As one of the United Kingdom’s premier vacation spots, Blackpool Beach is an iconic strand of world renown. The amusement piers and lively coastal promenade flanking this 7-mile (11-kilometer) beach gave Blackpool fame in the 19th century. Follow in the footsteps of such celebrities as Frank Sinatra and the Beatles on this beach by the Irish Sea.
Walk with your family toward the ocean at low tide, when a vast expanse of sand is exposed. Play sports on the golden strand or bring supplies for a picnic. Lining the back of the beach is the Comedy Carpet, a large concrete sidewalk of jokes from more than 1,000 comedians. Stroll along the promenade or sit on the seawall steps with an ice cream treat.
Among the beach’s highlights is the 19th-century Blackpool Tower, which was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Ride an elevator to the Tower Eye, a 380-foot-high (120-meter) observation deck dwarfing the beach and the city. Watch a show at the Tower Circus in the structure’s base and enjoy afternoon tea in the Tower Ballroom.
Another coastal gem is the North Pier, a restored Victorian jetty hosting a palm reader, a tearoom and an ice cream shop. Ride the Blackpool Big Wheel on the nearby Central Pier and let your children go wild in Peter Sedgwick’s Funfair.
Watch the sunset cast crimson hues across the sky and stay at the beach into the evening. Behind the beach are bars, casinos and clubs that come alive at night, showcasing Blackpool’s lively entertainment district.
See the cityscape and the nearby amusement park rides illuminated in neon lights. Try games of chance in the pirate-themed casino and entertainment center of Coral Island. Free Wi-Fi is available along the beachfront.
Blackpool Beach lies on the western coast of the central part of the city. Travel along the tramway to the stops along the beach, including Tower and North Pier. Visit other nearby sights, including the Winter Gardens, Warwicks Amusements and the Kiosk Museum.