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Since the Victorian Era, Blackpool has been a popular holiday destination for families, with its miles of golden sandy beaches, attractions, and famous landmarks. It’s a town full of charm and history, and there’s so much to see and do, that you might need a little help deciding what to do.

 

If you’re planning a visit to the famous Lancashire seaside town, then we’ve put together a bucket (and spade) list, whether you’re visiting on a holiday, a long weekend, or just for the day!

 

1. Blackpool Tower

 

It’s impossible to visit Blackpool without finding yourself gazing up at the iconic tower from the Promenade. But if you’ve only ever just admired its glory from afar, you could be missing a whole host of epic attractions that lie inside, with fun for the whole family guaranteed!

 

Blackpool Tower is an all-round entertainment venue, and there are so many different attractions all under one roof - well, under the actual tower at least - including:

 

• The Blackpool Tower Circus - Blackpool’s longest-running show, with incredible stunts and belly laughs, and legendary clowns Mooky and Mr Boo.
• The Blackpool Tower Dungeon - An amazing cast of theatrical actors, special effects, stages, scenes and rides bring to life 1,000 years of grisly local history.
• Dino Mini Golf - Nine holes of prehistoric fun! Travel back in time and roar like a Dinosaur at The Blackpool Tower's Dino Mini Golf attraction.
• The Blackpool Tower Ball Room - One of the truly iconic venues of the 19th century with its beautifully decorated ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, stunning sprung dance floor and ornate balconies.
• The Blackpool Tower Eye - Take a trip 380ft into the sky to the top of The Blackpool Tower and experience the thrilling SkyWalk, as well as incredible views across Lancashire, Cumbria and even North Wales on a clear day.

 

2. Blackpool Pleasure Beach

 

To the south of the Promenade lies the home of the legendary Big One, Valhalla, The Big Dipper, Wallace & Gromit’s Thrill-O-Matic, Nickelodeon Land and so much more. Thrill-seekers, families and children will be spoiled for choice in one of Blackpool’s best-known attractions.

 

3. The Beach

 

Why bother going to the seaside if you’re not going to enjoy the actual seaside? Take a stroll along the Promenade, wander down the piers, take in that sea breeze, and relax. Of course when the sun’s shining and the tide’s out, then grab your bucket and spade, and feel the sand and the water between your toes as you have a paddle in the surf.

 

4. SEALIFE Centre

 

Packed with creatures from the deep you’re unlikely to see in the waters of the Irish Sea, SEALIFE brings together an array of aquatic beasts large and small, from sharks to seahorses, and more. There are many different ways to explore this fascinating attraction, including behind-the-scenes actions, special talks, and feeding displays. Enthralling for people of all ages.

 

5. Stanley Park

 

Pack a picnic, escape the hustle and bustle of the busy town centre, and head to Stanley Park, where the beautiful scenery and surroundings will grant you a calm and tranquil haven from everyday life.

 

You can find sports facilities, a model village, a race track, bowling greens, a café, playgrounds, boat hire and of course, ice cream, you could easily spend a day here - and you can bring the dog too!

 

6. Notarianni’s

 

Grabbing an ice cream to eat while you walk down the Promenade has to be a bucket list item, but every Blackpool local knows that Notarianni’s is the only place to go. The family-run parlour serves only homemade Italian ice cream, and many people flock from far and wide to taste their delectable delights. Once you’ve had Notarianni’s, you’ll never go back

 

7. Winter Gardens

 

A trip to Blackpool without a visit to the Winter Gardens would be a waste! A leading entertainment venue, the Winter Gardens also boasts the Opera House and Ballroom, both worthwhile attractions on their own.

 

There is almost always a fantastic show, and often a major Broadway or West End production in the 3,000 seater Opera House, or why not take the floor in the gorgeously ornate Ballroom?

 

8. The Blackpool Illuminations

 

Every September, all anyone wants to talk about in Blackpool is the world-famous Illuminations, the spectacular free light that has been entertaining families in the North West of England and beyond since 1879.

 

Each year, the displays get even more elaborate and jaw-dropping, so grab a stick of rock, an ice cream, candy floss, or fish and chips and enjoy a walk along the Prom amongst the light installations, or take a drive up the coast and enjoy from the comfort of your car.

 

9. Coral Island

 

It might seem that every other attraction in Blackpool is an arcade, but you won’t find one bigger or better than Coral Island! Entertaining visitors for nearly 50 years, the famous pirate-themed amusement arcade will provide hours of endless fun, with all the traditional seaside amusements, brand-new video arcade games, rides, restaurants, and more!

 

And at Coral Island, Kids Eat FREE all day every day at participating restaurants. Children aged under 10 years old can receive a free kids’ meal with each paid adult meal, giving you more bang for your buck on your Blackpool holiday!

 

10. Fish And Chips

 

No seaside bucket lust would be complete without trapping a portion of fish and chips, and you’ll never be more than a stone’s throw away from a chippy in Blackpool. It’s a classic British dish, and you won’t find fresher fish or better chips than on the streets of Blackpool.

 

At Coral Island, we have two award-winning chippys where you can eat in or takeaway, the Prom Chippy for when you’re out and about, and fresh fish and chips at Coral Harbour Kitchen & Bar.

 

11. Blackpool Zoo

 

For another escape from the busy town centre and Promenade, why not head to Blackpool Zoo? An excursion to the zoo can be a great recharge for those who have been shaken by adrenaline-fuelled adventures and intense light shows. The fresh air, the exercise, and the chance to see some of the most majestic animals on earth are all wonderful benefits.

 

12. Madame Tussauds

 

A visit to Madame Tussauds can help bring a certain celebrity factor to your holiday photos! Here at the Northern branch of the legendary waxwork museum, you’ll find uncanny look-a-likes of the biggest pop and rock stars in music history, Marvel superheroes, the Strictly Come Dancing Stars,  the royal family, and many more!

 

Over 20 million visitors to Blackpool every year can’t be wrong, so why not gather your family for a fun day out or a weekend break and see how many of these you can tick off your bucket list?