74, Fleetwood to Preston via Elswick

Prepare to be swept through a joyous mix of coast, countryside, and city which starts with the classic and historic Fleetwood at the top of the Fylde coast split by the River Wyre with its neighbour, Knott’s End.

Heading inland, the route takes you past a raft of gorgeous villages:

• Broadwater, where the estuary views are wide and bracing.
• Thornton, small but beautiful and tranquil.
• The charming market village of Poulton-Le-Fylde.
• Great Eccleston, known for its annual agricultural show which neighbours Elswick village.
• Inskip, a peaceful, rural spot, with lanes and fields stretching in all directions.
• The historic village of Catforth which dates back to the 12th Century

Start your day with a lovely, gentle stroll along the historic seafront of Fleetwood before you get on the bus. The town’s famous Marine Hall Gardens and the Mount Pavilion offer sweeping views of Morecambe Bay and the almost infinite Lakeland Fells. Take a wander too through the Fleetwood Market, one of the oldest in the North West, open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

If you are a keen shopper, then your first port of call along the route will be Freeport Fleetwood Shopping Outlet - now known as Affinity Lancashire – where you’ll find big-name brands with discounts and a few independent shops. It’s also right by the marina, so you can enjoy a coffee and maybe some breakfast overlooking the boats before returning to the bus.

Immerse in some estuary joy at Broadwater where, if you are a fan of the avian variety, you can absorb in the sights of waders and seabirds. The Wyre Way also offers a lovely burst of stroll.

You will be spoilt for choice if you’re ready for brunch or lunch – you could stop off at Thornton which boasts handful of independent eateries from a tasty time at Hickory’s Smokehouse which opens at 11am or a sumptuous sandwich at Hunter’s and Carter’s where you might not be able to escape without cake! Next is Poulton-Le-Fylde, oozing historic charm and restaurants such as Thornton Lodge. Look out for Poulton’s punishing town stocks, dating back from the 1700s; fear not, they are not in use today!

What follows is a trio of delights! Great Eccleston is a handsome village and renowned for its annual agricultural two-day show in July. Famed for its tractor-pulling, it is a showcase for every aspect of rural endeavour, including cooking, handicraft, horticulture and local arts displays. Look out for the livestock - with classes for Shire horses, sheep, pigs and poultry, light horses and goats.

Take some breathing space at one of the traditional pubs and if you are in the mood for a hearty walk, head via the High Street to Leckonby Street and then follow Coop Street for around half an hour until you reach the village of Elswick. Here you can reward yourself by sampling a treat from the iconic Bond’s of Elswick ice cream shop. The last of this trio is the peaceful, rural idyll of Inskip, bedecked by farmland and a welcome sanctuary before the lively Preston, where you can’t help but be re-energised by the buzz!

What better place to start than wandering to the flag market, with its bombastic architecture and home to the grandiose and delightful Harris Museum and Art Gallery. If you’re a happy shopper, then Fishergate and Friargate offer two shopping centres all within walking distance. The square’s Market Hall offers a vibrant selection of stalls for the foodies among you.

What a day? Not over yet, so round off your adventures with a meal at the gorgeous Plau Gin and Beer House, tucked in a restored 17th-century building. Serving beautiful, seasonal fayre, it’s worth a visit just to explore this quirky building which boasts its own well in the bar area. Alternatively, you really are spoilt for choice along Friargate whether you fancy some soul food at Coco’s or a flavour of the mediterranean at Jaffa.

Variety is what sets the 74 bus route apart – a kaleidoscope of Lancashire’s finest from salty sea air, through captivating villages to the culture-full Lancashire capital. You’ll love it!