Blackpool stands as one of the UK’s premier weekend destinations, combining classic seaside charm with world-class entertainment. This coastal gem offers visitors a perfect blend of family-friendly attractions, thrilling rides, cultural landmarks, and electric nightlife. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family adventure, or wild night out with friends, Blackpool delivers experiences that create lasting memories.
From historic piers stretching into the Irish Sea to modern theme park thrills and spectacular cabaret shows, the town caters to every taste and age group. The promenade buzzes with energy, while venues like Funny Girls showcase the very best of British entertainment. If you’re seeking the perfect weekend escape, Blackpool offers an abundance of activities that will keep you entertained from sunrise to well past midnight. Here are the top things to do in Blackpool this weekend that you simply cannot miss.
1. Experience the Spectacular Show at Funny Girls
Funny Girls stands as the UK’s #1 drag and cabaret show, offering a night of comedy, music, and dazzling performances. Voted in the top 10% of shows worldwide on TripAdvisor, it has been Blackpool’s best-rated show for 5 years. This vibrant cabaret bar, established in 1994 by Basil Newby, has become a staple of Blackpool’s nightlife, offering a safe and welcoming space for all guests.
Set within the historic Grade II-listed Odeon Cinema building, the venue features a plush Art Deco interior, VIP seating, and a stylish restaurant. Doors to the main venue open at 7pm, with entertainment starting from 8pm featuring their DJ and Hostess, followed by cabaret on stage from 8.30pm. Perfect for couples, friends, hen parties, or stag groups, Funny Girls delivers an unforgettable evening of glamour and laughter.
You can easily book both show and restaurant seats together on their website at funnygirlsshow.co.uk, with the team ensuring your group stays seated together even on busy Saturday nights.
2. Discover Blackpool Tower and the Famous Tower Ballroom
The iconic Blackpool Tower remains the town’s most recognizable landmark and a must-visit attraction for weekend visitors. Standing 518 feet tall, this Victorian masterpiece offers breathtaking views from its SkyWalk experience. The Tower Ballroom below hosts elegant afternoon tea sessions and evening dancing, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for couples.
The ballroom’s ornate interior and live organ music transport visitors back to a golden age of entertainment. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional dance or simply soaking in the architectural beauty, the Tower Ballroom provides a quintessential Blackpool experience that shouldn’t be missed.
3. Feel the Adrenaline at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Visit the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land at Pleasure Beach Resort, ride thrilling coasters and make memories that last a lifetime. This world-renowned theme park offers something for thrill-seekers of all ages, from heart-stopping roller coasters to family-friendly attractions.
The park’s signature ICON rollercoaster provides a modern thrill experience with its multiple loops and high-speed launches. Families with younger children will love Nickelodeon Land, featuring characters and rides based on popular TV shows. The park operates different hours throughout the season, so check their website before your weekend visit.
4. Stroll Along the Historic Blackpool Promenade and Piers
Blackpool’s promenade stretches for miles along the coastline, offering visitors a free and enjoyable way to experience the town’s seaside atmosphere. The famous Golden Mile buzzes with activity, street performers, and traditional seaside stalls selling everything from rock candy to fish and chips.
Three historic piers extend into the Irish Sea: North Pier (the most elegant), Central Pier (featuring the Big Wheel), and South Pier (home to amusement arcades). Each pier offers unique attractions, rides, and dining options. Walking the full length of the promenade provides stunning sea views and countless photo opportunities.
5. Explore the Underwater World at SEA LIFE Blackpool
SEA LIFE Blackpool creates an immersive underwater experience perfect for families and marine life enthusiasts. The aquarium features thousands of creatures, from tropical fish to sharks, displayed in carefully designed habitats. Interactive experiences allow visitors to touch starfish and learn about marine conservation.
The walk-through tunnels provide 360-degree views of underwater scenes, making visitors feel like they’re walking on the ocean floor. Special feeding shows throughout the day offer educational entertainment that captivates both children and adults.
6. Meet Celebrities at Madame Tussauds Blackpool
Madame Tussauds Blackpool brings visitors face-to-face with lifelike wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, and pop culture icons. The museum’s interactive exhibits allow guests to pose with their favorite stars and create memorable photos.
