Blackpool

fanzone · Post by **fanzone** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 4:03 pm

Is an absolute dump.

Sadly it were my idea to have a drive over and a walk up and down the golden mile. Hands up its the worst idea iv had in a very long time.

Burnley Ace · Post by **Burnley Ace** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 4:42 pm

fanzone wrote: ↑
Sat Apr 23, 2022 4:03 pm
Is an absolute dump.

Sadly it were my idea to have a drive over and a walk up and down the golden mile. Hands up its the worst idea iv had in a very long time.

Did you go to the Zoo or Stanley Park? Notarianni Ice Cream is delightful

claret2018 · Post by **claret2018** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 4:49 pm

The front is bad enough but if you dare go to the streets beyond the front it’s 10 times worse.

Swizzlestick · Post by **Swizzlestick** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 4:51 pm

It’s what you make of it. Area round the Tower on the front is actually ok and while there’s still a lot of cheap and cheerful shops, it’s reyt enough. As mentioned above, the Zoo is great.

Rileybobs · Post by **Rileybobs** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 5:10 pm

claret2018 wrote: ↑
Sat Apr 23, 2022 4:49 pm
The front is bad enough but if you dare go to the streets beyond the front it’s 10 times worse.

Went there for work a couple of years ago, not been for about 20 years. Couldn’t believe how bad the area behind the front was.

Roosterbooster · Post by **Roosterbooster** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 5:27 pm

Just stayed there for a few days

The walk along the prom is nice enough.
Stanley Park is absolutely superb.
As is Lytham St Annes.

As people have said, it is what you make of it.
There is far too much tat, and focus on catering for stupidly cheap holidays. And the rows behind the main strip are nothing short of horrid.

But there's still plenty of enjoyable things to do. The kids had a great time, and we didn't do any of the "classic tourist stuff"

GodIsADeeJay81 · Post by **GodIsADeeJay81** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 5:29 pm

: Screenshot_20220423-172705~3.png (67.4 KiB) Viewed 3952 times

My friends review after having to take her kids there for a national ice skating competition, they were there for a week

DCWat · Post by **DCWat** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 5:37 pm

Slippery slope when they began touting for stag and hen do’s.

I loved Blackpool as a youngster - each time I’ve been back as an adult, it’s got worse and worse. **** hole - with the odd decent area.

To be fair, I could count on one hand the decent seaside towns that I’ve been to in England, they’re all suffering a long slow decline.

elwaclaret · Post by **elwaclaret** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 5:39 pm

Still paying for the Government U-turn on making it “Vegas of the North”. Small owners were bought out by big (city based, not local) business men who then lost interest, knowing they could not make any return and so it has been allowed to rot. Things like the Pleasure Beach moving to an ‘Alton Towers’ pay too enter has also had a devastating effect on the town; as people drawn to the rides can no longer wander in and out, so the Pleasure Beach is no longer a draw for the town, but has become a ‘primary destination’ in itself.

Jakubclaret · Post by **Jakubclaret** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 5:41 pm

Certain areas aren’t bad in & around but Blackpool in the main is a mess but it is what it is if you want a day out & to keep the kids happy, the town will be hoping for a warm summer bouncing back from covid to kickstart tourism since the lockdown things haven’t properly recovered not like before.

jedi_master · Post by **jedi_master** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 5:50 pm

elwaclaret wrote: ↑
Sat Apr 23, 2022 5:39 pm
Still paying for the Government U-turn on making it “Vegas of the North”. Small owners were bought out by big (city based, not local) business men who then lost interest, knowing they could not make any return and so it has been allowed to rot. Things like the Pleasure Beach moving to an ‘Alton Towers’ pay too enter has also had a devastating effect on the town; as people drawn to the rides can no longer wander in and out, so the Pleasure Beach is no longer a draw for the town, but has become a ‘primary destination’ in itself.

On the flip side, Pleasure Beach is now a really fun family day out that isn’t full of smashed lads on tour/hen parties vomiting everywhere who only go in for a ride on the Big One and then sit drinking all day.

