Blackpool pulses with energy every weekend, offering visitors a mix of traditional seaside charm and contemporary entertainment. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly activities, thrilling rides, or spectacular shows, this iconic Lancashire resort town delivers experiences that create lasting memories. Let’s explore what awaits you during your weekend visit to this beloved coastal destination.
Experience World-Class Entertainment at Funny Girls
When planning your Blackpool this weekend, one venue stands out as a must-visit destination. Funny Girls has earned recognition as the UK’s top-rated drag and cabaret show, ranking in the top 10% of attractions worldwide with over 35,000 glowing reviews. The venue operates from its stunning Grade II listed building, the former Odeon Cinema on Dickson Road, which was converted in 2002 and maintains its traditional Art Deco style.
The show features professional performers who deliver high-energy dance routines, comedy, and live entertainment that appeals to all ages. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with the resident DJ taking the stage at 8:00 PM and the main show beginning at 8:30 PM. Performances run until approximately 11:00 PM, giving you a full evening of entertainment.
For those seeking a complete night out, Funny Girls offers a three-course pre-show dinner option served in Garbo’s, their cosy art deco restaurant. This package allows you to enjoy your meal before settling in for the spectacular show. Tickets can be booked through their website at funnygirlsshow.co.uk or by calling their box office.
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Marvel at the Blackpool Illuminations
The world-famous Blackpool Illuminations run from 29 August through 4 January, transforming six miles of promenade into what’s commonly known as the greatest free light show on Earth. During November weekends, the lights switch on at 5:00 PM and remain illuminated until 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 10:30 PM on Sundays.
The display features traditional festoons, animated tableaux, and interactive installations along the seafront from Starr Gate to Bispham. Designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has been involved with the Illuminations for 20 years and created a new dragons-based installation called Guardians of the North.
Visitors can experience the lights in several ways. Walking along the promenade allows you to appreciate the displays at your own pace while enjoying the sea breeze. Alternatively, drive through with your family while listening to local radio stations that provide musical accompaniments. The illuminated heritage trams offer a unique viewing experience, with specially decorated trams shaped like battleships and other creative designs running nightly.
Christmas by the Sea Adds Festive Magic
Starting from Friday 21st November, Christmas by the Sea lights join the Illuminations display. The Tower Festival Headland transforms into an outdoor winter wonderland featuring a free-to-use skating rink, Christmas log cabins, children’s attractions, and festive projection shows. This seasonal addition creates a magical atmosphere perfect for families seeking holiday entertainment.
Thrills Await at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool Pleasure Beach remains one of Britain’s most visited amusement parks. The venue features over 40 rides and attractions, including 10 roller coasters. The Big One stands as Britain’s tallest roller coaster at 235 feet, reaching speeds of 85 mph. Other popular rides include the historic Big Dipper, the multi-launch Icon coaster, and Valhalla, the seven-time winner of the World’s Best Water Ride award.
The park operates throughout November, though opening times vary seasonally. Booking tickets online in advance offers the best value and helps avoid queues at the gate. The park operates a wristband system providing unlimited access to rides.
For families with young children, Nickelodeon Land provides age-appropriate attractions featuring beloved characters. The park also hosts seasonal events during November weekends, creating special themed experiences beyond the regular attractions.
Cultural Events at Winter Gardens
The Winter Gardens hosts several events during November weekends, including the Mersey Beatles on Friday, 14th November, and Flowers & Friendship Bracelets on the same evening. The historic venue features multiple spaces, including the ornate Empress Ballroom, one of the largest ballroom spaces in Europe.
The Opera House within the Winter Gardens presents diverse entertainment ranging from tribute acts to comedy shows. These venues offer climate-controlled comfort, making them excellent options regardless of weather conditions.
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Explore Blackpool Tower and Its Attractions
The Blackpool Tower, standing since 1894, houses multiple attractions within its Victorian structure. The Tower Eye observation deck sits 380 feet above the promenade, offering panoramic views across the North West of England. The glass Skywalk provides an exhilarating experience for those brave enough to look down at the streets below.
The Tower Ballroom remains a destination for dance enthusiasts worldwide. Its ornate decoration and famous Wurlitzer organ create an atmosphere steeped in history. The Tower also houses a circus, 4D cinema, and the Tower Dungeon for those seeking thrilling experiences.
Weekend Nightlife and Music Venues
Various music events take place across Blackpool during November weekends, including DJ sets at Abingdon Street Market featuring house, disco, and funk. The town’s nightlife scene offers everything from traditional pubs to modern clubs and cocktail bars.
For those seeking live music and tribute acts, venues throughout the town centre host performances on Friday and Saturday evenings. The North Pier and Central Pier feature amusements and entertainment that extend into the evening hours during weekends.
Family Activities and Attractions
SEA LIFE Blackpool houses over 2,000 sea creatures, allowing visitors to explore marine life from UK shorelines to the world’s deepest oceans. The aquarium features sharks, rays, seahorses, reef fish, and turtles in themed zones that educate and entertain.
Madame Tussauds Blackpool grants audiences with some of Britain’s best-known celebrities through lifelike wax figures. The interactive attraction encourages photos and engagement with the displays, creating memorable moments for visitors of all ages.
Blackpool Zoo, located two miles inland from the promenade, provides a full day of family entertainment with over 1,000 animals. The zoo remains accessible via the M55 motorway and public transport, making it a convenient option for weekend visits.
