Top 5 Best Blackpool Amusements

Blackpool needs no introduction as the largest seaside entertainment resort in the UK. It’s wide, flat and mostly straight beach has for hundreds of years been home to seaside holidays and beachside fun for families across generations. From humble beginnings with traveller’s side shows, palm reading and donkey rides to the lofty heights of giant casinos and entertainment complexes the resort now sees over 20 million visitors per year that can be realised from the packed pavements and continuous road traffic that can be observed late into the night being as prevalent as the Blackpool illuminations themselves.

Of course, the main beach road running parallel to the beach is called The Promenade, which is also known as the Golden Mile, and it is here where most of the family and adult entertainment venues are located.

At last count, there were over 20 amusement arcade, bingo and casino slot machine venues in the tourist area of Blackpool and if you have yet to visit the sheer size of the place can be overwhelming at first, though luckily the tram service provides a fantastic means for visitors to get around and see the different parts of the seafront. 

Whilst the Blackpool seafront is very walkable, an easy way to orient oneself is to visualise the three piers (north, central, south). The tram service stops at many stops in between here and is inexpensive and runs all day. 

All five of our best Blackpool amusements are located on or close to the Promenade between the Central and North Pier. This does not mean that there are not other fantastic amusement arcades to explore in other parts of the Golden Mile and we highly recommend exploring the entire Promenade from at least the War Memorial (North Pier) to the Blackpool Pleasure Beach (South Pier).  

So, without further ado, here is our choice of the top five best Blackpool amusements, based on our listing review rating criteria, which also considers the amount and range of amenities, games and machines at each venue. 

(Please also see bottom of article for our list of honourable mentions).

Highest Rated Blackpool Amusements:

5) Golden Mile Amusement Arcade

The first entry on our list is the Golden Mile Amusement Arcade which is located on in an enviable position on the Blackpool Promenade, next door to Coral Island and The Sealife Centre.

Whilst the building housing this exciting amusement arcade is ear-marked for development, we have included it on this list as it has a huge range of great arcade machines and many other amenities that make visiting an exhilarating beachside experience. 

4) Central Pier Amusement Arcade

All three of the piers have a long proud history and, in our opinion, the Central Pier has the best amusement arcades experience of all three. Whilst there is no shortage of both modern and classic arcade games, we just love the pirate theming of the Deck arcade and the authentic atmosphere when exploring the sideshows, amusement park rides and other great amenities that give visitors a true feeling of excitement. You can win tickets, play on the latest VR or discover relics of gaming from the eighties and nineties. 

3) Funland Amusement Arcade

Ideally situated between Sealife and Madame Tussauds and close to the Central Pier, Funland is the embodiment of a classic arcade entertainment complex. The décor and carpets don’t appear to have been changed much in some places and that is OK with us as it adds to the authenticity of the building and provides an exciting experience. Set over two floors, there is a huge range of classic and modern games for both children and adults to enjoy. With an Arcade Shooting Gallery, Bowlingo and Kids Soft Play, there is something here for the whole family.  

2) Blackpool Amusements Arcade

The newest amusement arcade on this list and an example of how to set the bar high for modern arcade gaming in 2024. A well-designed layout, with convenient access options and toilets and café make it a perfect place for a pit stop, whilst the children continue to play. The range of machines in here is incredible and they are all new, shiny and employ the latest gaming technologies for a fully immersive and fun experience. 

There is an adult casino gaming section close to the rear entrance, perfect for adults to nip in between a visit to the pub and a restaurant for dinner. Most of the arcade machines geared toward the children have ticket redemption and there is a huge prize shop on the upper floor providing a great range of souvenirs and prizes.

1) Coral Island Amusement Arcade

It is likely no surprise to anyone who has been, that Coral Island Amusement Arcade is number one on our list. This venue exemplifies what it is to be an entertainment complex / amusement park. The best way to think of Coral Island is of a theme park (with a fantastic pirate theme) that leads with amusements and arcade machines instead of rides. 

It would take all day to list the sheer number of amenities and activities that are on offer at Coral Island, though luckily we have a great review listing write up already. It truly is an exhilarating experience to be able to explore the entire complex and sample different aspects of the immersive experience that is on offer. 

Patrons can arrive in the late morning and leave close to midnight and still not have experienced all the different games and activities here. There is a fully licenced casino and two slot machine gaming sections for the adults. They have a ghost train and a Pirate Flyer (monorail) for the kids and quite possibly the largest Camel Derby Racer in the UK, that can accommodate the entire family. 

With a strong online presence, be sure to check out their website and social media before visiting to sign up for their loyalty program to see their latest promotions.

Honourable mentions:

At some point in 2025 this article will be updated with the ten best Blackpool arcades, and these are currently the candidates for that list:

10) Silcock’s Amusement Arcade

Large amusement arcade complex on the promenade with ticket arcade machines

9) Retro Slots

Incredible fully playable museum of the best fruit machines from the seventies, eighties, nineties and beyond.

8) North Pier Amusement Arcade

Classic seaside arcade with a great range of arcade machines both classic and modern set on Blackpool’s oldest Pier. 

7) Beach Amusement Arcade

Modern amusements at the front of the Pleasure Beach with free entry and a great range of coin pushers, ticket games and fruit machines. 

6) South Pier Amusement Arcade

Similar in quality and style to the Central Pier, whilst boasting fairground aesthetics and a huge main arcade set inside a Big Top for all to enjoy. Fantastic range of arcade games.

Visit in the day or play at night?

The great thing about Blackpool is that it offers so much during the day, but also a total transformation at night, when the illuminations come out and turn the place into a visual wonderland for an immersive experience that young children adore.

If it’s raining, no problem there are many linked and close-by attractions that can be reached without getting wet. If it’s sunny, then the convenience of the Promenade easily allows visitors to take refuge in a huge range of amusement arcades, theme parks and shopping areas.  

Perfect for Summer and Winter

Visitors are rewarded with great weather in the summer, which makes it much easier to include beachside fun as the main part of activities throughout the day. Take a swim, build some sandcastles or bury the dog. Low-cost fun or simply just lounging in the sun works great for many families, especially if the budget is limited. 

In the winter there will of course be less beach-related fun, though at the same time visitors are rewarded with much less busyness, smaller crowds and little to no queues for activities, accommodation and parking. It is also worth noting that while many venues stay open all year, some will be operating on limited winter opening times so always be sure to call or message ahead to avoid disappointment.

Seaside Resort Verdict

Blackpool is the original British Seaside holiday destination. Whilst it can be rough around the edges in places, this simply adds to the authentic nature of the town and part of what makes it truly British. Being located in the north of England also lends Blackpool many benefits including moderately priced food and accommodation that visitors simply cannot find in seaside towns in the south of England. The people are willing and friendly and they work hard to keep Blackpool a special seaside destination. Where else can you find three Piers, Derby Racers, Arcade Prize Bingo, £1 Pound Burgers, Fish & Chips and classic arcade gaming in such frequency?

Do not visit the UK without experiencing the Golden Mile on the Promenade and it’s fantastic amusement arcades.