Our circus gallery.
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Showtown Blackpool Museum

4.6
·166 reviews·, United Kingdom

A vibrant, interactive museum celebrating Blackpool's legendary entertainment history, from circus acts to comedy stars.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
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Our circus gallery.

Showtown Blackpool Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant, interactive museum celebrating Blackpool's legendary entertainment history, from circus acts to comedy stars.

4.6
(166 reviews)

"Fantastic new interactive museum of everything that made (and still makes) Blackpool what it is today!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Interactive Fun Awaits! :raised_hands:

Get ready to touch, play, and engage with exhibits – it's designed for all ages!

Chat with the Experts :speech_balloon:

Staff and character actors are super friendly and knowledgeable about Blackpool's history.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 166 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Circus Magic

Circus Magic

Circus Exhibit

Step into the dazzling world of Blackpool's circus past with vintage costumes and captivating posters.

Comedy & Magic Corner

Comedy & Magic Corner

Entertainment Zones

Laugh along with legendary comedians and be amazed by the art of illusion in interactive displays.

Dance Through Time

Dance Through Time

Dance Exhibit

Experience the rhythm and glamour of Blackpool's dance heritage with engaging displays.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Showtown

Showtown Blackpool Museum is a vibrant, interactive celebration of Blackpool's entertainment history. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully explore its engaging exhibits, from circus wonders to comedy legends. Consider booking tickets online to save time, especially during peak seasons.

Embrace the Fun and History

This museum is designed for interaction, so be ready to participate! It covers diverse aspects of Blackpool's entertainment scene, making it a hit for all ages. Don't miss the chance to chat with the knowledgeable staff and character actors who bring the exhibits to life.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Staff are more active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Think I got whiplash #rollercoaster #blackpool #blackpoolpleasurebeach #themepark #pov
@cherryandgeorge
764.2K likes • 8.7M views

Interactive Fun Awaits! :raised_hands:

Get ready to touch, play, and engage with exhibits – it's designed for all ages! Reddit

Chat with the Experts :speech_balloon:

Staff and character actors are super friendly and knowledgeable about Blackpool's history. Reddit

Prepare to be soaked @pleasure_beach #fyp #themepark #themeparks #themeparkrides #rides #waterride #soaker #Blackpool #pleasurebeach
@coasterchris_
52.7K likes • 3.8M views
Opening next month, here’s a sneak peek at Blackpool’s new museum. Showtown isn’t your run-of-the-mill museum; it’s a front-row ticket to Blackpool’s entertainment legacy with a whole host of fun interactives for all the family. 🎫 Tickets are bookable now 📅 Opening date - 15 March 2024 @showtownbpl #showtownmuseum #showtown #blackpoolmuseum #blackpool #visitblackpool
visitblackpool
137 likes • 5.5K views

Gift Shop Surprises 🎁

The gift shop often updates its offerings, so there's always something new to discover. Reddit

Family-Friendly Facilities 🚽

Appreciated for having gender-neutral toilets, a rarity in Blackpool. Reddit

Showtown & Sandcastle’s @showtownbpl @sandcastle.waterpark 📍 Blackpool Promenade 🤡 Blackpool’s brand new all-singing, all-dancing museum with six galleries showcase the very best of the seaside, magic, circus, Illuminations, shows and dance. 🛝 Sandacatle’s is the UK largest waterpark where you can enjoy white knuckle watersides and family flumes is a tropical 84 degree climate! 🌦️ Both a...
myworkingmamalife
700 likes • 3.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Interactive Fun Awaits! :raised_hands:

Get ready to touch, play, and engage with exhibits – it's designed for all ages! Reddit

Chat with the Experts :speech_balloon:

Staff and character actors are super friendly and knowledgeable about Blackpool's history. Reddit

Gift Shop Surprises 🎁

The gift shop often updates its offerings, so there's always something new to discover. Reddit

Family-Friendly Facilities 🚽

Appreciated for having gender-neutral toilets, a rarity in Blackpool. Reddit

Great Value for Money :money_with_wings:

Considered very affordable for the immersive experience it offers. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(166 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Showtown Blackpool Museum is overwhelmingly praised as a wonderfully interactive and engaging museum that brilliantly captures the essence of Blackpool's entertainment history. Visitors highlight the friendly and knowledgeable staff, the fun activities for all ages, and the excellent value for money. While generally positive, some may wish for even more exhibits or specific historical details.