Dining and Food Experiences
The promenade and town centre burst with dining options catering to every taste and budget. Traditional fish and chips shops serve the quintessential British seaside meal, while modern restaurants offer international cuisines.
For a special dining experience before or after a show, several venues provide pre-theatre menus. The three-course option at Funny Girls exemplifies this trend, allowing visitors to combine quality dining with top entertainment.
Cafés and restaurants along the seafront provide views of the Irish Sea while serving everything from traditional English breakfasts to contemporary cuisine. Weekend visitors should expect popular venues to be busier, particularly during lunch and dinner hours.
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Shopping and Markets
Abingdon Street Market hosts weekend events featuring live music and special activities. The market provides an opportunity to browse local crafts, food stalls, and unique items while soaking up the community atmosphere.
The town centre offers both high street chains and independent shops. Hounds Hill Shopping Centre provides weather-protected retail therapy when the coastal winds blow strong.
Planning Your Blackpool This Weekend Visit
Transport options to Blackpool include direct trains from major cities across the North West and beyond. The town’s tram system provides an affordable way to travel along the promenade between attractions. Several car parks serve different areas, with the Talbot Road Car Park offering convenient access to North Pier and Blackpool Tower.
Accommodation ranges from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and self-catering apartments. Properties along the promenade provide easy access to the Illuminations and seafront attractions. Booking ahead for weekend stays ensures better rates and availability.
Weather along the Lancashire coast can be unpredictable. Bringing layers and waterproof clothing ensures comfort regardless of conditions. The abundance of indoor attractions means entertainment continues even during rain.
Making the Most of Your Weekend
Start your Saturday with breakfast at a seafront café before heading to Blackpool Pleasure Beach when it opens. Spending the morning at the theme park allows you to experience popular rides before afternoon crowds arrive. After lunch, take a break from the rides and explore the Tower or SEA LIFE Blackpool.
As evening approaches, enjoy an early dinner before attending the show at Funny Girls. The venue’s location near the town centre makes it easily accessible from most accommodations. After the show, take a stroll along the illuminated promenade or explore the nightlife options.
Sunday morning offers a perfect opportunity to visit Blackpool Zoo or Madame Tussauds without the pressure of evening commitments. These attractions provide several hours of entertainment while allowing a relaxed pace. Before departing, grab fish and chips from a traditional chippy for an authentic Blackpool experience.
Special Events and Seasonal Highlights
November weekends in Blackpool benefit from the combination of Illuminations and Christmas festivities. The festive atmosphere builds throughout the month as Christmas by the Sea installations join the light displays.
Weekend entertainment often includes street performers along the promenade, adding spontaneous moments of joy to your visit. Fire-eaters, musicians, and other artists contribute to the lively seaside atmosphere.
Accessibility and Visitor Information
Most major attractions in Blackpool provide accessibility features for visitors with disabilities. The Illuminations team works to make the light show accessible for everyone, with advance contact encouraged for specific accommodations.
Tourist Information Centres throughout the town offer maps, event schedules, and advice on making the most of your visit. Staff members provide local knowledge and can help with last-minute booking needs.
Why Blackpool This Weekend Works Year-Round
The combination of permanent attractions and seasonal events means Blackpool rewards repeat visits. Each weekend brings different entertainment options, weather creates varying atmospheres, and seasonal changes transform the town’s character.
Funny Girls continues as a cornerstone of Blackpool’s entertainment scene, drawing audiences from across the UK and beyond. The venue’s success demonstrates the town’s ability to blend traditional seaside charm with contemporary entertainment.
The Illuminations create a spectacular backdrop for autumn and winter weekends, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Walking beneath thousands of lights while waves crash against the shore creates a uniquely British experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What time do the Blackpool Illuminations switch on during November weekends?
The Illuminations light up at 5:00 PM throughout November. On Friday and Saturday evenings, they remain illuminated until 11:00 PM, while Sunday displays conclude at 10:30 PM. From 21st November onwards, the lights include Christmas by the Sea installations, adding festive elements to the spectacular display.
Q.How much does it cost to visit Funny Girls in Blackpool?
Ticket prices at Funny Girls vary depending on seating options and whether you include the dinner package. Standing tickets in the bar area start from around £5 with discount cards, while seated tickets range higher. The three-course pre-show dinner package costs £29.85 per person and must be booked in advance through their website.
Q.Is Blackpool Pleasure Beach open during November weekends?
Yes, Blackpool Pleasure Beach operates during November weekends, though opening times vary throughout the month. The park typically closes for the season by the end of November. Booking tickets online in advance provides the best value and allows you to check specific opening hours for your visit date.
Q.What are the best things to do in Blackpool this weekend with children?
Family-friendly options include Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s Nickelodeon Land, SEA LIFE Blackpool with its interactive exhibits, and the Tower attractions including the circus and 4D cinema. The free Illuminations display delights children of all ages, while the Christmas by the Sea area offers a skating rink and festive activities from late November onwards.
Q.Can you walk the full length of the Blackpool Illuminations display?
Yes, the Illuminations stretch six miles along the promenade from Starr Gate to Bispham, and walking the entire route takes approximately two hours at a leisurely pace. Many visitors choose to walk sections of the display and use trams or cars for other portions. The illuminated heritage trams provide a comfortable alternative to walking while still experiencing the lights.
