There’s something magical about a Blackpool sunset. The sky transforms into shades of orange, pink, and purple as the sun dips below the Irish Sea. If you’re planning an evening at Funny Girls, why not start your night with one of nature’s best shows? You’ll have just enough time to catch the golden hour before the curtain rises on Blackpool’s most talked-about cabaret performance.
The timing works out perfectly. Sunset in Blackpool happens between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM during autumn and winter months, and the doors to Funny Girls open at 7:00 PM. That gives you a solid hour to soak up the coastal views, snap some photos, and work up your appetite before the entertainment begins.
Where to Watch the Sunset in Blackpool
Blackpool ranked as the third most popular sunset viewing location in the UK, with over 1,500 Instagram posts tagged with #Blackpoolsunset. The promenade stretches for miles, so you’ve got plenty of options for finding your perfect spot.
The Spanish Steps at Central Promenade
The iconic Spanish Steps on the Tower Festival Headland give you an elevated view straight out to sea. These art deco steps lead down to the beach and create a natural amphitheatre for sunset watching. The Blackpool Tower rises behind you, which makes for some stunning photo compositions as the light fades.
You can sit on the steps themselves or walk down to the sand. The beach expands dramatically at low tide, giving you even more space to spread out and enjoy the view without crowds.
North Pier and the Victorian Shelters
North Pier opened in 1863 and still retains its Victorian character. The pier stretches 500 feet into the Irish Sea, putting you right in the middle of the sunset action. Walk to the end for unobstructed views in every direction.
Just south of the pier, you’ll find the Victorian colonnades with their distinctive shelters. These covered seating areas protect you from the wind while still giving you clear views of the water. On chillier evenings, these shelters let you watch the sunset in comfort.
Blackpool Tower Eye
If you prefer your sunsets with a cocktail in hand, head to Bar 380 at the top of Blackpool Tower. The Tower Eye opens late for special Sunset Sessions during peak season, where you can watch the sun go down from 380 feet above the promenade. The views stretch across the entire coastline and out over the Irish Sea.
This option costs extra, but the perspective is unmatched. You’ll see the whole town lighting up as dusk settles in, with the Illuminations beginning to glow along the seafront.
South Promenade and the Mirror Ball
The South Promenade features a series of outdoor art installations along a 2-kilometre stretch. The standout piece is the Mirror Ball, believed to be the UK’s largest at 6 metres in diameter. The reflective surface catches the sunset colours and creates kaleidoscopic patterns.
This area tends to be quieter than the central promenade, so you’ll have more space to yourself. The Great Promenade Show includes several other sculptures that make interesting foreground subjects for sunset photography.
Making the Most of Golden Hour
Golden hour in Blackpool lasts about an hour before sunset. The light during this time is softer and warmer than midday sun, which is why photographers love it. During autumn and winter, golden hour typically runs from around 5:00 PM to 6:15 PM.
The Irish Sea faces west from Blackpool, so you get direct views of the sun setting over the water. On clear days, you might catch the sun touching the horizon line, which creates that classic postcard effect. Even on cloudy days, the light filtering through the clouds can be spectacular.
Bring a jacket. Blackpool sits on the coast, and the wind picks up as evening approaches. The temperature drops quickly once the sun goes down, even on days that start out warm.
From Beach to Cabaret
Once you’ve watched the sunset, you’re only a short walk from Funny Girls. The venue sits on Dickson Road, just off the promenade in the heart of Blackpool’s entertainment district. From most sunset viewing spots, you can reach Funny Girls in under 10 minutes on foot.
The restaurant at Funny Girls, called Garbo’s, opens at 6:30 PM if you’ve booked the three-course pre-show meal option. This gives sunset watchers perfect timing to transition from beach to dinner. The meal costs £29.85 per person and includes three courses served in the art deco restaurant before the show starts.
If you’re not dining, the main venue doors open at 7:00 PM. Entertainment kicks off at 8:00 PM with the DJ and hostess, followed by the main cabaret performances starting at 8:30 PM.
What to Expect at Funny Girls
Funny Girls has been entertaining audiences since 1994, making it a Blackpool institution. The venue ranks in the top 10% of attractions worldwide on TripAdvisor, with over 35,000 reviews. Visitors consistently rate it as the number one nightlife experience in Blackpool.
The Main Cabaret Show
The standard Funny Girls show runs throughout the week, with performances Wednesday through Sunday. Shows typically feature seven performances throughout the evening, with intervals in between for drinks and dancing. The resident DJ keeps the energy high between acts.
Betty Legs Diamond and Zoe are two of the long-standing performers who regularly host the shows. The cast includes trained dancers and performers with backgrounds in musical theatre, many of whom studied at local performing arts schools. Each performer brings their own style to the stage, from high-energy dance routines to comedy segments.
The show blends drag performance, cabaret, comedy, and dance. Costumes are elaborate, with sequins, feathers, and full theatrical productions for each number. The performances range from pop culture parodies to classic show tunes, keeping the variety fresh throughout the night.
Special Themed Shows
Funny Girls runs special productions throughout the year. These shows often feature elaborate themes and extended performances at the historic 1939 Odeon theatre, located in central Blackpool.
Halloween Spectacular: The Halloween show brings spooky glamour with performances inspired by The Addams Family, Hocus Pocus, and Rocky Horror. Expect theatrical makeup, dramatic costumes, and plenty of audience participation.
Christmas Show: The festive production includes dancing reindeer, snowmen, sequins, and holiday-themed routines. This show typically runs from late November through December.
New Year’s Eve Eleganza: Ring in the new year with a special performance featuring show-stopping routines, spectacular costumes, and a midnight finale. The New Year’s show is held at the 1939 theatre and includes a full evening of entertainment.
