Visitors Guide to Lytham

Going to Royal Lytham and St Anne’s is easier and cheaper than you may think…

WHERE TO STAY
A lot of accommodation has been booked for some time but the beauty of The Open being at Royal Lytham is that with the hugely popular seaside town of Blackpool literally nextdoor there is definitely no shortage of rooms. In fact it’s highly likely you’ll end up in Blackpool – or further afield – in order to secure any last-minute accommodation.

Heron’s Reach (tel 0844 980 800) had good room availability at the time of going to press and will no doubt emerge an ideal Open HQ, being a four star De Vere resort and the home of a luxury hotel with the impressive facilities including a health and fitness club, an Italian restaurant, the Victory pub and even a Starbucks cafe. Oh, plus a fine18-hole parkland course and driving range.

The Savoy (tel 01253 352561, britanniahotels.com) on the quieter North Shore but close to Blackpool’s many attractions could also prove a useful base for the week with the Britannia Hotels property on the Queen’s Promenade offering over 140 rooms. Cost of a B&B stay (twin or double room & min. four nights) is £140 a room per night (single room, £95).

Elsewhere, you might want to try the award-winning Pembroke Hotel (£26 per night, 01253 351306) or the St Anne’s Cricket Club campsite, just over a mile from Royal Lytham and where you can pitch up for just £20 per night. The site (01253 721849) offers shower facilities plus use of the recently refurbished clubhouse.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
There are pubs, bars and restaurants wherever you look and go particularly if you’re Blackpool-based where you really are spoilt for post-golf choice.

If you’re staying at De Vere Heron’s Reach you’re well served by the popular Buca di Beppo America/Italian restaurant which serves up great pasta and pizza dishes while The Grill at the Pleasure Beach is also well worth checking out. If you fancy fine Indian dining and a top curry head for Jali restaurant – a major hit with the locals – on the North Promenade.

The in place in Lytham itself is The Taps, a famous pub in the heart of the town and where you’ll find eight real ales on offer at any one time and close by in H continental cafe.If you’re seeking something cheap and cheerful, TG can recommend the Beach Terrace Café with its varied and comprehensive menu which ranges from an all-day brekkie for under £6 to a fresh Scottish salmon steak (under a tenner) and a host of salads and traditional favourites. On the same theme, Whelans is probably the best ‘chippy’ in town. 

WHAT TO SEE & DO
Lytham and St Annes are lovely, well heeled towns with a plethora of shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants…. but nearby Blackpool absolutely rocks. It’s the entertainment capital of the north west, has more attractions than you can shake a stick at and really bursts into life at night.

The Sands Venue is a top class entertainment venue on three floors and set in a stunning 1940s style, offering a meal and a show all for a great price (call 01253 625262 to check availability and latest offers).

But a visit to the area wouldn’t be complete without checking out the iconic historic Blackpool Tower, constructed from over 250,000 tonnes of iron and steel and which soars high into the Lancashire sky. The views from the summit are simply sensational – probably the best £12.60 you’ll ever spend.

The Pleasure Beach provides good old wholesome family fun and entertainment – day and night – with the undoubted attraction being the Big One, one of Europe’s highest and most rollicking rollercoaster rides. There are two ways to enter the Pleasure Beach: either purchase a wristband for £32 or a Pleasure Beach Pass for £5. A Resort Pass, which includes a Pleasure Beach Wristband, admission to Blackpool Tower, Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Madame Tussauds and Sea Life costs £55.