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Places of interest #3 in Blackpool

The Blackpool Tower

4.5 · 18,083 reviews
Lively and historic
The Blackpool Tower, Promenade, Blackpool FY1 4BJ, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The steel and iron structure was designed by architects Maxwell and Tuke and engineered by James Brunlees and Andrew Young.

2

The Blackpool Tower Ballroom features a sprung dance floor and a ceiling decorated with ornate gold-leaf detailing.

3

The Tower Circus has operated continuously since 1894, including through both World Wars.

4

The base of the tower contains a sea-level aquarium originally known as the 'Aquarium and Menagerie'.

5

The SkyWalk, a five-centimeter-thick glass floor, allows visitors to look directly down at the promenade from the top of the tower.

6

In 1940, the tower's main metal structure was camouflaged with black paint to prevent it from being used as a navigational landmark by enemy aircraft.

7

The original design for the tower was contested by local residents who feared the structure would not withstand high coastal winds.

8

The ballroom was famously damaged by fire in 1956 and subsequently meticulously restored to its Victorian glory.

9

The building incorporates a central column that hides the structural steelwork while supporting the ballroom's mezzanine levels.

Overview

The Blackpool Tower is a wrought iron structure inspired by the Eiffel Tower, standing at 158 meters tall on the Blackpool Promenade. Opened in 1894, the venue houses several distinct attractions within its base, including the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, a circus, and a dungeon. The Tower Eye viewing platform provides a panoramic vista of the Irish Sea and the Lancashire coastline. Its structure is composed of five million individual bricks and approximately 2,500 tonnes of iron. The landmark is a Grade I listed building, signifying its high historical and architectural importance in the United Kingdom. It remains a focal point for tourism in the town and functions as a multi-purpose entertainment complex.

Photo spot

The Golden Mile promenade directly in front of the tower at sunset to capture the silhouette against the Irish Sea.

Insider tips

Book your entry to the Tower Eye in advance to avoid waiting in physical queues during peak periods.

Prioritize visiting the Tower Ballroom during afternoon tea sessions to experience the live organ music.

Check the weather forecast before heading up the Eye, as visibility is significantly reduced on foggy or rainy days.

What to avoid

Do not wait until the late afternoon to visit if you intend to see all five attractions within the complex in a single day.

Good to know

Individual attractions within the tower, such as the circus or the ballroom, may have seasonal show schedules; check local event listings for performance dates.

Etiquette

Smart-casual attire is encouraged for the ballroom; remove hats when in formal dining or ballroom areas.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to minimize crowds in the ballroom and circus areas.
Address
The Blackpool Tower, Promenade, Blackpool FY1 4BJ, United Kingdom
53.816, -3.055
Get directions
Details
Key AttractionsTower Eye, Tower Ballroom, Tower Circus, Blackpool Tower Dungeon

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to minimize crowds in the ballroom and circus areas..

The Golden Mile promenade directly in front of the tower at sunset to capture the silhouette against the Irish Sea.

Close by you'll find Central Pier, SEA LIFE Blackpool, North Pier.