Blackpool Tower from the Promenade. There are actually 3 observation decks on the top. The lower one is is enclosed and is the row of windows that can be seen in this photo.

Views from Blackpool Tower

Click on the pictures for enlarged views.

The observation decks open to the air are covered in safety wire for obvious reasons. Here and there people have made obtrusive holes to take pictures through.

Looking out to sea in the general direction of the Isle of Man. Sadly though the IOM is to far over the horizon to be seen from Blackpool.

Looking South Towards the Pleasure Beach Looking South towards the Pleasure Beach the high Iron work is the Pepsi Max Big One once the tallest faster roller coaster in Europe. The pier is South Pier and just beyond is the Sandcastle water park complex. In the distance the you can just about see the coast of North Wales. Moorbank House is just out of shot to the left of the picture near the end of the pier. These pictures were taken in 2004 since then the seafront in view here has undergone extensive re-generation works and several headlands have been added.

Looking North A closer shot looking North. The towns war memorial is evident to the left of the picture and stand in front of what is now the Metropole hotel. This was formerly the famous Butlins resort Blackpool The Imperial and Hilton hotels can be seen further up the Promenade. At the centre bottom of the shot Sacred Heart Church can be seen opposite the rotunda of Yates Wine Lodge which burnt down in 2008. Both are in Talbot Road. Centre Right can be seen Blackpool North Railway Station where hundreds of thousands of visitors a year alight to visit the town.

Closer View Looking North The large brown building is the Hilton Hotel. The Norbreck Castle Hotel is the lighter construction shaped to look like a castle and can be seen far off in the distance. Beyond is Cleveleys and beyond that where the coastline loops to the right is Fleetwood and the Fylde Estuary. Beyond is Morecambe Bay and the coast of Cumbria. On a clear day the Mountains of the Lake District are visible from the Top of the Tower. The Riverdance Ferry was grounded on the sands directly opposite where the Norbreck Hotel lies.

Residential Blackpool looking West. Stanley Park can be seen off in the Distance

The Walk of Faith 320 feet straight down.. The 'Walk of Faith' is made of plate glass, with 320 feet separating your two from the ground. Visitors are encouraged to walk on it and their reaction can be very varied. Some people go at it with abandon, some put as much distance between them and the glass as possible. Some lean over to take a look, clutching the nearest support; some have to be cajoled by their partners into taking the plunge.

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In 1985 it was still a drawing board project but was taking shape.

In 1985, a new attraction, The Sandcastle, was still under construction, as seen in this view from the Pleasure Beach monorail.

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Blackpool Climbing Walls

Blackpool climbing walls are two 20 metre high international standard climbing towers creating a dramatic wow factor as part opf the Southern regenerated gateway to the resort.

Each Face of the two towers contains climbing routes which are marked in different colours, with 36 routes in total, each one tailored for every level of climber.

Grades are from French 3 to 7C+ with slabs, vertical and overhanging walls. Whether you are a complete beginner or experienced climber, Blackpool’s climbing attraction run  fun sessions that all the family can enjoy in a comfortable friendly atmosphere.

Bouldering Room

The bouldering room and new lead wall are located at Blackpool Sports Centre. The bouldering room allows those new to climbing to develop their strength and skills in an environment that doesn’t require ropes or harnesses, as well as an opportunity for the more experienced and elite boulderers to improve their skills and techniques in a safe and dedicated environment.

If you are aged 14 yrs+ and wish to use the bouldering room a Registration Form will need to be completed. In addition if you are aged 14 – 17 yrs an adult consent form will also need to be completed. On satisfactory completion of the Registration form you will be able to climb unaccompanied in the bouldering room (an induction will not need to be completed.)

Main Wall

The new 8m lead wall provides an excellent opportunity for beginners and experienced climbers alike to practice, challenge and excel in an ever growing sport. For those that have never climbed before, enrol yourself on one of our beginner courses, or alternatively come climbing with an experienced friend.

