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?

TripAdvisor is your friend.

food wise it's the usual suspects for mass catering needs, fast food and chain restaurants, street vendors.

We did find a lovely Italian up past the tower, near the main bars (unfortunately) and it was super family friendly.

Loads of country pubs 15 minutes outside of Blackpool which do great food. In Blackpool town centre they've recently has a few chains open such as prezzo and las iguanas.

Also st Anne's and lytham both have a great selection of independent restaurants.

There's a really nice Chinese restaurant in St Annes!

There are the usual chain restaurants, this place opposite the tower is lovely www.beachhouseblackpool.co.uk/

I wouldnt let anyone elses stories put me off from going, I find it gets a really, unfair press these days, more so because the resort has made a real effort to improve. My only advice is to avoid Friday / Saturdays and it will be fine.

We've just had half term week in Blackpool, we loved it, so much for everyone to do. I would recommend staying at Ribby Hall Village self catering about 15 mins from Blackpool itself www.ribbyhall.co.uk
We went with our two boys 17 and 14 plus two nices 10 and 5 and 18 month old twins - did Sealife and Sandcastle waterpark. Will be going back next year probably minus the eldest!

• nieces!

I love Blackpool. my mother is from there and I like to go back as often as I can (not to see my mother, she now lives elsewhere).

The kids love the zoo, the circus is fab, there is a sea life centre, you can take the tram all the way to Fleetwood, go for a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, Fleetwood has a really nice farm to visit (I think it's called Farmer Parr's) there;s loads to do. You don't have to just do expensive fairground rides and candyfloss although you can if you like. You can have a picnic and let the kids run riot on the beach if that's your thing.

We like to stay in Fleetwood and get the tram in to Blackpool because it works out cheaper and I really like trams.

I agree with posters about the bleak vibe and a negative undercurrent . I think I read that there is a disproportionate number of paedophiles living there .
There is definitely a puppy farm situation as my family were almost conned by a set up there .
I'd just go for the day to the fun bits but go elsewhere at night .
I'm not keen on witnessing people urinating in the street .!( Witnessed )

I always feel defensive of Blackpool.

i lived in Blackpool for three years and feels it gets a rough time.

I have lived in six areas and Blackpool was by far the place with the most community and support

I loved it there September to April when there weren't as many tourists.
It is desperately deprived but the vast majority of its crime is in the three streets were the stag do pubs are.

There is tons to do for kids, my dc would move back tomorrow and tbh I regret moving away.

Blackpool is what it is really. Unfortunately it attracts stag and hen dos and Jeremy Kyle style families

There are indeed, gin

We had a love time here www.worldhorsewelfare.org/Farm/Penny-Farm if you go in the hols they do treasure hunts, games, pony grooming etc and it is (or was last time i checked) free entry. There's a tea room on site too.