Blackpool

Blackpool is the seaside resort with the greatest drag tradition in England. Behind the promenade, the Tower and the amusement piers lies a scene that excels above all at one thing: putting on a show.

Cabaret by the sea

Funny Girls is the city’s best-known drag cabaret with lavish shows, while the Flying Handbag is a gloriously colourful bar with cabaret and karaoke most nights. For a late drink with a party atmosphere, there’s Peek-A-Booze.

When to go?

  • Early summer – Blackpool Pride: Festival with stages and a parade (check the date with the organisers).
  • September to November – Blackpool Illuminations: miles of lights strung along the promenade.

Tours & activities in Blackpool

See all tours and activities in Blackpool on GetYourGuide

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Practical tips

  • It’s worth booking ahead for the shows at Funny Girls.
  • Lots of stag and hen parties come at the weekend – things are quieter during the week.

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Please check event dates with the organisers each year.

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Places in Blackpool

Nightlife

Karaoke & Drag BarGarlandsDrag bar · Blackpool Town Centre / Gay VillageGay bar on Talbot Road with drag shows every day of the week. Free entry, open until 3 am at weekends.Karaoke & Drag BarPeek-A-BoozeCabaret bar and hotel · BlackpoolBingo, karaoke and live singing every night: Peek-A-Booze on Dickson Road is a hotel and cabaret bar in one, popular with holidaymakers…Karaoke & Drag BarThe Flying HandbagCabaret bar · Blackpool Queen StreetOn Queen Street since 1994: by its own account, the Flying Handbag is Blackpool's only purpose-built LGBTQ+ venue, with drag, karaoke and…

Wellness

SaunaAcqua SaunaGay sauna · Blackpool North ShoreBlackpool's oldest gay sauna, two minutes from Blackpool North station. Open until 6 am on Fridays and Saturdays.SaunaW3Gay sauna · Blackpool Town CentreGay sauna on several floors near the gay village, open since 2007. With outdoor jacuzzi and sun terrace.

Stay

GuesthouseChaps HotelBlackpool North ShoreChaps is a small gay hotel in a converted terraced house on Cocker Street in the North Shore gay village. Guests especially…GuesthouseDeLovely HotelBlackpool North ShoreDeLovely is a small, LGBTQ+-run guesthouse on Lord Street with colourfully designed themed rooms and a cocktail bar, right in the gay…HotelForshaws HotelBlackpool centreForshaws is on Talbot Square near North Pier and Blackpool Tower. Acqua sauna and the bars on Dickson Street are a few…HotelImperial Hotel BlackpoolBlackpool North ShoreThe Imperial is a Victorian grand hotel on North Promenade with sea views, indoor pool and spa. The gay village is just…GuesthouseNorthern StarBlackpool North ShoreNorthern Star is a small adults-only property on Lord Street, about two minutes from the Funny Girls show bar, with its own…HotelTrades HotelBlackpool North ShoreTrades is Blackpool's classic hotel exclusively for gay and bisexual men, spread over several terraced houses on Lord Street. At its heart…

Culture

Meetups & GroupsFunny GirlsDrag cabaret · BlackpoolBlackpool's best-known drag stage since 1994: Funny Girls puts on lavish drag and comedy shows in a listed 1939 Art Deco cinema…

FAQ: Blackpool

Which gay bars and clubs are there in Blackpool?

The Atlas currently lists 3 bars and clubs in Blackpool, including Garlands, The Flying Handbag and Peek-A-Booze. Each listing has the address, opening hours and our take on the place.

Is there a gay sauna in Blackpool?

Yes, for example W3 and Acqua Sauna.

Which gay-friendly hotels are there in Blackpool?

Recommended options include Trades Hotel, DeLovely Hotel, Chaps Hotel and Northern Star.