This quaint seaside town has instantly become one of my favourites after my very first visit. Just a short drive from two of the UK’s biggest cities is a quiet destination with boutique cafes, top restaurants, boutique cafes and even two of the country’s best fish and chip shop.
Lytham is a charming coastal town in Lancashire, celebrated for its community atmosphere, peaceful beach and picturesque park. Each year Lytham Festival draws some of the biggest names in music, with recent headliners including Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, Alanis Morrissette and Kings of Leon.
I missed this party by two weeks but I wouldn’t trade my visit for the world. The trip left me feeling rested, recharged and contemplating swapping my city lifestyle for a place by the seaside.
My partner and I stayed on the water in the Queens Pub and Hotel, a Victorian Grade II listed building with fantastic views over Lytham Green. It is centuries old and the perfect resting place that kept us well-fed and entertained throughout the evening with its lively outdoor beer garden.
The decor was timeless, with four poster bed, ornate wood sculpted furniture, and a muted colour palette that made me feel like I was stepping into a black and white picture. When I wasn’t outside myself, I was enjoying the view of countless runners and dog walkers from the window.
Lytham’s town centre is small and you can walk from one end to the other in a few short minutes. What it lacks in distance it more than makes up for in an abundance of charming businesses that prove quality wins over quantity every day of the week.
The Clifton Walk Shopping Arcade offers visitors a charming back-alley experience for those searching for gifts, cards or street food. It’s been years since I’ve seen an arcade so well kept and full of people, which only solidifies the town’s timeless character.
The cafes were packed and I found myself struggling to find a place to sit. Places like Apricot and Central Beach had brunch fans queuing out of the doors but I eventually found a massive chicken and bacon ciabatta in Trevino Lounge to watch the world go by.
Lytham also boasts two of the country’s best chippies. Whelan’s and The Haven were named as such by The Times recently. The centre is filled with flowers, trees and lush greenery, creating a relaxed atmosphere where no one seemed in a hurry.
During my visit, there just so happened to be a free ice cream festival taking place in Lowther Gardens, so naturally I went for a look around. Although small and contained compared to most food and drink events, I spent 30 minutes perusing the craft stalls, enjoying the food smells wafting through the air and simply admiring the scenery.
There was plenty for kids to enjoy too, with fun fair rides and entertainment for all ages. Despite a few light showers appearing during my visit, everyone remained in high spirits regardless. I spent most of my time wandering around the town, admiring the scenery and enjoying the little secrets I’d find on my stroll. It was incredibly refreshing to put my phone away and feel part of a little community away from the rest of the world.
As evening approached, my partner and I stopped by the Ship and Royal pub, a traditional spot that gave us a taste of the town’s lively nightlife. The once-quiet seaside town transforms after dark, with locals spilling out of pubs and beer gardens. I was genuinely surprised by just how vibrant the scene could be.
Lytham is great for a drink but, in a surprise to no one, not the place for a night club crawl, though I thoroughly enjoyed the pints and cocktails I put away regardless and I found the locals more than willing to strike up a conversation.
We decided to spend the majority of our Saturday evening dining in Lytham’s go-to restaurant, Lytham House. With an AA Rosette under its belt, the brasserie boasts stunning interiors across two floors, with a lively cocktail bar taking guests through the night.
The menu offers a contemporary twist on British favourites. I went for a surf and turf selection featuring oysters, scallops and spiced duck for the main course but the gluttonous side of me wanted a little bit of everything. From the warm welcome and charming setting to the flawlessly cooked pink duck, the experience lived up to reputation.
You’d think a walk home at night would be nothing special but even then there was beauty to behold. Lytham Windmill Museum comes to life in the dark, illuminated in a soft pink glow that can be seen from miles away along the coast. We made a point to walk just to see it up close and it was worth it.
Lytham felt like escaping into a bubble away from the rest of the world. Time felt slower and everything more relaxed as if there wasn’t a care to be had in the world. The scenery was gorgeous and there was quite an amount on offer for tourists like myself.
And don’t even get me started on the massive houses that have been saved from a life of modern renovations to become multi-story apartments or BandBs. To own a home facing Lytham Green would be like winning the lottery. This quiet seaside town should be at the top of your list to visit.