Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours

Blackpool’s tramway system is one of the oldest in the world, with trams first introduced in 1885. Initially powered by horse, steam, and then electricity, Blackpool’s tram system has operated continuously for more than 135 years, making it a symbol of the town’s transport innovation and industrial progress. As Britain’s second electric tramway, after Volk’s Electric Railway in Brighton, it played a pivotal role in the development of modern public transport across the country.

While modern trams now operate in Blackpool, the heritage tram tours were established to give you the opportunity to ride on Blackpool’s historic trams that would have once operated on this line. The collection includes various tram models, from the iconic double-decker ‘Balloon’ trams to the open-top trams, which were popular in the early 20th century. Each tram has been carefully restored, allowing passengers to experience the town much as holidaymakers did in decades past. The tramway is now a key part of Blackpool’s cultural landscape, and the heritage tours have become an attraction in their own right.

The Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours offer different experiences, depending on the season and time of day. Tours typically start from either the North Pier or Pleasure Beach, depending on which tour you take. During the journey, you can expect to see a range of Blackpool’s key sights, including the Blackpool Tower, the Golden Mile and the famous piers. Routes vary, although the trams can travel from Starr Gate in the south to Fleetwood in the north, giving visitors a wide-ranging tour of the town’s coastal highlights.

Seasonal tours are a popular feature of the tram service. During the Blackpool Illuminations, heritage trams take passengers on evening tours to see the town’s vibrant light displays. Other themed tours include special events such as Christmas rides and the ever-popular fish and chip tours, where you can enjoy traditional fish and chips on board while cruising along the seafront.

One of the unique features of the heritage tours is the chance to ride on a range of tram models from different periods of history. For instance, passengers might find themselves on a 1930s Balloon tram, with its art deco styling and spacious interiors, or on an earlier ‘Boat’ tram, with its distinctive open-top design that was once the height of seaside luxury.

To board a Blackpool Heritage Tram Tour, you can catch a tram at designated stops along the promenade, with tours typically starting from the North Pier and Pleasure Beach. Tours operate primarily on weekends and during school holidays, though the schedule can vary based on the season and weather conditions. The busiest times of year are during the summer months and during the Blackpool Illuminations season, which runs from September to December.

Tickets for the heritage tours can be purchased on board the trams, or in advance online through the Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours website. Prices for the standard tours vary depending on the length of the tour and the specific experience offered, but typically range from £6 for a one-hour tour to £12 for a longer tour. Special event tours, such as the Illuminations tours, may have higher ticket prices.

The starting point for the heritage tours depends on the tour with Promenade and Coastal tours departing from a special Heritage Tram Tours stop at North Pier and Tower (this is different to the stop used by modern trams). Illuminations tours depart from the Pleasure Beach tram stop near the Sandcastle Waterpark.

Passengers should note that while the heritage trams provide a unique experience, they are older vehicles and may not have modern conveniences such as step-free access. Those with mobility concerns should check in advance to ensure they can be accommodated.

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