Blackpool: Showtown Entry Ticket

Explore Blackpool’s Showtown: The Ultimate Show Business Experience

The Blackpool Showtown Entry Ticket offers a full day of entertainment at Showtown, a vibrant museum dedicated to celebrating the history of show business in Lancashire. Located just off the promenade beside Coral Island, this attraction provides a lively mix of exhibits, interactive displays, and family fun for £17.50 for a family ticket. With a duration of one day, it’s a great choice for those seeking an engaging cultural outing in Blackpool.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is its focus on the stories of comedians, dancers, acrobats, and characters who helped transform Blackpool into the home of show business. The attraction has received notable recognition, winning the Exhibition of the Year 2025, and was shortlisted for the Children in Museums award. Visitors can expect a dynamic, inclusive atmosphere suitable for all ages, even in rain or shine weather.

While the tour has lots to offer, it’s worth noting that it caters best to families or groups interested in entertainment history and interactive activities. The experience is designed to be spacious, so visitors don’t feel crowded, and live actors help bring stories to life on the museum floor.

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Key Points

• Location: Showtown in Blackpool, next to Coral Island
• Price: Family tickets from £17.50
• Duration: 1 day
• Highlights: Six galleries covering seaside, magic, circus, and more
• Interactive elements: Magic tricks, designing displays, and live storytelling
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, small group sizes of up to 6 participants

Showtown’s Central Location in Blackpool

Showtown is conveniently situated just off the promenade, making it easy to find and accessible for visitors exploring Blackpool’s famous seaside attractions. It’s located adjacent to Coral Island, a popular arcade, which makes combining visits straightforward for a family day out. The museum’s central position means you can easily incorporate it into a day of exploring Blackpool’s lively entertainment scene.

The location’s accessibility is confirmed by its wheelchair-friendly features. The proximity to other attractions allows visitors to plan a flexible itinerary, whether they want to start their day with a visit to Showtown or include it as a fun stop amidst other seaside activities.

What Makes Showtown a Unique Museum Experience

Unlike traditional museums, Showtown blends education with entertainment. It has six galleries dedicated to different themes, including seaside, magic, circus, Illuminations, shows, and dance. This variety ensures visitors encounter a broad spectrum of Blackpool’s entertainment history, all presented through immersive displays and interactive exhibits.

The storytelling approach is enhanced by live actors, who add a lively, theatrical element to the visits. These performers help bring to life the tales of comedians, dancers, and acrobats, making the experience more engaging for children and adults alike. Visitors enjoy activities like learning magic tricks or designing their own part of the Illuminations, which brings hands-on fun into the mix.

Discovering the Galleries: Seaside, Magic, and Circus

Each of the six galleries tells a different part of Blackpool’s show business story. The seaside gallery explores the town’s development as a holiday destination and its entertainment venues. The magic gallery showcases illusion tricks and secrets behind famous performances, appealing especially to children.

In the circus gallery, visitors learn about the vibrant performances that made Blackpool’s circus scene famous. Other galleries focus on Illuminations and the dance scene, offering interactive activities like designing your own light display or trying on dance costumes. The variety keeps the experience fresh and engaging throughout the visit.

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Interactive Exhibits and Live Actor Engagement

The highlight of Showtown is its interactive exhibits that encourage participation. For example, visitors can try magic tricks, create their own show poster, or design a section of the Blackpool Illuminations. These features make the museum more than just a collection of displays — they turn it into a fun, hands-on learning space.

The live actors add a theatrical dimension that enhances storytelling. Their performances help bring to life the stories of iconic performers, giving visitors a sense of the passion and energy that historically defined Blackpool’s entertainment scene.

Practical Information for Visiting Showtown

The tour is open rain or shine, ensuring a flexible plan regardless of weather. The family tickets start at £17.50, making it an affordable outing for groups. As a small-group experience with a maximum of 6 participants, it offers a more personalized feel, which enhances interaction and engagement.

You can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, providing flexibility for your travel plans. The tour does not specify exact starting times, so checking availability in advance is advised. It is wheelchair accessible, accommodating visitors with mobility needs.

Insights from Recent Feedback

A recent review highlights how interest and fun are central to this experience. The review describes the visit as “brilliant”, emphasizing the interesting facts about Blackpool’s showbiz history and the interactive areas for children. The welcome from Professor Blott was singled out as entertaining and unique, adding a personal touch to the experience.

Visitors appreciate the spacious layout, which prevents crowding and allows exploration at a comfortable pace. The review indicates that the museum offers laughter and learning in equal measure, especially engaging for families seeking an educational yet lively day out.

Comparing Showtown to Other Blackpool Attractions

While Showtown offers a focused experience on show business, nearby attractions like Sea Life Blackpool or Blackpool Zoo cater to different interests. Showtown’s strength lies in its interactive storytelling and theatrical presentation, making it stand out among traditional static museums or sightseeing tours.

It’s also a more cost-effective option for families, especially with tickets starting at £17.50. Its 1-day duration makes it easy to include alongside other activities on a Blackpool holiday, particularly if you want a mix of indoor entertainment and seaside fun.

Is Showtown Suitable for All Ages?

Yes, the museum is designed to be family-friendly and accessible for children. The interactive exhibits and live actors make it engaging for younger visitors, while adults can enjoy the cultural insights and nostalgia. The small group format enhances the experience for all ages, and the spacious layout ensures comfort.

However, visitors should plan for approximately a full day to explore comfortably. The rain or shine open schedule allows flexibility, but the focus on lively performances and interactive activities makes it especially suitable for families with kids or groups interested in entertainment history.

Final Thoughts on the Showtown Entry Ticket

The Showtown Blackpool experience stands out for its dynamic presentation of show business stories in an accessible, family-friendly setting. With six themed galleries, interactive exhibits, and live storytelling, it offers a fun and educational day that captures Blackpool’s vibrant entertainment legacy.

While it’s best suited for those interested in the performing arts or seeking a lively indoor activity, the affordable price and central location make it a practical addition to any Blackpool itinerary. Visitors looking for a hands-on, theatrical experience with a touch of history will find this attraction well worth the visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Showtown ticket valid for one day only?
Yes, the ticket is valid for 1 day, allowing access for a full day of exploration.

Can I cancel or reschedule my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with mobility issues?
Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible.

Are there options for group bookings?
Yes, the tour is designed as a small group experience with a maximum of 6 participants.

What is the starting time for the tour?
Check availability as starting times vary; it’s recommended to reserve in advance.

Is there a family discount?
Yes, family tickets start at £17.50, suitable for groups of multiple children and adults.

What kind of activities are included?
Expect interactive exhibits, magic tricks, designing displays, and live actors bringing stories to life.

Is it a suitable activity for children?
Absolutely; the experiences are family-friendly and designed to be engaging for kids.

Does the experience include food or drinks?
No, food and drinks are not included; visitors can plan to enjoy nearby seaside eateries.

How long should I plan to spend at Showtown?
Given its full-day appeal, allocate several hours to enjoy all galleries and activities comfortably.

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