Blackpool is just over an hour from Liverpool, which makes it one of the best day trip options in the North West. You get the seaside, the tower, the Pleasure Beach, the Golden Mile and if you time it right, an evening at Funny Girls that people genuinely talk about for months. This Liverpool to Blackpool travel guide covers everything you need to make the most of the trip, from catching the train to planning your night out.
How to Get from Liverpool to Blackpool by Train
Let’s start with the journey itself because it’s easier than most people expect.
The most direct route runs from Liverpool Lime Street to Blackpool North, with a change at Preston. The total journey takes around 75 to 90 minutes depending on the connection. Trains run regularly throughout the day, and the fare is generally reasonable if you book in advance or travel off-peak.
Here’s a quick breakdown of your options:
- Train: Liverpool Lime Street → Preston → Blackpool North. Journey time: roughly 75–90 minutes. Services run by Avanti West Coast and Northern.
- Car: The M6 and M55 take you straight in. Allow 60–75 minutes outside rush hour.
- Coach: National Express runs services from Liverpool. Slower but cheaper, usually 2+ hours.
If you’re going as a group and planning a night out, the train is the smarter choice. You won’t have to worry about parking or a designated driver.
Start the Day: Blackpool Promenade and the Tower
Once you arrive at Blackpool North station, you’re about a 10-minute walk or short tram ride from the seafront. The iconic Blackpool Tower has been standing since 1894 and remains the best vantage point in town. The Tower Eye observation deck sits at 158 metres and gives you views across the Fylde Coast on a clear day. There’s also the famous glass floor if you want to impress (or terrify) whoever you brought with you.
The Promenade itself runs for miles. Walk it, grab a coffee, and take in the sea air before the crowds build up later in the day.
Quick itinerary for the morning:
- Arrive at Blackpool North
- Walk or tram to the Tower
- Climb the Tower Eye or explore the Tower Ballroom
- Walk south along the Promenade toward the Pleasure Beach
Afternoon: Blackpool Pleasure Beach
If you haven’t been to Blackpool Pleasure Beach recently, it’s worth revisiting your assumptions. The park has over 125 rides and is home to some of the UK’s most well-regarded roller coasters, including The Big One, which held the record as Europe’s tallest coaster when it opened in 1994.
A full day pass gets you unlimited access. If you’re only there for the afternoon, an afternoon wristband is available. The park is open seasonally, so check their website before you visit to confirm opening times.
After the Pleasure Beach, head back toward the town centre. The Golden Mile between the Pleasure Beach and the Tower is packed with arcades, fish and chip shops, and the kind of seaside chaos Blackpool does better than anywhere else in England.
The Main Event: Funny Girls Blackpool
This is the part that earns Blackpool a spot on the bucket list for a lot of people who’ve never considered themselves cabaret fans.
Funny Girls has been putting on drag and cabaret shows in Blackpool since 1994. It sits at 5 Dickson Road in a beautifully preserved 1930s-style art deco theatre, and it runs shows Wednesday through Sunday. The current show runs from around 8pm to 11:30pm, with the doors opening at 7pm.
What makes it stand out is that it’s genuinely good theatre. The choreography is tight, the costumes are extraordinary, and the hosts currently including the razor-sharp Carmen and the brilliant Zoe keep the crowd engaged between sets. Reviewers on TripAdvisor consistently rate it in the top 10% of attractions worldwide, with over 35,000 reviews. That’s not accidental.
The current show is the Blooming Queens Spring Show, running through to mid-May 2026. Seasonal shows change throughout the year, so there’s always something new to see. After spring comes the Hot Girl Summer show, then Coven Queens for Halloween, and Christmas Sleigh Queens to close the year.
What to expect at Funny Girls:
- Multiple cabaret sets from around 8:30pm
- Live DJ and hostess entertainment between sets
- Table service throughout the show
- Standing room at the bar if you prefer to be closer to the action
- Optional pre-show dinner at Garbo’s restaurant (3 courses, £29.85 per person, doors open at 6:30pm)
- Tickets from around £10 for standing
If you’re planning a hen night, birthday, or just a night out that’s genuinely different from a standard bar crawl, this is worth booking early. The show sells out on weekends.
Dinner at Garbo’s Before the Show
The restaurant inside the venue, Garbo’s, offers a three-course pre-show dinner for £29.85 per person. It’s served in the art deco dining room before the curtain rises. Reviewers mention the food as consistently solid and the service as attentive. If you’re combining dinner and a show in one place, it simplifies the evening considerably.
Dinner reservations need to be made at least 48 hours in advance, and you’ll choose your meals at the time of booking. Restaurant doors open at 6:30pm; plan to arrive between then and 7:15pm.
Other Things to Do in Blackpool for a Day Trip from Liverpool
If the Pleasure Beach doesn’t appeal or you have a bit more time, here are a few other options worth knowing about:
Blackpool Zoo: Set in the grounds of Stanley Park, it’s a good option if you’re travelling with children. Stanley Park itself is one of the better urban parks in the North West.
The SEA LIFE Centre: On the Promenade, close to the Tower. Compact but good for families or anyone who wants a break from the wind.
Blackpool Illuminations: If your trip falls between late August and early November, the Illuminations run along the Promenade for miles. They’ve been a Blackpool tradition since 1879 and are best seen after dark from the top deck of a tram.
The Grundy Art Gallery: Free to enter, centrally located, and worth an hour if you want something calmer after the seafront.
Practical Tips for Your Day Trip
A few things that will save you hassle on the day:
- Book your Funny Girls tickets in advance, especially for Friday and Saturday nights. The box office is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5:30pm, and you can also book at funnygirlsshow.co.uk at any time.
- The last trains back to Liverpool leave Blackpool North in the late evening. Check your return journey before you go out so you’re not scrambling at 11pm.
- Blackpool trams run the length of the Promenade and are the easiest way to get between the Tower and the Pleasure Beach. Day tickets are available.
- Parking near the North Pier area fills up quickly in summer. If you’re driving, consider the multi-storeys on the edge of the town centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the journey from Liverpool to Blackpool take by train?
The train from Liverpool Lime Street to Blackpool North takes around 75 to 90 minutes with a change at Preston. Services run regularly throughout the day on the Northern and Avanti West Coast networks. Booking in advance or travelling off-peak usually gives you the best fares.
Is Funny Girls suitable for everyone, or just LGBTQ+ audiences?
Funny Girls welcomes everyone. The show is a mix of comedy, theatre, and cabaret that works for hen nights, birthdays, work nights out, and first-timers who are just curious. Reviewers consistently mention being surprised by how inclusive and enjoyable the atmosphere is regardless of their background.
What time does Funny Girls start and finish?
Doors open at 7pm. The DJ and hostess begin at 8pm, and the cabaret on stage starts at 8:30pm. The show runs until approximately 11:30pm. You can arrive partway through if tickets are still available on the night, but pre-booking is strongly recommended on weekends.
Do I need to book Blackpool Pleasure Beach in advance?
Booking online in advance is recommended, particularly during school holidays and summer weekends. Online tickets are typically cheaper than gate prices, and pre-booking guarantees entry if the park is busy. Check the Pleasure Beach website for current pricing and opening times before your visit.
What’s the best time of year for a day trip from Liverpool to Blackpool?
Any time of year works, but each season offers something different. Summer brings the full Pleasure Beach experience and beach weather. Autumn is perfect for the Illuminations. Winter is quieter but Funny Girls runs its Christmas Sleigh Queens show from November, which is a popular reason to visit on its own. Spring is genuinely underrated the town is less crowded and the sea air is fresh.
