Blackpool's BEST Kept Secret? Bawdens Holiday Apartments Await!
Blackpool's BEST Kept Secret? Bawdens Holiday Apartments Await! - Or Are They? (A Totally Honest Review)
Okay, people, let's talk Blackpool. You've got the lights, the Tower, the Pleasure Beach – the usual, right? But finding a decent place to stay? Let's be honest, it can be a bit of a lottery. So, when a friend whispered about Bawdens Holiday Apartments, calling it Blackpool’s "best kept secret," I thought, "Challenge accepted." I went in with an open mind (and a healthy dose of skepticism). Here's the lowdown, warts and all, because that’s the only way to do it.
First, the Hype: "Wheelchair Accessible" - But Hold On… (Accessibility Rundown)
So, the claim of "Wheelchair Accessible" made me perk up. Accessibility is HUGE, and frankly, it's often a lie in the UK. The elevator is a MUST-HAVE (check!), and they do claim to have facilities for disabled guests. I'm not personally in a wheelchair, but I did take a very close look. The entrance seemed generally accessible (no crazy steps), but I'd definitely recommend contacting Bawdens directly beforehand to verify the specifics of the individual apartment if you have mobility needs. Don't just assume, and trust me on this one, it's a good lesson to learn fast!. My Anecdote: Remember the importance of asking the staff.
I, however, did have to struggle with my luggage and could have used a porter. My luggage ended up falling all over the place, because I needed a porter, which I didn't get. The Staff could have helped, but, well, I got there. I had to carry my luggage, so that was a bummer.
Cleanliness & Safety – Because Let's Face It, You Want to Survive Blackpool!
- Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, stuff is good, yes. This is a big selling point for me.
- Staff trained in safety protocol is crucial.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere: Yay!
- First aid kit: Always a good sign!
- Safe dining setup: They had the option for "Safe dining setup," including alternatives, like takeaway - I didn't use them, but the option is there.
- Hotel could definitely have been cleaner. It's was a tad messy.
Important Note: The world is still weird, so seeing that Bawdens takes cleanliness seriously is absolutely top-tier.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking – Fueling the Blackpool Adventures (Or Not?)
Let’s be honest, Blackpool isn’t known for its Michelin stars. Bawdens themselves don't have an on-site restaurant. The good news? You're surrounded by options, from greasy spoons to… well, still mostly greasy spoons!
- "Breakfast in room" is an option: This feels very luxurious, but I didn't use it.
- "Breakfast takeaway service" - also possible.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – (A Mild Disappointment)
This is where Bawdens’ “secret” status starts to reveal itself. This isn’t a full-blown resort. Here’s the REALITY (and my honest opinion):
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Nope.
- Pool, sauna, spa, any of that: Again, nope.
- No Body scrubs or Wraps.
Honestly, if you're looking for a full-on spa experience, look elsewhere. Bawdens is about location and a comfortable base.
Rooms & Amenities – What You Actually Get
Okay, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the apartments themselves. I'm going to go through everything, because you need a realistic expectation!
- Accessibility? Look, the elevator made it accessible to the upper floors.
- Air Conditioning: Yes, thank goodness. Blackpool in summer can get… toasty.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! And it worked!
- Internet Access: And Internet [LAN] too – but who uses that anymore?
- Blackout curtains: Essential for those late-night… adventures.
- Coffee/tea maker: Check. Very Important.
- Refrigerator: Essential, if you are on a budget: Check. You are sorted.
- Extra long bed? Probably, I did not notice it.
- Bathroom
- The shower was great!
- Soundproofing: The rooms were surprisingly quiet, considering the location.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yes, and it worked!
Services & Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
- Daily housekeeping: Yes..
- Laundry service: YES! (The little things!)
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Concierge : No.
- Cash withdrawal : No.
- Check-in/out [express]: Yes.
For the Kids – Family-Friendly?
- Family/child friendly: Yes! Bawdens seems very geared towards families, which it does well.
Getting Around – Location, Location, Location!
This is where Bawdens really shines.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes! (Huge plus in Blackpool!)
- Car park [on-site]: Also yes.
My Final, Unfiltered Verdict and a Compelling Offer (Because You Deserve the TRUTH)
Alright, so is Bawdens Blackpool’s “best kept secret”? Well… not exactly. It's not a luxury resort, and it doesn't have all the bells and whistles.
BUT…
It's clean, safe, and perfectly positioned! The location is fantastic – you're steps away from everything. Plus, the free parking is a HUGE win.
Here's the REAL deal, and what Bawdens actually is:
A comfortable, well-located, and family-friendly base for exploring Blackpool.
My Recommendation? If you are looking for a luxurious Hotel with several spas and restaurants, then Bawdens Holiday Apartments are not for you. But, if you are a Budget Conscious Traveller, with a family that wants to be near the action, then this is the place for you.
My Compelling Offer (Because I Know What You NEED!):
Book your stay at Bawdens Holiday Apartments NOW and get a FREE bottle of Prosecco (when you mention this review at check-in!) to toast your Blackpool adventure. PLUS, you'll get access to a discount code for local attractions.
