Blackpool: Hotels for culture, the promenade and nature

Blackpool brings together a range of travel interests: the promenade and sea, historic theatres, museums, leisure attractions, parks and a designated nature reserve. If you’re looking for a hotel in Blackpool, first choose the focus of your trip. The differences below can help you match your interests with what the city has to offer.

Promenade, sea and the tramway

Blackpool Beach is a free-to-access seaside attraction. Check local conditions before visiting the beach. The Blackpool Illuminations stretch for six miles along the promenade, featuring traditional light garlands, tableaux and interactive elements. The dates of the annual light display vary; check the dates for your travel period.

The Great Promenade Show comprises ten artworks along Blackpool Promenade, heading south from South Pier. Individual works may change. The Blackpool Tramway runs for eleven miles along the Fylde Coast from Fleetwood to Starr Gate, passing Cleveleys and Blackpool Town Centre along the way. As operating arrangements may change, check the latest information before travelling if you plan to use the tramway.

History, architecture and culture

Blackpool Tower opened in 1894. Blackpool Tower Circus also opened in 1894 and has not missed a season since. The Tower offers panoramic views from its glass SkyWalk viewing area. Check operating details before your visit. Afternoon tea with live music from organists and the Wurlitzer organ is also offered at Blackpool Tower; check seasonal availability in advance.

The Winter Gardens were developed between 1878 and 1939. Their eleven distinctive spaces range architecturally from Victorian architecture to contemporary Art Deco. Blackpool Grand Theatre has a Victorian auditorium by Frank Matcham. These different buildings each offer their own highlights, from architectural history to theatrical tradition.

Grundy Art Gallery has a permanent collection of more than 2,000 works. It presents contemporary art exhibitions and events throughout the year, as well as a free programme of workshops, tours and talks. Dates may change. Showtown has six galleries covering themes such as seaside holidays, magic, circus, shows, dance and illuminations. Interactive activities include dancing, juggling, a Punch and Judy show, and designing your own illuminations. Exhibitions and individual installations may change.

At Tramtown, visitors can see the technical operations of the Heritage Tram Centre. As opening arrangements may change, check visitor information in advance.

Parks and nature conservation

Opened in 1926, Stanley Park is a Grade II listed park. Its features include a bandstand, boating lake and Italian gardens. Leisure activities include pedal boats, pitch and putt, train rides and trampolining; individual facilities may change.

Marton Mere is designated as a Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The area includes reed beds, meadows, woodlands, scrubland and open water. A circular trail with wildlife-viewing points offers a way to experience these different habitats. Trail conditions may change; check them before your visit.

Rides and marine life

At Pleasure Beach Resort, the multisensory dark water ride lasts six and a half minutes. It takes visitors through scenes featuring fire, snow and ice-cold mist in Viking boats; ride details may change. Nickelodeon Land at the resort includes twelve rides and attractions. The resort also offers The Big One, an especially thrilling roller coaster.

Sandcastle Waterpark offers more than 18 water slides and attractions in a tropical climate of 84 degrees. The waterpark provides planning resources for guests with disabilities and additional support needs; check the latest information before your visit. SEA LIFE Blackpool showcases more than 2,500 marine animals. At the Jurassic Ocean Tunnel, marine animals swim above visitors; exhibits may change.

Discover more destinations: Blackpool, Bispham, Wirral, Greater Manchester, Wigan, Tameside, Cheshire, Blackburn With Darwen.

For the main travel overview: North West England.