2C Blackpool Town Centre – Knott End

After maybe some delights on one of the Piers or maybe at Sea Life Centre, up the Blackpool Tower, Madame Tussauds or possibly some retail therapy, it’s on the bus maybe at Abdingdon or Church Street in the town centre towards Poulton Le Fylde where a stop off and stroll round three of the gardens located close to each other is a real treat. Vicarage Park is beautifully maintained all year round, whilst the Jean Stansfield Memorial Park allows children to let off steam in the playground and skate park area and just across the road is the small and peaceful Tomlinson Park with its lovely flower beds.

Maybe a coffee or pint at the Thatcham House pub in Poulton Le Flyde and checking out the delightful St Chad’s Church of England and then back on-board the bus. This time, it’s all the way to Knott End which is a wonderful village on the southern side of Morecambe Bay across the Wyre Estuary. There’s a brilliant view over towards Fleetwood and a variety of shops, cafes and popular ice-cream parlour as well as some great pubs for a drink and bite to eat. A picturesque 5-mile circular walk can be enjoyed, beginning and ending at the Bourne Arms pub with its wonderful views of the River Wyre, salt mines and seabirds and a sculpture in honour of artist LS Lowry, celebrating his links to the village.

A trip over the estuary on the seasonal ferry crossing to Fleetwood cannot be missed and then a visit to the Fleetwood Museum with lots of family fun for all. Maybe pop into the Fleetwood Affinity Outlet with its chic designer brands and then it’s either the double-deck number 1 bus or the Tramway to glide you along the seafront all the way back along the promenade to Blackpool, possibly stopping off for some ice skating at Subzero Ice Rink in Cleveley or walk round Anchorsholme Park, including a game of pitch-and-putt golf or, if you are with children, some fun in the playground.

Gateway to 2C:

By train to Blackpool South or Blackpool North. www.nationalrail.co.uk

By Megabus to Preston and change for the train to Blackpool South or Blackpool North. Direct Megabus routes run to Preston from Aberdeen, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Manchester, picking up at other destinations en route