Last updated on July 10th, 2016 at 06:13 pm
As an expat family we spend a lot of time using our big family holiday time to see family instead of holidays elsewhere which means we love a good weekend getaway just the four of us. B had been learning all about Blackpool at school and came home asking us to take him there for a visit someday. Well it came sooner than “someday”when Travelodge got in touch to join their amazing campaign for #GetawayWithTravelodge in Blackpool, it was just too perfect for us to say, yes and check it out. I have only been there once myself in the nine years I have lived in England. The weekend we were planning to go, Daddy had to work and it turned out the same time as my Mother was visiting from the states so we decided it was going to be a very special, special family weekend getaway with Grandma!
I get to see my Mother once maybe twice a year if I am super lucky and so I was really excited to take the kids away with her in tow. I love getting to spend time with her and watching the kids bond with her too on our many adventures. We had our itinerary set, we would spend a day at Sandcastle Waterpark which literally is right across the street from the Travelodge South Promenade where we stayed and the following day spend it at Blackpool Zoo. Both places have come highly recommended for the kids and we couldn’t wait to try it out along with a lovely stay over in the hotel. 
We used the sat nav that took us straight to the hotel easily and followed the signs for parking behind the hotel. It is limited but we scored a space right up front and went to to check in. The kids get all excited to stay in a different place than home and the automatic opening door got them all giddy. They are easily pleased, I know! You enter the lobby and can see into the bright cafe and bar area. (photo below).
The room was spacious as it had a kind bed with the Travelodge blue and red decor which was nice and next to it two full single beds for the kids. You could tell them have been put in to create a family room so if you were staying as a couple you would have tons of space in this area for your stuff. There were shelves to hang your coat and clothes and a desk full of amenities. The bathroom looks smaller than it really is in the photo below as it’s a corner bathroom. But the kids fully enjoyed their bath (see below). 
The kids couldn’t have been more excited to sleep in two single beds like big kids and right next to each other. This is the first time we have ever put MM into a big single bed and let them sleep together. I wanted it to be a very special treat so I was excited they were happy (and a little nervous) about this sleeping arrangement. They made me fold their pjs at the bottom of each of their bed, ready for when they got back from swimming at Sandcastle Water Park. Right away, B was telling her stories and they were watching out the window as people walked by on the next street. They looked so grown up in their own little beds, it was really cute. My Mother and I had plenty of room to share the king bed.
We had a little bite to eat at Wetherspoons next door which was recommended as a great place to eat. I liked how close it was to the hotel. Then we returned to get ready to hit the water slides. The kids rolled around on the bed and ran around the hotel room for a bit while we packed our swimming gear and towels. We made our way across the street to the water park. I like the fact that you can walk to so many different places from this Travelodge. It was really handy parking there for the weekend and just walking to everything and not having to worry about loading up and finding more parking elsewhere. Pleasure Beach is literally right next door too. So whatever your Blackpool adventures have in store, it’s close to where we stayed.
The kids just walking up to the water park were full of excitement. B couldn’t believe it that he had just asked to go to Blackpool and here we were on the Blackpool sea front. They were both mesmerized by the water as much as the slides that stood before them. Even I love a good adventure in a place I am not familiar with. I know that Blackpool can have a stereotype too that I won’t even mention but I didn’t see that side of it. Where we were staying, it was pleasant and full of fun to be had by all. 
It’s hard to get many photos in the water park with a camera but we do have a lovely video from our day at Sandcastle above. Would love you to check it out and see just how much fun little tots can have there. Even on a Saturday, I didn’t feel like it was too busy for the little ones to run around and be merry. They were thrilled Grandma was going up and down the slides with them too. It was a great family day out.
After hours of swimming, sliding and water logged ears we were ready for dinner and some down time in the hotel. Mommy and Grandma had been traveling in London the passed two days so they were ready for down time too. We ate dinner in the restaurant and bar at the Travelodge. The menu was large and had a variety of choices for kids and adults. They catered for my son’s allergies which was amazing. The portions were great as were the prices and the food. We filled our belly’s with much needed food we could. Grandma and MM were bonding over “cheers milk” which is fast becoming a family joke in our house as we cheers everything. If you watch my latest youtube you can see us “cheers cookies”. Yeah, well that’s just the fun, crazy, silly family that we are. I love this photo of my mother and here below doing their “cheers milk” before our food arrived.
The kids were absolutely exhausted but we needed to rinse that chlorine off before we tucked everyone in to bed, adults included. According to my son, if there is a bath, we must try it out. He is always asking to take baths at people’s houses when we visit. Hilarious! They soon perked up when the suds started to form. The tub was large enough to throw them in together and save time. 
I snuggled in between them to watch a little tv before bedtime. It was such a good first day in Blackpool. We had a full day still packed and ready to go the next day.
