You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• About View
  • Blackpool Tower is an entertainment venue.
  • Facilities available in the venue include: a ballroom, dungeon experience, circus, 4D cinema, arcades, cafes, bars, and 360-degree viewing platform at the top of the tower.
  • View information on opening times.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • There is a public car park nearby.
  • The name of the nearest car park is Houndshill Car Park.
  • View information on Houndshill Car Park (opens new tab) .
  • The nearest step-free train station is Preston North.
  • The nearest tram stop is Tower.
  • The nearest bus station is Central Coach Station.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Traveline (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting here (opens new tab).
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free access via a portable ramp at the most accessible entrance.
  • When the dungeon is open, there is step free level access via the dungeon entrance on Bank Hey Street.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the ground level arcade and toilet with adaptations, and the circus Accessible Entrance B.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the sea view seating areas on levels 2 and 3, and the gallery seating in the circus and ballroom.
  • Access throughout may include manual doors, doors permanently held open, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • There is seating available.
  • There is no hearing assistance system.
  • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
  • Additional equipment which can be borrowed or hired includes: ear defenders.
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
• Related Access Guides View
  • View information on Blackpool Tower - Ballroom (opens new tab).
  • View information on Blackpool Tower - Circus (opens new tab).
  • View information on Blackpool Tower - Dungeon (opens new tab).

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • There are 4 toilets with adaptations.
  • Toilets with adaptations are located on the ground floor in the arcade area, on level 5 through the rear of the café, and on level 6 next to the shop.
  • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
  • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located on level 5, through the rear of the café.
  • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located on level 6, next to the shop.
  • The male and female standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, between the Arcade and Dungeon.
• Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
  • The Changing Places toilet facilities are located on level 3, to the left from the North Lift.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located on the ground floor in the toilets with adaptions, on level 5 through the rear of the cafe, and on level 6 next to the shop.

You are on Parking (Houndshill Car Park). Skip to the next section.

Parking (Houndshill Car Park)

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• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
• Public Car Parks View
  • There is a public car park located on Coronation Street.
  • The name of the car park is Houndshill Car Park.
  • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.

You are on Promenade Entrance. Skip to the next section.

Promenade Entrance

• This entrance is located on the promenade at the front of the building.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
• The ramp has a steep gradient.
• The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with handrails on both sides.
• The ramp bypasses the steps.
• There are 3 steps with no handrails.
• The steps are unmarked.
• The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 13cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• There are double manual doors at this entrance.
• The doors are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 144cm.
• The doors have a low visual contrast.
• There is a second set of double manual doors.
• The second set of doors are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 141cm.
• The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Blackpool Tower Reception. Skip to the next section.

Blackpool Tower Reception

• The reception is located to the left from the Promenade Entrance.
• The distance from the Promenade Entrance is 4m.
• There is step-free level access to the reception.
• The height of the reception desk is 121cm.
• There is a lowered section at the desk.
• The height of the lowered section is 96cm.
• The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.

You are on Getting Around. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around

• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the Arcade.
• The following areas have stepped access: the sea view seating areas on levels 3 and 5.
• Access throughout may include doors permanently held open, automatic doors, narrow walkways and narrow aisles (less than 120cm).
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
• There is background noise in some areas of the venue.
• Wayfinding signage is provided.
• Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
• The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout.
• Seating available in the walkways includes: sofas, benches and high stools.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

You are on Ground Floor Arcade. Skip to the next section.

Ground Floor Arcade

• The Arcade is on the ground floor, to the right from the Promenade Entrance.
• There is step-free access via slope into this area.
• The slope has a slight gradient.
• There are double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
• The doors are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 154cm.
• Facilities available in this area include: arcade games.
• There is step-free level access throughout the area.
• Access throughout the area may include narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the ground floor, to the right from the Promenade Entrance.
  • The distance from the Promenade Entrance is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has a slight ramp or slope and doors permanently held open.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
  • The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 186cm (width) x 190cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 106cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 46cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet has a padded backrest.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 90cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 65cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rail is on the right as you face the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 105cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 83cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 93cm.
  • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on North Lift. Skip to the next section.

North Lift

• The lift surveyed is located to the left from the Promenade Entrance.
• The distance from the Promenade Entrance is 12m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• Levels 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7 are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a low visual contrast.
• The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 85cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 180cm (width) x 155cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
• Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.
• There is another lift on the other side of reception which does not access levels 6 and 7.

You are on Stairs. Skip to the next section.

Stairs

• The stairs surveyed are located ahead from the Promenade Entrance.
• Levels 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7 can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 15cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Changing Places (Level 3). Skip to the next section.

Changing Places (Level 3)

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• Location and Access View
  • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located on level 3, to the left from the North Lift.
  • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
  • The distance from the North Lift is 65m.
  • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access and manual doors.
  • There is step-free level access via lift into the facility.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • A RADAR key is required for access to this facility.
  • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
  • The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
  • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a low visual contrast.
  • The dimensions of the facility are 272cm (width) x 173cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
• Toilet Details View
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 150cm.
  • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
  • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
  • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
  • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • The dropdown rails have varying visual contrasts.
  • The toilet seat is 41cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 95cm from the floor.
• Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
  • The changing bench is free standing at a fixed height.
  • The length of the changing bench is 200cm.
  • The facility hoist is mobile and accesses all areas.
• Other Facilities View
  • There is a fixed height wash basin.
  • The wash basin is 68cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 103cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • The towel dispenser is 92cm from the floor.
  • A wide paper roll dispenser is available.
  • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 144cm.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The facility has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • A privacy screen is available.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Café Bar). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Café Bar)

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• Location and Access View
  • The café bar is located on level 5, to the right from the North lift.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • The width of the opening is 228cm.
• Service View
  • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
  • Full table service is available on request only.
  • Menus are digital.
  • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
  • The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Order and Payment View
  • The service counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located on the left of the café.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 111cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
• Seating Area View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and sofas.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

You are on Platform Lift (Level 5 to 4D Cinema). Skip to the next section.

Platform Lift (Level 5 to 4D Cinema)

• The lift surveyed is located on level 5, to the right from the North lift.
• This lift is a platform lift.
• The distance from the North lift is 50m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has a slight ramp or slope and doors permanently held open.
• Level 5 and the 4D cinema accessible viewing area are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a low visual contrast.
• The lift does not have a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 89cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 110cm (width) x 148cm (depth).
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
• Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

You are on 4D Cinema. Skip to the next section.

4D Cinema

• The room is located on level 5, to the right from the North lift.
• The distance from the North lift is 65m.
• The most accessible route to the room has a lift, slight ramps or slopes, a steep ramp or slope and doors permanently held open.
• There is written text signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There are double automatic doors with a low visual contrast.
• The doors are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 176cm.
• The following areas have stepped access: The tiered standing areas all have stepped access.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
• The flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is background noise in this room.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• There is designated area at the rear upper level of the cinema, which is accessed via the level 5 platform lift.

You are on Platform Lift (Level 5 to Level 6 Gift Shop). Skip to the next section.

Platform Lift (Level 5 to Level 6 Gift Shop)

• The lift surveyed is located to the right from the North lift.
• This lift is a platform lift.
• The distance from the North lift is 17m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and manual doors.
• Level 5 and the Gift Shop are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a low visual contrast.
• The lift does not have a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• The external lift control buttons have a medium visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 90cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 110cm (width) x 150cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
• Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There is a short steep ramp into the lift.

You are on Gift Shop. Skip to the next section.

Gift Shop

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• Getting Around View
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • Access throughout may include narrow aisles (less than 120cm).
  • The majority of main aisle widths are between 150cm - 180cm.
  • The majority of product aisle widths are under 120cm.
  • There are product bins in the aisles.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • The visual contrast between the shelving and floor varies between low and high.
  • There is background noise.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
• Payment Counter View
  • The counter surveyed was at the rear of the shop.
  • Signage is not provided for the counter.
  • The payment counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • The height of the payment counter is 90cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The card payment machine is portable.
  • The card payment machine is at a height of 95cm.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Dino Mini Golf. Skip to the next section.

Dino Mini Golf

• Dino Mini Golf is located on level 7 ahead from the North lift.
• There is no signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into this area.
• There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
• The door has an open extension leaf.
• The door is permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 101cm.
• Facilities available in this area include: a mini golf course.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• The following areas have stepped access: all minigolf holes.
• Access throughout the area may include uneven surfaces.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The flooring is patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• Furniture available in this area includes: picnic tables.
• The surface heights are not suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear underside space of the surfaces is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

You are on Lift (Blackpool Tower Viewing Platform). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Blackpool Tower Viewing Platform)

• The lift surveyed is located on level 6 at the end of the 4D Cinema experience.
• The distance from Platform Lift (Level 5 to 4D Cinema) is 45m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access, doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
• Level 6 and the Blackpool Tower Viewing Platform are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a high visual contrast.
• The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• The lift door opening width is 105cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 143cm (width) x 325cm (depth).
• Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit and a seat.
• The lift seat is 40cm from the floor.
• Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
• There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.
• The lift is operated by a member of staff at all times.

You are on Blackpool Tower Viewing Platform. Skip to the next section.

Blackpool Tower Viewing Platform

• The area is located ahead from the Blackpool Tower Viewing Platform lift.
• There is step-free level access into this area.
• Facilities available in this area include: a bar, a glass floor section, and a 360-degree viewing platform.
• There is step-free level access throughout the area.
• Access throughout the area may include narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Blackpool Tower Top Bar). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Blackpool Tower Top Bar)

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• Location and Access View
  • The bar is located to the right from the Blackpool Tower Viewing Platform lift.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • The width of the opening is 100cm.
• Service View
  • This area has a bar where drinks can be ordered.
  • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Order and Payment View
  • The bar was surveyed.
  • The counter is located on the right side of the bar area.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 95cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • Bar snacks and sweets are available.
• Seating Area View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in this area includes: high stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.