Blackpool Council offer a variety of courses for adults and juniors, from Beginner to ‘Learn to Lead’ courses and lots more at both The Towers and Blackpool Sports Centre. Details, times and days of these courses are available on a separate Climbing Courses leaflet.

If you have a group of four people or more then we can run a session tailored to your needs. In addition if youth groups, schools or any other organisations would like to bring groups along for climbing sessions this can be easily arranged at any of the sites.

If you are part of a group using your own instructor, you must book to use the facilities in advance. The instructor will need to bring in a copy of his/her qualifications and undergo an induction prior to the group using the facilities.

POPULAR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What times are you open?

Bouldering Room:

Monday – Friday 8.30am – 9.30pm
Saturday 8.30am – 5.30pm
Sunday 8.30am – 8.30pm

Lead Wall:

Monday 8.30am – 9.30pm
Tuesday 8.30am – 2.30pm
Wednesday 8.30am – 9.30pm
Thursday 8.30am – 2.30pm
Friday 8.30am – 9.30pm
Saturday 8.30am – 9.30pm
Sunday 8.30am – 9.30pm

How much does it cost?

If you are already a competent climber the costs are:
Resident £4
Non-resident £5
Resident SCC £3
Non- resident SCC £4
Please note all prices are subject to change.

SCC includes customers in receipt of certain income or disability benefits, customers under 16 years, full-time students and residents over the age of 60 (in receipt of pension credit).
To be eligible for resident’s rate or SCC rate (except under 16 years) you must show your Blackpool Leisure Card that can be obtained from Blackpool Sports Centre or Palatine Leisure Centre, with proof of residency.

I have never climbed before, what is the best way to start?

You can book onto a beginner’s course, which once completed will enable you to climb unsupervised on top-ropes within the centre. Courses are run on a variety of days and are bookable in advance through Blackpool Sports Centre, tel. 01253 478470.

Can I just turn up and climb?

Anyone aged 18 yrs+ wishing to use the bouldering room is allowed to just turn up and do so, as long as they have completed an adult registration form.   Anyone aged 14 – 17 yrs wishing to use the bouldering room is able to do so after getting their parent or guardian to complete a parental consent form and completing a registration form.
Anyone aged 8 – 13 yrs wishing to do so must be accompanied by a competent and registered adult.   Competent climbers aged 14 yrs+ wishing to use the climbing facilities at either site will need to undergo an induction first. These are bookable in advance, cost £1p/p and are transferable between The Towers and Blackpool Sports Centre. In addition anyone wishing to use the facilities casually will need to complete a Registration form. Anyone aged between 14 – 17 yrs will also need to complete a parental consent form before you can climb. This induction is to ensure the safety of everyone using our climbing facilities.

What equipment do I need to climb?

To use the bouldering room, no climbing specific equipment is required. No roped climbing takes place in this room, so no ropes or harnesses are needed. To use the lead climbing wall you will require your own harness and belay device. Some ropes are left in situ for climbers to use for top roping, but climbers should bring their own ropes and quick drawers for leading.

Do you hire out ropes?

We do not hire out ropes at either facility. Ropes are left in situ for people to use when top rope climbing, but climbers should bring their own ropes for lead climbing.

Can I book over the phone or on the internet?

People wishing to book onto a climbing course or induction can book over the phone. Currently, internet booking is unavailable.

Can I bring my kids along?

If you have completed a registration form then you are able to bring a maximum of two 8 – 13 year olds into the bouldering room with you, as long as a parental consent form and guest form is completed. If you are a competent and experienced climber who wishes to take your children onto the lead climbing wall, then you must have completed an induction. You are then able to bring a maximum of two 8 – 13 year olds into the lead climbing wall, as long as parental consent and guest forms have been completed.

I am an experienced climber, can I bring my friends and show them what to do?

If you are an experienced and competent climber, then you are able to sign responsibility for two novices and take them into the centre under your supervision.

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