Blackpool isn’t just for kids. This famous seaside town offers plenty for grown-ups, from world-class entertainment to thrilling rides and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re planning a weekend away or looking for date ideas, here’s your guide to the best things to do for adults in Blackpool.
1. Watch the Show at Funny Girls
Start your Blackpool adventure at Funny Girls, the UK’s number one drag and cabaret show. Located in a converted Art Deco cinema from 1939, this venue has been entertaining crowds since 1994. The show features talented drag performers, dancers, and comedians who deliver two and a half hours of dazzling routines, sharp comedy, and show-stopping performances.
What makes Funny Girls special is the atmosphere. The queens interact with the audience, the costumes are spectacular, and the dancing is first-rate. You can book show-only tickets or add a three-course meal at Garbo’s restaurant before the curtain rises. The venue has earned its place as Blackpool’s top-rated show for five consecutive years, sitting in the top 10% of attractions worldwide on TripAdvisor.
Shows run most evenings, with doors opening at 7pm and the finale at 11pm. Book ahead online at https://www.funnygirlsshow.co.uk/ to guarantee your spot. This is proper entertainment that appeals to all adults, whether you’re celebrating a hen do, birthday, or just want a brilliant night out.
2. Ride The Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool Pleasure Beach hosts some of the best roller coasters in the UK. The Big One, which opened in 1994, was once the world’s tallest and steepest roller coaster. At 213 feet high, it still dominates the skyline and delivers an adrenaline rush like no other.
The park offers several thrill rides perfect for adults. ICON is the UK’s first double-launch coaster, propelling you forward at high speed twice during the ride. Valhalla combines water rides with indoor special effects (bring a poncho). The Grand National is a classic wooden racing coaster from the 1930s.
Adult tickets start around £40 when booked online. The park operates from March through November, with varying hours depending on the season. Weekdays during term time offer shorter queues. You can exit and re-enter throughout the day, making it easy to grab lunch nearby.
3. Take in the View from Blackpool Tower Eye
Blackpool Tower stands 518 feet tall and has been a landmark since 1894. The Tower Eye viewing platform sits near the top, offering views across the northwest of England. On clear days, you can see the Lake District, Liverpool, and the Isle of Man.
The highlight is the SkyWalk, a glass viewing platform where you look straight down 380 feet to the promenade below. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it’s an experience you’ll remember. The tower also houses the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom, where you can watch dancers glide across the floor to the Wurlitzer organ, or the Tower Dungeon if you fancy something darker.
Tickets can be purchased individually for each attraction or as a multi-attraction pass. Book online to save money and skip the queues. The Tower Eye makes a great stop during the day before heading to evening entertainment like Funny Girls.
4. Explore SEA LIFE Blackpool
Don’t dismiss the aquarium as just for children. SEA LIFE Blackpool houses over 2,500 aquatic creatures in thoughtfully designed exhibits. The Ocean Tunnel lets you walk beneath sharks, rays, and a giant green sea turtle named Phoenix.
The Stingray Adventure features honeycomb whiptail rays, cownose rays, and blue-spotted stingrays. The Rainforest Adventure section includes piranhas, turtles, and poison dart frogs. The Four Corners of the World exhibit recreates famous landmarks taken over by marine life.
Adults appreciate the conservation information and the peaceful atmosphere. It’s also a great rainy-day activity. Book tickets online in advance to save up to 10% and guarantee entry. The aquarium opens daily at 10am, with closing times varying by season.
5. Dance at Blackpool Tower Ballroom
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is one of the most beautiful dance halls in Britain. The ornate Victorian interior features painted ceilings, chandeliers, and gilded details. The ballroom hosts tea dances during the day and special events in the evening.
You can watch the dancers, listen to the famous Wurlitzer organ, or join in yourself. The ballroom welcomes all skill levels. Afternoon tea packages are available, combining a delicious spread with all-day ballroom admission. It’s a classy way to spend an afternoon before heading to evening shows elsewhere in town.
The ballroom has appeared in several TV shows and maintains its original character. Even if you don’t dance, the architecture alone is worth seeing. Combined tickets with other Tower attractions offer better value.
