Blackpool trip - some help please.

NiteRider

Hi

This is my first post, so please go easy on me.

First let me say this is an excellent site and the forum is the best I have seen on the Net.

My partner and I are visiting Blackpool around October for 4 nights for the illuminations and we have a few queries that hopefully some helpful MSE members will be able to answer. We will be flying over from NI.

We would like to stay in a quiet hotel/guesthouse which is not too expensive and located in the centre of Blackpool. We require a double/twin ensuite room, preferably with tea/coffee making facilities. Not worried about TV/telephone. Any recommendations?

Also can anyone give me some idea of the taxi fare from Blackpool airport to the centre of town, even recommending a taxi firm?

Kind regards
NiteRider

freddie_2

Hi

Also live in NI but have never flew to blackpool but have been loads.

Hotel/b&b wise there are loads and most of a similar standard.

Have a look here, may give some recomendations
http://www.blackpooltourism.com/

If you have Tesco vouchers they can be used for Hilton stays which could be a cheaper option.
Dont forget a hat and scarf, normally freezing in October there!!!

NiteRider

Thanks, Freddie. We have looked at the Blackpool web site but were hoping to see a few personal recommendations. Will follow your advice and wrap up well!

NiteRider

System

Hi. I won't say I'm an expert but we have been to Blackpool a great many times and have all sorts of experiences. Assuming you have never visited the resort, it is true it can be said that it is vulgar, noisy,brash etc,but equally it must be said, much of that is brought about by visitors/tourists. Having been throughout the year, we can say it is possible to avoid ALL of that.

Blackpool has three distinct area's,

"Central" where shops, pubs disco's and 95% of night life happens, that is also where the "Golden Mile" is.

South Shore, this is where the Pleasure Beach is. Because of this, it TOO can be somewhat noisy made by revellers.

North Shore, is a much quieter area.

Even though it is a long/legthy resort, it is flat, nothing can be more enjoyable than to walk on the "sea" side of the promenade for as long as your legs will carry you, stopping off at each of the piers for a cuppa. There is a frequent tram service so any time your legs give in, hop on a tram.

Most guest houses provide the usual facilities, ie TV/tea/coffee/ensuite. But here you should be aware that some cater for hen/stag parties and these should be avoided at all costs. Regarding taxi costs from airport to town. Although I've never done it myself, the airport is in the South Shore area so should you elect to stay in that area, it should only be a few £'s, but there IS a bus service. I've just re-read your post, whilst you "could" find quiet accommodation in either central or south shore, I would NOT know where to start looking. I would definately elect for North Shore and could recommend a G/H which is spotless/warm/good food/1 min from sea. PM me if you wish me to provide details. In fact I may try to find it and provide a link.

NiteRider

Very helpful reply, islandman. Thank you very much.
NiteRider

System

Here is the link

http://www.blackpool-hotels.me.uk/hotel/?hotel_id=1728&display=review&q=Bobins_Guest_House_Blackpool.html

One thing I forgot to mention. Blackpool is big, so don't try to do it all on your first visit.

NiteRider

Thanks again

The main attraction for us will be the illuminations, never having been before. After that we will take it as it comes.

System

Right. The best way to view these, are via the trams. It is best to ensure you are at either end ie Squires Gate (just beyond the Pleasure Beach) at South Shore or at Bispham (North Shore). You really need to make sure you are there BEFORE it gets dark, in fact before they switch them on. You can wait until you think it is dark enough then get on the tram. Once the trams are full, you can't get on/off so easily untill you're at the other end. Sit upstairs. Don't use open topped incase it rains, plus it is cold.

Given that you are going for four days, I would recommend you "do the lights" on any other than Fri/Sat as they are the busiest.

[Deleted User]

Having just come back from Blackpool with the 'Old Style forum meet' may I recommend buying an all-day tram pass that you can buy on the tram which can also be used on the buses. It costs £5.50.Great for going up and down the coast as the trams run around every 10 minutes or so .The hotel we all stayed in The Grosvenor Hotel was very good &clean,and the breakfast was good. it also had a small bar if you wanted a drink .Around £20.00 per night depending on the season and Neil and Mandy the owners were very helpful in telling us all about where to go and what to avoid. www.blackpool-hotels.co.uk should bring up the link .We went up to Fleetwood for a wander round the shops and market on Saturday and got a few bargains then a tram back to Clevely and went to a pub called The Tramway that Neil recommended. Had a HUGE carvery with as much as you could want to eat for £3.50,amazing value as I had slices of Beef,Turkey and Pork and 7 different veggies and yorkshire pud. If there was a pub like that down in Kent I wouldn't bother buying food I would eat in there everyday.
Bispham has a Fish and chip shop where you can get a Fish and chip meal for £1.70 !
All in all the value for eating out is excellent and a lot of choice. I wasn't too keen on the pubs as some of them can be a bit noisey ,but hey I am not much of a pub-goer anyway.
I enjoyed my week-end there and the beach is beautiful. but it can get a bit rowdy but that is what Blackpool is all about I suppose. Loads of shops and to just sit and people watch is great fun as well.The local folk are very helpful and do make you feel welcome
have a good trip

colmil

I would strongly suggest that you leave the centre of Blackpool well alone-most of the guest houses there are very ordinary, and noisy!

Without doubt, I would book the Seabreeze Guesthouse, in Gynn Avenue, it's about 400 yards from the sea front, about a mile or so from the centre, easy tram ride, it won the best North West guest house award two years ago.

This guest house has something that Blackpool will never have-class!

The couple who run this are a lovely people, Anne does the Meet and Greet and her husband does the cooking, just B & B, though Tel 01253 351 427

I stayed here because I was working on a contract, Blackpool leaves a lot to be desired, especially for four nights. If you want to go somewhere with some quality, I would suggest you visit St. Annes and Lytham, two different places, remember!

Any further info, just ask!

MrSmartprice

We have been to Blackpool many times, and I agree that you should avoid the central area for accommodation. It is very noisy and many of the places are squalid dives.

On our last few visits we have stayed at the Kimberley Guest House in Gynn Avenue. The proprietors are friendly, accommodating and keep a clean house. You also get a good breakfast - vital in Blackpool of course!

http://www.kimberleyguesthouse.co.uk/