Scrubs and Snuggles

I never thought I’d say this, but our recent family holiday in Lytham St Annes has hands down been one of the best we’ve ever had and we didn’t even leave the UK!

With all the hype around big international trips and Instagram-perfect getaways, it’s so easy to feel like a “proper” holiday has to mean hopping on a plane. But honestly? This break reminded me that some of the most special memories can be made just a couple of hours from home.

Why Lytham St Annes?

We chose Lytham St Annes because we wanted something peaceful, family-friendly, and affordable and it ticked all the boxes. Nestled along the Lancashire coast, it’s a lovely little town that offers the perfect mix of relaxation and fun. And the best part? It didn’t cost us an arm and a leg.

We stayed in a beautiful cottage just a short walk from everything we needed the beach, parks, shops, and cafés. The house was lovely, clean, cosy, and well-equipped with everything we needed for our stay. The host left us a thoughtful welcome pack and even checked in to make sure we were okay during our visit. That little touch of care really made us feel at home.

Beach Days & Sandcastles

Our 2-year-old, Bryan, absolutely loved Lytham beach. It was wide, clean, and never too crowded. He had the time of his life running around, doing starfish poses in the sand, building (and gleefully knocking over) sandcastles, and just enjoying every moment. Watching him play so freely was honestly one of the highlights of our trip.

There’s also a small, shallow paddling pool near the beach area which is perfect for little ones to splash around in on a warm day. If you’re planning to visit with toddlers, I definitely recommend bringing:

1. Buckets and spades

2. Sunscreen and sun hats

3. Comfortable sandals or beach shoes

4. Swimming suits for the kids

5. A towel

6. Beach mat

7. Plenty of snacks and water

The promenade and pier were also perfect for slow walks, ice creams in hand, and taking in the sea breeze. There’s just something about the British seaside that slows you down and helps you appreciate the little things.

We also visited the iconic Lytham Windmill, which was a lovely little detour for a few family photos and a bit of local history.

A Lovely Surprise: Lowther Gardens

Just a short walk from our cottage was Lowther Gardens, and it turned out to be one of our favourite spots. The gardens are absolutely beautiful and full of open green space, colourful flowerbeds, and peaceful little corners to sit and soak up the sun. There’s a great kids’ playground where Bryan had a blast, a tennis court, and a lovely café where we grabbed a light lunch one afternoon. It’s one of those places that feels like a well-kept local secret.

A Quick Trip to Blackpool

One of the perks of staying in St Annes is how close it is to Blackpool, only about a 15-minute drive away. We took a day trip there and squeezed in as much as we could – Blackpool Zoo, the iconic Blackpool Tower, and of course the beach. It was a bit more lively than St Annes, which made it the perfect contrast; excitement for a day, then back to the calm.

A Few Realisations

This holiday really taught me a few things:

1. You don’t have to go abroad to have an amazing holiday.

2. You don’t need to spend money you don’t have to make special memories.

3. The UK is full of hidden gems and Lytham St Annes is definitely one of them.

In a time when there’s so much pressure to “go big” on holidays especially with young kids, it was refreshing to slow things down and enjoy the simple pleasures. Fresh air, family time, sand between your toes, and no airport stress in sight.

If you’re looking for a peaceful, family-friendly, budget-conscious holiday destination that won’t leave you needing another holiday to recover, I’ll recommend giving Lytham St Annes a try. I’m so glad we did.

Tips for Travelling to Lytham St Annes with Kids:

Pack buckets, spades, sun hats, and sunscreen essentials for beach fun. There’s a small children’s paddling area near the beach so bring swimming suits! Most places are pram-friendly, including the promenade and Lowther Gardens. Lots of great spots nearby for lunch, snacks, and ice cream.

Have you ever had a UK holiday that completely surprised you? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Can you guess where we are going next? Write your answer in the comments. Love you guys!