We woke on Sunday morning and went downstairs for some breakfast in the restaurant and bar area. There was a buffet style breakfast on which was so inviting. You could smell it all the way down the hall. Our mouths were watering before we even got there. I am really funny about my hot breakfast in a hotel. I like my scrambled eggs cooked fluffy and dry and the Travelodge got that spot on. I was impressed with all the hot choices. None of it was sitting in grease or juices like other hotel breakfast. There is always new stuff being brought out to keep it topped up. The choices for cereal, toast, and granola/yogurt breakfasts were of plenty too. I had to have a little of both. The rest of the family filled their plates too, stocking up for the day at Blackpool Zoo. 
We checked out of the hotel and really did have a great stay. Overall, we thought the hotel was clean, friend, and comfortable and the staff were friendly and quick to sort whatever you needed.
Cons: Obviously with all hotels you can’t pick your neighbors and there were some teenager girls that may have had to little talking to in the middle of the night from me but finally stopped the door slamming and giggling. Rooms don’t come with hair dryers so bring your own or ring reception if they have one to borrow. The toiletries were all in one meaning your shampoo, body wash, and hand soap were all the same soap in one dispenser. Some people can get away with using this but I need shampoo and conditioner separate for hair like mine otherwise no brush is ever getting through it. These were the only minor details I felt were cons. We slept good, the kids slept good and we had a great stay.
We set out for Blackpool Zoo. I am like a big kid at the Zoo. I want to see every single animal, reading all about it and go home with big stuffed animals as souvenirs. My kids are just like their Momma (and Grandma). We got to lucky with the weather as it was beautiful blue skies, cold but gorgeous day to see the animals.
B was map boy again as he is for every Zoo we visit. He showed us which animals we were going to see next and led us straight into the dinosaur display area. Even I was mesmerized by the size, names, and all about the dinosaurs as he was. There were so many to look at and learn about that I have never heard of. That was by far B’s favorite part of the zoo next to the lion coming right up to the fence and growling at him. MM of course loved the giraffes, monkeys, and elephants. The animals all seemed to be dancing around in the sun light and chirping and growling in the wind. The Blackpool Zoo was full of noises that day and the kids were in awe of it all. 
We ate lunch at the Zoo and had a little rest from all our walking and animal sightseeing. We got to catch a few feeds times on the schedule too which was awesome to see. Then of course the kids found the big playground. That was it. We benched ourselves as they climbed in and around the climbing frame and up and down the slides. There is something in a playground that my kids are drawn to and never want to leave. 
After a long play on the playground we went to see the orangutang otherwise known to MM as the big monkeys. They were swinging and singing around in their high net cages. The kids were transfixed on how far they can throw themselves across from rope to rope. 
It was such a lovely family weekend getaway to Blackpool and made very special with having my Mother there with us too. I have enjoyed the time spent with my little tots too. They love a good adventure and to see different parts of the world. Now, B can say he has been to Blackpool too. He is ever so excited about this. My kids are grateful as much as I am for the adventures we have experience.
We have to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Travelodge as we enjoyed joining in their lovely family campaign and our stay at the Travelodge South Promenade.
Looks like you had such a fab stay with you mum and kids in Blackpool. We visited last year and loved it too – there is SOOOOO much to do!
We really did have so much fun. I never thought of Blackpool as a great little mini getaway place for really young ones but it was nice. I am dying to see the lights everyone talks about though this year.
I would love to go to Blackpool – it looks like you had such a great time! x
It was our first time ever but great for kids at the waterpark and zoo for sure. Thanks hun.
I’m from Blackpool (although I now live in Scotland) and we go and visit my parents a few times a year. Having lived there until I was 18 I couldn’t imagine ever going on a holiday there but it looks like you had a great time! We haven’t been to the zoo since Toby was born – I think he’d love it though so maybe we should go next time we’re down that way.
Oh yes that’s with most places when we grow up there it isn’t really a holiday place. We wouldn’t do much else as my two are little but the zoo and waterpark was lovely for just a weekend.
Beautiful photos. You all look so happy to be spending time in BLackpool together. I used to be at uni in Lancaster so went to Blackpool a couple of times – I found everyone there looked so miserable but we loved it. Cheese factor of seaside town. I also went on a dance weekender there and got to dance in Blackpool Tower which was beautiful
Wow dancing in the tower that sounds great. Yes it’s run down but I think with small ones just going to the waterpark and staying over and seeing the zoo it makes for a lovely short getaway destination. Wouldn’t spend week or long vacations there. We had the best time though.
It looks like the loveliest time together. I bet you are treasuring every moment of having your Mama with you. x
Oh I really am and so sad she is going back next week. Oh the *tears. We just videoed an interview with her this morning for My Expat Series which was emotional bless but a true glimpse into being separated. We have had the best few weeks though together. So grateful for it.
Ooh that Travelodge looks really chic! So nice to have something nice on a budget, will check them out for my next break #sharewithme
Thanks lovely it was great to do a mini getaway and not cost an arm and leg we had a great time.
It looks like you had a great time with your mum and children, I bet you made so many lovely memories to treasure forever. Your hotel sounds like it was in the perfect location for fun at the water park. I had no idea Blackpool even had a zoo! I have only ever visited Blackpool once as a child for a day trip to see the lights, It looks like it is much more family friendly these days xx
Yes I like to go places where we can walk to everything and really make the most of our trip with everything close. The travelodge is the perfect location for pleasure beach, waterpark, wetherspoons and the sea front to pack it all in. I have yet to see the lights but must go this year.
