Sunset over North Pier- one of Blackpool's three piers
Image credit: Malc McDonald http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

Blackpool has some spectacular landmarks and is probably best known for Blackpool Tower. However, the tower is not the town’s only significant landmark you should see during your visit. There are also three piers along Blackpool’s coastline: North Pier, Central Pier, and South Pier. All three Blackpool piers are important tourist attractions in the town, and each offers something different. Here is an overview of the three piers and some things to do at Blackpool piers.

Things to Do at the Blackpool Piers: North Pier

North Pier (pictured above) is the oldest and longest of the three piers in Blackpool, and it retains some of its original Victorian charms. It is also the only one of the three piers that is a Grade II listed building in Blackpool. Although it once served a nautical purpose as a landing jetty, it is now one of Blackpool’s most popular attractions. Here are some things to do at North Pier in Blackpool.

  • The Joe Longthorne Theatre (formerly The North Pier Theatre)
  • Amusement arcades
  • A gypsy palm reader
  • A Victorian tearoom
  • The Carousel Bar and Merrie England Bar
  • A two-tiered Venetian carousel
  • A live organist in the sun lounge
  • The heritage room with a photograph exhibition

Things to Do at Blackpool’s Central Pier

Central Pier in Blackpool
Image credit: Dave Green http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

Central Pier is the second of the Blackpool piers built. It was given its name because it was close to Central Station in Blackpool, although it now refers to the pier being the middle of the town’s three piers along the coast. It is the liveliest of the three piers, with many activities for all the family to enjoy. Some of the things to do at Blackpool’s Central Pier are:

  • Peter Sedgewick’s Funfair
  • Blackpool Big Wheel
  • Central Pier Family Entertainment Centre
  • Pirate’s Bay Family Bar
  • Old Tyme Portrait Studio

Things to Do at the Piers in Blackpool: South Pier

South Pier- one of the three Blackpool piers
Image credit: Stephen Williams / Blackpool South Pier from the air https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en

South Pier is the newest and shortest of Blackpool’s three piers. The Sedgewick family own the pier, along with North Pier and the funfair at Central Pier. Its original purpose of the pier was to provide a more upmarket experience than the other three Blackpool piers and offered little entertainment. However, it now has multiple rides and attractions. Some of the things to do at South Pier are:

  • Beachcomber Amusement Arcade
  • Fairground rides, including the Waltzer, dodgems, and Crazy Mouse
  • The Adrenaline Zone, which includes a reverse bungee, an acrobatic trampoline, a multi-storey climbing spiders web, and a freefalling swing
  • A traditional fish and chip restaurant and several food stands

Which is the Best Blackpool Pier to Visit?

All three Blackpool piers offer a different experience, so each will suit different people. If you are in Blackpool for a few days or more, it is worth visiting all three piers in Blackpool to enjoy the sea views, amusements, attractions, performances, and food & drink venues.