Blackpool but not Blackpool

[blamethecat]

Looking to go away for just a couple of nights, DP wants to go to the pleasure beach but doesn't like Blackpool, I like a nice beach and watching rock being madeand 5yo ds likes most things (he does love an arcade though) where is near to Blackpool but a bit quieter and nicer

Southport?

Latham St Anne's?

Lytham even!

Lytham st Anne's is lovely and not far from blackpool .

Definitely St Anne's. We went a couple of weeks ago and it was lovely. Really clean beach. Small arcade area with 2p machines and little rides. No pleasure beach or big dipper type rides though.

You can also hire a beach hut quite which is fun and reasonably priced

I would say Lytham St Anne’s as well, nice area.

Lytham St Anne's I believe is a posher version of blackpool, why do they not like blackpool?

Morecambe? Lovely new play parks on the promanade, absolutely beautiful views of the fells across the bay. Paddling when the tides in, usual sandcastle and ice cream fun etc, couple of arcades and some nice little shops on the front. Lots of cafes etc. No rollercoasters is all. Morecambe gets a bad rep but i find myself enjoying time there with my four year old more and more! Lots of nice little festivals on there over the summer too...

If you can persuade DH to stay in Blackpool, the Big Blue hotel is fab. Right by the pleasure beach with private access gate, and they do accommodation and wristband deals. Friendly staff and free parking. The pool with flumes and slides is only a few mins walk away and the seafront has been done up.
The only downside we found was the lack of decent places to eat as the pubs along the front further up by the tower we’re heaving with hen and stag groups but we managed with McDonald’s and room service.

Tubby Hall is a good base.

Autocorrect fail Ribby Hall

Llandudno, depending on which direction you're coming from.

St Anne’s or Latham both have nice hotels and short drive to Blackpool and good food in Lytham too

St Anne's is lovely and not far from Blackpool, so you could still go to the pleasure beach.
Loads for kids to do. Paddleboats, trampolines, zorbing etc.

Not sure where you are based but Norfolk...you have Gt Yarmouth (mini Blackpool), the Norfolk broads, sea palling beach, Hemsby beach and arcades, Cromer pier for crabbing, Norwich for retail therapy and loads of lovely country pubs with play areas (The Pigs Edgefield).