Blackpool Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Blackpool Pleasure Beach showing rides
Victorian tradition and modern innovation meet on the sandy shores of one of Britain’s most historic and entertaining resorts.

Since the 1800s, monarchs and celebrities have vacationed by the beach and entertainment piers of Blackpool. Record-breaking roller coasters swing at top speeds around edges of the 19th-century wharfs of Blackpool Beach. Embark on this path to entertainment enjoyed by such esteemed former visitors as the Beatles and the royal family.

Uniting three historic piers is the Golden Mile, a promenade complete with casinos and hotels. Get food from the fish and chip shops and ice cream parlors that continue to carry the torch for Victorian seaside traditions.

For exposure to 19th-century genteel Englishness, set foot on North Pier, Blackpool’s longest and oldest wharf. Built in 1863, the pier’s theater and carousel capture the refined essence of the English gentry.

Walk south to Blackpool Central Pier, constructed with entertainment in mind. Palm readers, bumper cars and a Ferris wheel provide non-stop fun. Continue south for the city’s most famous sight, Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Wooden roller coasters and big drops make this one of the country’s most thrilling amusement parks.

Seek tranquility in the quieter district inland from Blackpool’s Fylde Coast. Stroll through the stylish Italian Gardens of Stanley Park and take a paddleboat out on its lake. Bring kids to Pirate Adventure Mini Golf and the Blackpool Zoo.

Amble through the city center to appreciate the 19th-century architecture, with Blackpool Central Library and Blackpool Grand Theatre among the iconic spots. Ever-present above the townscape rises Eiffel-esque Blackpool Tower, with its observation deck, circus and Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Blackpool is located south of the Lake District National Park in the northwestern corner of England. Fly to the airports of Liverpool or Manchester, two large and cultured cities about a 1-hour drive from Blackpool. For a change of scenery, take a trip to the undulating scenery of Yorkshire Dales National Park and the rugged bluffs of the Pennines.

With its amusement parks, piers and fish and chips shops, Blackpool delivers a traditional British seaside experience.

Where to stay in Blackpool

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Blackpool Town Center

4/5(1 area review)

Blackpool Town Center is noteworthy for its theatres, and you can make a stop at top attractions like SEA LIFE Blackpool and Coral Island.

Blackpool Town Center
Blackpool Central Library which includes heritage architecture

North Shore

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and breathtaking beach views are just a few highlights of North Shore. Make a stop by North Pier or Winter Gardens while you're exploring the area.

North Shore
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South Shore

4/5(4 area reviews)

South Shore is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Sandcastle Waterpark, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Blackpool.

South Shore
The Imperial Hotel
The Imperial Hotel
4 out of 5
North Promenade, Blackpool, England
The price is NZ$114 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
NZ$114
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Blackpool. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,012 reviews)
"Nice place to stay - close to local amenities and the seafront."

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

The Imperial Hotel
Hampton by Hilton Blackpool
Hampton by Hilton Blackpool
3.5 out of 5
595 New South Promenade, Blackpool, England
The price is NZ$142 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
NZ$142
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Blackpool. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,334 reviews)
"Good location for visiting the Pleasure Beach. Convenient location for tram stop. Good variety at breakfast. Room was comfy and clean"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Hampton by Hilton Blackpool
Village Hotel Blackpool
Village Hotel Blackpool
3 out of 5
East Park Drive, Blackpool, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$156 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$156
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3-star golf hotel in Blackpool. Enjoy free WiFi, a golf course, and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Room was nice, we booked 2 double beds, had a bath and separate shower. We took our 1 year old grandson. Only one downside was the loud guests returning to their rooms after 2am."

Reviewed on 19 Mar. 2024

Village Hotel Blackpool
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stay With Empire - Charles Street
Stay With Empire - Charles Street
3 out of 5
6 Charles Street, Blackpool, England
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Blackpool. Popular attractions Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Mecca Bingo are located nearby. Discover genuine guest reviews for ...
4.2/10 (56 reviews)
"Great value for money. Infact you wouldnt find another whole apartment that sleeps 4 plus a kitchen that had all utensils to cater for you and your family. The bathroom has towels ect aswell as a dining area in blackpool for the price, and even bought our dog along. Easy self check-in and out. Weve ..."

Reviewed on 1 Mar. 2024

Stay With Empire - Charles Street
Stay With Empire- Dickson Road
Stay With Empire- Dickson Road
2 out of 5
203 Dickson Road, Blackpool, England
Stay at this apartment in Blackpool. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Gynn Square are located nearby. Discover genuine guest ...
5/10 (73 reviews)
Nice clean big spacious apartment
"Would highly recommend, was unsure at first, with some bad reviews but they where unfounded, very nice clean apartment with all utensils included, I will definitely book again The only thing that was a little let down was the TV was broke But I had my iPad so could still watch everything on that"

Reviewed on 22 Jan. 2024

Stay With Empire- Dickson Road
The Bawdens Holiday Apartments
The Bawdens Holiday Apartments
3.5 out of 5
30-32 Park Road, Blackpool, England
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Blackpool. Enjoy free parking, billiards or a pool table, and 1 bedroom. Popular attractions Blackpool Pleasure Beach and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Lovely hosts and quieter placed closer to the prom
"Peter and Tamara were lovely, very friendly and welcoming. They made contact a few days prior to arrival and were very accommodating. It was quieter than other places we've stayed at in BP, I presume due to being further back from the promenade."

Reviewed on 25 Sep. 2023

The Bawdens Holiday Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Blackpool

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
" "5 - Excellent 20%
4 - Good
3
" "4 - Good 60%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 20%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
20 Sep 2019

We were told it would be like Queensland's Gold Coast, and that was very accurate, except the Gold Coast is a year round 24 hour destination, Blackpool seemed to be shut very early in the afternoon with not much open in the evening.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
29 Apr 2019

Blackpool is a unique location. It’s tacky but a truely unique experience.

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