Accessible Blackpool

Roll up! Roll up! Blackpool has never been a destination that does things by halves. Britain’s archetypal seaside resort packs amusement arcades, fish and chips, ballroom dancing, rollercoasters, live shows and miles of promenade into one bright and bustling stretch of the Fylde Coast.

Whether you are heading for the thrills of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, taking in the view from beneath the famous Tower or simply looking for a good portion of chips by the sea, there is plenty to fill a day, weekend or longer break. This guide brings together disabled access reviews of wheelchair-accessible attractions, transport, places to eat, accommodation and toilets to help you plan your visit.

Pat, one of Euan’s Guide’s Review Co-ordinators, has explored Blackpool’s transport and attractions and shares some practical advice for disabled visitors:

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Getting to and around Blackpool

Blackpool’s attractions are spread along several miles of coastline, so the tramway is one of the handiest ways to travel between them.

Using the trams

The Blackpool Tramway runs up and down the Fylde Coast, with many of the major attractions sitting close to a stop. Wheelchair symbols on the platforms show where the wider tram doors should arrive, and the doors are close to platform level, so a ramp is not normally needed. There is a wheelchair space with assistance and stop buttons on board, and conductors are available to sell tickets and help passengers.

Recent reviews praise the tactile paving, lowered kerbs and friendly conductors across the tram system. The small difference between the tram and platform can become slippery in heavy rain, however, while a pole between the doors may require some careful manoeuvring.

Manchester Square Tram Stop on Blackpool Promenade at night, with level platform access and tactile paving beside the tracks.

The bigger challenge sometimes begins before you reach the platform. At Manchester Square Tram Stop, for example, the promenade provides the easiest route in. Approaching from the other side of the road may mean taking a longer journey to find a suitable crossing, complete with a narrow and steep lowered kerb. The tram may be ready to welcome you aboard, but Blackpool’s road layout does not always make getting to it quite so simple.

Central Pier Tram Stop, with Blackpool Tower visible in the distance

You can also read disabled access reviews of other stops along the Blackpool Tramway, including North Station, Central Pier, South Pier and Pleasure Beach.

Arriving by train

The gate before a platform at Blackpool South Railway Station, with two large information boards

Visitors arriving by rail may use Blackpool South Railway Station, which has step-free access from Waterloo Road using a long concrete ramp. There is seating on the platform and accessible parking close to the entrance.

The routes surrounding the station are far less inviting for anyone arriving on foot or by wheelchair, with missing pavements and difficult road crossings in places. Staff are not based at the station, but assistance is available on the trains.

Using the buses

A bus shelter at Blackpool Central Coach Station, with bench seating beneath the canopy.

Despite the grand name, Blackpool Central Coach Station is more of an outdoor bus concourse than a station building. It is step-free within the concourse and close to attractions including Central Pier, Blackpool Tower and Madame Tussauds.

There is seating in the shelters, although it does not have backrests, and the nearby accessible public toilet requires coins. It is useful, certainly, but don’t arrive expecting a waiting room, ticket desk or other traditional station facilities.

Planning your journey? Explore more disabled access reviews of transport and tram stops across Blackpool on Euan's Guide.

Accessible attractions and things to do in Blackpool

Blackpool is built for big days out. Whether your idea of fun involves rollercoasters, animals or an afternoon beneath a glittering ballroom ceiling, several of its best-known attractions have been reviewed by disabled visitors.

At Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the Easy Pass offers virtual queuing for eligible visitors. Rather than waiting in the physical queue, visitors go to a ride and then wait the equivalent queue time before using another attraction. Recent reviews highlight clear Easy Pass signage and sensory backpacks containing ear defenders, communication cards and a mini access guide.

The red wooden tracks and supports of the Big Dipper rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

The access picture across the rides themselves is more mixed. Some require visitors to leave their wheelchair and walk part of the boarding route, meaning the choice can be limited for anyone who cannot transfer or take steps.

One recent review also reported receiving a hired wheelchair with a damaged footrest and dirty push rims. Anyone planning to use the park’s wheelchair-hire service may therefore wish to check the chair’s condition before setting off.

Accessible toilets are available throughout the park, although some have tight turning spaces and require a RADAR key. Changing facilities include a hoist and adult-sized changing table, but visitors need to bring their own sling.

Blackpool Tower rising against a bright blue sky.

For a different kind of Blackpool icon, head beneath The Blackpool Tower. The attraction has plenty of lifts and room to move around, helping one wheelchair user feel that they “definitely didn’t miss out”. A recent review also reports receiving a free companion ticket using an Access Card.

