Whats the easyest: stayover in Blackpool or Manchester?

[crazy B]

Hi, I'm planning a trip to England at the end of October because I think it isn't that crowded in the themeparks over there.

 

I'm travelling by train using the Eurostar from Brussels to London. But then i should take the train to either Blackpool or Manchester. I want to visit Alton Towers and Blackpool if possible. When Blackpool turns out to far, I probably will visit drayton manor (the park which has the only stand-up coaster off Europe).

 

Now comes the question for u guys that live in the UK. Should i directly take a train to Blackpool and book my hotel (Blackpool is the cheapest). Or is it easier to take the train to Manchester and visit the parks starting from there? I'll only go midweek so i want to do one park a day.

Sites with info about Brittish railways are also welcome because i don't seem to find one general site

 

Greetings,

Bart

[Groteslurf]

Hi Bart,

 

Info about trains in the UK, I leave that up to UK readers.

 

I can only give you some other advise :

you probably want to visit Alton Towers aswell ? I would then recommend to sleep near AT and go to DM and BPB from there.

If you want, I can give you some excellent B&B addresses near AT.

 

Is going by car not an option ? We did DM, BPB, AT + TP on 4 days and slept 3 nights in the same B&B near AT. I think going by public transport to these 4 parks will not be that easy.

 

Another tip is flying fm Antwerp airport to Manchester.

[crazy B]

Thanks Groteslurf.

 

Info about the b&b would be great because I searched on the internet for some single rooms but most of them our about € 280 for 3-4 nights.

 

I thought of renting a car but driving at the left side of the road kinda scares me . The car probably won't make it through the first crossroad or roundabout.

 

Does Antwerp fly on Manchester? I didn't know that. Birmingham is also one off the posibility's i guess. But travelling with the Eurostar seams much cheaper to me. If I can fly to manchester or Birmingham for €150 I'll take the plain.

 

Next year I'll probably join the RC and go on some trips. I've heard nothing then great stuff on TPV and Bjorn (zottewoef)

[Divv3k]

For train info check www.nationalrail.co.uk

[texcoaster]

Hi, I'm planning a trip to England at the end of October because I think it isn't that crowded in the themeparks over there.

 

Yeah, that's what I thought, too.

 

It turns out that Halloween is one of the busiest times for Alton Towers. It was PACKED, and took freakin forever to even get to it on those little back roads full of cars.

 

The other parks were crowded as well, but Alton was insane.

[Groteslurf]

^^^

 

Here are the b&b websites, all located only a few miles fm AT :

 

 

http://www.alvertonmotel.co.uk/

http://www.rowanlodge.co.uk/

http://www.thewarren-bb.com/

http://www.the-malthouse.com/

http://www.chainedoak.com/

http://www.hermitagefarm.co.uk/home.htm

http://www.shawgatefarm.co.uk/

http://www.smoothhound.co.uk/hotels/hillside.html

http://www.tenementfarm.co.uk/

http://www.crowtreesfarm.co.uk/

http://www.fieldsfarmbb.co.uk/

http://www.cross-farm.co.uk/

 

We slept in the Rowanlogde. Very friendly people and great breakfast.

Last time I checked, all b&b were priced btwn Gbp 18 and 30 pp/pn.

 

Vlm is flying fm Antwerp to Manchester but after checking their website, it seems really very expensive.

www.antwerp-airport.be/

 

About driving at the left, the first time I was also really nervous but after 2 or 3 roundabouts, I was used to it and in fact it wasn't that difficult at all.