Train trip to Blackpool

As we have never been to Blackpool before we felt it was somewhere we needed to see for ourselves. When we told people that we were going, most said whatever for !   And you won't like it !

Well we did go and we did like it !   I am not saying that its a place I feel the need to return to ,  but I am glad that I am say I have been there.

It was not what we expected.  It was very clean and the seafront has recently undergone some serious  modernisation.  Lots of seating areas.  No donkeys !   Not one.   Well i guess there was very little beach either !

The lights were nice but not so many as we had imagined  there would be.  Only a couple of decorated trams.  However we really enjoyed some refreshing walks along the seafront.

We travelled to Blackpool by train , changing 3 times. It was the cheapest way to do this journey.  Just a sort walk from the train station there is a fairly new Travelodge.  It was very good value at £32 a night.  The rooms were spacious and the beds new and very comfy.  I was so impressed i gave them the highest rating on Trip Advisor.   Everything seems perfect until checkout.  We asked if we could leave our suitcases at the hotel until later that day.  Our train did not leave until 7pm.  The answer was a very clear NO.  We explained that we did to wish to drag our suitcases around Blackpool for hours.  Unfortunately there was no persuading them at all.  Their only suggestion was that we leave our bags in a locker at the Pleasure Beach complex.  This is the fairground with the Big Dipper etc.  Ok so that's what we would do,  the catch being you have to pay an entry fee for the pleasure beach to be able to use the lockers !  A overall cost of £24 !!!!   No left luggage at the train stations these days. Or bus stations.  Thanks to the terrorists that have made life difficult for everyone.   

Ellen and Mike to the rescue.  Ellen is Les' cousin and she noticed our comment on Facebook that we were in Blackpool and sent a message asking if we could meet up.  They live about a hour north of Blackpool.   It was really nice seeing them and catching up,  we have not seen them for quite a few years.  They kindly stored our luggage in the boot of their car.   We had a lovely day with them and a very long walk.  Stopping off for a fish and chip lunch on the seafront.   The downside of Blackpool is that there is very little choice of restaurants. 

Overall a very nice couple of days experiencing somewhere new.   Another one ticked off the list !