The route into the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom involves a temporary ramp over the entrance steps, followed by a main lift and a smaller platform lift. That may sound like quite the journey, but staff have been praised for operating the lifts, opening doors and guiding visitors through. Ramps are also provided where needed inside.

Wide paved paths at Blackpool Zoo

Swap sequins for stripes, spots and scales at Blackpool Zoo, where recent reviews praise both the access and the welcome from staff. Wheelchair and mobility-scooter users can get close to many of the animals, with talks and exhibits to explore throughout the day.

A newer Changing Places toilet is available with RADAR-key access. Blue Badge spaces are provided, although parking charges still apply.

The colourful entrance to Sandcastle Waterpark, with a waterslide above the building.

Water babies should also know about Sandcastle Waterpark, which has received some of the highest ratings of any Blackpool venue on Euan’s Guide.

An older review describes a pool chair being provided for a visitor who could not sit, stand or walk independently. Level access was available around the poolside, bars and restaurants, while the accessible changing facilities included a shower, toilet, adult-sized changing bed and hoist.

The waterslides require visitors to climb steps and will not be suitable for everyone, but the wave pool and water features may offer accessible alternatives. Staff also arranged an advance visit so the guest could look around before the day of their swim.

As this review is older, contact the waterpark before travelling to confirm its current facilities.

Still deciding what to add to your itinerary? Discover more accessible attractions and things to do in Blackpool.

Accessible entertainment in Blackpool

There is more to Blackpool entertainment than rollercoasters and flashing arcade machines. The town’s theatres and live venues offer everything from musicals and comedy to dance competitions and variety shows.

Looking up at the ornate decorated ceiling inside Winter Gardens Blackpool.

At Winter Gardens Blackpool, wheelchair spaces can be booked by telephone, while a recent review reports receiving a free companion ticket using an Access Card. Ramped access is available into the theatre.

Wheelchair positions may be on a slight incline, making it important to secure the brakes promptly. The accessible toilet has space for a carer but limited manoeuvring room, while its outward-opening door may be awkward to manage alongside a wheelchair.

Staff have received top marks, helping visits feel welcoming even where the physical access is not quite effortless.

A performer standing centre stage with his arms outrstetched inside Viva Blackpool.

Viva Blackpool has lift access and has also been recommended by a wheelchair user attending an ABBA tribute show. Staff have been praised for guiding visitors through the venue and helping them join in with the singing and dancing from their chair. Isn’t that what a Blackpool night out is all about?

Ready for a show? Browse more disabled access reviews of theatres, live entertainment and venues in Blackpool on Euan’s Guide.

Accessible places to eat in Blackpool

You cannot visit the seaside without eating something delicious, ideally in a portion far larger than strictly necessary.

Steve the cat curled up on a red jacket placed across the seat of a red mobility scooter

For an experience you will not find at the average café, try Cafe Meow. There is a good choice of seating at different heights, with enough room to position a wheelchair beside the sofas or park a mobility scooter out of the way.

Mobility equipment does not appear to faze the cats: they were perfectly relaxed around one guest’s scooter and another visitor’s wheelchair. One cat named Steve felt so comfortable that he eventually claimed the scooter as his bed.

A ramp leads to the café. The accessible door button was not working during the reviewed visit and the entrance was not automatic, although staff helped by holding the door.

The accessible toilet is spacious and clean, but visitors need to pass through a heavy door to reach it. The alarm cord also did not extend fully to the floor during the reviewed visit.

For a more traditional taste of Blackpool, Papa’s Fish and Chips sits on the promenade. A ramp provides wheelchair access and large toilet cubicles are available on the ground floor.

Recent reviews praise the quality, portion sizes and price of the food, alongside “super smiley” staff who could not do enough to help. Fish, chips and a friendly welcome: sometimes the classics are classics for a reason.

The Changing Places toilet at Velvet Coaster, with the adult-sized changing table and hoist visible

The Velvet Coaster is another useful option, particularly for anyone who needs a Changing Places toilet. The large Wetherspoon pub has a step-free entrance, lifts between its floors and a ground-floor Changing Places facility.

It is also close to the Pleasure Beach tram stop, with car parks nearby. The available reviews are older, so confirm the current arrangements before visiting.

Hungry for more recommendations? Take a look at more disabled access reviews of cafés, pubs and restaurants in Blackpool.

