If you’re looking for things to do this May half term then a trip to the seaside needs to be on the top of your list. When the sun is shining you simply can’t beat a day at the coast.
Knowing which beach to choose when you’ve got little ones to think about can be tricky though, as some have more facilities than others. But there’s one beach which is just over an hour’s drive away from Greater Manchester which is guaranteed to put a smile on their faces.
Located south of Blackpool, the beach at Lytham St Annes is a popular destination with families. If you’re looking for the quintessential seaside experience, this is where you’ll find it.
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The beach has a huge stretch of sand with plenty of space to spread out and lots of room to build sand castles. Although the tide does go far out, it comes in quite quickly so you can easily go for a paddle.
A beautiful Victorian pier extends 600ft from the shore and inside you’ll discover small children’s rides, which cost around £2 each, amusements and places to buy refreshments. Adding to the traditional seaside charm are donkey rides which are available on the sand.
As well as the beach, kids can have some fun at the splash park which is located on the promenade. It costs £1 per child for each session, and you can book in advance to ensure your kids won’t be disappointed.
It’s aimed at children aged three to 12 and it has a range of fun features, including spray loops, water sprays, bucket drops, water domes and a small area for paddling. You can learn about it here.
Further along the promenade, situated between Lytham and St Annes is Fairhaven Lake. The site offers a range of activities, including boat and pedalo hire, as well as crazy golf, a skatepark and a kids' play area.
If you don’t fancy bringing a picnic along with you then there are lots of cafes close to the beach, including Café On The Pier, Ocean Café and Carriage Café, all located along the promenade. Of course, a day at the seaside wouldn’t be complete without an ice cream and Beach Café has a great selection.
There are several pay and display car parks at Lytham St Annes. North Promenade (FY8 2NQ) and Fairhaven Road (FY8 1NW) car parks - both of which are handily located for the beach - cost £4.50 for over four hours.
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