Blackpool is a seaside town that doesn’t need much introduction. What started as a small coastal settlement is now known for its vibrant promenade, sandy beaches, and famous tower. It wasn’t until the 18th century that people began visiting Blackpool to bathe in the sea, which was said to have health benefits, and this gradually turned Blackpool into a popular and fashionable retreat for people of all classes. In 1846, the arrival of the railway made the town much more accessible, and soon after that attractions started to be built. Today, there are endless things to do in Blackpool for adults, even those visiting without children.
Millions of visitors come to Blackpool every year to experience things like the Illuminations, theatre performances, the Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and many other unique attractions in Blackpool. Although the town is often linked to family holidays or party weekends, there are a number of reasons to visit for other purposes. Whether you’re planning a couple’s getaway, a day trip, or a weekend away with friends, you’ll find that there are a lot of things to do in Blackpool for adults that might surprise you.
Things to do in Blackpool for adults
Stroll along the oldest pier in Blackpool
There are three piers to enjoy in Blackpool, with the oldest being North Pier. It opened in 1863 and was designed by a well-known Victorian engineer. The pier offered visitors a place to enjoy a leisurely walk, live music, and breathe in the fresh sea air. Compared to its neighbours, North Pier focused more on leisurely entertainment. In 1975, North Pier was given Grade II listed status, when it was recognized for its historical and architectural importance to the town.
Walking along North Pier is one of my favourite things to do in Blackpool, even if there are no events taking place. From the far end of the pier, you’ll have a beautiful view of the Blackpool promenade, with attractions such as The Blackpool Tower and Central Pier in the distance. There are a few amusements along North Pier, too, but it definitely offers a more relaxed feeling than other piers. You’ll find a tram stop right outside North Pier, making it the perfect spot to start exploring the Blackpool Promenade from.
Afternoon tea at The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
One of the best things to do in Blackpool for adults is to go for afternoon tea in The Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The world-famous historic ballroom was opened in 1899, five years after the tower opened. Even if dancing isn’t your thing, I’d recommend coming here to appreciate its beautiful design. It also has a famous sprung dance floor which adds to its uniqueness. If you watch Strictly Come Dancing, you’ll recognize the ballroom from the hit TV programme.
What’s great about having afternoon tea at The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is that you can enjoy the atmosphere while people dance for fun, all while eating cakes and sandwiches. The afternoon tea generally includes a mixture of sandwiches, scones, and cake, alongside tea or coffee. If you have any dietary requirements, let them know beforehand, and they can cater to your needs. As you watch the dancers glide along the dance floor, you’ll also hear the famous Wurlitzer organ in the background. Before heading out to explore the rest of the tower, make sure you leave enough time to fully appreciate the ballroom.
The Blackpool Tower Circus
While this may not be considered one of the top things to do in Blackpool for adults, visiting The Blackpool Tower Circus is actually quite fun. The circus has been operating since 1894 and is set within the base of the tower’s building. The Victorian arena still looks as it would have in the past, but the most unusual feature has to be the ring in the centre that lowers and fills with water for the finale. While no photos or videos are allowed during the show, you might be successful if you’re sneaky.
Today, the show offers a very interesting combination of acrobatics, comedy, circus performers, and daring physical feats, with a lot of skill involved in everything, so even for adults it’s impressive to see. This is also the perfect rainy afternoon activity in Blackpool. Be sure to check the programme before booking to ensure the show fits in well with your Blackpool itinerary. We watched the performance while visiting the rest of the tower, so the times worked out perfectly for us.
Go to the top of The Blackpool Tower
If this is your first time visiting the area, one of the best things to do in Blackpool is to go to the top of the tower. The Blackpool Tower was opened in 1894 and sits at 158 metres in height. From the viewing platform, you’ll have incredible views of the beach, town layout, and piers, and in clear conditions you can even see as far as Liverpool and the Isle of Man. This attraction in Blackpool can get very busy in the summertime and on weekends, so I’d recommend going as early as possible if that’s when you intend to visit.
A big highlight of the viewing platform is the SkyWalk. Visitors can walk across a 5-centimetre-thick glass panel that makes your feet look like they’re floating on air. There’s also a fun 4D cinema experience within the tower that teaches you more about its history. If you’re looking to grab a snack or a drink, Bar 380 is always open, though the prices are a little steep.