Don't expect perfection, do expect convenience, and get ready to have a blast!
Click here to book your stay and claim your exclusive offer! This link leads to their website.
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Blackpool, Baby! (Or, The Bawdens and the Battle for Sanity) - A Travel Diary
Right, let's be brutally honest. Me and Blackpool? Not exactly a match made in heaven. I'm more "quaint Cotswolds village" than "kiss-me-quick buckets and spades," but the Bawdens Holiday Apartments… well, they came highly recommended by Aunt Mildred (who, bless her heart, still thinks dial-up is peak internet). So, here goes. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because, frankly, I'm expecting one.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Chip Panic
- 13:00 - 14:00: Travel Chaos (Okay, let's face it, journey hell). Train delayed by an hour. Arrived at the Bawdens, absolutely knackered. Found the key in the lockbox, felt a swell of accomplishment. This might actually work!
- 14:00 - 15:00: Apartment Reconnaissance: Okay, the apartment. Bit… cozy. Smelled faintly of disinfectant and hope (a heady mix). The sofa's seen better days, but hey, it's functional. And the view? Well, it's a brick wall mostly. Charming.
- 15:00 - 16:00: The Chip Crisis. Apparently, Blackpool runs on chips. Decided to find some sustenance. Found a chippy. Queue snaked down the street. Panicked. Felt the abyss of an empty stomach yawn. Finally, triumph! Cod and chips, covered in salt. The chips, mind you, were glorious, but the seagulls! Oh. My. God. I swear one nearly snatched the entire plate from my hand. (Emotional Reaction: bordering on terror, mixed with begrudging respect for their chip-snatching skills.)
- 16:00 - 17:00: Settling in, slight panic. Managed to find a Tesco Express (Miracle!), panic shopping, realizing I’ve forgotten basic things… like coffee. How can I function without coffee? Started unpacking. Found a suspicious stain on one of the towels. Sigh.
Day 2: Promenade Prowl and the Ghost Train of Doom
- 9:00 - 10:00: Wake up! (After a surprisingly good night's sleep, thanks to earplugs, and a decent amount of wine the night before). Coffee, finally!
- 10:00 - 12:00: Promenade Exploration: Okay, the Promenade. It's… something. The sheer volume of people is overwhelming. And the noise! Arcade bleeps, kids screaming, seagulls doing seagull things. But, the air…fresh! And the sea! I suppose it's the ocean. I find myself walking along the promenade, trying to take it all in, the kitsch, the history, the sheer audacity of it all. Found a little cafe, had a very over priced coffee. Had a little chat with a guy, who told me how the illuminations keep the money coming, and then he showed me the tower, and a little map of the tower. (Quirky observation: The sheer variety of people-watching is almost hypnotic)
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch and a Quick Change of Heart: More fish and chips. (Because, Blackpool). This place was worse than the last. Rubbish, the chips were hard as a rock. I asked them to change it, they did, and they were still rubbish. I guess I’ve got to get over it.
- 13:00 - 14:00: The Tower This place is impressive, and the lift is terrifying, especially when you get to the top! (Emotional Reaction: Mixture of awe and mild vertigo.)
- 15:00 - 17:00: The Ghost Train. (Doubling down on THIS experience). OMG. I AM STILL SCREAMING. I am not, I repeat, NOT a fan of anything even vaguely spooky. The darkness, the jump scares, the creaking doors… I clung to the safety bar like it was my lifeline. The other people on the ride were enjoying it! Laughing and having a whale of a time. I wanted to be sick. At the end, as I reeled out, I had to sit down and drink water, and take a few deep breaths. Now, I am going to stay away from anything that involves the dark, and sudden noises or movements! (Emotional Reaction: Trauma. Utter, unadulterated trauma. Also, I’m now convinced I saw a real ghost. Or maybe just a particularly enthusiastic prop.)
Day 3: The Big One and a Slight Regret
- 9:00 - 10:00: Breakfast. Eggs on toast. And more coffee. God bless coffee.
- 10:00 - 14:00: Pleasure Beach. The Big One! (Messy rambling ahead…) Right, the Big One. Against my better judgment, I went. The queue was immense. The anticipation… well, it was building to a fever pitch. And then… woosh. The initial climb, the sheer height, the wind whipping my hair – it was exhilarating! Then the drop… pure, unadulterated terror! I screamed the entire way down. (Emotional Reaction: adrenaline rush. A kind of terror that is surprisingly addictive, and strangely satisfying.) The rest of the day was spent trying to calm down with more chips, and sugar.
- 14:00 - 16:00: Regret. I am tired of chips.
- 17:00 - 19:00: Pack Going home tomorrow, I'm not unhappy!
Day 4: Departure, and a Surprising Epiphany
9:00: Last coffee. Last look at the brick wall.
10:00: Check-out. The Bawdens… not the Ritz, but it did its job, I suppose. Aunt Mildred would be proud.
11:00: Train and Goodbye Got to train station to go home.
