| Product: |
Blackpool in General |
| Date: |
13/04/01 (266 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Fun, noisy, bracing, lots to do and see
Disadvantages: Tatty in parts - needs a spring clean
When we go to Blackpool we know what we are letting ourselves in for. We go for the fun fair (especially when we can get the buy one get one free set of tickets via national newspapers), the walking along the sea front (and crashing seas if lucky), the arcades, the fish n chips n tea on the sea front and the Imperial Hotel owned by Paramount.
The Imperial is up the quieter North end of the prom and is rated 4 stars and is very, very, very nice indeed. It is a bit more pricey than normal hotels but the food, the rooms and the whole feel of the hotel is worth it! What is more after a hard day riding rides and playing arcades and walking there is nothing nicer than a bit of luxury!
Blackpool itself has some really nice points - the Pleasure Beach, the tower and ballrooms, The Sea Life Centre are just a few interesting attractions!
The Pleasure Beach in particular is probably one of the most obvious and famous fairs in existence (especially from a historical point of view). Some of the rides like the Grand National and the Big Dipper date back to the 1930's! By 'eck - they are real bone shakers. The Grand National is excellent for a wooden rollercoaster (only 3 in the world of that type) and the Mouse scares me to death - it leaves the track I am certain!
In high season the rides are not cheap and getting value for money from wrist bands and books of tickets means queues and queues. Be prepared :) If you go try Valhalla - a real soaking experience with decent special FX!
Blackpool is also full of tatt! Ignore it and you will enjoy the place! Be aware that visitors may be targeted by sellers on the street although that has dropped a lot the last time we went.
The beach is ok although I wouldn't go swimming in the sea there. The walk along the front on a windy day is bracing and it is fun watching the crashing sea :) They have a smashing Lifeboat Station just past the Central Pier as well.
The ar
cades - there are loads of 'em - are generally decent. Coral Island (probably the largest) has a fine collection of 2p nudge machines which make the cash last longer (or so it seems). There is also a new bar in Coral Island and decent food. Most of the arcades do real decent tea and food at good prices, sometimes cheaper than other food outlets! Check them out for snacks and drink.
Food in general - well - there are the usual MacDonalds, KFC, etc. There is also a Harry Ramsden's Fish n Chip Shop past the Tower going towards the North Pier. YUM!!! In addition, you will find many pubs and chippies in the side streets that do excellent food.
The night life is vibrant during the peak season - if a little rowdy. Lots of Stag and Hen parties so if you are out with the kids be prepared for the noisy and occasional drunken groups of lads and lassies. It can be a little unnerving sometimes - but it goes with the territory :)
Transport - recommend the tram - reliable, fast, cheap on a day ticket and fun - they do get a bit cramped sometimes! During the illuminations you can ride the lit trams which is an experience! Catch those from the North Pier during the lights - they are more expensive to ride so be aware of that (at least £5 per person I think)...
In summary - great in small doses, take plenty of cash and enjoy. I can never live there - the pace is too much for me - but we will keep visiting as long as there is a Blackpool! Enjoy! :) D.
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