Northern Shores
Summer's here and it's time to head for the coast. From Cleethorpes to Carnforth, we've visited some stunning seaside stops on the FTPE network...
Family fun: Cleethorpes
If you're looking for somewhere to take the kids this summer,
head to Cleethorpes. Like many other British resorts, the arrival
of the railway revolutionised the town from a sleepy north-east
seaside spot to a thriving Victorian holiday destination. The beach
is actually lapped by the mouth of the river Humber rather than the
sea, but with the pier, sandy beaches, kite-flying festival,
miniature light railway, donkey rides and boating lake, there's
plenty of yesteryear fun to be had.
That's not to say that Cleethorpes hasn't moved with the times,
and there's plenty of high-octane entertainment. The Pleasure
Island theme park has a vast array of rides, from white-knuckle
rollercoasters to carousels and, if the weather's bad, there are
several family shows to enjoy, from the Basil Brush Laughter Show
to the African Acrobats.
For smaller tots, Playtowers indoor soft play zone is a great
place to spend an afternoon and for older kids The Labyrinth of
Doralia, an interactive laser adventure with swing ropes, trap
doors and cargo nets ensures adrenaline-fuelled space age
enjoyment.
Visit our
destination guide for more information on Cleethorpes
Cultural coast:
Carnforth
Carnforth is situated at the north-east end of Morecambe Bay and
is a relatively untouched coastal town, ideal for a peaceful day by
the sea. The station itself was used as the location for the
British film classic Brief Encounter. The film's popularity has led
to its careful preservation. First stop on your day's itinerary
should be the visitor centre at the station - which has exhibitions
on the making of the film and the part the town played during both
world wars - and the refreshment room, which has been faithfully
restored to resemble the set used in the film where the lovers
met.
Leaving the station, the choice is yours as to whether you spend
the day strolling in the bay or exploring the local area. A
pleasant place to wander is the Greenlands Farm Village, which lets
you in on all aspects of local farming, with animals to meet and
produce to sample. Or a short bus ride from the station will bring
you to Leighton Hall which dates from 1246, with its romantic
Gothic towers and acres of beautiful gardens to explore.
Timeless tradition:
Scarborough
Known as Britain's 'first seaside resort', the town has been
welcoming visitors since the spa water was discovered in 1629 and
people came for its
health benefits.
Whether you choose to visit South Bay, which boasts wide sands
with plenty of amenities, or North Bay, with stunning views and a
sought-after Blue Flag award, Scarborough's beaches are a big draw.
But they're not all the town has to offer. A ride on the famous
cliff lifts will bring you up to the town centre where you'll find
the ruined Castle overlooking the town. Built in the early 12th
Century, it was destroyed by a German attack in 1914. Other
attractions include the famous Stephen Joseph Theatre showcasing
Alan Ayckbourn's latest works and the Rotunda museum, which looks
at the region's history and fascinating geology.
Visit our
destination guide for more information on Scarborough
Serene seaside:
Barrow-in-Furness
Barrow-in-Furness is a bustling town of contrasts, with the sea
on one side, the lakes on the other and a mixture of wildlife spots
and historical sites among the industrial heritage. The area boasts
a plethora of walking and cycling paths along sandy beaches and
stretches of waving grass dunes, and there are several nature
reserves too. Foulney Island, just a short bus ride from
Barrow-in-Furness station, is accessible via a manmade causeway and
is home to grey seals, ringed plovers and oystercatchers.
There are other entertaining attractions, such as the Dock
Museum with exhibitions on local history, the independently-run Art
Gene gallery and the pedestrianised town centre.
Who could forget...
Blackpool
As one of the most iconic seaside resorts in the world, we
couldn't round up coastal spots on the network and neglect to
mention Blackpool. Famed for its kiss-me-quick memorabilia,
white-knuckled Pleasure Beach theme park, the Golden Mile and its
very own tower, there's more than enough to keep you entertained in
the Las Vegas of the north...
Blackpool Model Village
The biggest little village in Lancashire, this award-winning
atrraction is great for all the family to see. Visit the award
winning Model Village and get 2FOR1 tickets with FTPE!
Blackpool Tower and Circus
The town's most iconic landmark, Blackpool Tower has loads to see
and do. There's Mooky's Circus of Dreams, the Walk of Faith and the
beautiful Tower Ballroom where you can practise your Strictly Come
Dancing moves, as well as Jungle Jim's Towering Adventureland for
your smaller companions - and when you travel by train
on FTPE the kids go free!
Sandcastle Waterpark
The UK's biggest indoor waterpark, there are 18 slides and
attractions including the world's longest indoor rollercoaster
waterslide - and there's 25% off
when you travel with FTPE!
For all offer details and vouchers simply visit
tpexpress.co.uk/summeroffers
Visit our destination guide for more information on
Blackpool