I used to love Pleasure Beach as a kid when it was like I have just described (my Mum and Dad took me often), but I enjoy the atmosphere in there far more now as a parent of a four year old, and she has a great time.

Blackpool itself though is an absolute dive, I can’t agree more. Was it always so dirty, run down and full of drunks or was I just too overwhelmed by the bright lights, candy floss and rides as a kid to notice? As mentioned above though, the zoo is very good - perfect size compared to the far too big (in my opinion) Chester.

ElectroClaret · Post by **ElectroClaret** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 5:50 pm

Go onto YouTube and type in "A Walk on the Wild Side Blackpool".
Its this bloke who walks and cycles round the town filming all the pubs, bars, takeaways and backstreets in all their glory.

Shows the places good and bad sides.

elwaclaret · Post by **elwaclaret** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 5:58 pm

jedi_master wrote: ↑
Sat Apr 23, 2022 5:50 pm
On the flip side, Pleasure Beach is now a really fun family day out that isn’t full of smashed lads on tour/hen parties vomiting everywhere who only go in for a ride on the Big One and then sit drinking all day.

I used to love Pleasure Beach as a kid when it was like I have just described (my Mum and Dad took me often), but I enjoy the atmosphere in there far more now as a parent of a four year old, and she has a great time.

Blackpool itself though is an absolute dive, I can’t agree more. Was it always so dirty, run down and full of drunks or was I just too overwhelmed by the bright lights, candy floss and rides as a kid to notice? As mentioned above though, the zoo is very good - perfect size compared to the far too big (in my opinion) Chester.

Couldn’t comment sensibly to you point Jedi as I used to wander in and take in rides like Valhalla etc. but was never one for a day at the pleasure beach… I’d miss my Chippy dinner looking out to sea etc. so not been in since. I fully understand you point re-keeping the drunks out, that has always been a problem and undoubtably it makes the pleasure beach a safer venue for children… really the be all and end all. However, their used to be little businesses within the pleasure beach worthy of a visit… I suspect they will no longer be there (no casual trade) and my guess is the whole place now feels more ‘corporate’.

claret2018 · Post by **claret2018** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 5:59 pm

Agree that the zoo is good - better than Chester for me

Longsidelenny1882 · Post by **Longsidelenny1882** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 6:03 pm

Last time I visited Blackpool zoo with the kids it cost me a lot of money caught my lads feeding the gorilla £5 notes I ran over and shouted what the hell are you doing feeding the gorilla £5 notes my oldest lad said dad read that sign it said please don’t feed the gorillas pies crisps sandwiches or chocolate £5 fine

elwaclaret · Post by **elwaclaret** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 6:08 pm

Longsidelenny1882 wrote: ↑
Sat Apr 23, 2022 6:03 pm
Last time I visited Blackpool zoo with the kids it cost me a lot of money caught my lads feeding the gorilla £5 notes I ran over and shouted what the hell are you doing feeding the gorilla £5 notes my oldest lad said dad read that sign it said please don’t feed the gorillas pies crisps sandwiches or chocolate £5 fine

You missed the ‘Boom-boom’, Basil

fatboy47 · Post by **fatboy47** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 6:14 pm

I go there every 25 years, for about an hour, mainly to remind myself why I don't go more often.

Grim.

AlargeClaret · Post by **AlargeClaret** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 6:18 pm

: 9BE9B870-D28B-4AE4-8B0F-026B7B9ABFFF.jpeg (279.6 KiB) Viewed 3504 times

Was Blackpool ever NOT an absolute sh1thole par excellence?
If you’re late teens - mid 20’s and on a big night /stag hen etc it was always ok for a dirty smelly day night of alcohol fuelled bellendery. I had a place in the main (Edwardian one) indoor market there in early-mid 90’s. Most of the oldies had moved away /died off and seemed to almost endless stream of white trash underclass. I did sell a mug to Bernie Clifton once though. This pic always sums the place up for me .

