Blackpool Tower

Blackpool Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the UK, rising proudly above the Lancashire coastline since its opening in 1894. Inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it stands at 518 feet tall and has been a symbol of seaside entertainment for over a century. Visible for miles around, the tower remains at the heart of Blackpool’s identity, drawing visitors year after year to experience its unique blend of history, fun, and spectacle.

The tower itself is much more than just a viewing point. At its summit is the Blackpool Tower Eye, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Irish Sea, the Fylde Coast, and, on a clear day, even as far as the Lake District and North Wales. The experience includes a thrilling glass SkyWalk, allowing visitors to look straight down to the promenade below – not for the faint-hearted, but unforgettable.

Inside the base of the tower is a world of attractions. Perhaps the most famous is the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, a lavish and beautifully preserved Victorian ballroom with a sprung dance floor, gilded balconies, and ornate plasterwork. It remains a hub for traditional ballroom dancing and regularly features on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Just hearing the Wurlitzer organ play while dancers glide across the floor feels like stepping back in time.

Also within the tower is the family-friendly Blackpool Tower Circus. Housed in a purpose-built arena, it has been entertaining audiences since 1894, combining acrobatics, comedy, and live performance. It’s one of the few circuses in the world to have never missed a season since its opening.

For younger visitors or those seeking a bit of spooky fun, the Blackpool Tower Dungeon offers a theatrical and immersive journey through the darker chapters of Lancashire’s history, complete with live actors and special effects.

Come autumn, the tower becomes a glittering centrepiece of the famous Blackpool Illuminations. From late August through early November, the promenade is transformed by miles of dazzling lights and displays, and the tower itself is lit up in vivid, changing colours. Whether seen from the beach or the top of the Eye, the lights are a magical spectacle that capture the joy and nostalgia of the British seaside.

Together, Blackpool Tower and its attractions offer something for everyone – elegance, excitement, history, and fun, all under one iron-clad roof.