"Genuinely one of the most wonderful museums I've ever been in. There's an incredible amount to do and look at, despite it maybe looking small at first glance - covering different areas of Blackpool's entertainment scene and town history. I particularly love the circus exhibit with the old costumes and posters, but there's also great sections on comedy, magic and dancing in particular. I've visited a few times and I've loved talking to the people on site (both employees and the character actors walking about). They're friendly and great to talk to, and are all very knowledgeable on Blackpool and it's history.

The gift shops quite good, they switch out the offerings quite regularly I've found so it's always worth a look in every visit. I also appreciate it having gender neutral toilets as next to no other places in Blackpool do."

Mickey T. Rankin

"Fantastic new interactive museum of everything that made (and still makes) Blackpool what it is today! Very interesting and presented in such a way as to catch the attention of adults and children alike.
Trust me - it’s great fun and definitely a must do when visiting Blackpool!
😊😊😊😊😊"

David Kidd

"Showtown is a great day out for all the family. Interactive, interesting and full of amazing objects and stories. The staff are so friendly and the ringmaster made our visit with our young nieces a real treat! Such a fun day out, well worth a visit."

Jill Carruthers

What People Like

Highly interactive exhibits
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Great value for money

What People Dislike

Could offer more exhibits

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Showtown Blackpool Museum is conveniently located next door to the iconic Blackpool Tower. You can easily reach it by public transport, with numerous bus routes stopping nearby. If you're driving, there are several car parks in the vicinity, though they can get busy during peak times. Reddit

Yes, the museum is designed to be accessible for all visitors. It offers a welcoming environment with interactive exhibits suitable for various ages and abilities. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official Showtown Blackpool website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Reddit

There are several car parks around the Blackpool Tower and central promenade area, which are a short walk from Showtown. Be prepared for potential charges and busy periods. Reddit

Absolutely! Showtown is a fantastic addition to any Blackpool day trip, offering hours of interactive entertainment and a deep dive into the town's unique heritage. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Showtown is praised for its affordability, offering great value for the immersive experience. It's recommended to check their official website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts. Reddit

Booking tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during busy periods, to guarantee entry and potentially save time queuing. Reddit

While specific family ticket options aren't detailed, the museum is highlighted as a great day out for all the family, suggesting it caters well to groups. Check their website for the latest package deals. Reddit

It's worth checking the Showtown Blackpool website or local tourism sites for any ongoing promotions or discount codes that might be available. Reddit

Policies on refunds or exchanges can vary. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions on the Showtown Blackpool website at the time of booking. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Showtown is an interactive museum celebrating Blackpool's entertainment history. Expect exhibits on circus, comedy, magic, dance, and more, with engaging displays for all ages. Reddit

Yes, Showtown is highly recommended for kids! It's described as interactive, fun, and exciting, with characters who engage children and parents alike. Reddit

Visitors suggest you could easily spend all day here due to its interactive nature and wealth of content. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the experience. Reddit

Yes, the museum features character actors who are part of the experience, engaging with visitors and making the visit memorable. Reddit

The museum is packed with exciting and fun activities designed to capture attention, allowing visitors to actively participate in the exhibits. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Information on onsite dining facilities is limited, but given its central location, there are numerous cafes and restaurants nearby in Blackpool. Reddit

It's generally best to check the museum's specific policy on outside food and beverages. Many attractions prefer food to be consumed in designated areas or outside the exhibits. Reddit

Blackpool offers a wide range of dining options, so you'll likely find vegetarian and vegan choices at restaurants and cafes in the vicinity of the museum. Reddit

Given its proximity to the Tower, you'll find many popular eateries along the promenade and in the town center, offering diverse cuisines. Reddit

Details about an internal cafe are not widely publicized, but the gift shop is mentioned as a place to look. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted for personal use inside Showtown, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits. Reddit

The circus exhibit with its vintage costumes and posters, as well as the vibrant interactive displays, offer great photo opportunities. Reddit

With its colorful and engaging exhibits, Showtown provides plenty of visually appealing backdrops for Instagram photos. Reddit

Commercial filming or professional photography may require prior permission. For personal use, standard photo policies usually apply. Reddit

Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, allowing for clearer shots without many people in the background. Reddit

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Showtown Blackpool Museum (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide