- Blackpool Central Pier is in Lancashire, England.
- Check access, weather and local guidance before travelling.
About Blackpool Central Pier
Blackpool Central Pier is the amusement-focused middle pier, dominated by a large Ferris wheel and family rides. It opened later than North Pier and was built specifically to cater to the mass tourist trade with lively entertainments.
The story of Blackpool Central Pier
Central Pier was opened in 1868, designed by John Charles Melliss and built by the Blackpool Central Pier Company in response to the success of North Pier, deliberately offering livelier attractions to a wider audience. A grand pavilion for dancing and music was added in 1873, replaced by a more modern theatre in 1937. The pier was badly damaged by fire in 1939 but was rebuilt. The pier's distinctive Ferris wheel was installed in 1990 and has become its most recognisable feature on the Blackpool skyline.
Visiting with care
Open daily year-round with free admission, the pier is at its best during the summer season when all the rides are running and after dark during the Blackpool Illuminations. It can be very busy in peak season so expect queues on the main rides.
Interesting facts
- Opened in 1868 as the second of Blackpool's three piers.
- Deliberately built to offer livelier amusements than the older North Pier.
- The pier's Ferris wheel was installed in 1990 and is a Blackpool landmark.
- A fire in 1939 damaged the pier but it was rebuilt and reopened.
Getting there
Parking and access details — check locally for the latest information.