Blackpool with Jim, Jen & Pat

Staying at a 5 star resort near Blackpool we had a fantastic week exploring all the town has to offer. At the holiday village we enjoyed the fantastic facilities which included restaurants, bars, amusement arcade, pool room and a dance floor which we made full use of.

We visited the Tower where we experienced the 4D cinema, all ducking and diving as the screen jumped out at us, which was an awesome experience. We stood on the glass floor and looked down at the folk far below us, and several of us then went up further on a spiral staircase from where the views were fantastic.

We saw the illuminations, which were fantastic! We had a go on the amusements on the Blackpool front and one day we went bowling. We visited the circus, where everyone enjoyed chuckling at the clowns and was amazed by the daredevil trapeze artists. We also went to the Tower Dungeons, where we were scared by spooks and witches – a great deal of hilarity ensuing.

A highlight for us all was of course going to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom where we danced and enjoyed afternoon tea and cakes. We also found time to visit the Sea Life Centre, where we held star fish and gazed in awe at the great variety of fish, and we went to Madame Tussaud’s where everyone enjoyed all the models, many of which were very life-like. Another great experience was taking a horse and carriage ride, especially as it was Cinderella’s carriage.

We ate out in evenings at traditional country pubs and one evening tried something a bit different at an Indian restaurant where we all sampled various dishes. We certainly had a fun-packed week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Butlins with Pat & Steve

Our first full day was initially spent exploring Butlins and we spent time on the amusements and had lots of fun. Lunch was taken and then it was off to the ten-pin bowling alley and as always it was competitive and very enjoyable. Swimming was next on the agenda and we all had fun with some brave souls going on all of the slides and flumes. Others just enjoyed swimming and splashing about. Later in the day we prepared to go out to a local pub where we celebrated Steven’s birthday. Steven blew out his candle and we had a slice of cake to finish off our dinner. It was then back to Butlins for an evening of “steps and soul”. We were all exhausted after another late night on the dance floor and fell into bed.

The following morning, after breakfast, we drove to Lynton & Lynmouth where we had a lovely walk and had lunch overlooking the beautiful harbour. On our return, we proceeded to have games of snooker and as the weather was still dull we went to the cinema to finish off the afternoon. After dinner we went to enjoy another evening of top entertainment with a “Bee Gees” tribute band. We danced while they were on and then it was dancing to the disco and once again, we were the last to leave!

The next day we took the “spooky train” along the front and into town where we did a little shopping for gifts and then we walked back along the sea front. After lunch it was off to the fun fair and it was time to be turned upside down and inside out for those that had the stomach for such things! It was great fun and we spent a long time there. We had a very civilised afternoon tea and then organised ourselves for dinner and yet another great night of entertainment. This time it was “Take That” and this was followed by “the Blues Brother’s”.

As it was raining cats & dogs in the morning we decided to go again to the cinema, followed by lunch and then swimming and more time in the amusement arcade. Dinner was at another nice country pub and then it was back in time for a “Tina Turner” tribute and then the Butlins cast went into “Glee” mode. It was all highly entertaining and yet another late night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Butlins with Colin & Wendy

On our way to Butlins we stopped for lunch at a restaurant near to Skegness and soon everyone was talking about the start of the holiday. Once we found our accommodation we unpacked and got ready to go out for the evening. We had dinner in the Sun & Moon Pub and proceeded to Centre Stage for an evening of entertainment and dancing.

The following day we headed for the fun fair and everyone tried some of the rides. The bumper cars proved to be the favourite attraction. We spent a short time in the amusements before heading for the Skyline Pavilion to stop for a drink. After lunch we all went to Splash Waterworld for a swim. In the evening we drove to Mumby and went to the Red Lion for dinner. The home cooking is excellent and the pub staff all very friendly. We then drove back to Butlins and spent the rest of the evening in ‘Reds’. We listened to a live band and everyone was up dancing again.

The next day we set out to Mablethorpe to visit The Seal Sanctuary & Nature Centre. Everyone enjoyed all the animals, especially the meerkats. For lunch we went for fish & chips and then we had a stroll along the promenade before buying a few souvenirs. For dinner we went to Pappa John’s for pizza and pasta, then it was back to ‘Reds’ to watch another live band and dance the night away until closing.

The weather had been good all week, and the next morning we rose to glorious sunshine and clear blue skies. We took the opportunity to re-visit the fairground and spent the day on many of the rides. Then we went ten pin bowling, followed by an hour’s archery lessons. After a pub dinner we returned to Butlins in time to watch the evening’s main entertainment – a ‘Take That’ tribute band. Somehow everyone found the energy to dance the night away.

Our last day as always had come too soon. After breakfast and finishing packing we walked back to the Skyline Pavilion to watch a show. There was even time for a little last minute shopping and enjoyment on the amusements before we left.