penguin pool are some of the other must-visit exhibits.

For nature lovers, Sea Life Blackpool offers an opportunity to dive into the world of underwater wildlife. Not far from the central pier, it is home to more than 2,000 different sea creatures, including rare tropical fish, rays, octopus and even sharks. The centre also carries out vital conservation work to protect the outstanding aquatic life of the local area.

A notorious party town, the nightlife here is among the best in the UK, with dozens of bars, pubs and clubs attracting stag and hen dos who come in search of a slice of Blackpool entertainment. Even for a more relaxed affair, you need only to hit the promenade and start walking.

For those tired out by the endless entertainment Blackpool has to offer, Stanley Park – the town’s major park – is the perfect spot to spend a more sedate day. Relax in the sunshine under the lush green canopies while admiring the exceptional landscaped design and rare wildlife of the park. The area is also home to sports centres, golf courses, a cricket ground, boat hire, an art deco cafe, a skate park and crazy golf. With around 104ha (260 acres) of park land, there’s plenty to explore in this pretty, green space. Heritage walks and musical performances are also held regularly here, just 20 minutes on foot from the beach.

Take a break from the entertainment and enjoy some art at the Grundy Art Galler. More than 100 years old, it displays artists from the UK and all over the world, both emergent and established. Mminutes from the promenade, the gallery regularly hosts special exhibitions, with volunteer guides on-site and audio tours available. As well as examining art from all over the world, there’s plenty of material that can help you learn about Blackpool’s heritage.

Trams have been a part of the promenade scene since 1885, and while they aren’t as vital to getting around as they were, they’re perfect for tours. Blackpool is easy enough to walk around, but why settle for that when you can see the entire city from a tram, which in itself is a piece of local history – some dating back as far as the 1930s. You can tour either the promenade or the coast, and special routes, such as the Illuminations tour, run at specific times of year.

Blackpool Model Village is affectionately referred to as the “biggest little village in Lancashire”, and the models themselves chart a timeline through history, including castles, Tudor settlements, cricket matches and lighthouses. It sits on the edge of Stanley Park, and special activities such as Easter egg hunts make it a great place to visit with kids in tow; there is also a cafe and gift shop on-site. New buildings are added yearly, so there’s always something to go back for.