Step Inside Blackpool’s Hidden Gem, Arcade Club

If you think Blackpool is all rock candy and rollercoasters, think again. Just over 20 minutes from Lytham St Annes sits one of the area’s best-kept secrets. Arcade Club Blackpool is a neon-lit haven of nostalgia, joystick battles and family-friendly fun.

Arcade Club is a pay-once, play-all-day experience. No coins, no tokens, no timers. Just unlimited access to more than 200 games from across decades of gaming history.

🎯 What It Is

Arcade Club is Blackpool’s only free-play retro arcade and part of the UK-wide Arcade Club brand known for turning classic gaming into a full-day destination. You’ll find it at 74 Bloomfield Road, tucked away near the football stadium. Once inside, it feels like a different world. Think glowing cabinets, buzzing machines and a soundtrack of digital victory.

🕹 What’s Inside

The space is massive and well laid out. Machines are spaced comfortably, there’s a bar and café in the middle and it never feels cramped even on weekends.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• Retro arcade legends like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong and Galaga

• Arcade classics including OutRun, Daytona USA, Street Fighter II and Time Crisis

• Modern titles like Mario Kart Arcade GP, House of the Dead 5 and Luigi’s Mansion

• Pinball tables, air hockey, basketball shooters

• PC and console gaming areas, plus occasional VR setups

Kids challenge their parents to Dance Dance Revolution, teens team up on shooters and adults rediscover their Mortal Kombat skills. The feeling is upbeat, welcoming and screen-lit in the best way.

🗓 Opening Hours

• Thursday: 6 PM to 11 PM

• Friday: 6 PM to Midnight (18+ only)

• Saturday: 11 AM to 11 PM

• Sunday: 11 AM to 8 PM

• Closed Monday to Wednesday

Always check online for updated times or event nights

💷 Prices

• Adults (16+): £16

• Children (5 to 15): £8

• Under 5s: Free

• Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children): £40

• VIP Monthly Passes: From £20 per month

Tickets can be bought online or at the door. For peak times like Saturday afternoons or Friday nights, pre-booking is a smart move.

🍔 Food & Drink

You’ll find a casual 8-bit café inside serving pizza, burgers, hot dogs, nachos and snacks alongside soft drinks and a full bar.

Tip: The pizza is better than you’d expect and you’re welcome to take breaks and hang out between games.

🚗 Getting There From HY Hotel

Arcade Club Blackpool is an easy 25-minute drive from HY Hotel in Lytham St Annes. Just follow the coast toward Blackpool and cut across to Bloomfield Road. Free parking is available near the entrance and public transport is an option too if you’re not driving.

🧭 Local Advice

• Arrive early on weekends to beat the queues for popular machines

• Use the café as a meeting point if you’re with a group — the venue is big

• Bring your nostalgia — part of the magic is recognising the games you grew up with

• Friday night is a vibe. After 6 PM, it’s adults-only — giving the place a more grown-up, barcade vibe that’s perfect for a fun night out

 

Planning your stay in Lytham? Book a family apartment at Hy by the coast and head to Arcade Club for the ultimate day of pixel-powered adventure