When the British weather throws you a curveball, Blackpool has you covered. This seaside resort isn’t just about beaches and piers. The town offers plenty of indoor entertainment that’ll keep you busy no matter the forecast. Whether you’re dodging rain showers or just fancy a break from the sun, here’s your guide to the best indoor things to do in Blackpool.
Why Choose Indoor Attractions in Blackpool?
Blackpool has always known how to entertain visitors. The town’s indoor attractions mean you can enjoy a brilliant day out even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. From historic venues to modern entertainment complexes, there’s something for everyone.
1. Funny Girls: Blackpool’s Premier Drag and Cabaret Show
Let’s start with one of Blackpool’s most talked-about experiences. Funny Girls has been entertaining audiences for years with spectacular drag performances that combine comedy, music, and dazzling costumes. Located in the heart of Blackpool, this venue offers cabaret shows that regularly sell out.
The show runs throughout the year, with performances starting at 8:30pm. You can book a three-course pre-show meal for £29.85 per person, served in their art deco restaurant, Garbo’s. The venue has earned its reputation as a must-visit attraction, consistently ranking in TripAdvisor’s top 10% of attractions worldwide.
What makes Funny Girls special is the energy and professionalism of the performers. The host keeps the audience engaged between acts, creating an atmosphere that’s both entertaining and inclusive. Ticket prices start at around £27.50, making it an affordable night out that delivers genuine entertainment value.
2. The Blackpool Tower Complex
The Blackpool Tower isn’t just a landmark. It’s an entertainment hub housing multiple indoor attractions under one iconic roof. Built in 1894 and inspired by the Eiffel Tower, this 518-foot structure has been welcoming visitors for over 130 years.
The Blackpool Tower Eye
Take the lift to the observation deck for panoramic views across the North West of England and the Irish Sea. The Tower Eye features both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, plus a glass SkyWalk for those brave enough to look straight down at the promenade 380 feet below. A 4D cinema experience adds another dimension to your visit.
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
Step into one of the most beautiful ballrooms in the world. The Tower Ballroom opened in 1899 and has hosted dancers ever since. The sprung floor is made from over 30,000 blocks of mahogany, oak, and walnut. Giant crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and live organ music fills the space daily. The ballroom is also the filming location for BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing specials.
You can visit for afternoon tea, which includes sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and a selection of cakes. Tables are booked for 90 minutes, but you’re welcome to stay longer and soak up the atmosphere.
The Blackpool Tower Circus
The Blackpool Tower Circus dates back to 1894 and is the oldest permanent circus arena in the world. The 2025 show features acrobats, clowns, and jaw-dropping stunts, including motorcycle performers inside a metal sphere. Shows run at 1pm and 4pm on performance days. VIP tickets include ringside seating plus complimentary snacks and drinks.
The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
Travel through 1,000 years of Lancashire’s darker history with live actors, special effects, and theatrical storytelling. The Dungeon takes you through various scary scenarios, combining education with entertainment. It’s suitable for older children and adults who don’t mind a good fright.
3. Sandcastle Waterpark
Sandcastle Waterpark is the UK’s largest indoor waterpark, featuring over 18 slides and attractions under a tropical-themed roof. The water temperature stays at a comfortable 29°C (84°F) year-round, making it perfect for any season.
Highlights include the Master Blaster, which was the world’s longest indoor rollercoaster-style water slide when it opened. The Typhoon Lagoon wave pool creates regular waves for family fun, while the Lazy River offers a gentler pace. Younger children have dedicated splash zones like the Caribbean Storm Treehouse.
The venue offers excellent accessibility features, including pool hoists and Changing Places facilities. VIP Tiki Cabanas are available for hire, giving you private seating, a TV, hot tub, and complimentary lunch delivered to your space.
4. Madame Tussauds Blackpool
Get close to lifelike wax figures of celebrities, sports stars, and historical figures. Madame Tussauds Blackpool is the only Madame Tussauds outside London in the UK. The attraction features different themed zones, including sports personalities, Marvel superheroes, and TV stars from shows like Coronation Street.
Recent additions include Taylor Swift figures as part of a global launch celebrating her Red era. The attraction is interactive, encouraging visitors to pose for photos and engage with the exhibits. You can even sit in The Rovers Return pub set for a drink and pub quiz.
5. SEA LIFE Blackpool
Discover underwater worlds at SEA LIFE Blackpool on the Promenade. The attraction showcases marine life in over 60 displays, with a particular focus on sharks and rainforest creatures. Walk through underwater tunnels and viewing bubbles that give you unique perspectives on sea life.