The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
At the back of the tower complex sits The Blackpool Tower Dungeon, which is often too scary for younger children. This makes it a great activity for adults, even if you’re a little jumpy. For history enthusiasts, the dungeon experience takes you through 1,000 years of history, focusing on the more gruesome side of life in the medieval period. The dungeon uses a mixture of live actors, theatrical sets, and special effects to tell these stories, and there are a couple of jump scares along the way.
At the end of the storytelling experience, you’ll have the chance to go on a drop ride, which adds a physical thrill element to things. The drop ride isn’t very high, but if you’re not a fan of these types of rides, you can skip it and go right to the exit. Visiting The Blackpool Tower Dungeon is a fun choice among the best things to do in Blackpool for adults, so it may be worth considering.
Take a look at the Comedy Carpet
Once you’ve finished exploring The Blackpool Tower, don’t forget to head across the road to the Comedy Carpet. It’s a large public art display that celebrates British comedy and the entertainment heritage of Blackpool. It was unveiled in 2011 and includes over 160,000 letters telling jokes, catchphrases, and listing song lyrics that turn the ground into a tribute to the writers and performers who’ve made an impact on audiences throughout the decades.
Even if you’re not overly interested in reading everything beneath your feet, it’s worth taking a slow walk across the Comedy Carpet as it’s one of the top free things to do in Blackpool. This is also where you’ll find a nice view of The Blackpool Tower for photos.
Enjoy Central Pier
Central Pier opened a few years after North Pier, and it quickly grew into a lively entertainment spot in Blackpool. It became known for affordable seaside fun and dancing, which earned it the nickname the “People’s Pier”. Throughout the decades, the attractions changed to better suit the tastes of holidaymakers, but the pier still feels closely connected to its history.
The Big Wheel is the standout feature of Central Pier, which wasn’t added until 1990. If you end up going on the ride, you’ll have a beautiful elevated view of the coast as well as the promenade. The entrance to Central Pier is across from Madame Tussauds, so it’s very close to a lot of the top attractions in Blackpool. If the tide is out, I’d recommend taking a walk along the beach near the pier for the perfect photo angle.
Catch a show at Viva Blackpool
One of the most unique things to do in Blackpool for adults is to catch a show at Viva Blackpool. It’s located close to The Blackpool Tower, in what was once a popular bingo premises. The programmes for the shows includes tribute acts, cabaret performances, and even a bit of comedy, so you can choose the programme that’s the right fit for you.
The show we attended included a fun mixture of live music performances that spanned iconic singers, groups, and musicals. I’d recommend booking ahead as the shows can fill up very quickly, and this ensures you’ll have reserved seats with a good view.
The Hole in Wand
An attraction in Blackpool that a lot of visitors walk straight by is The Hole in Wand. If you like mini golf and Harry Potter, this is the perfect place for you. The indoor course takes you through a variety of rooms that are similar to what you’d find in the Harry Potter books and films, including a train station, castle, and forest. As you make your way through the nine-hole course, there are plenty of details to look at, so you won’t get bored waiting for your turn.
The “Wizard Tavern” is where you can purchase fantasy-themed drinks, including alcoholic ones that are aimed at adults. We opted for the ticket that included a drink at the end of the course, as it was better value for money. Spending some time at The Hole in Wand is one of the best things to do in Blackpool for adults, especially when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Walk along the beach
Looking for free things to do in Blackpool? A walk along the beach below the promenade is never a bad idea. While there are a lot of attractions in Blackpool to enjoy, it’s sometimes easy to forget that the big draw for people in the 18th century was the sea. When the tide is fully out, walking along the sand allows you to appreciate what really started it all for this seaside resort.
If you only have time for a short walk, the section between North and Central Piers is perfect. There’s also a lovely view of The Blackpool Tower and the prom from further out. Sunset is a great time for photos when the piers are turned golden with the sunlight.
Blackpool Amusements
There are a lot of arcades around Blackpool to choose from. Normally, I’d recommend trying the older arcades, but these can often be overcrowded and full of children running around. If you want to avoid this, Blackpool Amusements is a great alternative. It’s located near The Hole in Wand and is spread across two floors, which are filled with a selection of modern arcade games and a prize shop.
