There is no better way to appreciate the Blackpool Illuminations than on a Blackpool Heritage Tram Illuminations Tour.
What is an Illuminations Tour?
Our Illuminations Tour take you on a heritage tram all the way from the Pleasure Beach near the southern end of ‘The Lights’, along the famous Prom bedecked in its twinkling lights, past the Tower and all three piers and all the way to the fabulous illuminated and animated tableaux at Bispham where the Illuminations end.
But that’s not the end of your tour! We then turn the tram around and take you all the way back again. That way, if you were on the road side of the tram on the way up, you’ll be on the sea side of the tram on the way back and you’ll miss nothing of the spectacle.
Not all the heritage trams are themselves illuminated, we also include our other types of heritage trams in the service including the iconic double-deck Balloon trams. Although we admit there is a certain something about being on one of the illuminated trams, actually a better view of The Lights can often be had from the upper deck of a Balloon tram.
If you’d like to learn more of the history of the Illuminated Trams we have a few details and some old photographs.
Tickets and Times
Due to the suspension of all tours following government Covid-19 Coronavirus advice we are unable to confirm the start date, schedule or ticketing arrangements for 2020.
When we are advised that it is safe to do so, our tours will recommence and details will be available here on our web site and on our social media pages (links below).
Accessability
Many of our trams were built some 80 or more years ago and it is not possible to make them accessible to all*. There is a high step to board the tram (at least 12 inches/30cm) and often a further similar step once inside.
* they have an exemption from the appropriate legislation due to their age and construction
The one exception to this is our Western Train tram which is accessible thanks to a National Lottery grant. It has a mechanical lift and space for one wheelchair passenger. We do our best to ensure it is in service every Illuminations Tour evening but occasionally mechanical or other issues prevent this, sometimes at short notice.
Our other trams do have space to carry a folded wheelchair but it does mean all passengers have to be able to board and get to their seat. Whilst our conductors will help you all they can, they cannot provide direct physical assistance.
How long does the tour last?
From the Pleasure Beach to the end of the lights and back again will take between 50 minutes and just over the hour. It can vary because the Illuminations Tours take place along the same tramway used by the modern Blackpool Trams and pass through some of the busiest parts of The Prom. Sometimes we have to go more slowly because of the number of people on the Prom but that means you get even better value for money as you have more time to take in the spectacle all around you.
On the return (southbound) journey it is possible to leave the tour at our Heritage Tram stops at Bispham, Cabin and Tower & North Pier if you don’t want to come all the way back with us to Pleasure Beach. But once you’ve left us, that is the end of your tour. It’s not possible to complete the tour on a later tram.
If you want to know where our stops are, you’ll find a map on our Find Us page
Prams and Luggage
We are happy to carry prams and pushchairs providing they can be folded. The number that can be carried on any one tram is limited so you may be asked to wait until the next tram if the current one is already at capacity.
Personal baggage, rucksacks and other luggage can only be carried if it can be placed at your feet in front of you or on your lap. For safety, the walkways have to remain unobstructed.
Videos
If you come to Blackpool at Illuminations time, it’s scenes like this that await you.