6. Ride the Heritage Trams
Blackpool’s tram system is the UK’s only surviving first-generation tramway. Heritage tram tours let you experience vintage trams between 50 and 100 years old. The Promenade Tour runs for an hour along the famous seafront. The Illumination Tour operates from September to December aboard illuminated trams.
The trams themselves are part of Blackpool’s history. Some are open-topped “boats,” others are fully enclosed heritage models. The journey provides great photo opportunities and a comfortable way to see the coastline. Special themed tours include Fish and Chips Tours and Ghost Tours.
Regular tram services also run along the promenade, making them practical for getting around. A day ticket lets you hop on and off as you explore. The heritage tours require advance booking through Blackpool Transport’s website.
7. Walk the Three Piers
Blackpool has three Victorian piers, each with its own character. North Pier, opened in 1863, is the most elegant with its Victorian architecture and quieter atmosphere. It features a theatre, amusement arcade, and several bars including the Bloom Bar with sea views.
Central Pier is livelier with rides, games, and arcades. It’s perfect if you want that classic seaside buzz. South Pier (also called South Pier) has thrill rides and a more family-oriented feel. Walking all three piers takes a couple of hours and gives you a real sense of traditional British seaside culture.
The piers are free to walk on, though you’ll pay for rides and attractions. They’re particularly atmospheric in the evening when the lights come on. Combine a pier walk with fish and chips from one of the seafront restaurants.
8. See the Blackpool Illuminations
From late August through early November, six miles of Blackpool’s promenade lights up with the famous Illuminations. This free light show has been a tradition for over 140 years. The displays include traditional festoons, modern LED installations, and interactive features.
The Illuminations are best viewed from a heritage tram tour or by walking the promenade. The displays feature everything from cartoon characters to abstract art installations. Tower projections add another dimension to the spectacle.
The switch-on event in late August attracts thousands. But any evening during the season offers a brilliant show. If you’re visiting in autumn or winter, time your trip to catch the lights. They’re free to view, making them excellent value.
9. Catch a Show at Winter Gardens
Winter Gardens is a Victorian entertainment complex hosting everything from concerts to comedy shows, theatre productions to conferences. The venue includes several theatres and ballrooms, each with its own character.
Check the schedule before you visit as the programming varies widely. Past performers include major touring acts, West End shows, and tribute bands. The Opera House within the complex is particularly impressive. The building itself, dating from 1878, is worth seeing for its architecture.
Tickets vary by event but can be booked online. The venue sits in the town centre, making it easy to combine with dinner and drinks. It’s a cornerstone of Blackpool’s cultural scene.
10. Try the Nightlife Scene
Blackpool offers varied nightlife for adults. The Funny Girls venue remains open after the show for drinks and dancing with DJs playing until late. Ma Kelly’s on Talbot Road hosts comedy nights, live music, and karaoke. The venue attracts a friendly local crowd.
Shenanigans Irish Bar shows live sports on big screens and features karaoke on Sundays. The Pump and Truncheon is a traditional pub known for real ales and a cosy atmosphere with its open fire. Beach House Bistro and Bar on the Promenade serves cocktails with sea views, perfect for sundowners.
Most bars and pubs in Blackpool stay open late, particularly on weekends. The area around Church Street and the Promenade has the highest concentration of venues. Dress codes are generally casual, though some nightclubs enforce smart-casual policies.
11. Visit Madame Tussauds Blackpool
Madame Tussauds Blackpool brings you face-to-face with wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, and sports stars. The Blackpool location includes local touches, like the Rovers Return set from Coronation Street with a working bar.
Recent additions include YouTube star KSI alongside music legends Ed Sheeran and Olly Murs. The Marvel Super Heroes section lets you interact with your favourite characters. The venue hosts special events including overnight experiences.
The waxworks are fun for adults, particularly if you enjoy pop culture and celebrity. Combined tickets with other Blackpool attractions offer savings. Book online to skip queues and save money. The attraction works well on rainy days or as a morning activity before evening entertainment.
12. Experience the Grand Theatre
The Grand Theatre opened in 1894 and remains one of Blackpool’s most beautiful venues. The four-level Victorian auditorium seats over 1,000 people. The theatre hosts West End musicals, comedy shows, touring productions, and pantomimes.
The building survived both World Wars and maintains its original “cantilever” design, which means no pillars block the view. The architecture alone makes it worth visiting. Check the schedule before your trip as programming changes throughout the year.
The Grand Theatre sits on Church Street in the town centre. Tickets can be booked online or at the box office. Prices vary by production, with premium seats offering the best views. Arrive early to appreciate the building’s interior before the show starts.
13. Sample Fish and Chips
You can’t visit Blackpool without eating fish and chips. Harry Ramsdens near Blackpool Tower is a famous chain restaurant serving traditional British seaside fare. But many locals prefer smaller establishments along the promenade.
The best fish and chips feature fresh cod or haddock in crispy batter, proper chips (not fries), and mushy peas. Some places offer gluten-free options. Eating them outdoors while looking at the sea is part of the experience.
Most fish and chip shops are takeaway only, but some have seating areas. Prices range from around £7 to £12 for a standard portion. Don’t skip this Blackpool tradition, even if you think you’ve had fish and chips before. The seaside versions taste different.
14. Explore Stanley Park
Stanley Park offers 390 acres of green space just a short tram ride from the promenade. The park features Italian gardens, a lake, woodland areas, and a café. It’s a peaceful break from the busier seafront attractions.
The park is free to enter and open year-round. It’s perfect for a morning walk or afternoon picnic. The Italian gardens are particularly photogenic. The café serves coffee and light meals if you need refreshments.
Stanley Park hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup matches at the adjacent stadium. The park connects to Blackpool Zoo if you want to combine activities. It’s a local favourite that many tourists miss, making it quieter than beach areas.
15. Visit Blackpool Zoo
Blackpool Zoo houses over 1,000 animals from around the world including elephants, tigers, lions, giraffes, and gorillas. The zoo focuses on conservation and education. Talks and feeding times happen throughout the day.
Adults enjoy the zoo as much as children. The enclosures are spacious and well-designed. The zoo covers a large area, so wear comfortable shoes. Several cafés and kiosks offer food and drinks throughout the grounds.
The zoo is located about two miles inland from the promenade. Adult tickets cost around £20-25 when booked online. The zoo opens daily at 10am year-round. Allow at least three hours to see everything. Some visitors combine it with Stanley Park for a full day out.
16. Try the Sandcastle Waterpark
Sandcastle Waterpark is the UK’s largest indoor waterpark. It features 18 slides and attractions including the Masterblaster water coaster and the Montazooma with its near-vertical drop. The tropical setting maintains a comfortable temperature year-round.
The waterpark welcomes adults, with some slides designed for thrill-seekers. The wave pool creates four-foot waves. Sidewinder drops you down a nearly vertical slope into darkness. The lazy river offers a gentler option if you want to relax.
Tickets must be booked online with a specific time slot. Prices vary by season but expect to pay around £15-20 for adults. The waterpark includes changing facilities and lockers. Swimwear is required, and you can hire towels if needed. Sessions typically last two hours, though you can book longer slots.
17. Browse the Comedy Carpet
The Comedy Carpet sits in front of Blackpool Tower and covers 2,200 square metres. The outdoor installation features jokes, catchphrases, and songs from over 1,000 comedians and comedy writers. Created by artist Gordon Young, it celebrates British comedy.
Walking the Comedy Carpet is free and takes as long as you want. You’ll recognize lines from famous comedians and TV shows. It’s a popular spot for photos. The carpet uses different typography styles to represent different comedians’ personalities.
Visit during quieter times for better photos without crowds. The Comedy Carpet connects directly to the Tower and promenade, making it easy to include in your day. It’s particularly striking when lit up at night.
18. Take an Evening Food Tour
Several companies offer guided food tours of Blackpool. These tours combine history with tastings at local restaurants, pubs, and food shops. You’ll learn about Blackpool’s development as a resort while trying local specialities.
Tours typically last two to three hours and include five to seven stops. Guides share stories about Blackpool’s entertainment history, its role in British holidays, and how the food scene has evolved. It’s a social way to meet other visitors and discover places you might miss on your own.
Book food tours in advance as they’re popular. Prices range from £40-60 per person including all tastings. Tours run year-round, though frequency increases during summer. Some tours focus on specific cuisines or themes like pub culture.