Burnley1989 · Post by **Burnley1989** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 6:25 pm

fanzone wrote: ↑
Sat Apr 23, 2022 4:03 pm
Is an absolute dump.

Sadly it were my idea to have a drive over and a walk up and down the golden mile. Hands up its the worst idea iv had in a very long time.

I did the same it’s horrific, run by Russians and polish now, I’d certainly not take my children again.

Southport is nice though

Cirrus_Minor · Post by **Cirrus_Minor** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 6:36 pm

Blackpool is the benchmark for many seaside towns around the UK, a measure of how high or low you set the bar for traditional bucket & spade, kiss me quick hat, pier boozer, cheap boarding house, tits and tinsel, etc.

Love it or hate it, it is as it is and as it has been for donkeys

years.

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 6:46 pm

Blackpool...a day trip...spend a fortune....Fish & Chips...Next visit in 12 months...a day trip....spend a fortune.....Fish & Chips....and so on
How people go here for more than a day trip is beyond me.

CaptJohn · Post by **CaptJohn** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 6:59 pm

claret2018 wrote: ↑
Sat Apr 23, 2022 5:59 pm
Agree that the zoo is good - better than Chester for me

You're having a "Giraffe" mate. When was the last time you were at Chester?

elwaclaret · Post by **elwaclaret** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 7:01 pm

CaptJohn wrote: ↑
Sat Apr 23, 2022 6:59 pm
You're having a "Giraffe" mate. When was the last time you were at Chester?

While I haven’t commented on Chester Zoo (nor would I as a Zoo toady) I can confirm Chester zoo used to be awful (as a lot were at the time).

claret2018 · Post by **claret2018** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 7:05 pm

CaptJohn wrote: ↑
Sat Apr 23, 2022 6:59 pm
You're having a "Giraffe" mate. When was the last time you were at Chester?

Everything is too far apart at Chester. You spend all day walking around to see about 3 animals as the rest are usually miles away

Bosscat · Post by **Bosscat** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 7:22 pm

DCWat wrote: ↑
Sat Apr 23, 2022 5:37 pm
Slippery slope when they began touting for stag and hen do’s.

I loved Blackpool as a youngster - each time I’ve been back as an adult, it’s got worse and worse. **** hole - with the odd decent area.

To be fair, I could count on one hand the decent seaside towns that I’ve been to in England, they’re all suffering a long slow decline.

Morecambe might just be on the up with the Eden Project in a few years

: Eden Project North 2.jpg (134.55 KiB) Viewed 3105 times

Somethingfishy · Post by **Somethingfishy** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 7:31 pm

People of an age will noticeably see a difference in Blackpool. It's been on a decline for a long time. They have tried to revamp it a few times but it is dying a long slow death.
It might be fantastic for the underclass and their loud, obnoxious and tasteless behaviour but for your average person it's not fun. The old fashioned smell of greasy takeaways has given way to the acrid smell of weed more often than not. God knows how they afford the day out because it isn't the cheapest place either.
It's long gone to the dogs i'm afraid.

HahaYeah · Post by **HahaYeah** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 7:41 pm

I''ll never go again afer the last time, there was a big fight on the pleasure beach,

a feller was hitting a woman with a big stick

then a crocodile came along and ate all the sausages - I said come on let's get out of here.

Aclaret · Post by **Aclaret** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 7:55 pm

You can stick your Blackpool Tower up your arse (Sideways) .... still a good away trip mind.

Jamesy · Post by **Jamesy** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 8:08 pm

Blackpool is fine if you accept it for what it is. Let’s not get all snobby when running the place down. If you want £20 per night B and B and sausage and chips for £3 it is right there for you. However if you want to go a bit upmarket Blackpool has got it. Superb theatres, the fantastic Tower ballroom and circus. Cannot beat Northern Soul nights in that fantastic venue. The council have done a lot of work in the last ten years improving the general appearance of the promenade. There are some great hotels in Blackpool offering good rooms and entertainment to boot. We holiday all over Europe and the World but also visit Blackpool several times a year. It’s one of those places that may be it a little shabby around the edges but always delivers. Long live Blackpool.

Jakubclaret · Post by **Jakubclaret** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 8:23 pm

Jamesy wrote: ↑
Sat Apr 23, 2022 8:08 pm
Blackpool is fine if you accept it for what it is. Let’s not get all snobby when running the place down. If you want £20 per night B and B and sausage and chips for £3 it is right there for you. However if you want to go a bit upmarket Blackpool has got it. Superb theatres, the fantastic Tower ballroom and circus. Cannot beat Northern Soul nights in that fantastic venue. The council have done a lot of work in the last ten years improving the general appearance of the promenade. There are some great hotels in Blackpool offering good rooms and entertainment to boot. We holiday all over Europe and the World but also visit Blackpool several times a year. It’s one of those places that may be it a little shabby around the edges but always delivers. Long live Blackpool.

Excellent summary, it depends what you want but in some ways it’s got some good things going for it, there’s some good WMCs away from the front & the transport links aren’t so bad & some decent lancastrians reside there, in some ways the reputation isn’t deserved.

Murger · Post by **Murger** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 9:05 pm

It's a cracking night out. Nowt much else going for it.

Terrier · Post by **Terrier** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 9:37 pm

Anyone remember the bar diamond lils on away days, late 70s?

Cheshireclaret · Post by **Cheshireclaret** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 9:54 pm

We as a family have stayed in Blackpool and the kids really enjoy The Pleasure Beach, The Sandcastle and The zoo. We stay at The Big Blue Hotel, which is lovely and well away from the stag and hen do's.

As someone said above, you can make a trip to Blackpool be whatever you want it to be, if you accept it for what it is.

Top Claret · Post by **Top Claret** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 10:07 pm

fatboy47 wrote: ↑
Sat Apr 23, 2022 6:14 pm

I go there every 25 years, for about an hour, mainly to remind myself why I don't go more

Your a reyt miserable owd **** , keep up the good work granddad

bfcjg · Post by **bfcjg** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 10:09 pm

Problem with Blackpool is there are just to many hotels clinging to the era of the fifties, sixties and early seventies before foreign holidays. If as visitors declined these hotels were just turned into gardens or similar Blackpool wouldn't be like it is now,worst thing was allowing them to become HMO's and the subsequent problems they bring.
I don't mind a walk up the front especially the North but not sure I'd want to stay there or have a night out there.

Bin Ont Turf · Post by **Bin Ont Turf** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 10:23 pm

Like with anything in this country, greed and money spoil things.

A family of four would need to take out a second mortgage to have a good do on the Pleasure Beach, same with the water place and other attractions.

Blackpool is basically a toilet for the Jock masses on holiday.

Bosscat · Post by **Bosscat** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 10:30 pm

Bin Ont Turf wrote: ↑
Sat Apr 23, 2022 10:23 pm
Like with anything in this country, greed and money spoil things.

A family of four would need to take out a second mortgage to have a good do on the Pleasure Beach, same with the water place and other attractions.

Blackpool is basically a toilet for the Jock masses on holiday.

Always used to be a problem last week in July 1st week in August (and the less well off Glaswegians turned up in Morecambe

we used to think thats why they call the Pub on the Front "The Battery" due to the Jocks fighting in lumps on a Saturday (and other) Nights)

Bin Ont Turf · Post by **Bin Ont Turf** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 10:48 pm

Bosscat wrote: ↑
Sat Apr 23, 2022 10:30 pm
Always used to be a problem last week in July 1st week in August (and the less well off Glaswegians turned up in Morecambe we used to think thats why they call the Pub on the Front "The Battery" due to the Jocks fighting in lumps on a Saturday (and other) Nights)

Morecambe, the real Las Vegas of Lancashire.

Bosscat · Post by **Bosscat** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 10:50 pm

Bin Ont Turf wrote: ↑
Sat Apr 23, 2022 10:48 pm
Morecambe, the real Las Vegas of Lancashire.