The shipwreck tank is a favourite with visitors, and staff-led touch pools let children interact with safe sea creatures. Information boards throughout the venue provide educational content about marine conservation. Stamp stations are positioned around the attraction, and collecting them all earns you a reward from the shop.
6. Winter Gardens and Opera House
The Winter Gardens and Opera House were built in 1878 as a place that was ‘especially desirous during inclement days’. This entertainment complex includes theatres, ballrooms, and exhibition halls that have hosted everything from political conferences to major concerts.
The venue regularly features West End shows, tribute acts, and comedy performances. Recent productions have included Chicago, The Jersey Boys, and performances by comedians like Jason Manford and Rob Beckett. The Victorian architecture is stunning, making a visit worthwhile even before the curtain rises.
7. The Comedy Station
Blackpool’s first purpose-built comedy club brings professional comedians from around the world to its stage. Acts have appeared on TV shows like Mock the Week, 8 Out of 10 Cats, and Live at the Apollo. The intimate venue creates a great atmosphere for stand-up comedy, making it a popular choice for night-time entertainment.
8. Coral Island
Coral Island is the largest indoor family-friendly attraction in Blackpool, perfect for a day of fun when the weather isn’t cooperating. This pirate-themed amusement arcade offers free admission and hundreds of games and attractions across multiple floors.
Classic arcade games sit alongside modern video games and virtual reality experiences. The Pirate Quest ghost train and Pirate Flyer monorail add excitement, while 2p penny pushers provide traditional seaside arcade fun. Adults can try slot machines and prize bingo. Food outlets are available throughout the venue.
9. Showtown Blackpool
This museum celebrates Blackpool’s entertainment history through interactive exhibits and displays. Visitors learn about the town’s evolution as a seaside resort and its impact on British culture. The venue includes projection screens showing films about Blackpool’s past, plus hands-on activities that engage visitors of all ages.
10. Grand Theatre
The Grand Theatre hosts a mix of comedy, music, and theatrical productions throughout the year. The venue’s Victorian architecture is impressive, and the programming includes everything from tribute shows to touring productions. Recent shows have featured tributes to David Bowie, Motown, and Meat Loaf, alongside comedy acts like Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em.
11. Ascent Trampoline Park
Located just outside the town centre, Ascent offers indoor trampoline zones, soft play areas for younger children, Total Wipeout-style obstacle courses, climbing walls, and an indoor caving system. It’s a high-energy activity that works well for families and groups of friends looking to burn off some energy indoors.
12. Escape Rooms at The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
Escape the noose before time runs out in this spine-tingling escape room adventure with a twist. The Dungeon-themed escape rooms add theatrical elements to the puzzle-solving experience. You’ll work against the clock to solve clues and escape before meeting your fate.
13. Bounce Play Centre
An indoor inflatable park designed for children aged 0-11 years. Bounce features various inflatable structures and play equipment in a safe, supervised environment. It’s perfect for younger visitors who need to let off steam regardless of the weather outside.
14. The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse
The world’s first The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse brings beloved characters from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler to life. This 45-minute interactive experience is designed for younger children and their families. Multiple sensory areas recreate scenes from popular children’s stories.
15. Peter Rabbit: Explore and Play
A multi-sensory family attraction based on the animated TV series. Children explore rabbit-sized adventures through interactive play areas that bring Beatrix Potter’s characters to life. The experience lasts around 45 minutes and is suitable for young families.
16. The Hole in Wand Wizard Golf
This indoor mini-golf experience adds magical theming to the traditional putting green. Located within the Tower complex, it provides family-friendly entertainment with a mystical twist. The course is accessible regardless of weather conditions.
17. Dino Mini Golf
Another indoor mini-golf option, this time with a prehistoric theme. Dino Mini Golf features life-sized dinosaur models and themed obstacles that make the experience entertaining for children and adults alike. It’s located near the Tower complex.
18. Russ Brown’s House of Secrets
This attraction combines magic, illusion, and mystery in an intimate venue. Russ Brown performs close-up magic and larger illusions that leave audiences amazed. The small setting creates an engaging atmosphere where you’re part of the show.
19. Arcade Club Blackpool
A retro gaming paradise featuring hundreds of classic arcade machines and consoles. Pay one entry fee and play unlimited games. The venue includes everything from 1980s arcade cabinets to vintage console systems, making it a nostalgic trip for adults and a discovery experience for younger gamers.
20. Tristans Lighthouse
A sensory experience designed for visitors with additional needs, though open to all. Tristans Lighthouse features three different rooms, each with fantastic sensory appeal. The venue provides a calming environment with various sensory stimuli.
Planning Your Indoor Adventure in Blackpool
Money-Saving Tips
Consider multi-attraction passes if you’re visiting several venues. The Blackpool Pass offers entry to multiple attractions over 1, 2, or 7 days, letting you visit each attraction multiple times during your pass period. Booking tickets online often provides discounts compared to paying at the door.
Many venues offer family tickets that work out cheaper than buying individual admissions. Some attractions run special promotions during off-peak times, so check websites before your visit.
Getting Around
Blackpool’s compact town centre makes walking between attractions easy. The famous tram service runs along the Promenade, connecting major attractions from north to south. Day passes are available for unlimited tram travel.
Local buses serve areas further from the centre, like Ascent Trampoline Park. Most major indoor attractions cluster around the Promenade and Tower area, making it simple to visit multiple venues in one day.
Best Times to Visit
Indoor attractions in Blackpool stay open year-round, though specific opening hours vary by season. School holidays and weekends are busiest, so expect larger crowds. Weekday visits during term time offer quieter experiences with shorter queues.
Some attractions like Funny Girls and theatre shows require advance booking, particularly for weekend performances. Pre-booking guarantees entry and often secures better seats or time slots.
Accessibility
Blackpool’s major indoor attractions provide good accessibility facilities. Sandcastle Waterpark is particularly noted for its accessibility features. The Blackpool Tower offers lift access to upper levels. Most venues provide accessible toilets and designated parking nearby.
Contact individual attractions before your visit if you have specific accessibility requirements. Staff are generally helpful in accommodating visitors’ needs.
Making the Most of Your Visit to Blackpool
Indoor things to do in Blackpool prove that this seaside resort works brilliantly even when the weather doesn’t. The variety of attractions means families, couples, and groups of friends all find entertainment that suits their interests and energy levels.
From the spectacular performances at Funny Girls to the historical grandeur of the Tower Ballroom, from thrilling water slides at Sandcastle to meeting celebrities at Madame Tussauds, Blackpool’s indoor offerings rival any major UK destination. The town’s entertainment heritage shines through in venues that have been welcoming visitors for over a century, while modern attractions keep the experience fresh and exciting.
Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or a longer stay, Blackpool’s indoor attractions ensure you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained. The combination of traditional seaside charm and contemporary entertainment creates a unique experience that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best indoor activities for families in Blackpool?
Sandcastle Waterpark tops the list for families with its 18 water slides and year-round tropical temperatures. The Blackpool Tower complex offers multiple attractions under one roof, including the circus, which has been running since 1894. SEA LIFE Blackpool and The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse work well for younger children, while Coral Island provides free-entry arcade fun for all ages.
How much does it cost to visit indoor attractions in Blackpool?
Prices vary significantly. Coral Island offers free admission, while ticketed attractions range from £10-£30 per person. Multi-attraction passes like the Blackpool Pass can save money if you’re visiting several venues. Funny Girls tickets start around £27.50, and adding a three-course meal costs £29.85 per person. Booking online typically offers discounts compared to door prices.
Can you visit Blackpool indoor attractions in one day?
You can visit several indoor attractions in one day, but trying to see everything would be rushed. Most people comfortably visit 3-4 major attractions in a day. The Tower complex itself contains multiple experiences that could fill several hours. Consider prioritising based on your interests and booking timed tickets in advance to avoid queues.
Is Blackpool good for adults without children?
Absolutely. Funny Girls offers adult-oriented entertainment that’s one of Blackpool’s most popular attractions. The Tower Ballroom provides elegant afternoon tea experiences, while venues like The Comedy Station and Grand Theatre host regular performances. Bars, restaurants, and evening entertainment around the town centre create a vibrant nightlife scene separate from family attractions.
What indoor activities in Blackpool are suitable for rainy days?
All the attractions mentioned in this guide work perfectly for rainy days. Sandcastle Waterpark means you’ll get wet anyway, making rain irrelevant. The Tower complex, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Blackpool, and shopping centres like Houndshill provide extensive indoor coverage. The Winter Gardens was literally built for ‘inclement days’, and Coral Island’s multi-floor arcade means you can spend hours without going outside.
