Has anyone ever visited Blackpool, England?

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I am an amusement park enthusiast, and enjoy spending my free time traveling around the United States and Canada exploring new places. I am particularly fanatical about roller coasters. My wife is planning a possible trip to Manchester, England next year. I understand that the seaside resort town of Blackpool is not too far away. All I know is that the town has a park called "Pleasure Beach" that has 12 (!) roller coasters. Has anyone ever visited this park, or can you tell me anything about Blackpool and the surrounding area, in general?