Blackpool gets a bad rap sometimes, but anyone who’s actually spent a proper weekend there knows the truth: it’s one of the most entertaining places in Britain. There’s something genuinely for everyone here, whether you’re after thrill rides, fresh sea air, award-winning cabaret, or a ramble along a Victorian pier. This guide covers the top attractions in Blackpool from morning to midnight, so you can plan your visit without wasting a single hour.
1. Funny Girls – Blackpool’s Best Night Out (By a Long Way)
Let’s start with the night-time highlight, because Funny Girls deserves top billing.
Running since 1994, Funny Girls is Blackpool’s most celebrated cabaret and drag show, set inside a beautifully restored 1930s-style theatre on Dickson Road. It has racked up over 35,000 reviews on TripAdvisor and consistently sits in the top 10% of attractions worldwide. That’s not a fluke; it earns it every night.
The show runs from Wednesday to Sunday, with doors opening at 7 pm and the cabaret kicking off from 8:30 pm. A rotating cast of performers delivers choreographed routines, comedy, audience interaction, and sheer spectacle across a night that runs until around 11:30 p.m. The seasonal shows keep things fresh year-round: the current Blooming Queens Spring Show runs through to May 2026, followed by Hot Girl Summer, Coven Queens for Halloween, and Christmas Sleigh Queens. Each one is a completely different production.
If you want to make a proper evening of it, book the pre-show three-course dinner in Garbo’s, the art deco restaurant inside the venue. It’s priced at £29.85 per person, and you need to reserve at least 48 hours in advance. Show tickets start from around £10 for standing, making this one of the best-value nights out in the north of England.
Good to know: Book in advance at funny girls website. The box office team can also be reached on 01253 649150 during weekday hours.
2. Blackpool Tower and the Ballroom
Blackpool Tower has been standing since 1894 and still pulls in crowds every year. At 158 metres tall, the views from the top on a clear day stretch across the Irish Sea to the Lake District and even Snowdonia. The glass-floored Sky Walk near the top isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s genuinely worth it.
Below the tower, the Tower Ballroom is one of the most ornate rooms in the country. Designed by architect Frank Matcham and opened in 1899, it features gilded balconies, intricate plasterwork, and a sprung dance floor. Regular afternoon tea dances take place here, accompanied by the famous Wurlitzer organ. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a different era.
Best time to visit: Mid-morning on a weekday, before the school groups arrive.
3. The Promenade and Three Piers
Blackpool’s seafront stretches for over seven miles and is the backbone of any visit. The three Victorian piers, North, Central, and South,h each have their own character.
North Pier is the quietest and oldest, dating from 1863. It’s a peaceful spot for a walk with views back to the tower. Central Pier has a Ferris wheel and fairground rides. South Pier leans more into traditional amusement arcade territory. Walk all through, e,e, and you’ve covered a decent chunk of Blackpool’s history without spending a penny.
4. Blackpool Pleasure Beach
This is Britain’s most visited theme park, with around 5 million visitors a year according to the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions. The site covers 44 acres and includes more than 125 rides.
The Pepsi Max Big One reaches a height of 65 metres and was the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world when it opened in 1994. The Icon launched in 2018 and added Britain’s first double-launch coaster to the lineup. There’s also the classic wooden Nickelodeon Streak for younger visitors, plus shows and entertainment throughout the day.
The park runs seasonally, so check opening dates before you plan around it.
5. Blackpool Illuminations
The Illuminations run every year from late August through to early January, stretching along the six-mile Promenade from Bispham to Starr Gate. It’s the largest free light show in Europe.
Originally switched on in 1879 as a demonstration of electric street lighting, the Illuminations now feature over one million individual bulbs and LEDs across hundreds of tableaux, rides, and light features. You can walk or cycle the route, or take the famous Illuminations tram. The event draws around three million visitors each autumn.
It’s completely free to view from the Promenade, which is rare for a spectacle of this scale.
