AIBU to go to Blackpool

[Confused19831983]

AIBU to take my two-year-old boy to Blackpool Sandcastle tomorrow? It’s a six hour round trip. Would be doing so on my own as his dad’s working.
At a loose end. A long way, but looks fun?

Yes
bizarre

If by car, I wouldn’t bother as no 2 year old wants to be stuck in a car all day. By train? Yes.

It seems a bit far, are there not good pools with slides nearer?

I wouldn't but its up to you
Long time for a 2 year old to be in the car if there is anything similar closer

So 3 hours there and then back? No. It's not good enough for that kind of journey and it's not really very big either.

My kids really enjoy going there but we are less than an hour from Blackpool and we normally mix it in with a visit to the pier and the arcades. We go to Blackpool every year for the zoo, pleasure beach, illuminations etc.

If you wanted to stay over, go to the zoo, the circus etc. then yes it would be a good little trip away but not just for the sandcastle on its own.

At 2 years old, there's very little he'd really be able to do in the sandcastle anyway.

He travels quite well. Listens to music and sleeps. But yes, I agree, it is a long way to go for an activity that we’d be doing for two hours tops. I am in the North East. As far as I know there aren’t any decent water parks in the region but I could be wrong.

only if you stay over and time the drive with nap

Is it three hours each way door to door by awkward public transport connections?

If it's three hours each way by car there must be something just as good nearer!

He'll probably be happily tired on the way home, which would be fine in a car but tricky if you're changing trains and then onto a bus, with swimming things to carry.

The journey there could be fun and the attraction itself, but the journey home by public transport will probably be overwhelming when he's tired and spoil it for both of you.

If it's a car journey go somewhere closer.

Nope not a chance o would drive 3 hours to a waterpark for a 3 year old. Older child definitely , but not at 2, they would be happy with a local pool at that age.

@TheTreeByTheRoadIt’s useful to hear from someone who has been. I haven’t since I was a kid. Doesn’t sound like it would be worth it in that case. Better idea might be to go for a weekend and do the other stuff as well. Thank you

@SunriseOverIt would be by car. Yes, prob sensible to go somewhere closer but I am lacking inspiration!

Google maps suggests Prudhoe Waterworld if the north east = Newcastle...

Can’t believe you’re even considering it tbh

He is 2

2!!!!

A trip to a different local playground and a special biscuit will be be enough op

Yes, definitely stay over. There is a travel lodge directly opposite the sandcastle and South pier, next to the pleasure beach theme park. It's called travel lodge south promenade and not very expensive.

You can usually park for free with them and then walk up the seafront to the central pier for the tower and other arcades like Coral Island (kids love this one).
The zoo is a few mins drive away from the front and is cheaper than Chester, takes up a good few hours and is great.

Lots to do with kids in Blackpool. Yes, it's tacky is areas, but that's kind of the point of a seaside tourist spot!

At that age I’d take him to the local baths. For an extra treat I’d combine with soft play or a local farm. Perhaps a park if good weather.

Not a 2 year old as there will be little he can actually do - way too young/small for the majority of the slides. So it’s just another pool as far as he is concerned. Also a waste of money - sandcastle isn’t cheap. Once he’s older and bigger sure.

There's a waterpark in Scarborough with a good splash area. That must be closer. Or just let him run around and jump in the sea on your nearest beach.

@TheTreeByTheRoadsounds good. Would def like to do at some point 😊

@SunriseOverthank you. I don’t think the prudhoe one has any slides for little ones though?

@BjorkdiditScarborough one looks great for toddlers, thank you!

Blackpool is vile. I wouldn’t drive all that way to go there if you paid me. We live 45 mins away and wouldn’t go there if you paid me.

@Amba1998ha ha thanks for this. I will bear it in mind 😂

Don't no the place you are talking about but I wouldn't drive that far for any pool for a 3 year old who would be happy with a bucket of water and some pots in the back garden to be honest. I'd only do that sort of journey in a day for teens to go to a theme park....and even then I'd probably stay over.

Like others, I don't think it's worth it at this age, he prob won't even remember it. But I admire greatly your commitment as a fun mum!