Blackpool Central Pier Tours and Activities

Blackpool Central Pier showing general coastal views and night scenes
Blackpool Central Pier showing a sandy beach, a sunset and general coastal views
Blackpool Central Pier
Blackpool Central Pier featuring a coastal town, night scenes and general coastal views
Blackpool Central Pier showing a sandy beach, a sunset and landscape views


With its arcade games, rides and palm readers, this fun and entertaining wharf was designed as a lighter alternative to its genteel northern neighbour.

Blackpool Central Pier has long been among the preeminent attractions in the city. It stands out as the most entertaining pier in this popular coastal resort, with plenty of rides and attractions for kids and adults. Ride high above the cityscape on the iconic Ferris wheel for excellent views of the Irish Sea and the rest of the Fylde Coast.

Take a pleasant stroll to the end of the pier and feel the cool, salty air on your face, as you capture photos of the vista. Bring your children to experience the fun and exciting rides dotted along the pier. Take them on the bumper cars and watch them play the arcade games. Test your luck in the casino and its rows of slot machines.

The pier also has a charming café offering a selection of drinks and snacks and a stunning view of the sea. Browse the range of intriguing items available at the gift shops and get your fortune told by a palm reader. Watch the seagulls gathering around the pier and listen for their familiar seaside squawks. The Ferris wheel is the most iconic sight in the area, as it can be seen from a great distance along the flat terrain of Blackpool. Go for a ride at night when the wheel is illuminated in bright lights.

The pier was first opened in 1868, when dancing and roller skating were the main activities. It was the second of Blackpool’s three main piers to be built, after the North Pier and before the South Pier. Note that it is free to access the pier, which is open to the public at all times. Individual rides and attractions have varied time slots.

Blackpool Central Pier juts into the Irish Sea from the central section of the city. Ride the beachside tramway to the Central Pier stop a little north of the pier. See other sights surrounding the wharf, such as Madame Tussauds Blackpool, SEA LIFE Blackpool and Fun Land Amusements.

Popular places to visit


Top Blackpool Central Pier Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Grand Hotel Blackpool

The Grand Hotel Blackpool

4 out of 5
Promenade, Blackpool, England
The Grand Hotel Blackpool
The Royal Alexandra Hotel by Compass Hospitality

The Royal Alexandra Hotel by Compass Hospitality

3 out of 5
76 Albert Rd, Blackpool, England
The Royal Alexandra Hotel by Compass Hospitality
Park House Hotel

Park House Hotel

3 out of 5
Promenade, 308, Blackpool, England
Park House Hotel
Lyndene Hotel

Lyndene Hotel

2 out of 5
303 - 315 Promenade, Blackpool, England
Lyndene Hotel
Bluewaters Hotel

Bluewaters Hotel

3 out of 5
296-300 North Promenade, Blackpool, England
Bluewaters Hotel
THE LAWTON

THE LAWTON

3.5 out of 5
58-68 Charnley Rd, Blackpool, England
THE LAWTON
Ruskin Hotel

Ruskin Hotel

3 out of 5
55-69 Albert Rd., Blackpool, England
Ruskin Hotel
The Imperial Hotel

The Imperial Hotel

4 out of 5
North Promenade, Blackpool, England
The Imperial Hotel
Beachfront Hotel

Beachfront Hotel

3 out of 5
265 Promenade, Blackpool, England
Beachfront Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Blackpool Central Pier

At Blackpool Central Pier, you'll find a vibrant mix of activities, from thrilling amusement centres to captivating live shows and concerts. On weekends, the pier comes alive with entertainment options, including performances and events. For a splash of fun, don't miss the nearby Sandcastle Waterpark, perfect for families looking to cool off. It's a fantastic spot to soak in the lively atmosphere of Blackpool while enjoying a variety of attractions.

Shopping

At Blackpool Central Pier, you can shop at Houndshill Shopping Centre, just 644m away, offering a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, explore Glasform, 9.7km away, or Affinity Lancashire Outlet Shopping, located 12.9km away, both featuring great family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

At Bloomfield Road, immerse yourself in the exhilarating atmosphere of live sports, just a short stroll from Blackpool Central Pier. Enjoy ice skating thrills at Pleasure Beach Arena, offering a blend of adventure and entertainment. For a more serene experience, play a round at St. Annes Old Links Golf Club, surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Sandcastle Waterpark, a mile from Blackpool Central Pier, featuring exhilarating slides and wave pools for the whole family. For a racing adrenaline rush, head to Karting 2000 Raceway, also 1.6km away, to compete on the track. For water sports, Blackpool Wake Park, located 6.4km away, offers exciting outdoor activities.

Nightlife

Kick off your night at Coral Island, an arcadeAdventureZone just 322m from Blackpool Central Pier, perfect for family fun. Then, head to Ma Kellys Foxhall, a lively pub 161m away, for drinks and good vibes. Don't miss the cultural experience at Blackpool Grand Theatre, located 805m away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Blackpool Central Pier

When visiting Blackpool Central Pier, you'll find a range of attractions perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the lively pier, relax on the nearby beaches, or visit the Blackpool Pleasure Beach for thrilling rides. Don't miss the Blackpool Zoo for a fun day out, and take in the beautiful views from the marina. Whether you're after culture or adventure, there's plenty to enjoy in this vibrant seaside destination.

  • Blackpool Pleasure Beach: Experience the thrill of this iconic theme park, located 1.6km from Blackpool Central Pier. With a mix of adrenaline-pumping rides and family-friendly attractions, it promises a fun-filled day for visitors of all ages.
  • Blackpool Tower: Just 483m away, this historic tower offers breathtaking views from its observation deck. Immerse yourself in local culture and history as you explore its fascinating exhibits and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere surrounding it.
  • Winter Gardens: Situated 805m from the pier, this renowned arts centre boasts an array of performances and events. Revel in the rich cultural vibes as you catch a show or explore its stunning architecture.

Best time to go to Blackpool Central Pier

The best time to visit Blackpool Central Pier can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Blackpool Central Pier falls in August, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Blackpool Central Pier falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July60.3°F (15.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
August60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
September57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
October53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
December44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Blackpool Central Pier

For a budget-friendly visit to Blackpool Central Pier, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February or November for lower accommodation rates. Booking a month in advance often yields the best prices, while Monday stays are generally cheaper than Saturdays. Check Expedia for last-minute deals or package discounts that combine hotels with flights and activities. Make use of their search tool to filter by budget and sort prices from low to high, ensuring you find the best deals on hotels and enjoy additional savings on your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Blackpool Central Pier are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Blackpool Central Pier about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Blackpool Central Pier is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Blackpool Central Pier is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to tailor your preferences, including your budget, preferred location, and ideal type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy some savings by combining your hotel stay at Blackpool Central Pier with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.