To think we would enjoy Blackpool?

[Babysafari]

I haven't been for 15 years, it had a reputation for being a bit tacky even back then.

I do remember there was lots for dc to do, the waterpark, the tower, pleasurebeach, tram rides.

Thought I might book a couple of nights there but everyone looks at me like this

Is it that bad?

I actually wanted to go to Madame Tussaud's just because I've never been. We've been to London a few times and I absolutely love it. Youngest is a bit young to be traipsing around London as a tourist so probably won't go back for a couple of years.

Hit the road early for day trip - it can get busy at the M6/M55 interchange especially with the caravans heading onwards up to the Lakes.

Sorry, OP, that wasn't directed at you! A few others have commented along those lines of Cornwall vs Blackpool

Brian, I think the comments have been a long the lines of objecting to the snobbish attitude of some towards Blackpool. For course Blackpool and lovely parts of Cornwall are not like for like. If you don't fancy Blackpool,then don't go. But assuming it is all junkies and stag do s just plain wrong. And sneering at it reads like elitist bollocks.

As a child I loved blackpool. We took DD last year and she thought it was amazing, the eyes of a child and all that. I thought it was run down and dirty, the streets stank of piss, parking was expensive as we're the attractions and cafés.

We loved the zoo and the bit where the shops are was nice. We stayed at Marton Mere Haven, which was actually pretty nice.

We like Scarborough best.

Exactly Lavender

"Elitist bollocks" sums it up perfectly.

I know brian had to throw it in though incase anyone did think I was comparing the two.

Because there is not a day's worth of stuff for kids in Lytham.

I love a nice walk on the front at Lytham, a tea shop trip or a picnic and a Frisbee session but I wouldn't drive an hour or so to do it when there are plenty of places for doing that nearby. I'd take an elderly relative to Lytham.

I went for a day trip to Margate last year. I'd read all the guff about Margate now being trendy but it still seemed run down and seedy. People smoking spliffs and getting pissed at 10am. We did wanted we wanted to do and got the hell out of there. I imagine Blackpool is the same

You're mistaken in part, baking. But if margate is nearby for you, chances are a day trip to Blackpool is unlikely. Blackpool has lots of child friendly stuff but stick to the front and enjoy your children enjoying themselves.

There really isn't anything for kids to do in lytham that you can't get in your own local quaint town. Yes it's lovely but if you're after fun activities lytham ain't the place.

St Anne's has the pier and surrounding kiddies bits but you could get a day out of that at most.

Also there is a very distinct difference between lytham and st Anne's even if they are lumped together on the map. Anyone from the area will tell you that.

I find St Arhnnes a lot rougher than it used to be. If I want cheesy seaside stuff, I'd stick to Blackpool. No Woolies in St Arhnnes anymore so less inclined to go anyway. Apologies for calling it St Arhnnes, it's what we used to call it when I was a child.

The purpose of Rhyl is to make you long for Blackpool. I have been stuck in both places out of season on business - unforgettable - and I should know, I have tried hard enough.

I once saw (at Blackpool) a booth which offered candy floss. And ear piercing. And I couldn't see anywhere for the proprietress to wash her hands between customers . . .

Andrew - so that's the purpose of Rhyl . Apologies to all lovers of Rhyl having posted loads about how Blackpool is not a shit hole.

Try Southport instead.

Because there is not a day's worth of stuff for kids in Lytham

Is there not a beach? Beach, large-ish park and a cafe is plenty to occupy my kids for the day.

I really hate this mentality that parents have to be martyrs to their children on holiday and go places which accommodate children irrespective of the parents' needs/wants.

We choose holidays to suit ALL of us, not just the kids. We wouldn't expect the kids to spend their holidays or weekends away traipsing round art galleries, but neither would we be prepared to choose somewhere we really would hate (like Blackpool, Benidorm or Magaluf) just because the kids would enjoy it.

Sounds fun Luna. Whatever works.

I don't understand how anyone who is scared of Blackpool will happily go to London ??

London, high levels of poverty in some areas, theives pretty much everywhere. Not to mention the drugs oh and the threat of some terrorist planting a bomb in your vicinity.

Blackpool - high levels of poverty, has its issues but i'd consider it a much safer visit than a.trip to London. It's just tackier with a bit more day glo.

You find a full range of people go there because it has loads to do, your idea of a.holiday may well be fish amd chips on a naice prom and a game of frisbee but realistically kids want something a bit tackier livelier.

There isn't a beach at lytham, there is at st Anne's. It's all marsh at lytham. There is two play parks but nothing that you wouldn't see in your average town.

I loved it as a kid and when my dc are old enough we will go back and visit. Of course it's tacky but children don't care about that

I'm not scared of going to Blackpool because of crime I'm worried I'd be wasting my money it might be rubbish and nowhere decent to eat.