Blackpool advice please?

damos1

Hey, Hey, Hey, don't dis my favourite seaside town :rotfl:.

But seriously flying to Blackpool from Ireland at a cost of around £500?

Surely it would be much cheaper to get a ferry to the nearest English port of which is Southport maybe? and then use some form of public transport from there to Blackpool.

The town has 3 train stations although Blackpool north is the one mostly used.

Looking for cheap accomodation? the town is flooded with such hotels! and unless you are picky on your stay it will be worth not booking accomodation and just check in as you go!

Throwing into the flying you will have to fly over the sorry looking site of what is currently the demolition of one of my favourite Blackpool stays Pontins

I used to love the eat as much as you want idea and trust me at £1000+ for a family of 6 holiday per week I was a pig!

Sadly if you like the holiday site type of holiday these are forever increasing in price such as Butlin's 3 remainding sites which are roughly £1500 for a stay during the main 6 week holiday period for a family of 6 despite the sites being in a slow decline with the removal of the monorail,chairoplanes,boating lakes,grand theatre's,the sea front swimming pools with the pervy window etc.

You could always stay on the outskirts of town of course and use the likes of Haven holidays although these look set to greatly increase in price with the introduction of a pay per person price plan rather than the usual pay per caravan and then of course there is the fact that their staff feel they have the authorisation to assult you and for such an established company not to place things right after such incident and then for a member of staff whose sole duty is to protect the companies holiday-makers and staff to directly aim a very harsh swearing comment towards a disabled customer who is doing nothing wrong then hey..... and more information maybe to follow......

Are you going for the likes of the Blackpool Tower? Be carefull how you time your holiday as this is currently under re-development and most of the attraction is closed.

When the tower complex is re-opened expect the tower to cost you more than last and any previous season due to the managerial decision to charge per attraction.....

Expect

The Blackpool Tower Dungeon to be a cost of £15-£20 per adult.

The Blackpool Tower Circus £10-£15 per adult.

The Blackpool tower Ballroom £5-£10 per adult.

Jungle jims £5 per child.

The Blackpool Tower eye £5-£10 per adult and the possibility of not being able to admire the views after the 4-D showing, Also expect the removal of the walk of faith although there is a possibility the tower lifts have been replaced this year with the glass floor elevators!

Also there is a possiblity a tower complex ticket is to be made available but expect a price of £30 per adult!

The dinosaur experience and the Tower aquarium have been removed.

The Merlin ents group has also taken over the managerial side of the towns waxworks so expect this at around £15 per adult.

Be weary of pickpockets!

I had written you a much more major/in depth review, however computers being computers

ani_26

OP, Its true, the tram service won't be running until June this year. So if you are going in the summer, you can buy a family ticket for the tram, or a ticket for both the trams and buses. Theres a ticket office at the back of BHS, or the Metro depot on Rigby Road. You could get the no 14 bus, i think it is up to Fleetwood Freeport, and everyone who is anyone, visits Fleetwood market. You can spend a day out at Cleveleys, as well. Like its already been said, its marvelous what they've done there, and its popular for shopping and fish and chips, lol



I've spent a huge amount of time in Blackpool, re the regeneration programme, which is said to last for 15 years, and i've a real soft spot, for the place now. Everyone remembers visiting, as a child, i'm sure. Theres been alot of moaning regarding the promenade and this and that, but alot of time, effort and money, has been put into this. You can't please all of the people all of the time. I'm not too sure myself, about the new supertrams, because is'nt that why most people visit Blackpool? For a ride on the old bone shakers. They will still be around as well, apparently.

OP, there are three Travelodges in Blackpool. You could always watch for one of their sales. I have my room ' earmarked ' , in one of them, now! Yes it is expensive, but are'nt the best things in life free? Walk along the prom, the best way to see the front. Walk from Cleveleys back to Blackpool, if you're feeling energetic.