What I find nice about this arcade is that you can use your card to pay, so there’s no need to carry change or worry you don’t have enough money with you. The games here are a lot of fun, and the modern element of them makes a nice change from the older versions around town.
Madame Tussauds Blackpool
Among all the things to do in Blackpool, Madame Tussauds remains one of the most popular choices among adults. It’s located near Central Pier, next to SEA LIFE Blackpool, and like all wax museums, you can get close to a mixture of waxwork celebrities, fictional characters, and historic figures. If you’re only visiting the UK for a short time, this is a fun way to see some British TV personalities mixed in with international figures you’ll more likely recognize. There are plenty of spots to take photos, so make sure you plan enough time to enjoy Madame Tussauds and not just race through it.
A great way to save money if you plan to visit several of Blackpool’s key attractions is to purchase a combined ticket. These are available online or at the ticket offices.
Watch a performance at the Winter Gardens
No trip to Blackpool is truly complete without a trip to the Winter Gardens. Since its opening in 1878, the Winter Gardens has been at the heart of the entertainment scene in Blackpool. Over the years, the iconic venue has hosted everything from variety performances to conferences. In 1955, it hosted the first Royal Variety Performance located outside of London. The Art Deco design of the theatre adds to the experience, and catching a show here is the ideal way to enjoy the building as it was intended.
I’ve watched many performances here over the years, with the most recent one being Six The Musical, which was phenomenal. Make sure you arrive with time to spare so you can take a look at the interiors on the way to your seat. There’s always something going on at the Winter Gardens throughout the year, so check the schedule online to see what’s on when you plan to visit.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Another iconic place to visit in Blackpool is the Blackpool Pleasure Beach, one of the UK’s most well-known theme parks. There’s a fantastic mixture of historic and newer rides to choose from, including wooden rollercoasters, a vintage carousel, and the Alice in Wonderland ride, which is a personal favourite of mine. For adults who enjoy thrill rides, the Big One is a must-try, as is ICON, which is a new addition to the scene. The Pleasure Beach isn’t open all year, but you can check the operating calendar online.
Take advantage of Blackpool’s trams to get here, as it’ll be much cheaper than parking nearby for the day. The Pleasure Beach sits at the far end of town, so it may be a bit far to walk to from your hotel if you’re staying closer to North Pier or further along the Fylde Coast.
Snap a photo with The Blackpool Tower
Before leaving Blackpool, you have to take a photo with The Blackpool Tower. There are plenty of areas to snap a nice photo, whether you want to be up close or further back, with the promenade visible. The Comedy Carpet is a good place to start, where you can get a close-up photo of the tower from below. As mentioned above, the beach is also a great spot where you can make use of the sand and shoreline in the foreground, and you have less chance of cropping the top of the tower out of the photo, too.
As you walk along the promenade and the piers, you’ll also find a lot of different angles to shoot The Blackpool Tower from. Unless you’re taking a selfie, I’d suggest standing further away from the structure, so you have a clearer background. Taking a photo of The Blackpool Tower is definitely one of the best things to do in Blackpool, and it’s probably one of the first things you’ll do in town, but if not, don’t forget to do it before leaving.
Places to eat in Blackpool
Dirty Blondes
In the centre of Blackpool, one of my favourite places to eat is Dirty Blondes. This independent bar offers the perfect mixture of cocktails, pizza by the slice, comfort food, and live music. It’s tucked away down a side street, not far from the promenade, so it’s still a hidden gem in Blackpool for many visitors. They serve large New York-style pizzas made using homemade dough, as well as other tasty dishes such as loaded fries and crispy chicken, alongside vegetarian options.
If you like cocktails, this is the place to go. Their cocktail menu is unique, with a mixture of in-house creations and classic drinks. Some even have toppings on them, like popping candy. The prices for food and drinks at Dirty Blondes are still very reasonable, so make sure you add it to your list of things to do in Blackpool for adults.
