10 completely free and fun things to do in Blackpool

Blackpool may attract visitors for its entertainment shows and amusements, but there are plenty of fun things to do in the town that won’t cost you a penny.

Visit the beach

Make the most of your visit to the seaside in good weather and spend a relaxing day on the golden sands of Blackpool Beach.

Build sandcastles, paddle on the shore, tuck into an ice cream, or indulge in some traditional fish and chips, while taking in the glorious surroundings.

Visit: Blackpool Beach, Promenade, FY1 5AA – visitblackpool.com

Meet some animals

Situated just a short distance from the centre of Blackpool, Penny Farm is a great place to enjoy some peace and quiet - and meet a few of the resident animals.

More than 60 horses live on the farm, and since the main stables area is indoors, your day out won’t be spoiled by any possible bad weather.

Visit: World Horse Welfare Penny Farm, Preston New Road, FY4 5JS – worldhorsewelfare.org

The Comedy Carpet is 2,200 square metres of jokes, songs and catchphrases (Photo: Shutterstock)

Have a giggle

Pay a visit to The Comedy Carpet installation (located on the pavement just in front of Blackpool Tower), where you can enjoy a giggle at the collection of jokes, songs and catchphrases from some of Britain’s most popular comedians and writers emblazoned across the unique 2,200 square metre work of art.

Visit: The Comedy Carpet, Tower Festival Headland, Promenade, FY1 1AP – comedycarpet.com

Picnic in the park

Spread across 390 acres, Stanley Park is home to stunning landscaped gardens, water fountains, an animal themed children’s play area and an abundance of sporting facilities, including boat hire, tennis courts a skate park and crazy golf.

Ideal for an active day out or a leisurely picnic, it offers plenty to see and do.

Visit: Stanley Park, West Park Drive, FY3 9HU – blackpool.gov.uk

Walk the Golden Mile

Take a wander along Blackpool’s renowned Golden Mile, stretching along the promenade from the North to the South Pier.

Walking the famous stretch is a must-do activity while visiting the seaside resort, and it will take you past plenty of popular attractions, including amusement arcades, shops and cafes.

Visit: Promenade, FY1 5AA

Stanley Park has plenty of space for picnics on good weather days (Photo: Shutterstock)

Admire some art

The Grundy Art Gallery exhibits a diverse collection of works from established and emerging artists from around the UK and abroad.

They also host a varied year-round exhibition programme which draws upon Blackpool’s rich heritage and contemporary culture.

Open from Tuesday to Saturday, it’s a great and completely free venue to discover something new.

Visit: Grundy Art Gallery, Queen Street, FY1 1PU – grundyartgallery.com

Indulge your sweet tooth

Coronation Candy is the largest rock manufacturer in Blackpool, famed for its sugary sweet lollipops, candy canes and rock stick creations, and it welcomes visitors to the factory to see the products being made.

The factory tours are free of charge and you’ll be treated to a complimentary lollipop.

Visit: Unit 3, Wellington Point, Amy Johnson Way, FY4 2RG – coronationcandy.com

Take in some iconic landmarks

Located along Blackpool’s south shore are 10 intriguing art installations from both established and emerging artists, each reflecting an aspect of Blackpool’s history and character.

Known as The Great Promenade Show, the works are thought of as an outdoor gallery and have become a must-see attraction since their installation.

Visit: The Great Promenade Show, New South Promenade, FY4 1RW – visitblackpool.com

Each iconic pier has something different to offer (Photo: Shutterstock)

Explore the piers

Blackpool boasts not one but three piers along its sea front, each featuring a range of games, amusements, cafes and shopping.

Take some time to explore each one and take in the wonderful sea views as you go.

Visit: North Pier, Promenade, FY1 1NE / Central Pier, Promenade, FY1 5BB / South Pier, Promenade, FY4 1BB – blackpoolpiers.co.uk

Discover unique treasures

Family-run shop Brooks Collectables is home to a huge array of unique gifts, souvenirs and oddities, along with a memorabilia museum brimming with intriguing exhibits.

Entry is free, and inside you’ll find everything from coins, stamps and doll collections, to small scale model buildings and china souvenirs.

Visit: Brooks Collectables, 7 Waterloo Road, FY4 1AF – donkeyrides.co.uk