I don't think Blackpool will ever reach its heyday again, but it is what it is. You either love it or hate it, or there are those that love to hate it. I'll definitely pay a visit to Blackpool at some stage this year, if i can, even if its only work related. Besides - I've got to see the supertrams, and i hope they have the funds to repair the tableaux etc, detroyed by the storms.

damos1

Nohope wrote: »

OP, Its true, the tram service won't be running until June this year. So if you are going in the summer, you can buy a family ticket for the tram, or a ticket for both the trams and buses. Theres a ticket office at the back of BHS, or the Metro depot on Rigby Road. You could get the no 14 bus, i think it is up to Fleetwood Freeport, and everyone who is anyone, visits Fleetwood market. You can spend a day out at Cleveleys, as well. Like its already been said, its marvelous what they've done there, and its popular for shopping and fish and chips, lol



I've spent a huge amount of time in Blackpool, re the regeneration programme, which is said to last for 15 years, and i've a real soft spot, for the place now. Everyone remembers visiting, as a child, i'm sure. Theres been alot of moaning regarding the promenade and this and that, but alot of time, effort and money, has been put into this. You can't please all of the people all of the time. I'm not too sure myself, about the new supertrams, because is'nt that why most people visit Blackpool? For a ride on the old bone shakers. They will still be around as well, apparently.

OP, there are three Travelodges in Blackpool. You could always watch for one of their sales. I have my room ' earmarked ' , in one of them, now! Yes it is expensive, but are'nt the best things in life free? Walk along the prom, the best way to see the front. Walk from Cleveleys back to Blackpool, if you're feeling energetic.


I don't think Blackpool will ever reach its heyday again, but it is what it is. You either love it or hate it, or there are those that love to hate it. I'll definitely pay a visit to Blackpool at some stage this year, if i can, even if its only work related. Besides - I've got to see the supertrams, and i hope they have the funds to repair the tableaux etc, detroyed by the storms.

I thought the tram was running on a very reduced line/service? such as during end of season last year, eg some of the line is un-operational? I cannot confirm this though so you are almost definately right that they are running no service as they are replacing most of the line.... The joys we have to look forward to in Nottingham when our newest lines reach the end of their usefull lifespan as much as I am a pro campaigner for the Nottingham line extensions I cannot wait although I think they have been told they have to have a usefull lifespan of 35 years until replacement?

I certainley hope however the Blackpool transport company make sure the trams are able to exist in there previous form, such amazing work of arts some of them were they better stay and I hope the council made them adhere to this....

Although they do have to all be disability complient now, hence the reason for the current line disruptions although many of the older style trams would struggle to be converted to such wheelchair complient vehicles but I assume this may be possible with raised kerbing along the tram lines to help wheelchair users access all of the trams, although if the old types have been converted then I assume there is a good chance they would have all been given full revamps eg ripped the tram to pieces and started from scrap.

I doubt however they would be scrapping the iconic features of the Blackpool tram system but introducing the new super trams to work alongside the current fleet

Here in Nottingham we just have the really poor boring versions although they are U.K. firsts Okay the style of them is brilliant although they could somehow introduce to the line such prime examples of the Blackpool tram system of which would make me very happy

dori2o

According to the Blackpool Transport website the Tramway will reopen at Easter.

ani_26

Yes, i'm aware of what the website says.

I'm 99% sure the trams won't be running until June. The summer service did'nt start until July last year, anyway.

When are works due to be complete?

Subject to satisfactory progress it is programmed to complete the upgrading to the tramway by Easter 2012.

What happens to the existing trams?

It is recognised that the Blackpool Tramway has a proud and long standing history. The old trams are a much loved and respected part of Blackpool and the Fylde Coast. It is therefore proposed to keep a selection of the existing fleet to operate an additional service between the Pleasure Beach and Cleveleys during the summer months. They will be modified to ensure they can access the new tram stops.



Source - Lancashire.gov.uk

I've tried to post a link, but i'm unable to. They are also building a new tram depot at Starr Gate. I think its safe to assume there will be disruption for some time. Its a huge project.

damos1

Nohope wrote: »

Yes, i'm aware of what the website says.

I'm 99% sure the trams won't be running until June. The summer service did'nt start until July last year, anyway.

When are works due to be complete?

Subject to satisfactory progress it is programmed to complete the upgrading to the tramway by Easter 2012.

What happens to the existing trams?

