Blackpool Tower
Reach New Heights at Blackpool Tower
Blackpool Tower, an iconic landmark dating back to 1894, dominates the town's skyline. The tower is home to the stunning Tower Eye observation deck, the world-famous Tower Ballroom with its historic Wurlitzer organ, and the traditional Tower Circus.
History
Blackpool Tower was built during the town's Victorian tourism boom and officially opened to the public on 14 May 1894. Inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it was designed by architects James Maxwell and Charles Tuke, with engineering by Heenan & Froude.
Construction began in 1891 and took around three years to complete. Standing 518 feet (158 metres) tall, the tower quickly became one of Britain's most recognisable landmarks and a symbol of Blackpool's growing popularity as a seaside resort.
The project cost approximately £290,000 to build - a huge investment at the time, equivalent to tens of millions of pounds today. Since opening, Blackpool Tower has welcomed millions of visitors and remains one of the UK's most famous historic attractions, featuring the iconic Tower Ballroom, Tower Circus, observation decks (Blackpool Tower Top) and other family attractions, such as the Blackpool Tower Dungeon.
The Blackpool Tower is now owned by Blackpool Council who purchased the structure in 2010. It is operated by their wholly-owned subsidiary, Blackpool Tourism Limited.
Attractions At Blackpool Tower
The Blackpool Tower Eye
The Tower Eye is the observation deck located near the top of Blackpool Tower. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views across the town, the Irish Sea, and, on clear days, as far as the mountains of Wales and the Lake District. A highlight of the experience is the glass SkyWalk, where guests can stand on a transparent floor and look straight down.
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
The Tower Ballroom is a magnificent Victorian ballroom famous for its ornate architecture, sparkling chandeliers, world-class sprung dance floor, and famous Wurlitzer organ. It has hosted ballroom dancing for over a century and is closely associated with traditional dance events. Visitors can watch dancers, enjoy afternoon tea, or simply admire the beautifully preserved interior.
The Blackpool Tower Circus
The Tower Circus has entertained audiences since the late 19th century and remains one of the few permanent circuses in the world. Its family-friendly performances feature acrobats, clowns, aerial artists, and comedy acts. A unique feature is the circus ring, which can be flooded with water for spectacular aquatic performances. From 1990 animals no longer appear at the circus.
The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
The Tower Dungeon offers an immersive journey through Lancashire's darker history. Live actors, theatrical sets, special effects, and thrilling rides recreate historical stories and legends in an entertaining and spooky experience. It is designed for older children and adults who enjoy interactive attractions.
The Blackpool Tower Dino Golf
Dino Golf is an indoor adventure golf course with a dinosaur theme. Players navigate through prehistoric landscapes filled with dinosaur models, tropical plants, and themed obstacles. The attraction is suitable for families and provides a fun activity regardless of the weather.
The Blackpool Tower 4D Cinema
The 4D Cinema introduces visitors to the history and experience of Blackpool Tower before they explore the rest of the attractions. The short film combines 3D visuals with physical effects such as moving seats, wind, and water sprays, creating an engaging introduction for visitors of all ages. It is included with every standard Blackpool Tower Eye ticket.
Access & Information
From Blackpool North Station, Blackpool Tower is around a 10 to 15 minute walk (about 0.8 km). Leave the station onto Talbot Road, head towards the Promenade, then turn left along the seafront. The Tower is impossible to miss.
The tram stop is directly outside the station. Take any seafront tram towards Tower. The journey takes around 4 minutes, and the Tower tram stop is right outside the attraction.
Additionally frequent buses run from near the station to Market Street, just a short walk from the Tower. The journey takes around 5 minutes.
Currently (2026) admission is £12.50 for adults to Blackpool Tower Top.
Address: Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 4BJ
Getting To Blackpool
Blackpool North Station is the main point of access and has onward connections with both buses and trams.
There are services from Blackpool North to Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Airport, Bolton, Preston, Wigan North Western, Salford Crescent, Deansgate, Blackburn and York Station via Leeds.
For Manchester Victoria in Manchester change at Bolton, Manchester Oxford Road, Salford Crescent or Piccadilly.
Blackpool North also has two trains a day to London Euston.
Blackpool's other station, the much less busy, Blackpool South has trains to Preston. There is no connection between the two stations so take a tram to Waterloo Road tram stop.
Blackpool Airport is near to Squires Gate Station (a 10-minute walk from the airport near St Anne's).
Buses that stop near the station or leave from the bus and tram stand at the station include the 3, 5, 5A, 6, 7, 8, 18, 11, 14, 42 and 400 services.
Hotel Accommodation in Blackpool
Some recommended hotels In Blackpool include the Happi Hotel & Spa on Springfield Road. The Tropics Beach Hotel is a 3-star property on Dickson.
The Holiday Inn Blackpool by IHG is a 4-star property on Talbot Road, a stone's throw from Blackpool North station.
See here for a complete listing of hotel accommodation in Blackpool.
Maps of Blackpool & The North West
Map of the north of England
Hotels in the North West of England
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