Attractions in Blackpool

A town steeped in heritage, tourists first started arriving here in the middle of the 18th Century, when taking restorative sea water baths were all the rage. But Blackpool’s real heyday began in the 19th century when the railway brought visitors in their millions. Want to get a feel for Blackpool’s fascinating past? You can - by visiting one of the town’s many iconic buildings.

Visible from hundreds of miles across the North West coast, Blackpool Tower is the resort’s most iconic landmark. And if you think it looks suspiciously like a certain Parisian monument, you’d be right. In 1887 the Mayor of Blackpool visited Paris and liked the Eiffel Tower so much he built a replica. A trip to the top of the tower starts with a 4D cinema experience to build up the anticipation. Then a lift takes you up to the viewing platform where you can brave the glass skywalk. But will you dare take the narrow staircase right to the top? Our hotel near the Blackpool Tower is just a beachside stroll away.

If you love historic buildings full of elegant, old-world charm, make sure you pay a visit to the Tower Ballroom. Magnificently decorated in gold, it has glitzy chandeliers and the bounciest sprung floor made of mahogany, oak and walnut. It costs around £4 to sit on the balcony and gaze at a ballroom still in its full glory.

The Winter Gardens is not just a huge art deco entertainment complex in the heart of Blackpool - it’s an architectural work of art. The Grade II-listed building officially opened its doors in 1878 and since then it’s hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, from the Beatles to Frank Sinatra. Steeped in heritage, the building itself is grand and awe-inspiring with stunning Victorian and art deco features. You can visit it for free between 10.30am to 3pm and stop for a cuppa at the Mazzei Cafe. Check out our nearby Premier Inn Blackpool (North Pier) hotel.

The Grand Theatre building is dazzling, both inside and out. Dating back to 1894 and built by leading Victorian architect Frank Matcham, it’s been lovingly preserved since then. The balconies have Baroque plasterwork and there’s an oval ceiling opulently decorated with painted composers. If you don’t have tickets to a show, the theatre has open days where you can take a tour and soak up some of its fabulous architecture instead.

Blackpool may have seven miles of golden beach, but if you’re fed up of getting sand in your sandwiches, head to one of its beautiful parks instead.

On a beautiful day, escape the crowds on the Promenade and take your picnic to Stanley Park instead. As beautiful as it is historic, this Grade II-listed green space has plenty of places to lay a picnic blanket, from its ornamental gardens to its natural woodland areas. One of Blackpool’s designated conservation areas, the park originally opened in 1926 and it’s as fine an example of a Victorian park as you’ll find in England, with its gorgeous Italian Gardens, bandstand and art deco cafe. Our Blackpool hotel near Stanley Park makes the perfect base to explore it from.

Blow away the cobwebs with a long walk in the Wyre Estuary Country Park. This dog-walking favourite is just a 20-minute drive from Blackpool and it’s a complex web of paths that lead around the river and estuary. There are birds to watch and natural beauty just waiting to be explored - but take wellies if it’s raining as it can get quite muddy. There’s a car park, children’s play area and cafe - and disabled visitors aren’t left out. Many of the paths are made accessible by specially converted, all-terrain wheelchairs that can be hired from the visitor centre.

With more sightseeing options than you can shake a stick of rock at, Blackpool is filled with fun attractions. But with so many vying for your time and attention, which should you head to first? Here’s our pick of the best.

A short drive from the city centre takes you to the multi-award winning Blackpool Zoo. Younger members of the family will love the dinosaur walk-through adventure, while you’ll all enjoy the amazing variety of wildlife on offer, including elephants, tigers, lions and some very entertaining penguins. A particular highlight here is the chance to get close to the animals, whether by holding Colin the cockroach, stroking a giant rabbit or taking a stroll in the popular walk-through monkey enclosure.

You don’t need to travel for miles to an out-of-town theme park to experience world-beating rides. Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach has some of the UK’s best roller coasters and they’re right in the heart of the town. Most famous of all is the Big One. Once the tallest in Europe it’s still one of the scariest, with a 235ft climb and speeds of up to 87mph. And our hotel near Blackpool Pleasure Beach is practically within waving distance.

There is an arena in town, but it’s not the place to watch global superstars like Beyonce or Elton John strut their stuff. That’s because Blackpool’s arena is dedicated to ice skating.

The world famous Ice Arena at the Pleasure Beach is the oldest purpose-built ice theatre in the world. It’s famous in the sport, having helped to nurture British and international champions like Robin Cousins. The arena offers public ice skating sessions year round. Don’t fancy taking a turn around the slippery stuff yourself? You can just immerse yourself in the spectacle of the Hot Ice Show. Held each year in the summer season, you’ll watch world class professionals glide around the ice in the most jaw-dropping costumes.

Staying in one of our Blackpool hotels to go to a big match? There’s just one place you need to know about - and luckily, it’s easy to get there from the centre of town.

Bloomfield Road rocks to the sound of nearly 18,000 loud, passionate football fans every home game, and is known for having a great atmosphere and fantastic facilities. Even if you’re not lucky enough to be watching the Tangerines play, you could always book a stadium tour. Lasting two hours, you’ll learn about the club’s 100-year history, peek into their trophy cabinet and poke your nose into the dressing rooms. Bloomfield Road is less than one and a half miles south of the city centre and is easily accessible by train, car or bus. Or why not book into a Premier Inn hotel near Blackpool FC? There’s one just a 15-minute walk away.