Final Thoughts: Blackpool. I came, I saw, I screamed. It's chaotic, it's loud, it's a little bit grubby, and the chips, well, I think I've had enough of them for a lifetime. And I'm definitely never going on a ghost train again. But… there's a certain energy to the place, a gritty charm I can't quite deny. Blackpool has seeped into my bones. Would I come back? Maybe. After a long, long break. Possibly. Okay, alright. Fine. Maybe I miss it a little bit already. Don't tell anyone.
Blackpool's BEST Kept Secret... Honestly, Bawdens? FAQs (with a whole lotta baggage!)
Okay, so... Bawdens? Never heard of 'em. Are they even *real*?
Real? Oh, honey, they're *real*. Believe me, I’ve wrestled with their reality after a particularly brutal night out (more on that later). Think of it like this: you're stumbling around Blackpool, blinded by the glitter and the questionable chippies, and then... BAM! Bawdens. It's like finding a little oasis of… well, not exactly luxury, but definitely sanity. Or, at least, *relatively* sane compared to the rest of Blackpool.
I’d seen adverts. Pictures of smiling families. But was it a *lie*? I had to investigate. And the results... mixed, shall we say. But definitely real.
What *exactly* is the big secret they’re keeping? Is it the Wi-Fi?
Ooh, good question! The *secret* isn’t about the Wi-Fi (it’s… functional, let’s say. Don’t expect Netflix binges, okay?). The secret is more… the feeling. That feeling you get when you find a place in Blackpool that's not completely bonkers. It's a haven, a pit stop for sanity between the Pleasure Beach and the Tower. Seriously, you'll need it.
Are they, like, actually nice apartments? I'm terrified of damp and questionable stains.
Right, honest moment here. Let’s not pretend Bawdens is a five-star hotel. It's Blackpool, darling! Five stars in Blackpool means they probably have a disco on every balcony. (And, frankly, I’m sometimes down for that). Bawdens is… practical. Clean. Not exactly swanky. You *might* find a scuff mark or two, you know, the kind that tells a story of Blackpool past. But generally, they’re well-maintained, which is a small miracle given the parade of wildness they probably have to put up with. My experience? I actually found them comfortable. Very comfortable after a day of relentless arcade games.
I booked a family apartment - and the kids had their own room! Heaven!
What about the location? Is it far from the action? Because I want IN on the action.
The location is... *chef’s kiss*. Not *right* in the thick of the chaos, thank the gods. But close enough that you can stumble to the tower in under 20 minutes (depending on how many ice creams you've consumed). It’s a good balance. You get the peace when you want it, and the glittery, chaotic, slightly terrifying Blackpool experience when you *think* you want it.
I remember one night... we'd been on the Tower Eye, and I was feeling brave. Then, out of the blue, a seagull attacked my chips. Literally, *attacked*. Bawdens was a soothing thought after that trauma.
Parking! Parking is the bane of my Blackpool existence. What's the deal?
Okay, parking in Blackpool is like a contact sport. Bawdens... has parking. (Phew!). It's not a huge car park, but it *exists*. That's a major win. I managed to get a space, thank the lord (and I wasn't particularly early, either). Check with them beforehand, though, because during peak season, it's probably a free-for-all. Consider it a bonus if you can park easily. A *massive* bonus.
So, what's the *one* thing you absolutely loved at Bawdens? (Or hated... bring on the drama!)
Okay, okay, deep breath. I loved... the escape. After a particularly rambunctious day battling screaming kids on the seafront, and trying to win a giant teddy bear (which I failed to do, obviously), coming back to Bawdens was like a spa day for my frazzled nerves. It was quiet. It was clean. I could actually hear myself think… and that, my friends, is priceless. Seriously: priceless. I actually got a decent night's sleep. In Blackpool! That alone is worth the price of admission. I felt like a new woman.
Oh, and the staff? Really friendly. Even when I probably looked like a dishevelled mess after a day of arcade games and candy floss overload. Bless them.
Now, I *didn't* love the wallpaper in the hallway. But hey, you can't have everything, can you? And believe me, I could close my eyes and pretend it wasn't there after a good two shots of local gin.
Are they kid-friendly? Because let's be honest, that can make or break a family holiday.
Kid-friendly? Absolutely. They understand the chaos. They *expect* the chaos. (Trust me, they've seen worse). They just seem to get that you need a place to decompress after a long day of screaming and sugar rushes. We had a great time - the kids loved it, and I loved it even more. Plus, the apartments are spacious enough that you're not constantly tripping over toys. That alone is worth a medal.
Would you go back? And what would you actually advise someone to do?
Would I go back? Absolutely. I'm already planning my return (yes, I'm that desperate for a break). My advice? Book it. But manage your expectations. Blackpool is Blackpool. Bawdens isn’t a luxury resort, it's a practical, affordable haven in the middle of a whirlwind. Embrace the mess, embrace the fun, and embrace the moments when you can actually relax. Take the kids, take your auntie, take whoever you want. Just do it.
And most importantly? Pack your sense of humour. You're going to need it.
