Hotel in Blackpool - Christmas

[onlyoranges]

I have posted about my Christmas difficulties so won't bore people with the details but we are looking for something different to our norm. Can anyone recommend a hotel in Blackpool that has lots on at Christmas. Also loads of activities for children? A pool would be good but stuff to do is more important. Thanks

[scatterthenuns]

I love Blackpool to death. I really do. I grew up in Manchester, and spent my summer days riding donkeys and eating rock. I spent the autumns in the back of my parent's care looking at the lights, and spinning round the teacups.

Even as an adult I enjoy going back for a day trip.

But I cannot stress this enough - Christmas and New Year in Blackpool is hell. Don't do it.

[catslife]

Blackpool has lots of pubs and nightclubs so agree with previous poster and wouldn't recommend staying there overnight. It would probably be rather rowdy. Why not try a hotel close to Blackpool so you can visit during the day.
This hotel in St Annes may suit your requirements www.dalmenyhotel.co.uk/rooms-facilities.html.
Grew up in the Blackpool area so do know what it can be like out of season.
PS You will need to look for indoor attractions - can be very wet and windy in winter.

[Tiggeryoubastard]

They ones on the sea front are advertising their respective 'attractions' for the festive season now.
BUT
I cannot agree strongly enough with what scatter said upthread.

[onlyoranges]

Even if we stay in the hotel as we wouldn't be going out in the evenings?

[Tiggeryoubastard]

The typical demographic for these places at those times are elderly widowed/widowered, very often the odd, and the entertainment will be geared to them ie; a bloke with dierdre Barlow glasses and dandruff on the organ, a middle aged pub singer belting out Dolly Parton tunes, and the obligatory weird bloke with halitosis par excellance that the old women love but makes your skin crawl. And the food is usually overlooked to suit their palates and chewing requirements.

[Tiggeryoubastard]

Overcooked.

[Tiggeryoubastard]

And bingo. You could win ??3 and a chamois leather.

[Bunbaker]

"Christmas and New Year in Blackpool is hell. Don't do it"

My idea of hell is Blackpool at any time of year.

[Crusoe]

Don't. Just don't!

[onlyoranges]

Well you people are really selling this to me. Any other ideas; hotel, lots of activities etc on to try and take our minds off our terrible grief and very kids friendly with a kids club so they can enjoy playing with some new friends!

[Bunbaker]

Centerparcs?

[turkeyboots]

The Big Blue Hotel is right beside the Pleasure Gardens and away from the main drag, so might be ok? its nice enough, stayed there a few times.

[onlyoranges]

Ok you have all scared me to death. Any other ideas. Centerparcs apart from being way out of budget would be us alone which is what we are seeking to avoid!

[scatterthenuns]

Any geographical limitations/preferences?

[Shockers]

Google Ribby Hall, OP. It's in a village location near to Blackpool, has a pool and is really quite nice. The accommodation is in little cottages, rather than an hotel, but there's a lot to do.

[Shockers]

Or the DeVere near Stanley Park.

[onlyoranges]

Geographically not too far from Manchester really. The main thing is somewhere that we can stay with other people and interact with them. I am dreading Christmas already!

[SealSong]

Check out youth hostels - seriously. Some of them run family orientated Christmas packages which include meals and fun activities with other families and friendly people. Many youth hostels have self contained family rooms and are very comfortable. This is an example, there are others.

[SealSong]

Sorry looks like that hostel I linked to is the only one that does the Christmas package, but it is in the Peak District which is near to Manchester.

[traviata]

have you looked at places like safari parks? Longleat have a great Christmas set up, if you stayed nearby you could have a very nice time, but the ticket costs will mount up.

I saw on your other thread that two of your group have some mobility difficulties, you want a festive buzz around you, but funds are limited.

That suggests a city break, where your accommodation can be budget but there are loads of things to do. You could easily book a Christmas day meal in a lively restaurant, and you won't be trapped in a grim hotel as described by pps. The shops will be open until last thing Christmas Eve and first thing Boxing day, so there will be people out and about

what about Birmingham or Leeds? They both have Christmas markets, and plenty of restaurants. A Christmas Day curry is great fun.

[traviata]

this place has a lot of events on offer over Christmas, but it's out of town.

[Verypissedoffwife]

Ooohh I can! The Dalmeny in St Anne's. I know it's not actually Blackpool but only 5 minutes away. We go there loads. It has a pool and loads if activities, entertainment etc. Really nice food too. We're going for October half term following a disastrous summer holiday as we need the break.