How tall is Blackpool Tower?

Quick answer: Blackpool Tower is 518 feet tall (about 158 metres). That figure refers to the full height from the Promenade to the top, including the flagpole.

How the height is measured

When people quote 518 feet, they are talking about the complete structure. That includes the steel tower, the top-level lookout, and the flagpole. If you see slightly different numbers, it is usually because a source has rounded the metric or left out the pole. The accepted height for visitors and tour guides is 518 ft.

A quick bit of history

Blackpool Tower opened in 1894. Its designers took inspiration from the Eiffel Tower but adapted the idea for Britain’s favourite seaside resort. The steel framework has been repainted and maintained many times over the decades, and the complex now includes the Tower Ballroom and other attractions at ground level. What has not changed is the skyline. At 518 feet, the Tower still defines the seafront and helps you navigate the town from almost anywhere on the Promenade.

How tall is the viewing level?

The main observation area, often called the Tower Eye, sits well below the very top. That is normal for towers of this type. Visitors reach a glazed viewing level with a clear look across the beach and, on bright days, as far as the Lake District and North Wales. The extra steelwork and flagpole above are not open to the public but count towards the full height.

How does Blackpool Tower compare to other UK landmarks?

• Blackpool Tower: 518 ft

• Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower): roughly 316 ft

• The Shard: 1,016 ft to the tip

• Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth: about 560 ft

The Blackpool landmark is not the tallest structure in the UK, but it is among the most recognisable. Its position on the shore and the way it rises directly from the Promenade make it feel even taller.

Why the height matters for visitors

A tall coastal viewpoint gives you two things you rarely get inland:

1. Long, open horizons. You can watch the curve of the coastline and the Irish Sea glittering at sunset.

2. Easy orientation. The Tower is a visible marker from North Shore to South Shore, which helps when you are walking the piers or using the tram.

If you want the full effect, plan your visit for a clear afternoon and stay to watch the light change. During the Illuminations, the Tower’s lighting adds to the evening display along the Promenade.

Practical tips for your Tower visit

• Book ahead in peak months. Summer holidays and the Illuminations get busy.

• Check weather and visibility. Views are best on clear days.

• Give yourself time. You will want a relaxed look over the beach, photos on the glass floor, and a stroll along the seafront afterwards.

• Keep evenings simple. Dinner on the Promenade means you can walk straight back out to watch the Tower light up. If you prefer to stay nearby, reserve a table at an authentic Italian restaurant on the seafront, then finish with a drink in a refined setting like the hotel’s cocktail or champagne bars.

Where to stay for Tower views

A seafront hotel on the Promenade gives you a front-row seat to the skyline. Choose named sea view rooms to wake up to the Tower in the distance, or upgrade to the luxury suite for extra space and a relaxing lounge area. Breakfast is available for hotel guests, which makes early starts simple if you are planning a full day of attractions.

Frequently asked questions

How many steps are there to the top?

Access for visitors is by lift, with stairs between some internal levels. The flagpole area is not open to the public, so you do not climb to 518 feet on foot.

Can you see the Lake District from the Tower?

On a very clear day you can often make out the fells to the north and the Welsh hills to the south-west. Visibility depends on weather and sea mist.

Is the Tower open all year?

Opening times vary by season and event schedules. It is worth checking the official site before you travel, especially in winter.

How far is the Tower from the beach?

It stands right by the Promenade, only a short walk from the sands and the trams.

The bottom line

Blackpool Tower stands 518 feet tall. That height has made it the town’s defining landmark for more than a century. If you are planning a visit, stay on the Promenade for easy access, secure a room with a sea view for those skyline moments, and enjoy dinner nearby before an evening stroll under the lights. For help with dates, rooms or dining, you can contact the team or call 01253 204355 and we will be happy to advise.