Blackpool is the Las Veghastly

of Lancashire

distortiondave · Post by **distortiondave** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 11:02 pm

I paid god knows how much to learn to drive in a week in Blackpool.
It was the worst 15 years of my life.

BurnleyFC · Post by **BurnleyFC** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 11:03 pm

Blackpool is fine for what it is, and next door at Lytham St. Anne’s is beautiful.

LoveCurryPies · Post by **LoveCurryPies** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 11:13 pm

Went there 40 years ago with a group of student friends. On arrival, the owner showed us a sign saying “Stains on the bed sheets will be charged for”.

That got me thinking....was it by type or size or number of stains?

Seriously, that’s why I’ve never been back.

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Sat Apr 23, 2022 11:25 pm

Blackpool is paradise compared to F**king Morecambe

Dressinggown · Post by **Dressinggown** » Sun Apr 24, 2022 12:15 am

No matter, that is a sh*thole, there are places that long live in the memories as being well and truly bad.

Getting battered 5-2 with Mark Kendall in the nets is right up there.

Burnley1989 · Post by **Burnley1989** » Sun Apr 24, 2022 12:45 am

Jamesy wrote: ↑
Sat Apr 23, 2022 8:08 pm
Blackpool is fine if you accept it for what it is. Let’s not get all snobby when running the place down. If you want £20 per night B and B and sausage and chips for £3 it is right there for you. However if you want to go a bit upmarket Blackpool has got it. Superb theatres, the fantastic Tower ballroom and circus. Cannot beat Northern Soul nights in that fantastic venue. The council have done a lot of work in the last ten years improving the general appearance of the promenade. There are some great hotels in Blackpool offering good rooms and entertainment to boot. We holiday all over Europe and the World but also visit Blackpool several times a year. It’s one of those places that may be it a little shabby around the edges but always delivers. Long live Blackpool.

Mate I’m as old school as you get, but it’s not what it was 10-15 years ago, it’s bloody rough.

bfccrazy · Post by **bfccrazy** » Sun Apr 24, 2022 4:29 am

CaptJohn wrote: ↑
Sat Apr 23, 2022 6:59 pm
You're having a "Giraffe" mate. When was the last time you were at Chester?

I prefer Blackpool Zoo tbh, you can walk around it all casually and see everything in a day which is great for kids.

I’ve been to Chester about 4 times this year and still don’t think I have seen everything (which is fine for me as I’ll visit again and look at different sections …… but it’s a bit rubbish for kids who’ll be dragged around for a 2 minute stop at an enclosure to be hurried on just to get around and see more, rather than fully enjoy the experience.

Quicknick · Post by **Quicknick** » Sun Apr 24, 2022 5:02 am

I think I could put up with a weekend in Blackpool, just for old times' sake.

Ptangyangkipperbang · Post by **Ptangyangkipperbang** » Sun Apr 24, 2022 8:56 am

Terrier wrote: ↑
Sat Apr 23, 2022 9:37 pm
Anyone remember the bar diamond lils on away days, late 70s?

My first holiday with my mates 1981 as 16 year olds spent the full week drinking in there as it was the only club we could get in.

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Sun Apr 24, 2022 9:15 am

Steve1956 wrote: ↑
Sat Apr 23, 2022 11:25 pm
Blackpool is paradise compared to F**king Morecambe

All I would say to that is you start walking from the top of the cycle/walkway at the Golf Club, and walk/cycle down it to Heysham, and you'll change your mind

Wouldn't recommend much more than that though, but I can't recommend that for the views enough

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Sun Apr 24, 2022 9:23 am

Lancasterclaret wrote: ↑
Sun Apr 24, 2022 9:15 am
All I would say to that is you start walking from the top of the cycle/walkway at the Golf Club, and walk/cycle down it to Heysham, and you'll change your mind

Wouldn't recommend much more than that though, but I can't recommend that for the views enough

Looking out over Morecambe Bay is beautiful it what's behind your back as you look that's rank.