Showtown
Interactive museum in Blackpool about the town's history of entertainment, with galleries on circus, magic, shows, dance and the Illuminations.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Showtown is a museum of Blackpool's story as Britain's best-known seaside entertainment resort. It opened in March 2024 on Bank Hey Street, close to Blackpool Tower, after several earlier plans for a Blackpool museum were changed or cancelled. The name was inspired by the comedian Ken Dodd, who liked to call Blackpool Showtown.
The museum is run by the Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust, a charity. It combines objects, films, stories and hands-on activities in six galleries on seaside holidays, magic, circus, the Illuminations, shows and dance, and it holds hundreds of objects. It won Exhibition of the Year in 2025 and has been shortlisted for children's and family museum awards.
The trust also looks after the Showtown History Centre, a living archive on the first floor of Blackpool Central Library on Queen Street, which can be visited by booking.
Highlights
- Six galleries on seaside holidays, magic, circus, the Illuminations, shows and dance
- Hundreds of objects, films and interactive activities
- Next to Blackpool Tower, close to the promenade
- Sensory backpacks and a quiet hour for visitors who need them
- Free entry for Blackpool council tax payers on pre-booked tickets
Permanent exhibition
- Showtown galleries – Six interactive galleries on seaside holidays, magic, circus, the Illuminations, shows and dance, telling Blackpool's story as a home of entertainment.
- Founded
- 2024
- Operated by
- Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £9.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £4.50free up to age 3 · Children aged 4 to 15 pay £4.50; children aged 3 and under enter free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Carers enter free. |
| Groups (20+ people) | £7.13 per personAdult price for groups of 20 or more; the child price is £3.38. Group tickets include entry to the current Ken Dodd exhibition. |
| Families | £17.50Family tickets start from £17.50 |
Blackpool residents who pay Blackpool council tax can visit free if they book in advance (terms apply, proof of address required). National Art Pass members enter free. A temporary 50% discount is offered to residents of the FY postcode area from 8 October to 31 December 2026.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Showtown has step-free access throughout, most interactives are wheelchair accessible and seating is provided. Wheelchairs and walking frames can be borrowed in limited numbers (reserve on 01253 478624). Only Class 1 or 2 mobility scooters are allowed inside. There are accessible toilets on the ground and first floors and a Changing Places toilet on the first floor, which staff open with a radar key. Free sensory backpacks with ear defenders, fidget toys and communication cards can be borrowed from the front desk, and a sensory guide shows busy and quiet galleries. Assistance animals are welcome. Staff can help visitors with access needs skip the queue. Accessible parking bays are at Central Car Park and Houndshill Car Park.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
| Family ticket | £17.50 · Family tickets start from £17.50 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
The museum describes itself as an interactive attraction for all the family, with baby and toddler sessions (Showtots, Glowtots) and holiday events. Buggies are left in the buggy park just past the first-floor reception desk. A parent and baby room with a baby changing unit and a feeding chair is on the first floor, and breastfeeding is welcome in all areas.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Blackpool Tower (tram)
Blackpool North railway station is about a 10-minute walk away (0.7 miles). Most Blackpool buses stop in the town centre, a 5-minute walk away. Trams stop at Blackpool Tower, which is the stop for Showtown.
By car
Paid parking · 2-min walk to the entrance
There is no car park on site. Houndshill Shopping Centre multi-storey car park (sat nav FY1 4NY, pay on return) and Central Car Park (FY1 5QB, pay and display) are each a 2-minute walk away. Blue Badge holders can use any bay at Central Car Park with 3 hours free.
- Accessible parking
The entrance is at the corner of Adelaide Street West and Bank Hey Street. Follow the M55 to the end, take the second exit at the roundabout onto Yeadon Way and follow the brown signs to the town centre attractions.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Museum shop
- Lockers
There is no cafe on site; snacks and drinks are sold in the gift shop, and food and drink may not be taken into the galleries. Lockers cost £1 and the coin is refunded.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
The website has a venue hire section; details were not available.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Photography is allowed, but visitors should not photograph other people unless asked to; some objects are subject to copyright, so permission is needed before publishing images. |
| Good to know | Visits are not time-limited once inside, and the museum suggests planning at least 1 hour 30 minutes. Children under 14 must visit with an adult. Groups and schools can book through an online enquiry form or by telephone. |