19. Experience Viva Blackpool
Viva Blackpool combines dining, shows, and nightclub experiences under one roof. The venue hosts tribute shows including Elvis, ABBA, and other popular acts. There are also movie sing-alongs, comedy nights, and party packages.
The venue offers different ticket options from show-only to dinner and show packages. The shows change regularly, so check the schedule before booking. Viva attracts a lively crowd looking for entertainment and dancing.
Located on the Promenade, Viva is easy to reach from most hotels. Shows typically start around 7-8pm. The venue continues as a nightclub after performances end. Tickets can be booked online, with better prices for advance bookings.
20. Explore the Local Pub Scene
Blackpool has dozens of traditional pubs worth visiting. The Cask and Tap on Topping Street serves craft beers in a welcoming atmosphere. The Layton Rakes, built by J D Wetherspoon, occupies a site with Victorian heritage. The building once housed an oyster warehouse.
Albert and the Lion on Bank Hey Street offers breakfast through dinner with free tea and coffee refills. The venue features illustrations from the famous Stanley Holloway poem. Soul Suite on Church Street is known for live soul music and later opening hours.
Most Blackpool pubs are welcoming to visitors. Many offer food alongside drinks. Prices are generally reasonable compared to other UK resort towns. Pub culture is an authentic part of British life, and Blackpool’s pubs reflect the town’s working-class roots and entertainment heritage.
Planning Your Blackpool Trip
Blackpool remains one of Britain’s most popular seaside destinations for good reason. The town combines Victorian heritage with modern entertainment, creating an atmosphere you won’t find elsewhere. From the spectacular performances at Funny Girls to the thrills at Pleasure Beach, there’s something for every adult taste.
The best approach is to book key attractions in advance, particularly shows and theme park tickets. This saves money and guarantees entry during busy periods. Leave some time unscheduled for wandering the promenade, discovering pubs, and soaking up the atmosphere. Blackpool works best when you embrace its unique character rather than expecting a polished resort experience.
Whether you’re visiting for a stag or hen party, a nostalgic trip down memory lane, or discovering it for the first time, these 20 activities give you the foundation for an excellent adult getaway. The entertainment is world-class, the people are friendly, and you’ll leave with stories to tell. Book your tickets to Funny Girls at https://www.funnygirlsshow.co.uk/, pack your walking shoes, and prepare for a properly British seaside adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Blackpool for adults?
September through November offers a sweet spot for adult visitors. The Blackpool Illuminations run during this period, creating a magical atmosphere along the promenade. The weather remains mild, and crowds thin out after school holidays end. Summer is busiest with families, while winter sees fewer attractions open. Spring offers good value with lower hotel prices. Funny Girls and other entertainment venues run year-round.
How many days do you need in Blackpool as an adult?
Two to three days gives you enough time to experience Blackpool’s highlights without rushing. Day one could cover the Tower, piers, and an evening show at Funny Girls. Day two might include Pleasure Beach and the Illuminations (if visiting during season). A third day allows for the zoo, museums, or a more relaxed pace. Weekend breaks work well, giving you Friday evening through Sunday.
Is Blackpool suitable for a romantic weekend?
Blackpool can work for couples looking for a fun, nostalgic getaway rather than a traditional romantic escape. The Tower Ballroom offers an elegant afternoon. Sunset walks along the promenade are lovely. Beach House Bistro serves cocktails with sea views. Evening shows provide entertainment. Budget-friendly hotels mean you can splurge on experiences and meals. It’s quirky rather than luxurious, which some couples enjoy.
What should adults wear to Funny Girls?
Smart casual works best at Funny Girls. Many guests dress up a bit since it’s a night out, but you’ll see everything from cocktail dresses to jeans. The venue doesn’t enforce a strict dress code. Comfortable shoes are recommended as you’ll be seated for several hours. The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, so wear what makes you feel good. Some guests coordinate outfits for hen parties or birthdays.
Can you walk everywhere in Blackpool or do you need transport?
Central Blackpool is walkable, with most attractions clustered along the promenade between North and South piers. This stretch covers about two miles. The tram system runs the length of the promenade, making longer journeys easy. Blackpool Zoo and some attractions sit further inland, where taxis or buses help. Most visitors use a combination of walking and trams. The town is flat, making walking easy for most fitness levels.