It is recognised that the Blackpool Tramway has a proud and long standing history. The old trams are a much loved and respected part of Blackpool and the Fylde Coast. It is therefore proposed to keep a selection of the existing fleet to operate an additional service between the Pleasure Beach and Cleveleys during the summer months. They will be modified to ensure they can access the new tram stops.



Source - Lancashire.gov.uk

I've tried to post a link, but i'm unable to. They are also building a new tram depot at Starr Gate. I think its safe to assume there will be disruption for some time. Its a huge project.

Yup, it is more0or-less building a brand new tram line, Pity though, the iconic rams are the granddaddys of the route and deserve the full reins of the line, But hey at least a few are staying right.

My favourites have to be the Thwaites,The old Wall's tram version (the newer version was crap)

Certainley Valhalla! that was one awesome piece of artwork.

The Goosebumps and a fair few others.

alec_eiffel

Nohope wrote: »

OP, Its true, the tram service won't be running until June this year. So if you are going in the summer, you can buy a family ticket for the tram, or a ticket for both the trams and buses. Theres a ticket office at the back of BHS, or the Metro depot on Rigby Road. You could get the no 14 bus, i think it is up to Fleetwood Freeport, and everyone who is anyone, visits Fleetwood market. You can spend a day out at Cleveleys, as well. Like its already been said, its marvelous what they've done there, and its popular for shopping and fish and chips, lol



I've spent a huge amount of time in Blackpool, re the regeneration programme, which is said to last for 15 years, and i've a real soft spot, for the place now. Everyone remembers visiting, as a child, i'm sure. Theres been alot of moaning regarding the promenade and this and that, but alot of time, effort and money, has been put into this. You can't please all of the people all of the time. I'm not too sure myself, about the new supertrams, because is'nt that why most people visit Blackpool? For a ride on the old bone shakers. They will still be around as well, apparently.

OP, there are three Travelodges in Blackpool. You could always watch for one of their sales. I have my room ' earmarked ' , in one of them, now! Yes it is expensive, but are'nt the best things in life free? Walk along the prom, the best way to see the front. Walk from Cleveleys back to Blackpool, if you're feeling energetic.


I don't think Blackpool will ever reach its heyday again, but it is what it is. You either love it or hate it, or there are those that love to hate it. I'll definitely pay a visit to Blackpool at some stage this year, if i can, even if its only work related. Besides - I've got to see the supertrams, and i hope they have the funds to repair the tableaux etc, detroyed by the storms.

I think they're down-scaling some of the big tableaux thingamys in Bispham sadly.

alec_eiffel

thriftymanc wrote: »

Isn't it just full of nursing homes and charity shops?

No, as I'm sure everyone will be able to see when The Open Golf is here next year :j

ani_26

damos1 wrote: »

Yup, it is more0or-less building a brand new tram line, Pity though, the iconic rams are the granddaddys of the route and deserve the full reins of the line, But hey at least a few are staying right.

My favourites have to be the Thwaites,The old Wall's tram version (the newer version was crap)

Certainley Valhalla! that was one awesome piece of artwork.

The Goosebumps and a fair few others.

What i suspect will happen, is you'll see long queues forming for the ' iconic ' trams, in the summer period, when you think of all the visitors Blackpool attracts, for these very reasons.

There are those who ride up and down on the trams all day, just for the experience of riding the iconic trams. I guess only time will tell. I find it hard to imagine the new supertrams, having the same iconic appeal, in the future. In fact, i find it hard to imagine them, full stop. I know theres moving forward, but Blackpool is iconic, in itself.

alec_eiffel

Nohope wrote: »

What i suspect will happen, is you'll see long queues forming for the ' iconic ' trams, in the summer period, when you think of all the visitors Blackpool attracts, for these very reasons.

There are those who ride up and down on the trams all day, just for the experience of riding the iconic trams. I guess only time will tell. I find it hard to imagine the new supertrams, having the same iconic appeal, in the future. In fact, i find it hard to imagine them, full stop. I know theres moving forward, but Blackpool is iconic, in itself.

The idea is to try to get people from the Fylde to use the trams to get to work, they'll be fully accessible for wheelchairs and stuff unlike some of the heritage trams. It's still great to see the traditional trams out and about though. I really like the ultra functional looking Blackpool Transport ones