Blackpool aside, it’s fair to say that Lancashire may not be everyone's first choice as a potential holiday destination, be it for a week away or a short break.
But here at Let's Stay, we think it's time for a change of perception, for the reality is rather different. The red rose county attracts approximately 22 million day-trippers every year, and rakes in £250m per year courtesy of its visitors.
Lancashire offers a whole lot more than endless rows of terraced houses, industrial folk songs and hotpots. Culturally, Lancashire has got the lot.
Golf Coast
Golfers come from all over the world to play here, and it’s small wonder why. The county boasts a truly world class stretch of ‘golf coast’ – comprising historic courses such Open Championship venues Royal Lytham & St Anne’s and Royal Birkdale, plus a multitude of fine links courses at Formby, Southport and beyond, including what many regard to be the finest British golf course never to have hosted an Open Championship, Hillside Golf Club.
It is golf in its purest form, links, and what better place to indulge yourself in a round or four.
Lancashire’s wildly contrasting range of landscapes can invariably be accessed within half an hour’s drive - from the coastal sand dunes fringing the Irish Sea, to the exposed hills of the West Pennine Moors, and the isolated majesty of the Forest of Bowland. A self catering holiday in a Lancashire cottage can often be much more rewarding (and cheaper) than a cottage holiday in the Lake District.
Morecambe
Just as the Lancashire coast is high on every golf enthusiasts’ radar, the area takes similarly lofty residence in the must-visit lists of the twitching community. Morecambe, perhaps most notably, is renowned for its array of wading birds and wildfowl.
The aforementioned resort town was held in such high esteem by a certain one-time resident, Eric Bartholomew, that he took his stage name from his beloved hometown. Indeed, one of its most famous landmarks is a statue commemorating the great man – the town’s most famous son.
Lancaster
Bordering Eric’s birthplace is Lancashire’s northernmost city, the ‘county town’, or capital, Lancaster. A vibrant and historic university city, it is rich in cultural heritage. In 2004, it was granted ‘Fairtrade City’ status, an accreditation bestowed for its commitment to the promotion of Fair Trade. The city, somewhat gloriously, is positively rolling in locally-produced and organic grub, and home to numerous distinguished restaurants.
In fact, the foodie bug is countywide. Boasting a smattering of Michelin-starred restaurants and an abundance of award-winning eateries, with produce sourced from the fantastic local farmers’ markets and shops, Lancashire offers a veritable smorgasbord to tantalise the tastebuds.
Blackpool
It would be remiss not to mention Blackpool, not that it needs a helping hand. Blackpool remains Britain’s most popular holiday destination and seaside resort. Though many consider its halcyon days to have fizzled out in the 1950s, it still attracts over 10 million visitors annually, which shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise given its huge range of round-the-calendar attractions and array of traditional, family-run Blackpool hotels.
Lancashire?
Following the Local Government Act of 1972, a major shake-up of borders and councils, Lancashire became much smaller than its historical compass, and lost the symbolic and world-renowned cities of Manchester and Liverpool.
Confusion still reigns amongst Mancunians and Liverpudlians as to which county they actually reside. Is it Lancashire, or Greater Manchester/Merseyside? After all, the county’s emblematic cricket team is based at Old Trafford, deemed not to be in Lancashire, and also play home games in Liverpool!
Regardless, these two fine cities remain right on the doorstep. There are few more famous cultural institutions worldwide than The Beatles, Liverpool FC and Manchester United. Those names alone truly resonate. Can London offer anything to rival that powerhouse of a triumvirate?
Can it ‘eckers like!
Supplementing the undisputed kings of pop and football giants in the appeal of these two great cities is an array of galleries, museums, top class restaurants and world class shopping. Two cities steeped in history, tradition and cultural significance, and just 35 miles apart.
Oswaldtwistle
A place called Oswaldtwistle could surely only reside in Lancashire, the most idiosyncratic of counties. Say it out loud – go on! - and you can only hear it in those unique Lancastrian tones. Lancashire is truly a melting pot of diverse beauty and attractions, with a character and charm all of its own.
Sean Cummins
February 2010
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