Blackpool
Have Fun and Save: 8 Places To Visit in Blackpool For Free!
Have Fun and Save: 8 Places To Visit in Blackpool For Free!
Are you looking for a place to explore without breaking the bank? Look no further than Blackpool! From its iconic landmarks to its quaint charm, this English seaside resort is packed full of possibilities and offers a range of free or nearly-free activities that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re visiting England as part of a multi-destination tour or simply looking for an offbeat beachside holiday with plenty of attractions to fit all budgets—Blackpool has something special awaiting every traveller. With these 8 free and budget-friendly things accessible throughout Blackpool, it’s easy (and affordable!) to get inspired by Britain’s best-known staycation town!
In this blog post we list:
- The best places to visit for no charge at all
- Show all places on an interactive map to help you locate each place easily.
Blackpool has many options for places to visit for free today. You could check out famous local artwork at The Grundy Art Gallery, play the arcades at Coral Island or take a walk around the award winning Stanley Park. Click on each name to be taken straight to the blog post for that place.
Updated and correct as of 19/10/23.
Quick Heading Links to Explore Blackpool's Attractions
Museums and Galleries
Grundy Art Gallery by Barbara Carr under license CC BY-SA 4.0
The Grundy Art Gallery
For over 100 years, The Grundy has been home to works by some of Britain's most acclaimed creative names, from Augustus John and Paul Nash, to Lucy Kemp-Welch and John Linell. But although the gallery’s past is impressive, its present-day offering is just as intriguing; with a packed program of exhibitions, talks and events all year round, it’s worth checking their website to see what’s currently on.
RNLI Blackpool
Located on the Central Promenade, the RNLI Visitor Centre is a great tourist destination for visitors to the city and offers a fascinating insight into the history of lifesaving around the UK's coastline. With nearly 200 years of maritime experience, the RNLI is an organisation with plenty to offer and educate you about. The helpful staff can explain why lifeboats are designed as they are and how incredible technological advances have changed our understanding of coastal waters. You can see the two lifeboats currently in operation from the gallery above the shop and every purchased item goes towards the great work the RNLI do.
Brooks Collectables and Toy Museum
The Brooks Collectables and Toy Museum is a must-see for any toy enthusiasts visiting the prominent seaside town. The museum was established as a family business over 70 years ago and has two levels of vintage toys you may remember from your youth. From Star Wars figures to Corgi vehicles, the museum has amassed a wide ranging collection.
Free things to do in Blackpool FAQ's
Yes, all Blackpool Piers are free to enter and walk on. However, there are a few attractions that cost money to ride like the Ferris wheel and the carousel. You can purchase your tickets on the pier but they must be used on that pier they were bought on.
Yes, as there’s no entry fee you can enter free of charge and go for a wander. The pleasure beach is a great place to walk, sample the fairground atmosphere, see all the rides close up and enjoy the views. There are also a few restaurants and cafes scattered around so you can grab a bite to eat if you get hungry.
Blackpool is definitely worth visiting! It's a seaside town in the north of England that's known for its beaches, amusement parks and piers.
Blackpool is a great place to go for a relaxing beach holiday or for a fun family vacation. The town has a wide range of attractions and activities to keep visitors busy, including several amusement parks, a zoo and plenty of shops and restaurants. The Blackpool Tower is also worth seeing - it's one of the town's most famous landmarks.
History and Culture
Coral Island Amusements, Blackpool by Rept0n1x under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Coral Island
The pirate themed Coral Island is a destination that sees visitors returning year after year. You can experience family rides such as ‘The Ghost Train’ or try your luck on one of the many family-friendly arcade games with prizes on offer. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can feed your appetite for refreshments whether it be sweet or savoury and on top of that they have a ‘kids eat free’ offer. The spectacular views across Blackpool Bay are an added bonus for picturesque moments away from the fun inside.
Walks and Nature Trails
Blackpool Beach and Sea Front by David Dixon under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Blackpool Beach
The famous beach has been drawing tourists and locals alike since the middle of the 17th Century. While its popularity in the 1800s was largely due to the inspired elegance of its grand limestone promenade and iconic three piers, those looking for a beach holiday need look no further than this picturesque shoreline. Relax under a sun umbrella, grab a bite from one of the many independent seafood restaurants along the shore or take a stroll down a pier as you listen to carousel music -- no matter what kind of experience you seek, a day at Blackpool Beach won't disappoint.
Stanley Park
Boasting almost 390 acres of lush parkland and landscaped gardens, it has been a local favourite since opening its doors to the public in 1926. Every year, millions of visitors flock to the famous Italian Gardens and a large lake, as well as enjoy activities such as pitch-and-putt and cycling along the BMX trails. Voted the ‘Best park in the United Kingdom’ numerous times, Stanley Park is a must-visit!
Penny Farm
Penny Farm is run by the World Horse Welfare Association which are an organisation that campaigns to prevent the export of live horses for slaughter. Founded in 1927, the organisation has saved thousands of horses nationwide. Today, Penny Farm offers visitors the chance to walk around the paddocks, see the many horses up close, and with a café on site, have a bite to eat afterward.
Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve
Located on the outskirts of Blackpool, Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve is a hidden jewel among the town’s attractions. The Site of Special Scientific Interest has grown to become a sanctuary to hundreds of species of birds and animals. The site was once the local council’s rubbish tip but has now developed into a thriving biodiversity where visitors can wander on the many footpaths seeing the wildlife that comes here all year round.
Map
Use the map below to locate all the places mentioned to create your itinerary for your trip.
Open Google Maps to see distance information between locations and directions on how to get to each place.
The Last Stop After Exploring Blackpool's Piers and Gardens
As our exploration of Blackpool's free places to visit comes to a close, we reflect on the rich tapestry of attractions in Blackpool that make this destination so unique. From the vibrant illuminations that light up the night sky to the historical buildings that tell a story of a bygone era, Blackpool offers a travel experience like no other. The new comedy carpet, a testament to the town's cultural flair, invites smiles and laughter, adding to the charm of this beautiful seaside resort.
The travel experience here goes beyond mere sightseeing; it's an immersion into a world where the old and the new coexist harmoniously. As we leave behind the scenic piers and the serene gardens, we are reminded of the unforgettable experiences that await every visitor to this enchanting town.
Please note...
All outdoor activities including walking involve a degree of risk. The walks are recommended due to the features of each forest but this may change over time and further research is required before undertaking any activity. The weather can also impact the surface and general conditions of each path so please keep yourself updated with the weather forecast before setting off to enjoy your walk!
Other Blog Posts From Blackpool
We write lots of blog posts from each individual area and have a few more from the town of Blackpool. Have a look at our other blog posts by clicking the links below: