I am considering attending a convention in Blackpool, mainly using it as an excuse for a vaction with touring either before or after. <BR><BR>This is an area I am unfamiliar with. Any comments on what Blackpool and the surounding region have to offer (not that I couldn't take the train to another part of the country?<BR><BR>Thanks!<BR><BR> Keith

Blackpool is the pits of the Universe. I'm topping some stuff on this, so you will realise this is not just MY view. <BR><BR>The Winter Gardens are dire, although the Imperial is pretty good. (guess why I've spent some of the worst weeks of my life there.) The beach is dirty, to the extent of pollution and the restaurants and entertainment epitomise the worst of England of the 1950s.<BR><BR>However, it's within easy reach of the Lake Distrct, the Penines, the Peak District and Wales. So provided your reason is to leave, it's all right to go there.

Thanks Sheila.<BR><BR>When I tried searching this site on Blackpool, it seemed I was only turning up the name being included in lists.<BR><BR> Keith

It's true to say that much of Blackpool has seen better days, but it still remains enormously popular for a short break, esp during the 'Illuminations' in end-Aug to beginning-Nov. The Borough Council has just released a 'Masterplan' to turn it a leading resort for the 21st century. Plans include Vegas-style casino resorts, state-of-the-art conference centre, a giant all-weather aquadome and restoration of buildings to former Victorian grandeur. So 'pool is changing, and it'll be interesting to see how things will turn out.

Well - Blackpool is a traditional English seaside resort but more over tthe top. it is not a place to spend a lot of time. BUT if you have a chance to go to a convention there, you definitely should. It probably won't be more than 2 or 3 days and you can get a kick out of the kitschy stuff. t<BR><BR>Then you can easily get to anywhere else - the Lake District is very close and it isn't far to SW Scotland. A great 4 or 5 days tour would include Northumberland (Hadrian's Wall, etc.), SW Scotland (Castles, beautiful Scenery and Robt Burns connections), and the Lakes. <BR><BR>Your only problem is when - unfortunately in late July and August most of the Lake District gets VERY crowded. But if it is any other time of the year you won't run into many crowds.

Hi<BR><BR>just an idea.<BR>Check out Isle of Man.<BR><BR>Flights go from Blackpool, and its worth a visit.<BR><BR>Peter<BR>http://tlp.netfirms.com<BR><BR>

I haven't been there personally but from wwhat I have heard and seen on TV it seems like Atlantic City/Asbury Park in the old days before the casinos. A bit of a run down beach resort with a huge Amusement Park.

If you are working class, or have been, you will think well of Blackpool. <BR>If you are middle class, or are hoping to become so, the word will send a chill through your body. <BR>It is very up-front, very loud, and self-knowingly tacky. Skirts are short, tattoos abound and beer flows cheaply. The fairground is full of A class rides, as well as Donkey Derby, Hoopla and other such old-fashioned games. The beach is wide and made up of dull sand, the sea is dark and cold, and often far from the promenade. <BR>But, it can be fun. Go, stay in a Hilton or somewhere like that, venture out to Funny Girls (a hilarious tranny-bar that is patronised by all sorts of people) and see whether you like it. If not, then nip up the Lake District. You are not far from Cumbria, or even from York and the Yorkshire Dales. Attend the convention and then go on holiday afterwards.

I really hate Blackpool it's the armpit of Britain.It really is the worst part of Britain.It's loud dirty and full of stag and hen nights. By all means go to your convention make sure you stay in on of the better hotels rather than a tacky B&amp;B.<BR>Like others have said go to the Lake district it's beautiful