Discover the ideal vacation blend with serene coastal retreats near vibrant seaside towns, recommended by our writers
Nowhere else delivers such a potent blend of hedonistic escape and refined serenity as Blackpool and Lytham St Annes
Over the years, Blackpool has endured its fair share of witty jabs. The late Paul O’Grady once cleverly quipped, “I enjoy a Blackpool breakfast – twenty cigarettes and a cup of tea,” as he frequently brought Lily Savage here in the late 1990s. Nevertheless, Blackpool continues to offer an unrivaled dose of hedonistic escapism.
During my weekend visit in April, Ma Kelly’s North welcomed me with its bustling ambiance and a lively crowd. The dimly lit interior was already filled with people enjoying the vibrant tunes of the 70s. Singer Nick Jones skillfully entertained the patrons with spirited performances of hits from the Bay City Rollers, Tom Jones, Abba, and more, while pints were joyfully consumed. An irresistibly jovial atmosphere was taking shape, tempting me to linger there all afternoon.
Realizing the prudence of my departure prior to Mother Superior’s performance (“She’s here to purify our souls,” Jones cautioned), I made my way to the North Pier. Opting for the Starr Gate tram, which gracefully trailed along the coastline, I savored the splendidly flamboyant spectacle of the Golden Mile. Afterwards, I ventured into the quaint side streets adjacent to South Pier in search of a culinary treasure. Bentley’s, renowned for its exceptional fish and chips, surpassed all expectations. Impeccably coated cod, crunchy chips, and perfectly textured mushy peas constituted the most delectable meal I had enjoyed in years.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere grew livelier. Wham’s infectious tune “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” filled the air around the Pleasure Beach, while karaoke bars turned up the volume. However, acknowledging the limitations of middle-aged energy, I embraced the truth and made a choice. Just a short distance to the south, Lytham St Annes presented a more serene holiday experience. Its expansive beaches, expansive grassy dunes, and vast skies beckoned, inviting me to take leisurely walks, contemplate, and revel in the tranquility and serenity it had to offer
During my stay at the Best Western Glendower hotel, located on the picturesque seafront of St Annes, I enjoyed the convenience of being just a two-minute walk away from the delightful Grade I-listed Victorian pier. The pier, adorned with a beautifully preserved traditional amusement arcade, exuded charm and nostalgia. Adjacent to the pier, in the Peace and Happiness Garden, I discovered a touching tribute—a vibrant bouquet of fresh flowers placed at the feet of a statue honoring the renowned former St Annes resident, Les Dawson
Continuing my stroll along the shoreline, a captivating line of beach huts in delicate pastel shades caught my eye, facing the vast expanse of the sea. In the distance, a solitary boy skillfully maneuvered a vibrant green and red kite, adding a touch of whimsy to the scene. As dusk approached, I ventured across the dunes and traversed the mud-flats, and to my delight, I caught a glimpse of the shimmering lights of Blackpool Tower twinkling on the horizon.
The next morning, following a delightful “eggs Lancashire” breakfast—an indulgent combination of eggs benedict and black pudding—at the Pavilion cafe nestled within Ashton Gardens, I embarked on a brief bus journey to Lytham Hall. This architectural gem, regarded as one of the most splendid Georgian buildings in England, is encompassed by lush parkland and presently overseen by the Heritage Trust for the North-West. I immersed myself in the tranquil ambiance as I strolled along East Beach, admiring the magnificent seafront residences and Lytham’s iconic windmill, now accessible to the public and hosting a museum within its walls. With an array of tempting options for lunch in the bustling main square, I opted for Mediterranean cuisine at the Olive Tree Brasserie. Afterward, I made my way to the Heritage Centre located across the square, where captivating exhibitions showcasing the works of local artists were on display
When the Voyager 1 space probe departed the solar system back in 2012, it embarked with a remarkable assortment of cultural artifacts, including a recording of a human heartbeat. However, it is somewhat regrettable that NASA did not include a stick of Aberystwyth rock among the items. Few artifacts embody the essence of one of humanity’s greatest achievements—the seaside holiday—as perfectly as this iconic confectionery.