Spring Show: Running through the warmer months, the Spring Show features bright, energetic performances with a focus on classic cabaret glamour.
Summer Spectacular: Betty Legs Diamond and the Funny Girls Follies return with new routines alongside audience favourites during the summer season.
Tours and Special Events
Beyond regular performances, Funny Girls offers backstage tours where you can see behind the scenes of one of Blackpool’s most famous venues. The tour includes the building’s history and gives you a glimpse into the production side of the shows.
The venue also hosts touring productions, including appearances by performers from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and international drag artists. These special events typically sell out quickly.
Planning Your Sunset-to-Show Evening
Here’s a sample timeline to help you plan:
5:00 PM: Arrive at your chosen sunset viewing spot. Grab a coffee from one of the promenade cafés if you want something warm to hold.
5:30 PM: Golden hour is in full swing. This is prime time for photos and simply enjoying the changing light.
6:15 PM: Sunset. The sun touches the horizon, and the sky explodes with colour.
6:45 PM: Head to Funny Girls. If you’ve booked dinner at Garbo’s, aim to arrive by this time.
7:00 PM: Main venue doors open for those not dining.
8:00 PM: Entertainment begins with the DJ and hostess.
8:30 PM: Main cabaret performances start.
11:00 PM: Show finale.
This timeline gives you enough buffer to account for walking time and finding your seat without rushing.
Getting Around
Blackpool’s heritage tram system runs along the entire promenade from Starr Gate in the south to Fleetwood in the north. Trams run frequently and provide an easy way to hop between different sunset viewing spots if you want to explore multiple locations.
The tramway opened in 1885 and was modernised in 2012, though you can still ride heritage trams on certain routes. A single tram ride costs a few pounds and saves your legs after a day of exploring.
Most visitors find walking to be the easiest option, though. The promenade is flat and well-lit, making it accessible for most mobility levels. From the Tower to Funny Girls is about a 10-minute walk.
Why This Combination Works
Starting your evening with a sunset might seem like a small thing, but it sets the tone for the whole night. You arrive at Funny Girls already in holiday mode, relaxed from the fresh sea air and the natural spectacle you just witnessed.
The contrast is part of the charm. You go from the quiet beauty of nature to the high-energy sparkle of cabaret. Both experiences showcase different sides of Blackpool: the timeless coastal resort and the vibrant entertainment hub.
Blackpool has been a entertainment destination since Victorian times. The town knows how to put on a show, whether that’s a natural light display over the Irish Sea or a professionally choreographed drag performance. When you combine both in one evening, you get the full Blackpool experience.
Practical Tips
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Sunset viewing obviously works best on clear days, but even partly cloudy skies can produce dramatic colours. Rain, on the other hand, makes beach time less appealing.
Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be standing or walking on the beach and promenade, then moving to Funny Girls. Trainers or flat boots work better than heels for this kind of evening.
Book your Funny Girls tickets in advance, especially for weekend shows and special themed performances. The venue is popular and regularly sells out. Tickets are emailed to you automatically after booking through the Funny Girls website at funnygirlsshow.co.uk.
Bring a phone or camera with a good low-light capability for sunset photos. The dramatic lighting can be tricky to capture, but modern smartphone cameras handle golden hour quite well.
If you’re driving, arrive early. Parking fills up quickly in central Blackpool, particularly on weekends and during illuminations season (September through January). Several car parks sit within walking distance of both the promenade and Funny Girls.
Making It a Full Day
If you’re visiting Blackpool for the day, there’s plenty to fill the hours before sunset. The Tower Ballroom hosts afternoon tea dances. Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Blackpool, and the Comedy Carpet are all within the Golden Mile stretch of promenade.
The Pleasure Beach theme park operates further south if you’re after rides and thrills. Stanley Park offers a quieter alternative with its lake, gardens, and art deco café.
Time your activities so you’re wrapping up by late afternoon. That gives you time to grab a quick bite (if you’re not doing dinner at Funny Girls) and position yourself for the sunset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sunset in Blackpool during autumn and winter?
Sunset times in Blackpool vary throughout the year. In October, sunset happens around 6:15 PM at the start of the month, dropping to about 4:45 PM by late October after clocks change. November sees sunsets between 4:15 PM and 4:00 PM. December has the earliest sunsets, around 3:50 PM to 4:00 PM. Always check current sunset times before planning your evening.
How long does the Funny Girls show last?
The main Funny Girls performance runs from 8:30 PM to 11:00 PM, with the finale finishing around 11:00 PM. The full evening, including DJ entertainment that starts at 8:00 PM, spans about three hours. If you book the pre-show dinner at Garbo’s restaurant, you’ll want to arrive at 6:30 PM, making it a full evening out.
Can I buy Funny Girls tickets at the door?
While walk-up tickets may be available, booking in advance through funnygirlsshow.co.uk is strongly recommended. Weekend shows and themed performances often sell out. Advance tickets are emailed to you immediately after purchase, giving you guaranteed entry. Prices range from £10 to £34 depending on the day and seating choice.
Is the Funny Girls show suitable for all ages?
Funny Girls is a cabaret show with adult humour and themes. While it’s not excessively explicit, the comedy includes innuendo and audience interaction that may not suit young children. The show is best for teenagers and adults who enjoy cheeky entertainment. Families with older teens generally find it appropriate and entertaining.
What’s the best spot for sunset photos on Blackpool promenade?
The Spanish Steps at Central Promenade offer the most iconic views, with the Tower in the background and wide beach access. North Pier gives you an elevated perspective stretching into the sea. For something different, the Mirror Ball installation on South Promenade creates unique reflective compositions. All three locations provide excellent photo opportunities during golden hour.
