8 Unmissable Things to Do at Blackpool Tower in 2026

At Blackpool Tower, doors hide behind

If you only plan to snap a photo from the Promenade, you’ll miss what actually makes this place unforgettable in 2026.

This guide isn’t about listing attractions. It’s about how to experience Blackpool Tower properly — what to do first, what most people rush past, and where the real value hides.

The mistake almost every first-time visitor makes

They go straight up.

Lift. Glass floor. Photos. Done.

The problem? Blackpool Tower was never designed to be consumed that quickly. Opened in 1894 and standing 518 feet (158 metres) tall, it was built as a full-day destination — entertainment stacked on entertainment.

Here’s how to unlock the full experience in 2026.

1. Start with the 4D history experience (don’t skip this)

Before you rise above Blackpool, you need context.

The immersive 4D cinema introduces the tower’s construction, the Victorian engineering gamble behind it, and why this structure became the emotional centre of the resort. It’s short, sharp, and reframes everything you see afterwards.

Skip it, and the views are just views.

2. Ride the lift to 380 feet — then step onto the glass

This is where expectations collide with reality.

At 380 feet above sea level, the Tower Eye reveals the Irish Sea, the curve of the Lancashire coast, and — on clear days — views stretching towards the Lake District and North Wales.

Then there’s the SkyWalk. A transparent floor with Blackpool moving beneath your feet. Trams look like toys. People become dots. Your brain hesitates — and that’s the point.

3. Climb higher for the observation platform views

Most visitors don’t realise there’s a second rhythm to the tower.

The observation platform encourages you to slow down. Stay longer. Let the view change as clouds move and light shifts across the sea. It’s quieter. Less frantic. And often more memorable.

4. Time travel inside the Tower Museum

Hidden from the rush is a small but revealing museum.

Photographs, artefacts, and design details show how radical the tower once felt — and how it survived fires, wars, and changing tastes. It turns a landmark into a story of stubborn endurance.

5. Spend the evening at the Tower Circus

The Blackpool Tower Circus isn’t nostalgia. It’s continuity.

Running in various forms since the 19th century, the 2026 season blends modern acrobatics with classic clowning from Mooky and Mr Boo. Shows typically run from February through late autumn, with advance booking strongly advised during school holidays.

6. Take tea in the world-famous Ballroom

Built in 1894, the Blackpool Tower Ballroom is not a backdrop. It’s alive.

Daily dances continue in 2026, accompanied by the iconic Wurlitzer organ. Entry starts from £9 per adult, while afternoon tea packages begin at around £30 per person.

Even if you don’t dance, watching others do so beneath the ornate ceiling is quietly hypnotic.

7. Descend into the Blackpool Tower Dungeon

Now for the tonal shift.

The Dungeon drags you through Lancashire’s darker history using live actors, special effects, and gallows humour. It’s deliberately theatrical, genuinely jumpy, and best suited to older children and adults.

8. Let children loose in the themed play zones

Families often overlook this part — until they see it.

Next to the tower are dedicated children’s play areas themed like a lost city, with slides, climbing frames, and space to burn off energy after a long day indoors.

Practical information for 2026

Address: Blackpool Tower, The Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 4BJ

Typical opening hours (winter 2026): Many attractions operate seasonally. The Ballroom commonly opens 11:00–16:00. Tower Eye and Circus may close in January. Always check the official site before travelling.

Ticket prices: Individual attraction tickets start from around £9–£11.50. Combination and annual passes offer better value for full-day visits.

Official website: https://www.theblackpooltower.com

Landmarks within walking distance

• Central Pier Blackpool — approximately 600 metres south
• Blackpool Pleasure Beach — approximately 2.8 km south

Where to stay near Blackpool Tower

The Ruskin Hotel remains one of the closest well-rated options, located roughly 700 metres from the tower and popular with families and weekend visitors.

What Blackpool Tower really offers

Blackpool Tower isn’t a single attraction.

It’s a compressed version of British leisure history — ambition at the top, spectacle in the middle, and quiet human rituals (tea, dancing, laughter) at ground level.

Once you see that, you stop rushing.