I'm trying to alternate museums and sightseeing with fun activities for my 11 and 13 year old. Any comments on Blackpool (in later August). We were also thinking of getting tickets to Warwick castle for the jousting tournament. Any comments or addt'l suggestions are appreciated. Thanks <BR>

I vote no on Blackpool in August. It will be very crowded with dayt trippers - it is basically a semi-oldfashioned seaside resort. But that depends on where you will be - I ceratinly wouldn't make a special trip up there. <BR> <BR>As for Warwick -- DO NOT MISS it. But not just the jousting tourney. Warwick Castle is probably the finest in-tact medieval castle in the country. Plus the town is nice too - St Mary's Chruch and the Lord Leycester Hospital are both walking distance from the Castle. Plus it is only 7 miles from Stratford on Avon for all the Will S. connections.

If later August includes the 31st (when the Illuminations start) or later, I wouldn't miss Blackpool. Even if you don't see the Illuminations, try to get there. Blackpool is unique; it's a little sleazy and can be crowded at times, but with the piers and the tower and the dance halls and the trams, you could believe that it's 75 years ago.

I agree with JP. Plus, your 11 and 13 yr. olds will love it and have something to tell their friends about. Enjoy!

Do the illuminations start on the 31st. <BR>The website I was looking at said the 1st. It would make a big difference to when we travel up there. Also, we are staying in Chester for a few days. Are we in commuting distance? <BR>Thanks again.

That's why I mentioned it depends on where you will be. Chester is convenient to Blackpool so in that case definitely go - I just wouldn't travel cross country to get there. <BR> <BR>Chester is wonderful. A great day trip from Chester is into North Wales. There are many castles, Snodonia nat'l park, the ffestiniog narrow gauge railway and wonderful mountain and seaside scenery.

Do you have your lodging for Chester? Might I suggest the Chesire Cat in Christleton, just a bit out of the city centre (not walking distance). 55GBP per night paid for a large, double room. Food and beverages available in the restaurant below all day. An employee named Jay was most helpful.

If you do go to Blackpool be sure to get a stick of rock for your children. It's an English tradition! Like a big peppermint stick with "Blackpool" written inside the stick--it runs all the way through the centre.

Yes, definitely go to Blackpool - and buy a stick of rock! <BR> <BR>Maximum driving time from Chester is 90 minutes. You can go up Blackpool Tower, visit the funfair and any of 3 piers. Yes, it is a bit tacky and it will be packed with people but great just for a day out. Try and go early in the day to avoid traffic. <BR> <BR>Chester is great - a Roman city with lots of history. I recommend you have lunch in the Cathedral (in the city centre). You eat in the Refectory - which is where the monks used to eat centuries ago. Stained glass and tapestries around you. Good value and nice food, AND DIFFERENT! Also, try a boat trip for an hour on the River Dee. <BR> <BR>A visit to the Lake District if you like scenery (2 hours maximum) or York (90 minutes maximum) is recommemded too. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip! <BR> <BR>

My kids loved Warwick Castle, as did I...and these were 8 and 10 year olds who were bored with Blenheim Palace!

We just got back from 15 days in Great Britain last week and one of the places we really enoyed was the Warwick Castle. We there on a Sunday which meant they had a lot of different activities going on and there were a lot of tourists. Interestingly, most of the tourists were English which was nice since most other places we went had lots of Americans (like us) and other foreigners. It was nice seeing Enlish families out for a nice day.<BR><BR>Defintely go. the views from the castle are beautiful.

I've never been to Blackpool but I did go to Warwick Castle and loved it. I would imagine your children would enjoy it, too...especially crawling into the dungeon and torture chambers!<BR><BR>But really, the castle is terrific. If you can make the climb up one of the towers, the view is fabulous.<BR><BR>Lee

According to www.blackpool.com, the Illuminations are from August 31st to November 4th.

Don't miss warwick! It has wax works by Madame Tussauds as well as all that has been described above. take plenty of film. Find out what time the jousting is and plan to stay a little late to have your kids talk to the "knights". I was amazed when one of them told me that the State sport of MD is jousting - which it is, but usually only (some) Marylanders know that!A fun and educational day!

Blackpool is EXTREMELY tacky but also a lot of fun ! Just get acclimatised to the aroma of Chip Fat &amp; Donkey Dung ! The 'Pleasure Beach' is the premier 'white knuckle' theme park in the country. Take much money ....

ttt for Keith

I'm an American living in Leamington Spa adjaent to Warwick. I see many American visitors at the Castle, and they all seem to enjoy it. It's a great place - mix of history, climbing, stately rooms, and gardens. It is wonderful in early June when the purple and pink rhodendron bushes are blossoming, and in July when the Princess Diana rose garden is in bloom.<BR><BR>If you are driving, many people dont' realise that there is another castle 15 minutes away -- Kenilworth Castle, in Kenilworth. It's a wonderful ruin, and serves as a good contrast to well kept Warwick. It's also easy to find.<BR><BR>I've never had any desire to go to Blackpool, it's a bit old-fashioned, and usually rides, attractions, etc aren't as well done as some things in the states - like Disney or Cedar Point. If you kids wan't to experience a decent theme park you could take them to Alton Towers near Stoke-on-Trent, but it's still not up to American style theme parks.

The beginning of the Warwick Castle tour is in the lower floors and great for kids (boring for me). Lots of animated history. The upper floors are very authentic and amazing because it it is the real thing, as it was from the 1700's through the 1900's. Its all original.

The beginning of the Warwick Castle tour is in the lower floors and great for kids (boring for me). Lots of animated history. The upper floors are very authentic and amazing because it it is the real thing, as it was from the 1700's through the 1900's. Its all original.