Blackpool Pleasure Beach is one of the UK’s most iconic amusement parks and a magnet for thrill-seekers and families alike. With over 125 years of history, it combines nostalgic charm with modern adrenaline-pumping rides. Home to The Big One, once the tallest roller coaster in the world, it offers heart-racing excitement and panoramic views of the coastline.
The park features a variety of rides for all ages, from the thrilling ICON – the UK’s first double-launch roller coaster – to gentler classics like the Grand National and Derby Racer. For younger visitors, Nickelodeon Land provides themed attractions based on popular children’s shows, offering fun in a safe, vibrant environment.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach isn't just about rides – it’s an immersive experience. Live entertainment, including stunt shows and seasonal events like Journey to Hell Freak Nights, adds extra appeal. There’s also Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, full of quirky exhibits, and Pasaje del Terror, an interactive horror maze for brave guests.
Dining options range from family-friendly diners to themed cafes, and the whole site is designed to keep guests entertained for a full day. The park offers value passes and wristbands to help manage costs, especially for larger families.
Whether you're a rollercoaster junkie or just looking to soak up some traditional seaside amusement, Pleasure Beach delivers a mix of heritage and innovation that makes it a must-visit. It's open seasonally, so checking ahead for hours and ticket deals is wise. With a backdrop of seafront views and a festive atmosphere, it’s no wonder this is one of Blackpool's top attractions.
A true symbol of the town, Blackpool Tower stands tall at 518 feet and offers a multi-attraction experience under one historic structure. Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, it was opened in 1894 and has since become an enduring part of the seaside skyline.
At the top, the Blackpool Tower Eye offers panoramic views stretching across the Irish Sea and even to the Lake District and Wales on a clear day. The glass SkyWalk provides a thrilling photo opportunity – walking on air, quite literally! Visitors enjoy a 4D cinema experience before their journey to the top, adding some immersive storytelling about Blackpool’s evolution.
Inside the tower lies the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, world-famous for its ornate decor and romantic ambiance. With its grand Wurlitzer organ and regular afternoon tea dances, it’s a haven for both amateur and professional dancers. Even if you’re not dancing, the architecture and atmosphere are worth the visit.
Children will love the Blackpool Tower Circus, which has entertained guests for over a century with family-friendly clowns, acrobatics, and live stunts. It’s an all-weather activity that draws crowds year-round.
The tower also houses Dino Mini Golf, and for younger children, there’s a soft play area that makes it ideal for families. With dining options and photo ops around every corner, the tower is more than just a viewing point – it’s a full-day experience.
Whether it’s your first time or a nostalgic return, Blackpool Tower offers something for everyone, from history lovers to adrenaline seekers. The combination of architectural splendour, entertainment variety, and unbeatable views makes it one of the crown jewels of Blackpool tourism.
Located opposite the Pleasure Beach on the South Promenade, Sandcastle Waterpark is the UK's largest indoor waterpark and a year-round family favourite. With over 18 slides and attractions, it promises aquatic fun for all ages, whatever the weather.
The park is kept at a balmy tropical temperature, creating a beach-like atmosphere indoors. There are two main zones: one for thrill-seekers and another for younger children and those looking to relax. Standout rides include the Master Blaster, the world’s longest indoor rollercoaster waterslide, and Sidewinder, the UK’s first indoor vertical half-pipe slide.
For families with younger kids, Typhoon Lagoon and Caribbean Storm Treehouse offer splash pools, tipping buckets, and gentle slides. The Ushi Gushi River Creek lazy river is perfect for winding down, while the wave pool adds a bit of seaside fun indoors.
Accessibility is a key feature, with wheelchair access throughout, pool hoists, and dedicated quiet sessions for visitors with sensory needs. The centre’s commitment to inclusivity has won several tourism awards.
Café and snack outlets are available, with healthy and vegetarian options, and there are family changing rooms for convenience. Lockers are provided, and visitors are encouraged to pre-book, especially in peak seasons.
What sets Sandcastle Waterpark apart is its mix of thrill and family fun, all in a safe, supervised environment. It’s the perfect place to warm up on a rainy day or cool off in summer without battling the unpredictable British weather. From toddlers splashing about to teens seeking adrenaline, there’s something for every water lover in this Blackpool gem.
Just a short drive from the seafront, Blackpool Zoo offers a peaceful and educational break from the high-energy thrills of the town. Home to over 1,500 animals from around the globe, this 32-acre zoo is a perfect day out for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
You’ll find everything from lions, tigers, and elephants to penguins, lemurs, and meerkats. The zoo's spacious enclosures and engaging layouts ensure excellent viewing and plenty of opportunities to learn about conservation efforts. Popular areas include Project Elephant Base Camp, which provides a spacious, Asian-themed habitat, and the Gorilla Mountain, where visitors can observe a family of Western lowland gorillas in action.
Children love the Dinosaur Safari, a walk-through exhibit featuring life-size animatronic dinosaurs in a jungle setting, perfect for little explorers. There's also a Children’s Farm, where kids can get hands-on with friendly domestic animals like goats, sheep, and rabbits.
Regular animal talks and feeding demonstrations make the visit informative as well as fun. Zookeepers share insights into animal behaviours and the zoo’s role in species preservation. Seasonal events and themed activities, such as Halloween trails or summer zoo camps, add even more reasons to return.
The site is fully accessible, with wide pathways, pushchair rental, cafés, and picnic areas. The gift shop offers a wide range of animal-themed souvenirs, with proceeds supporting the zoo’s conservation work.
Blackpool Zoo is a place where fun meets education. It offers a calm, green environment where visitors can reconnect with nature and get up close to the animal kingdom. It's a great contrast to Blackpool’s busier attractions and a highlight for any animal lover.
Located on the central promenade, Madame Tussauds Blackpool brings the stars to the seaside with a dazzling collection of lifelike wax figures. From global celebrities to British icons, it’s an attraction where you can meet your heroes, pose for selfies, and walk among legends.
The museum features themed zones including Marvel Super Heroes, where you can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Spider-Man, Thor, and The Hulk. The set designs are immersive, with props and backgrounds that make each photo feel like part of a movie scene. There's also a special Doctor Who section, featuring Daleks, the TARDIS, and several incarnations of the Doctor.
TV fans will enjoy sets from popular British shows like Coronation Street, where you can pull a pint in the Rovers Return, and reality TV stars from Strictly Come Dancing and I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.
Music lovers, meanwhile, can get up close to wax figures of Ed Sheeran, Freddie Mercury, and The Beatles. For sports fans, the museum includes football stars and Olympic legends.
Interactive elements throughout make the experience more than just visual – you can shoot a few basketball hoops, sit on Simon Cowell’s judging panel, or try out superhero poses in front of green screens.
Madame Tussauds Blackpool is especially popular for social media-savvy visitors looking for fun photo ops. It’s indoors, so it's ideal on a rainy day, and accessible for all ages. It’s a modern, pop culture-rich experience that makes for great memories and even better photos.