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While many attractions in Blackpool are open all year round, like Coral Island, there are some which are closed during the winter months. But spring is just around the corner now, and the brighter days and evenings, and warmer temperatures mean it’s time for Blackpool to come alive again!

 

It might not be warm enough to go and enjoy Blackpool’s famous beach just yet, and the sea will be far too cold to enjoy a paddle in the surf, but if you’re planning a trip to the famous Lancashire seaside town this spring, then we have the low down on what’s on, and when the famous attractions are open again for the spring and summer!

 

Blackpool Tower

 

The iconic tower, which dates back to 1891, must be the most famous landmark in Blackpool. Any of us will have played ‘who can spot the tower first’ on trips to the seaside when we were young, and we bet there are parents who like to play the game with their children now!

 

Due to winter maintenance, many of the attractions based in the tower, including the Tower Eye have been closed for the winter, but they are all set to reopen and welcome visitors once more in April.

 

From 1 April, visitors can once again visit the Tower Eye, a trip to the top of the tower to witness breathtaking views over the Irish Sea, Lancashire, and the Fylde Coast, and on a clear day you can see as far south as Liverpool and north up to the Lake District! If you’re feeling brave, step onto the 5cm thick glass viewing platform that gives views of the Promenade 380ft directly below!

 

Blackpool Tower Circus is open earlier in the year, from 11 to 26 February for half term, weekends in March, and then open every day from 1 April. The Tower Circus is the longest-running show in Blackpool and has been entertaining families for decades. There are incredible acrobatic stunts, spellbinding performances, and plenty of laughs from the circus clowns, Mooky and Mr Boo.

 

Is your family a fan of Strictly Come Dancing? Then you’ll already know how much a visit to Blackpool and the Tower Ballroom means to the dancers on the hit BBC show. Why not pay a visit to the magnificent ballroom yourself?

 

There’s really no other venue quite like it, and you can enjoy afternoon tea and even take a spin around the dance floor! Booking is advised, and it’s a good idea to check opening times, as it is not open every day.

 

If your kids are fans of the Horrible Histories books and tv series, then a visit to the Blackpool Tower Dungeons is a must! Bringing together a cast of amazing theatrical actors, special effects, and stages, scenes, and rides, the Dungeons are a fright-filled exploration of spooky and grisly history!

 

For tickets, opening times, and more information on all the Tower attractions, visit https://www.theblackpooltower.com/

 

Sandcastle Waterpark

 

Blackpool has miles of beautiful sandy beaches, and visitors flock to soak up the sun on hot, sunny days. But sadly, in spring it’s unlikely to be warm enough for that. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy splashing and swimming, as Sandcastle Waterpark is open at weekends in March and every day from 1 April.

 

Set in a tropical climate, there’s fun for all the family, with fantastic waterslides and the world’s longest indoor rollercoaster waterslide, Master Blaster for those seeking white-knuckle thrills, wave pools, splash zones for the smaller children and treetop calming retreats for the grownups to relax in.

 

Booking is advised, and for tickets and more information, visit https://www.sandcastle-waterpark.co.uk/

 

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

 

Reopening on 18 April, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the place to be for thrilling and intense rides and rollercoasters, including the park’s newest ride, ICON. There are rides for all ages, and all thrill levels, from the highest, fastest rides for the brave to more sedate family rides for the little ones, and some parents!

 

It’s also home to Nickelodeon Land, where guests can meet Spongebob Squarepants and characters from Paw Patrol, and many other favourites from Nickelodeon for memories that will last a lifetime!

 

For tickets and information, visit https://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/

 

Stanley Park

 

Twice voted Britain’s best park, Grade II-listed Stanley Park is open all year round, and if the sun’s out, pack a picnic and go and explore the beautiful 390 acres of gardens, architecture, horticulture and wildlife.

 

You can find glorious examples of Art Deco design, a bandstand, a boating lake, and the fabulous Italian gardens, and spring has to be the best time to visit to witness the colours of nature as the park comes alive.

 

There’s activities for all, whether you want a sedate family picnic, pedal boats to pitch’n’putt, train rides and trampolining, and even BMXing and bowling!

 

Visit https://www.visitblackpool.com/detail/stanley-park-17396/ for more information!

 

Blackpool Zoo

 

While there’s plenty of wildlife to spot in Stanley Park, if you’re looking for more exotic animals, then Blackpool Zoo is the place to be! With over 1,000 animals, including penguins, lemurs, elephants, orangutans and more, there’s animals big and small for wildlife and nature fans.

 

Also opening in spring this year is the zoo’s brand new big cat enclosure. The newly extended and improved facility is home to Amur tigers and African lions and will allow visitors panoramic indoor and outdoor views of the magnificent beasts.

 

Visit https://www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk/ for tickets and more information.

 

Shows and events

 

There’s an abundance of family shows and entertainment coming to Blackpool this spring too, with puppets, children’s TV and storybook favourites, science, dance, and Lego!

 

On 15 April, Join Fireman Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all-singing, all-dancing, action-packed show. You can become a firefighter cadet and then watch the magic of the circus.

 

https://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/event/fireman-sam

 

Join a band of travelling circus performers from 28 February to 4 March as they embark on their most daring feat yet: to recreate the adventures of Phileas Fogg as he sets off on his race Around the World in 80 Days!

 

https://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/event/around-the-world-in-80-days

 

From 31 May to 2 June, watch Frank L Baum’s classic Wizard Of Oz come to life in this adaptation by the Royal Shakespeare Company at The Blackpool Grand.

 

https://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/event/the-wizard-of-oz

 

If your kids love science, then the Ministry of Science Live 2023 on 18 June will have them enthralled as a team of scientists take a look at how science has shaped our world. Expect exploding oxygen and hydrogen balloons, massive nitrogen clouds, and even a hovercraft!

 

https://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/event/ministry-of-science

 

Young dance and ballet fans may want to see Northern Ballet's hugely popular Ugly Duckling, on 221 April. Ugly Duckling is lonely and fed-up, ignored by those around her who think she is too ugly to fit in. Visit this classic tale, as she discovers, through the magic of dance, that she is perfect just as she is!

 

https://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/event/ugly-duckling

 

Based on the stories by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Tales from Acorn Wood, on 29 and 30 March, is packed full of toe-tapping songs, puppetry, and all the friends from Acorn Wood. This beautiful show from the team that brought you Dear Zoo Live and Dear Santa promises to be the perfect treat for children of all ages.

 

https://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/event/tales-from-acorn-wood

 

Blackpool will also be hosting the very first Blackpool Brick Festival! This Lego fan event, on 8 April, is dedicated to all things brick and includes activities for kids big and small, unique builds, and stalls selling rare and discontinued Lego sets. It’s bound to be a great day out for people of all ages.

 

https://brickfestivalevents.com/event/blackpool-brick-festival/

 

Coral Island

 

Come rain or shine, Coral Island is open for everyone to come and have fun. Whether you want to play traditional seaside arcade games such as the penny pushers or the crane grabbers, take a trip on the Ghost Train or Pirate Flyer, or try out or latest ticket machines so you can get a prize from the biggest prize shop in town, we can’t wait to see all your happy, smiling faces this spring!

 

And don’t forget, Kids Eat Free at selected Coral Island Restaurants. Whether you want fish and chips at our award-winning chippys, or look for hidden treasure and have all the family favourites at The Buccaneer Family Bar & Restaurant, kids aged under 10 can eat for free with every paying adult. Visit https://www.coralisland.co.uk/kids-eat-free for terms and conditions.

 

Captain Jack and his crew can’t wait to welcome you all back to Blackpool and Coral Island this spring, so what are you waiting for?