Special themed areas showcase different entertainment genres, from Hollywood movies to British television. The experience works particularly well for groups, as friends can split up and surprise each other with creative poses alongside famous figures.
7. Laugh Out Loud at Local Comedy Clubs
Blackpool’s comedy scene thrives with venues like Hot Water Comedy Club hosting both established and up-and-coming comedians. Weekend shows often feature multiple acts, providing hours of laughter and entertainment.
Local pubs and bars also host comedy nights throughout the weekend, offering more intimate settings for comedy appreciation. These venues create a friendly atmosphere where audience interaction often becomes part of the show.
8. Experience Live Music and Vibrant Bar Scene
The town’s music venues cater to diverse tastes, from acoustic sessions in cozy pubs to full band performances in larger venues. Bootleg Social and other local hotspots feature live music most weekend nights, showcasing both local talent and touring acts.
The bar scene ranges from traditional English pubs serving local ales to modern cocktail lounges offering creative drinks. Many venues stay open late, ensuring the party continues well into the night.
9. Marvel at the Blackpool Illuminations (Seasonal)
In 2025, the Blackpool Illuminations will take place from 29th August and will continue until 4th January 2026. Blackpool Illuminations is the No. 1 free light show in the world, offering a cherished family tradition.
Expect 6 miles of traditionally illuminated festoons, interactive displays, laser projections and millions of lights. The display stretches along the promenade, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for evening walks. Tram tours provide comfortable viewing experiences, while walking allows for closer inspection of the intricate designs.
10. Attend Shows at Winter Gardens Blackpool
Winter Gardens hosts a variety of entertainment throughout the year, from live concerts to theatrical productions. The venue’s multiple halls accommodate different types of performances, ensuring something appeals to every taste.
Weekend shows often feature tribute acts, musicals, or comedy performances. The historic venue itself, with its ornate architecture and excellent acoustics, enhances any performance experience.
11. Make a Splash at Sandcastle Waterpark
Sandcastle Waterpark, the UK’s largest indoor waterpark, is great for kids. This tropical-themed facility offers year-round swimming fun regardless of weather conditions. Multiple pools, water slides, and play areas cater to different age groups and swimming abilities.
The facility maintains tropical temperatures, creating a holiday atmosphere even during cooler months. Families can easily spend several hours enjoying the various attractions and relaxation areas.
12. Discover Wildlife at Blackpool Zoo
Blackpool Zoo houses over 1,000 animals from around the world in spacious, naturalistic habitats. The 32-acre site allows visitors to walk through different climate zones, observing everything from big cats to tropical birds.
Educational talks and feeding demonstrations occur throughout the day, providing learning opportunities alongside entertainment. The zoo’s conservation programs also teach visitors about protecting endangered species.
13. Relax in Stanley Park and Gardens
Stanley Park offers a peaceful retreat from the busy promenade and attractions. This 104-hectare green space features beautiful gardens, a boating lake, and recreational facilities. The park hosts seasonal events and provides perfect picnic spots.
The Italian Gardens showcase formal landscaping, while the rose garden blooms spectacular during summer months. Walking paths wind throughout the park, offering exercise opportunities and nature appreciation.
14. Experience the Bizarre at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum showcases the world’s most unusual artifacts and curiosities. Interactive exhibits challenge visitors’ perceptions of reality through optical illusions, strange collections, and mind-bending displays.
The museum’s quirky atmosphere entertains visitors of all ages, though some exhibits might be too intense for very young children. Each room presents new surprises and conversation starters.
15. Explore Miniature Worlds at Blackpool Model Village
Blackpool Model Village recreates famous landmarks and scenes in miniature scale. The outdoor attraction features detailed models of castles, villages, and tourist attractions from around the world.
Families with children particularly enjoy spotting familiar landmarks recreated in tiny detail. The village also includes model railways and animated scenes that bring the displays to life.
16. Game On at Coral Island
Coral Island provides classic arcade entertainment with modern gaming technology. This indoor entertainment center features everything from traditional slot machines to cutting-edge video games.
The venue appeals to both nostalgic adults remembering childhood arcade visits and young people discovering these games for the first time. Prize redemption games offer tangible rewards for successful play.