What a brilliant weekend getaway. It looks like you packed loads in and had lots of fun. I have never visited Blackpool but it is on my list. the travel lodge looked lovely too.
We didn’t have much time cause of school during the weekend but we definitely made the most of every minute that weekend. So worth it just for a little getaway. I hadn’t ever visit either but it’s nice to just go somewhere different for a change.
looks like so much fun! Travelodge are such good value I think. Great videos x
OH thanks hun I agree and thanks for watching my videos I know there were a lot but it was extra special to look back on our weekend away with Grandma in tow.
What a massively fun packed time you had, I bet you were exhausted. I am so pleased you got to do this with your Mom, makes it so special xxx
Thanks lovely it really did make it extra special for us both and it was lovely to watch Grandma and the kids going down slides and bonding too.
I love Blackpool, especially when the lights get switched on. Its a lovely day out and we have ate in the wetherspoons many a times there #sharewithme
OH we have never been with the lights every one raves about them. It’s handy with everything so close by to walk to isn’t it?
Lovely – we went to the water park last summer and it was a super day out. We are heading to Blackpool at Easter this year #sharewithme
Oh that will be so fun. Hoping the weather is warmer for you than when we went. haha But there was beautiful blue skies at least. Enjoy and happy easter.
Looks like you had a great time. I wish hotels did more family rooms where you could actually section off where the kids sleep. The amount of nights the husband and I have spent whispering in hotel bathrooms! #Sharewithme
I think they really should do more rooms like that for sure in hotels. It’s so hard to keep the us all in the same space and not stay up too late or sit in total darkness. The hotel bathroom evenings aren’t the finest we all have had them though. 🙂 Thanks lovely.
We aren’t that far from Blackpool and have some fab memories of days out there as a child and again with my four. We went to the sandcastle last summer and had an amazing time, so glad you enjoyed it! #sharewithme
We aren’t that far from Blackpool and have some fab memories of days out there as a child and again with my four. We went to the sandcastle last summer and had an amazing time, so glad you enjoyed it! #sharewithme
It’s great for family weekends away as we don’t live far from it either funny though it was our first time ever going but possibly not the last. We had a great time thanks for stopping by lovely and commenting.
It looks like it was a fab break! I’ve never been to Blackpool – but plan to one day!! 🙂
I hadn’t ever been either until this past weekend but it was lovely for the little ones.
Its looks and sounds like you had a lovely time together. Its nice they you have such a lovely bond with your Mum and I hope you have a fab time for the rest of her stay. x
Ah what a brilliant mini-break! Blackpool sounds like it has lots of fun things to offer families! Your Travel Lodge room looks so clean & modern. Great video, I enjoyed getting a peak at your holiday. #sharewithme
Sounds like a fun-filled family getaway! I had been to Blackpool and looking through your photos and videos makes me want to visit there again now that the kids are bigger. We have been in a lot of Travelodge hotels too and they’re really good and affordable as well. Lovely photos and videos! #sharewithme
Looks like you had a lovely time and it must have been lovely spending some time with your mum too! I haven’t been to blackpool in years! It brings back memories! #Sharewithme
It looks like you had such a fantastic time, my parents would often take us on day trips to Blackpool as a kid so I have fond memories of it. Plus for 3 years on the run our end of year school trip was to Blackpool Zoo.
The travelodge looks lovely, I’m quite impressed! xx
Looks like you’re having a wonderful time with your mum 🙂 Enjoy!
I’ve been to that waterpark. It’s a brilliant day out. We had a lot of fun riding the flumes. Ahh, good times. Sounds like you had a great trip. Nice that you were be able to take your Mum too.
Sally @ Life Loving
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Looks like you all had a fabulous time! I am very impressed by the Water Park! Looks awesome! A stay in a hotel is always a treat and great fun! My kids used to love just staying a night but that would be all they wanted to do – stay in the room! #sharewithme
Oh yes my two loved the room but they are a bit like me I love a hotel stay or two. lol We had a brilliant time. Thanks lovely.
Aw it looks like you had a super special time with you mother Jenny. What a lovely thing to do! #sharewithme
What a lovely weekend you all had & lots of special time with your Mum, it must be hard living so far apart. We were planning on taking a trip to Blackpool this year because Magoo is crazy for Strictly Come Dancing & we wanted to show her the Tower Ballroom. It looks like there’s loads of other family activities available & I know you can buy tickets to visit multiple attractions. Your post has convinced me that we must make a visit there! #sharewithme
I used to spend a lot of time in Blackpool as a kid as we had family near there. I used to love the water park and the arcades – it really is a kid’s playground! Looks like you had a fan time and so lovely that you were able to take your mum. #sharewithme xx
What a fantastic weekend you all had and how lovely that your mum got to enjoy it too. We went to the waterpark just after Christmas and we were really impressed with it. We hired the private cabana for the day which had its own jacuzzi. The travelodge looks in a great location. Beautiful pictures as always Jenny x