I’m heading to what feels like the other end of the world for Christmas – Blackpool. Dubbed the Las Vegas of northwest England, it’s famous for the Pleasure Beach amusement park, Blackpool Tower (featured in BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool Special), and for extreme poverty. It has become known as the most miserable place in the country after recent NHS figures showed it had the most people suffering from pain and mental anguish in England.
It’s no wonder I feel trepidation as I pack the car with all of our suitcases and Christmas presents. Honestly, I’d rather stay in Notting Hill – the west London area where I live. Just before we hit the M1 northbound, I dash into my posh local deli for one last oat milk flat white, grab a final acai bowl from Juice Baby, and drop in for some luxurious handmade chocolates at Melt. I know that where I’m going, the vibe is very different.
