Hi Craig,
Looks like we are both in similiar situations what with being new to caravanning and in the Lancashire area also.
Like you, I found Beacon Fell truly dreadful, but have had excellent reports about The Plassey near Wrexham. We are going there week after next.
I also intend to try the site in Lymm near Warrington which has been recommended to me and plan to try Shaw Hall near Ormskirk which used to be excellent and hopefully has not changed.
We have joined the Caravan Club and plan to use some of the CL's as well.
Good luck, Steve