Beaches

 

Blackpool’s visitors are treated to miles of unspoilt sandy beach – perfect for a stroll; an impromptu family game of rounders; a great British picnic; or building a sandcastle – whatever your age.

A brand new ribbon of Spanish-style steps running along the coastline, allows visitors to take an easy stroll from the promenade down to the sandy beach and enjoy glorious sunsets and the wonderful energy of nature as the sea meets the shore.

Why not hire a deckchair and simply sit and enjoy a little ‘me time’ with a good book? Or venture to the sea for a refreshing paddle – a unique seaside holiday experience to enjoy with the whole family.

 

Parks

 

Recently restored Stanley Park is the jewel in Blackpool’s dazzling crown. Just two miles from the bustling sea front, this majestic 256-acre park is a green oasis.

A dazzling array of display gardens, ornate fountains and woodlands await discovery and there’s even a boating lake and sports facilities, including tennis, football and cricket. While away a day with a picnic and some games or pop into the Art Deco café for a cuppa, or a cappuccino.

Nestled nearby is a wonderful world in miniature. The must-see Model Village is set in 2.5 acres of carefully tended and landscaped gardens.

George Bancroft Park is part of a dramatic new entrance to Blackpool from the M55 – with the centrepiece of two huge climbing towers. Opened in May 2006, by design guru Laurence Llewelyn -Bowen, the park is the town’s newest, and the first to be constructed in over 80 years!

Blackpool is also home to some wonderful smaller parks – and there’s a whole programme of activities throughout the year. 

 

Museums & Galleries

 

Blackpool’s highly acclaimed Grundy Art Gallery, built in 1911, has an ever-changing programme of captivating exhibitions throughout the year - featuring local, national and international artists.

Rub shoulders with A-list celebrities at Madame Tussauds Blackpool where there’s fame on five floors with statues of all your favourite pop, rock and movie stars as well as royalty, politicians and historical figures.

A cornucopia of crazy objects populate the eight galleries at Ripley’s Believe It or Not at Pleasure Beach Resort, Blackpool- including a two-headed calf, a fertility statue, holograms, a floating tap and junk art – it has to be experienced to be believed!

 

Entertainment Venues

Blackpool has a proud entertainment heritage and today our stunning venues attract international actors, comedians and other entertainers; West End musicals and top bands and singers.

Blackpool’s beautiful Grand Theatre offers a packed year-round programme of live performance including opera, ballet, plays, comedies, musicals, contemporary dance, fun children’s shows and, of course, pantomime!

At Blackpool’s heart is the beautiful, newly refurbished St John’s – a tree-lined cosmopolitan space with a fantastic Wave statue - which hosts a variety of events and entertainment throughout the year.

There’s always something to see at the wonderfully ornate Winter Gardens, including the opulent Empress Ballroom, which attracts top bands and artists, and the amazing Opera House - one of the largest stages in Europe and a great venue for hit musical shows - as well as 2009’s star-studded Royal Variety Performance.

If you’re interested in the theatrical heritage of Blackpool then why not take the Palace of Delight podcast tour.

 

Zoos, Farms & Wildlife

Home to a range of wildlife in a whole host of habitats; Blackpool has plenty to offer the animal lover.

Blackpool Zoo combines fun and wild animals to offer a family day out like no other. It is home to 1,500 animals, birds and insects from all over the world, including lions, giraffes, elephants, lemurs, meerkats, reptiles, gorillas, penguins and more. 

If you love horses and ponies why not pay a trip to Penny Farm, which offers holidaymakers a day out with a difference and provides a permanent haven of peace and tranquility for over 55 rescued horses and ponies.

Experience the wildlife of the town’s parks with a nature walk (check out the events section for organised walks… or plan your own!) Or take a stroll along Blackpool’s beach where you can encounter birds and small sea creatures; if you’re very lucky you may even spot a seal, dolphin or porpoise off shore!

 

The Blackpool Tower

518 ft of fun for all the family. Over the next 10 months there are going to be some extremely exciting developments to Blackpool's top attraction. But while these are going on there's still plenty to do! Enjoy the sights and sounds of The Blackpool Tower Ballroom and younger visitors can have the playtime of their lives at Jungle Jim’s Children’s Indoor Play!

Please note - Closing times may vary from those stated. Please contact directly for further information. The Tower Top is now closed while it is being transformed into The Blackpool Tower Eye with 4D Cinema Experience. This will launch in September 2011.