17. Challenge Yourself with Escape Rooms
Blackpool’s escape room venues offer mentally stimulating entertainment perfect for groups of friends or family members. These puzzle-based experiences require teamwork and creative thinking to solve mysteries within time limits.
Different rooms feature various themes and difficulty levels, ensuring appropriate challenges for different age groups and experience levels. Most facilities offer multiple rooms, allowing larger groups to compete against each other.
18. Join Ghost Tours and Haunted Blackpool Experiences
Blackpool’s long history includes plenty of ghost stories and supernatural legends. Guided ghost walks lead visitors through the town’s most haunted locations while sharing spine-chilling tales of past residents.
These tours typically run during evening hours, creating atmospheric conditions perfect for ghost story telling. The combination of historical information and supernatural tales provides both education and entertainment.
19. Indulge in Traditional Afternoon Tea
Several venues throughout Blackpool offer traditional afternoon tea experiences, with the Tower Ballroom providing the most elegant setting. These refined experiences feature finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and delicate pastries.
Afternoon tea provides a civilized break between more active attractions, allowing visitors to recharge while enjoying classic British hospitality. Many venues accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.
20. Shop Local at Houndshill Centre and Markets
The Houndshill Shopping Centre houses major retail chains alongside local boutiques, providing covered shopping regardless of weather conditions. Abingdon Street Market offers more traditional market shopping with local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
Both shopping areas provide opportunities to purchase unique Blackpool souvenirs and discover local products. The market atmosphere particularly appeals to visitors seeking authentic local experiences.
Planning Your Perfect Blackpool Weekend
A well-planned Blackpool weekend might include morning visits to family attractions like the Tower or Pleasure Beach, afternoon relaxation in Stanley Park or at afternoon tea, and evening entertainment at venues like Funny Girls. The town’s compact size allows easy movement between attractions on foot or via the efficient tram system.
Book accommodation in advance, especially during illuminations season or summer months. Many hotels offer package deals that include attraction tickets. The town center location of most attractions means walking distances remain manageable for most visitors.
Make Your Weekend Unforgettable
Blackpool offers an incredible variety of entertainment options that cater to every interest and age group. From the thrills of Pleasure Beach to the elegance of the Tower Ballroom, from family fun at SEA LIFE to the spectacular entertainment at Funny Girls, your weekend will be packed with memorable experiences.
Whether you’re visiting as a couple seeking romance, a family wanting fun, or friends looking for excitement, Blackpool delivers. But if there’s one experience you absolutely cannot miss this weekend, it’s an evening at Funny Girls. This award-winning show represents the very best of Blackpool entertainment and guarantees an unforgettable night of laughter, glamour, and spectacular performances.
Book your tickets at funnygirlsshow.co.uk and prepare for a weekend you’ll never forget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family-friendly activities in Blackpool for weekends?
Blackpool offers numerous family attractions including SEA LIFE aquarium, Blackpool Zoo, Sandcastle Waterpark, and the Model Village. The Tower and Pleasure Beach provide entertainment for all ages, while the promenade offers free walking and pier exploration opportunities.
When do the Blackpool Illuminations run in 2025?
The Blackpool Illuminations run from August 29, 2025, through January 4, 2026. This free light display stretches for 6 miles along the promenade and includes traditional festoons, interactive displays, and laser projections creating magical evening entertainment.
What makes Funny Girls special compared to other Blackpool attractions?
Funny Girls stands as the UK’s #1 drag and cabaret show, housed in a historic Art Deco venue with professional performers, comedy, music, and spectacular costumes. The show has maintained top TripAdvisor ratings for five years and offers both dining and entertainment options.
How much time should I plan for visiting Blackpool’s main attractions?
Plan at least a full day for Pleasure Beach, 2-3 hours each for the Tower, SEA LIFE, and Madame Tussauds. The promenade and piers can be explored in 2-4 hours. Most visitors find a weekend provides adequate time to experience the main attractions without rushing.
What’s the best way to get around Blackpool during a weekend visit?
Blackpool’s compact town center makes walking feasible between most attractions. The efficient tram system connects major sites along the promenade. Many hotels are centrally located, reducing travel time. Parking can be challenging during peak times, so public transport often proves more convenient.
