Experience Blackpool Illuminations on a Vintage Heritage Tram Ride
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; primarily a seated tram ride with optional short walks at stops.
Overview
Discover Blackpool’s famous Illuminations in style aboard a vintage Heritage tram. Glide along the Promenade, marvel at iconic light displays, and enjoy a memorable one-hour journey through this dazzling seaside tradition.
Illumination Tours
Ages 3+ • Approximately 1 Hour • See the bright lights of Blackpool's Illuminations!
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Experience the magic of Blackpool’s Illuminations aboard an iconic Heritage tram! Choose between the illuminated HMS Blackpool or a vintage 1930s Balloon tram for stunning views. Journey along the Promenade, marveling at dazzling lights and animated tableaux, with the option to disembark at key stops. A memorable ride awaits!
Travel on one of our iconic Heritage trams!
Duration
Approximately 1 Hour
Price (includes unlimited travel on Blackpool Transport service trams on the day of the tour)
Adults (16+): £15 Children (3-15 years old): £10
About
Travel on one of our iconic trams whilst taking in the bright lights of Blackpool’s famous Illuminations.
There is the option of travelling on our illuminated Frigate, HMS Blackpool being part of the illuminations as you sail along the Promenade, or our classic 1930's vintage double deck Balloon tram, giving great great views of the illuminations though it's large windows. The Western Train tram is not available this year.
The tour will start at our Pleasure Beach Heritage Tram Stop (behind the Venus water and light show) on Blackpool's South Promenade, and then will head north along the Promenade past the thousands of lights that light up the road, along with all the sights that Blackpool has to offer along the way. The tram will continue north where you will get to view all the illuminated and animated tableaux between Cabin and Bispham.
The tram will continue to Little Bispham where it will then turn south and travel back to the Pleasure Beach where you first boarded. You may leave the tram at North Pier and Tower Heritage Tram Stop if you don't want to return to Pleasure Beach. We are unable to allow disembarkation at any other location.
Great value souvenirs are available on board, subject to availability.
Accessibility
Our heritage trams have restricted accessibility due to their historic age and design. There is a 12 to 16 inch (30-40cm) step to climb onto the tram and some trams have a similar step once on board. Whilst our conductors will help you board they cannot provide direct physical assistance.
In the unlikely event that the advertised tram is not operational, we reserve the right to substitute it for an alternate one from our iconic heritage fleet.
This tour boards only at our dedicated Heritage Tram Stop which is approximately 40m south of the modern tram stop at Pleasure Beach, our trams do not stop at modern tram platforms. The what3words location is https://w3w.co/gets.lands.they
Customers may leave the tour on the return part of the journey at North Pier and Tower or remain onboard back to Pleasure Beach. Once you leave the tour you cannot reboard.
Adventure Tips
Reserve your tickets in advance
Illumination Tours are popular during peak season; book early online to secure your preferred time slot.
Dress warmly for evening chill
Even in autumn, temperatures can drop along the coast—layer up to stay comfortable on your tram ride.
Bring a camera with low-light capability
The illuminated displays shine best at night; a camera with good low-light performance will capture your memories beautifully.
Plan your stops wisely
Take advantage of hop-on-hop-off access to explore specific displays and local dining options along the route.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Seagulls soaring along the coast
- Occasional sightings of bats around street lamps at night
History
Blackpool Illuminations began in 1879 and have grown into a cherished annual event that helps preserve the town’s seaside heritage.
Conservation
Recent tours emphasize minimizing light pollution and encourage responsible visitor behavior to protect local wildlife.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Blackpool
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Warm jacket
Keeps you warm during cool coastal evenings while riding the open-air tram windows.
fall specific
Comfortable walking shoes
Useful if you choose to hop off and explore illuminated displays on foot.
fall specific
Portable phone charger
Ensures your device stays powered for photos and tickets.
Camera with low-light setting
Captures the illuminated scenes in the best quality.