42, Lancaster – Garstang – Poulton-le-Fylde – Blackpool

The 42 bus will take you on a flight from village to coast, quaint charm to seaside vibrance! Before boarding, take a little time in Lancaster itself: stroll around the historic castle, or grab a coffee near Dalton Square, where a huge statue of Queen Victoria towers over majestically, and watch the city wake up into life.

Once on the 42, the bus curves round the city and reminds you of the academic aspect of Lancaster, via several stops at the University which covers considerable ground and the nearby village of Galgate, before a long hurtle into a paradise of rural hinterland.

You will ride through picturesque Forton in the Wyre district before reaching Cabus - a quiet and quaint village surrounded by field after field which rubs shoulders with the gorgeous Garstang on the Lancaster Canal. Garstang boasts over 40 miles of uninterrupted canal running through a beautiful landscape. The area is brimming with historic architecture, including a stunning 15th-century barn, a canal basin, and an aqueduct.

You are truly spoilt on this route – as back on the bus, in about 10 minutes, the journey takes a turn to the right after its long stretch south from Lancaster and you come to the picture-postcard village of Churchtown with charming stone cottages and an ancient church.

Next the route then takes you to Great Eccleston, a traditional village famous for its agricultural shows, before heading to Poulton-le-Fylde which offers an attractive mix of history and modern charm, well worth a stroll round. Sandwiched in between is the farmland-surrounded village of Little Singleton.

Finally, after all this rural idyll, the last phase of the journey takes you to the buoyant seaside capital of Blackpool, so get your dancing shoes ready, take in a show or have a relaxing evening sampling one of the culinary hotspots of the town.

According to Douglas Adams’s Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, the number 42 is answer to the meaning of life. So too the 42 bus will bring you a meaningful day!

Early Morning: Explore Lancaster

Before your bus adventure begins at Lancaster Bus Station, start exploring with a trip to Lancaster Castle. You don’t need to go inside to relish the sight of the Imposing medieval fortress, once a prison until 2011, and its cobbled square and views are worth it. Next door too, is Lancaster Priory - a beautiful church dating back nearly 1,000 years. Pop to take in the stained glass windows, architecture, and a sense of calm. Stroll back via St George’s Quay to see the Georgian warehouses along the River Lune before returning to the bus station.

Mid-Morning: Head for village peace at Cabus

Grab some breakfast near Lancaster Bus Station at ‘Brew’, a cosy café offering seasonal brunch and great coffee or at visit ‘Herbarium’, a lovely, relaxing vegan café, before you board the bus. In about 40 minutes through wonderful scenery, you will reach the charming village of Cabus. Here you can hop off for a short stroll through tranquil lanes, take in local architecture, and enjoy the friendly community atmosphere.

Midday: Historic Garstang

Pick up the route again (at Cabus Station Lane stop) or opt for 15 minutes’ walk to the gorgeous Garstang – a gift of a market town which offers beautifully quaint shops, churches and pubs and is perfect for browsing crafts, sampling local treats. If you are taking this trip on a Thursday, visit the vibrant Thursday market whose tradition dates back centuries.

Early afternoon: Square up at Poulton-le-Fylde

Once aboard again, relax and take in the views, looking out for Churchtown and Great Eccleston, until you reach Poulton-le-Fylde - a vibrant market town with a historic square and lively café culture. Time for a spot of lunch whether you fancy some delicious Lebanese at Edwin’s Street Food takeaway, some tasty Mediterranean meal at Nuvo or some hearty fayre, and a varied menu at the River Wyre pub. As you return aboard the 42, keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of rural landscapes giving way to coastal sights.

Late afternoon/evening: Let the coast be your host

You are only 20 minutes away from the last phase of your journey – Blackpool baby! Immerse yourself in classic Blackpool with a wander down the promenade, taking in the sight and sounds, including, of course, the Iconic Blackpool Tower. Take the opportunity to indulge in its

panoramic views or behold the elegant splendour of its Ballroom. Alternatively, if you’re a thrill-seeker, head to Blackpool Pleasure Beach for rollocking rides, including the famous ‘Big One’.

After a fish and chip supper or a tasty Thai or spicy Indian meal, round off your day with some hearty evening entertainment. A lively drag performance at Funny Girls? A musical or night of music at the Winter Gardens Theatre? Dazzlement in the glow of the famous Blackpool Illuminations during autumn and winter?

Whatever you do, you’re sure to leave with a smile.