Changing Places toilets in Blackpool

Knowing where you can find the right toilet can make the difference between enjoying a full day out and having to cut it short.

Changing Places toilets have been reported at several Blackpool venues, including:

• Blackpool Pleasure Beach, with a hoist and adult-sized changing table. Visitors need to provide their own sling.

• Blackpool Zoo, where recent reviewers highlighted a newer facility with RADAR-key access.

• The Velvet Coaster, with a large ground-floor Changing Places toilet.

• Sandcastle Waterpark, where the accessible changing area includes a shower, toilet, adult-sized changing bed and hoist.

Facilities, opening arrangements and equipment can change, so check directly with the venue before setting off—particularly if you need a specific type of hoist or sling.

Looking for a toilet that meets your access requirements? Find more accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities on Euan’s Guide.

Accessible hotels and places to stay in Blackpool

After all the lights, laughter and sea air, you will need somewhere to recharge. Whether that means a seafront hotel, an individually designed room or a peaceful pitch away from the promenade, disabled visitors have recommended a varied selection of places to stay in and around Blackpool.

Best Western Carlton Hotel

Space is the star of the accessible room at the Best Western Carlton Hotel. It offers wide doorways, plenty of room to manoeuvre and an enormous bathroom with two washbasins, an easy-entry bath with a built-in seat and a separate wet-floor shower with a seat, safety belt and drop-down rails.

There is ramped access into the hotel alongside steps, while a lift serves each floor. A clean, good-sized accessible toilet is also available for public use on the ground floor.

Parking at the hotel is limited and comes with a charge, but its location makes leaving the car behind an appealing option: there is a tram stop directly outside.

Mobility scooters can also be hired from local companies, delivered to the hotel and collected at the end of a stay, with an area available for charging them overnight. Larger scooters may not be permitted on the trams, so check before planning your journey.

With friendly staff on hand and the promenade on the doorstep, the Carlton sounds well placed for enjoying Blackpool without bringing every outing back to the question of where to park.

Hampton by Hilton Blackpool

The modern Hampton by Hilton Blackpool hotel on the seafront.

At Hampton by Hilton Blackpool, the reviewed accessible wet room is the star of the show. One guest described it as among the most accessible they had ever used, with enough room to manage their medical and mobility needs independently.

The modern hotel has level access, lifts between floors and a spacious, brightly lit layout that is easy to move around. Its calm environment may also suit visitors who find busier or more enclosed hotels overwhelming.

Staff have been praised for being friendly and ready to help without making the experience feel intrusive. Paid parking is available, while some on-street spaces may also be found nearby.

For anyone who values plenty of space, good lighting and a calm, modern environment, this could be a particularly comfortable base.

Blackpool South Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite

Blackpool is not all bright lights and busy promenades. The Blackpool South Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite offers a quieter place to retreat after a full day beside the sea.

The site is flat, although its gravel pitches and ageing paths may take more effort to navigate in a wheelchair. An off-road chair may be helpful for areas such as the bark-covered dog park.

Staff have been praised for allowing guests to choose pitches close to the facilities and providing practical help with tasks such as accessing the grey-waste point.

The accessible shower room has an especially thoughtful layout. Although it is a wet room, the shower sits within its own area at one end, helping to keep wheelchairs, clothing or assistance dogs dry. The main floor can become slippery, but the facilities have been praised for their cleanliness and are protected by a RADAR lock.

The campsite sits just off the end of the M55, making it a peaceful alternative to staying directly on the promenade.

Art B&B

For something a little less conventional, Art B&B offers individually designed rooms close to Blackpool’s North Shore.

The reviewed Soundscape Room has wheelchair-accessible facilities, relaxing décor and a large wet-room bathroom. The accommodation also has a comfortable bar, while every room brings its own distinctive design.

The corridors may feel slightly narrow and the lift can be a little clunky, but neither issue prevented the reviewed stay from receiving five stars. Staff have been praised for being friendly and helpful, and private parking may be available behind the building.

It sounds like a good choice for anyone who wants accessible accommodation with rather more personality than the average hotel room.

Looking for somewhere to make your base? Browse more disabled access reviews of hotels and places to stay.

Share your accessible Blackpool experiences

Blackpool is loud, colourful and unashamedly full of fun. It also has some excellent examples of accessibility, alongside the occasional awkward crossing, heavy door or route that takes rather more planning than it should.

Have you discovered somewhere brilliant in Blackpool—or found an access barrier other disabled visitors need to know about? Share your experience by writing a review on Euan’s Guide.