15 things to do in Blackpool when it's raining

Although it's a popular summer holiday destination, Blackpool has plenty of entertainment to offer on a bad weather day (Photo: Shutterstock)Although it's a popular summer holiday destination, Blackpool has plenty of entertainment to offer on a bad weather day (Photo: Shutterstock)
Although it's a popular summer holiday destination, Blackpool has plenty of entertainment to offer on a bad weather day (Photo: Shutterstock)

It might be better when the sun is shining, but but a rainy day in Blackpool doesn't mean you have to stay cooped up indoors.

Whether you're a local or just visiting, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained when wet weather strikes.

Visit the dungeons

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Featuring a cast of theatrical actors, 10 staged shows, clever special effects and an exciting drop ride, the immersive journey through the dark depths below Blackpool Tower promises to be thoroughly entertaining.

Visit: The Blackpool Tower Dungeon, The Blackpool Tower, Bank Hey Street, FY1 4BJ – thedungeons.com

Head to the theatre

Blackpool isn’t short of entertainment, but if you’d prefer to escape the arcades and amusement rides, a trip to the theatre could be just the ticket.

The Winter Gardens and The Grand Theatre both have a huge variety of musicals, comedy, drama and dance to choose from – ideal for every taste.

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Visit: Winter Gardens Blackpool, 97 Church Street, FY1 1HL – wintergardensblackpool.co.uk / The Grand Theatre Blackpool, 33 Church Street, FY1 1HT – blackpoolgrand.co.uk

Bag a bargain

Home to more than 150 indoor stalls, Fleetwood Market is a shopping lover's paradise.

Selling everything from food, clothes and jewellery, to household goods, there’s plenty on offer, all at reasonable prices and all under one roof.

Visit: Fleetwood Market, Adelaide Street, Fleetwood, FY7 6AB – fleetwoodmarket.co.uk

Take the plunge

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It may be miserable outdoors, but at Sandcastle indoor water park, getting wet is all part of the fun.

With 18 slides, fun pools, a wave machine and a relaxing spa to enjoy, it’s the perfect place to spend a rainy day.

Visit: Sandcastle Waterpark, South Beach, FY4 1BB – sandcastle-waterpark.co.uk

Have high tea

Escape to the grandeur of this 18th century Georgian country house in Lytham and tuck in to an indulgent afternoon tea in the library, or head to the charming Tea Room where you can enjoy a hot meal.

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Visit: Lytham Hall, Ballam Road, Lytham, FY8 4JX – lythamhall.org.uk

You can enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea at Lytham Hall whatever the weather (Photo: Shutterstock)

Enjoy some art

The Grundy Art Gallery offers a varied year-round exhibitions programme which showcases the works of established and emerging artists from around the UK and abroad.

The work displayed here draws on Blackpool’s heritage and contemporary culture to both impress and inspire visitors.

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

Join the circus

First opened in 1894, The Blackpool Tower Circus has long been a crowd favourite.

Renowned for its cast's jaw dropping stunts, hilarity and unrivalled entertainment value, this is a must-see for visitors and locals alike.

Visit: Blackpool Tower, Promenade, FY1 4BJ – theblackpooltower.com

Get creative

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Get crafty at Glazey Days Creative Cafe, where you can pick up a paint brush and put your own stamp on mugs, bowls and plates, before taking your unique pottery creation home.

The cafe also serves a range of tasty gourmet snacks, and there’s even a baby sensory area to keep any little ones entertained.

Visit: Glaze Days Creative Cafe, 126 Bold Street, FY7 6HW – glazeydays.co.uk

Go under the sea

Home to more than 2,000 intriguing sea creatures housed across 50 different displays, you can discover everything from octopus and stingrays, to an array of sharks, at Sea Life Blackpool aquarium.

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Visit: Sea Life Blackpool, Promenade, FY1 5AA – visitsealife.com

Escape the room

Gather your friends and put your heads together to solve the clues and break free from one of three themed escape rooms at Clue HQ, in a thrilling race against the clock.

Visit: Clue HQ, Whyndyke Farm, Preston New Road, FY4 4XQ – cluehq.co.uk

The beach isn't the best place to be during a downpour (Photo: Shutterstock)

Snag a vintage steal

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Home to more than 50 stalls, The Regent boasts a huge range of antiques, vintage, craft and retro items, spread across three floors in an old 1920s cinema.

Along with the stalls, there’s also a vintage tearoom and a fully restored cinema showcasing some film classics.

Visit: The Regent Antiques Centre, 181-189 Church Street, FY1 3NY – theregentblackpool.co.uk

Put a spring in your step

Beat the wet weather blues with an adrenaline-fuelled visit to Ascent Trampoline Park, where there are 110 trampolines for both big and small kids to play on, as well as an air bag, a ninja assault course, dodgeball, a climbing wall and flip zones.

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Visit: Ascent Trampoline Park, Unit A, Prestige House, Cornford Road, FY4 4Q – ascenttrampolinepark.co.uk

Satisfy your sweet tooth

Take a fascinating tour around the largest sweet rock manufacturer in Blackpool.

You can see traditional sticks of rock, novelty lollipops and other confectionery items being made in the factory, before picking up a few treats to take home.

Visit: Coronation Rock, 72 Bank Hey Street, FY4 2RG – coronationrock.co.uk

Step back in time

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Home to horse-drawn vehicles which date back to the 1880s, through to petrol and diesel powered lorries and buses, there’s plenty of interesting motor history to soak up at the British Commercial Vehicle Museum.

Visit: British Commercial Vehicle Museum, King Street, Leyland, PR25 2LE – britishcommercialvehiclemuseum.com

Get your skates on

Test your skills on the ice at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Arena, where there are regular public sessions and skating lessons, as well as a spectacular Hot Ice show, which runs from Monday to Saturday at both 2:30pm and 7pm.

Visit: Pleasure Beach Arena, FY4 1EZ – pleasurebeacharena.co.uk