6. SEA LIFE Blackpool
Located on the promenade opposite the tower, SEA LIFE Blackpool houses over 30 displays covering ocean and freshwater environments. Highlights include a tropical shark tunnel, interactive rock pools where you can handle starfish and crabs, and regular talks from marine biologists on site.
It’s a solid option for families and works well as a morning activity before the afternoon and evening attractions. Allow around 90 minutes.
7. The Blackpool Zoo and Stanley Park
Stanley Park is one of the finest municipal parks in England, designed by Thomas Mawson and opened in 1926. It covers 112 acres and includes a boating lake, Italian gardens, an art deco café, and a miniature railway.
Blackpool Zoo sits within the park, set around a former aerodrome. It’s compact but well-maintained, with big cats, primates, reptiles, and a children’s farm area. The combination of park and zoo makes for an easy half-day for families.
Best time to visit: Morning, when the animals are most active.
8. Grundy Art Gallery
Free to enter and located right in the town centre, the Grundy Art Gallery is Blackpool’s municipal art museum. It was founded in 1911 following a bequest from the Grundy family and holds a substantial permanent collection covering Victorian and Edwardian painting, decorative arts, and contemporary works.
Temporary exhibitions rotate regularly and often feature artists with northwest connections. It’s a genuinely good gallery, and the free admission makes it an easy add to any visit.
9. Madame Tussauds Blackpool
This branch of the famous wax museum sits at the base of Blackpool Tower and is included in the Tower Experience bundle ticket. The figures cover celebrities, sports stars, and historical figures, and there are interactive elements throughout. It won’t take more than an hour, but it’s a fun addition to a Tower visit rather than a standalone trip.
10. Blackpool’s Food and Drink Scene
Blackpool’s dining options have improved considerably over the past decade. The town centre and surrounding areas now offer a decent spread, from traditional fish and chip restaurants (Robert’s Oyster Bar on the Promenade has been trading since 1876) to modern gastro pubs and independent cafés in the Lytham Road area.
For a meal that’s part of a bigger evening, the pre-show dining experience at Funny Girls ties dinner directly to the cabaret, a proper night out rather than a meal followed by a scramble for entertainment. The Garbo’s restaurant inside the venue is a good-looking room, and the kitchen serves a three-course menu designed to complement the show that follows.
Quick Guide: Blackpool Attractions by Time of Day
Morning 9 am- 12 pmpm)
- Stanley Park and Blackpool Zoo
- Grundy Art Gallery
- SEA LIFE Blackpool
Afternoo12 pm2p6 pm 6 pm)
- Blackpool Pleasure Beach
- Blackpool Tower and Ballroom
- The Three Piers
Even 7 pm (7 pm onwards)
- Funny Girls cabaret and drag show
- Blackpool Illuminations (August to January)
- Promenade restaurants and bars
Frequently Asked Questions About Attractions in Blackpool
Q: What is the most popular attraction in Blackpool?
Blackpool Pleasure Beach consistently draws the largest crowds, with around five million visitors a year. For evening entertainment, Funny Girls is regularly voted the best night out in Blackpool and holds a top 10% worldwide ranking on TripAdvisor based on over 35,000 reviews.
Q: Are the Blackpool Illuminations free to see?
Yes. The Illuminations stretch along six miles of Promenade and are completely free to view on foot, by bike, or from a tram. They typically run from late August through to early January each year.
Q: Is Funny Girls suitable for all ages?
The show is aimed at adults, and the venue recommends it for ages 18 and over. The cabaret includes adult humour and audience interaction, though it is not explicitly adult content. It’s a popular choice for hen parties, birthday groups, and couples alike.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Blackpool?
Summer (June to August) offers the warmest weather and full access to Pleasure Beach. Autumn (September to November) is the best time for the Illuminations, which run through the early New Year. Year-round, indoor attractions like Funny Girls, SEA LIFE, and the Tower are reliable regardless of the weather.
Q: How do I get to Blackpool?
Blackpool is well connected by rail, with Blackpool North and Blackpool South both served by Northern Rail from Manchester and Preston. By road, the M55 motorway runs directly into the town. The town centre, promenade, and most major attractions in Blackpool are all walkable from the train stations.
