We set off for a couple of nights car camping in Blackpool, well actually, was it Lytham, or was it St. Annes? Wherever it was, It didn't particularly all go well.
It was our first trip in our new Campal Estate and we arrived at North Beach where the plan was to stay 2 nights. First problem, and the parking machine was not accepting card payments, so I downloaded the app, but that would only allow me to pay until the end of the current day, and we wanted a £15 two night stay (48 hours). If I remember correctly 24 hours is £10. I'll pay cash... oh, the machine only takes coins! For some reason we had 12 pound coins (close but no cigar) and a fiver.
No worries, I'll pop into the cafe next door to get change, where they point blank refused, saying we don't give change! Say hello to your one star google review, and a loss of custom for the next 2 mornings where we'd planned on grabbing breakfast. So we set off down the coast further south, as there are a handful of stopover friendly car parks on this stretch of coast.
A short drive later, and we arrived at St. Pauls Avenue Car Park and yes, the same parking problem. It was clearly a problem taking card payments at the council end or whoever processes the payments on their behalf. Anyhow, this time a lovely girl in the very accommodating coffee truck at the end of the car park changed our fiver... result. Unfortunately, the truck only opens from Wednesday to Sunday and this was Sunday afternoon, so we'd be long gone by the time it opened again :-(
We parked up in a car parking space on the very end spot closest to the beach, opposite the motorhome bays, as we didn't want to take up a larger motorhome space, and I am not even sure of the protocol, and if that would be some kind of violation of the rules in any case.
Prior to setting off on a walk, problem number two, I realised I hadn't packed my hoodie so only had a t-shirt. Luckily it was a glorious warm sunny afternoon (for now). We set off on a southerly walk down the promonade to Lytham Windmill, and then into Lytham, stopping off at The Craft House for a beverage. Great range of beers and we sat outside with the dogs, although they're also welcome inside.
Next up, a walk along the main drag brought us to our next watering hole, The Ship and Royal. A Greene King pub, so no problem with the dogs.
We then set off for a longer stretch to get closer to our evening parkup, and ended up at The Fairhaven, where we were still able to sit outside, although it was cooling down.
Afterwards, we weren't sure if there were any further dog friendly pubs en-route, and it was cooling down a lot more with just a t-shirt on, so we headed back to our parkup via Fairhaven Lake and the Fylde Spitfire Memorial.
We ate a few snacks back at the car, and problem 3, I'd also forgotten my toothbrush (I actually hadn't, it had fallen down the side of the rear seats, but I didn't know this until I got home and it wasn't there) so had to buy one the next morning. Problem 4, my nose had started streaming with the onset of a cold. Problem 5, I hadn't packed the window blinds for the car. It was quickly turning into a mini disaster. We were in plain sight if anyone were to walk anywhere near past the car. Not to mention it's June and sunrise is around 4am!
The next morning I felt well rough, so we jumped on the local bus, purchasing a day ticket, and a couple for the dogs! £1 per day, something new for them :-) We took the bus to Blackpool with the intention of having a good walk around but basically didn't feel up to it.
We went for brunch at Hives Cafe where the dogs were welcome, then headed to Sainsburys to purchase a power bank as my watch charging lead has a USB C connector and my packed power bank only had USB A. Problem... I'm losing count.
After that we went to the Washington pub, another Greene King, and shared a bottle of wine, then onto the Counting House for another drink before we tackled the walk along North Pier.
The Pier was a big disappointment, with not a lot there, and not a lot going on. We did get to look at the acts that have performed at the Joe Longthorne Theatre over the years.
Heading back off the Pier, we headed for the closest Tram Stop, and still feeling rough, ended getting off at Starr Gate, the last stop! We got a quick glimpse at the attractions as the tram headed south, but unfortunately didn't get to the other two piers or any of the other spots by foot.
At Starr Gate we jumped on another bus taking us into St. Annes. We had a couple of drinks in The Town House (another Greene King theme going on here). Then onto a nice (change from Greene King) bar called Number Fifteen. Finally, we went to another Greene King called The Lord Derby for another drink (or two) and a bite to eat.
We caught one final bus to the local stop to our stopover, arriving back around 8.30pm. We'd done well considering how crap I felt, but didn't walk anywhere near as far as we'd planned.
The next morning, after another early rise :-), the weather was miserable, so we set off home earlier than anticipated, firstly via a visit to Beach Cafe Fylde for a tasty but somewhat expensive breakfast.
A couple of things to note. All pubs mentioned and visited were dog friendly inside. The other, there were a couple of "strange" goings on in the car park, which maybe we wouldn't have known if I'd remembered the blinds! A strange young couple (too many events to write here) who eventually departed around 12.30am. Also, a few single middle-aged "gentlemen" arrivals for shorter periods of time. Does anyone have further information about this car park :-) It felt safe enough though, and the two nights we were there there was also two other motorhomes.
Overall, a pleasant stay , and short break. Firstly, we diid spend a bit, but that can be attributed to the somewhat excessive drinknig due to not being well to walk far, especially on our only full day. Secondly, we do need to return though, to see more of Blackpool, and remember all the gear I forgot to pack.
Mr D
P.S. My cold cleared up literally the day after I returned. Typical.