Common Bar & Kitchen
For Latin American-inspired street food, you have to try Common Bar & Kitchen. Tacos are a big highlight of the menu, and every Tuesday you can order them for half price, which is great for your travel budget. There are plenty of fillings to choose from, including beef birria, fried chicken, halloumi, and oyster mushrooms. You can order your tacos with small plates to share, too, such as empanadas, corn ribs, and nachos. There’s even a dessert menu if you feel you can fit in some more food. Overall, Common Bar & Kitchen is a fantastic restaurant in Blackpool city centre, even if you can’t make it for Taco Tuesday.
larder.
Some of the best places to eat in Blackpool are located a short distance from the busier areas. A great example is larder., located along Norbreck Road in Bispham. Don’t worry, it’s easy to get to with a tram or by driving, so you should have no problem finding it. Its location makes it the perfect stop if you’re exploring more of the coastline or heading into Cleveleys.
The menu is centred around baked goods and sandwiches, though there are some nice breakfast and brunch dishes available, such as avocado on toast and bagels. I couldn’t decide what to order for breakfast, so I opted for a combination of sweet and savoury. Everything is handmade, too, so you can expect it all to be very fresh and tasty. There are only a few seats available inside, which means it can be hard to find a table during peak hours. You can always order takeaway and enjoy your food with a sea view – just look out for the seagulls.
Stefani’s Pizzeria
Located in the heart of Blackpool’s town centre is Stefani’s Pizzeria. This family-run restaurant in Cedar Square sits opposite the Winter Gardens, so the location is hard to beat if you’re catching a show. Their menu centres on hand-stretched Neapolitan pizzas that are cooked in a wood-fired oven. There are classic combinations available as well as more unique variations and vegetarian/vegan choices.
The pizzas are the highlight at Stefani’s Pizzeria, but the starters definitely deserve a mention, too. I couldn’t resist ordering one of their versions of garlic bread, but other options include chicken wings and wood-fired halloumi. Try to leave some room for dessert, because the tiramisu tastes like something straight out of Italy.
Doughnuts along the front
If you plan to take a walk along the promenade, you’ll find a lot of stalls selling freshly cooked doughnuts. These are a classic treat in Blackpool, with a soft centre and crisp outside that can be topped with whatever sauce you desire, like Nutella. They’re a nice option for a snack in between visiting the attractions in Blackpool, though they can be quite heavy, so I’d suggest sharing an order between two or more people.
Make sure you look for stalls that are making the doughnuts fresh to order, because some places have them sitting on display throughout the day. Natalie’s Dessert Bar, for example, has been family-run for over 20 years, and it’s a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
Where to stay in Blackpool
There are plenty of options when it comes to places to stay in Blackpool. Unfortunately, the town has got a bit of a reputation for many B&Bs and hotels being run-down. That’s why it’s so important you do thorough research before booking anything. I’d recommend focusing on modern hotels or self-catering apartments that have recently been refurbished.
The Holiday Inn Blackpool only opened in 2024 and has quickly become a popular option, conveniently located near Blackpool North Station. It’s perfect if you intend to spend time exploring the town centre and nearby attractions. Alternatively, The Big Blue Hotel and Hampton by Hilton Blackpool are nearer to the Pleasure Beach and have very good reviews among guests.
When choosing where to stay in Blackpool, the biggest advice I can give is to check the most recent reviews and photographs, and to find somewhere that’s located near where you’ll be spending the most time.
Is Blackpool worth visiting?
Even as an adult, Blackpool is definitely worth visiting. If you’re looking for a seaside break with nostalgia and lots of entertainment and activities, the Fylde Coast should be on your list. There are plenty of things to do in Blackpool for adults, from evenings at the theatre to themed mini golf, afternoon tea in the Tower Ballroom, and visiting historic sites. Although parts of the town look like they need a bit of sprucing up, the seafront, piers, and main attractions more than make up for it. Leave time in your schedule for some of the smaller corners of Blackpool, too, as well as other areas along the coast that can easily be reached by tram.
If you have any questions about things to do in Blackpool for adults, where to stay in Blackpool, or where to eat in the town centre, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch via email or through the contact form on my website. Don’t forget to follow my travels on Instagram and TikTok as well, where you’ll come across more helpful travel tips about visiting Blackpool and beyond.
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