Things to do, places to see, and excuses to stay another night…
Staying at The Cartford Inn places you squarely in one of the most rewarding pockets of the country: surrounded by countryside, close to the coast, and within easy reach of some of the North West’s most distinctive spots.
What’s On: Around The Cartford Inn
○ Fylde Gallery at Lytham Hall
This free gallery on the first floor of Lytham Hall is now open Thursdays to Saturdays, 10am–4pm. See works from the Fylde Council’s collection—usually only shown during Heritage Open Days—and enjoy the current ‘Centenary’ exhibition until May, followed by works by Richard Ansdell. Donations welcome to help maintain the collection.
○ VE Day 80th Anniversary
On Thursday, 8th May, Fairhaven Lake will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a beacon lighting and live entertainment, including ‘Winston Churchill and Mrs Churchill’ and the Bluebirds UK. A great evening of music, remembrance, and community.
○ St Annes Kite Festival 2025
From 29th–31st August 2025, look out for a spectacular kite display over St Annes beach, with extra parking available on the Green. The festival coincides with the Southport Airshow and Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On, making it a lively weekend for the Fylde coast.
○ AIG Women’s Open – 2026
The AIG Women’s Open returns to Royal Lytham & St Annes from 30th July–2nd August 2026, bringing world-class golf and thousands of visitors to the area. Early booking recommended.
Looking for more suggestions or help planning your stay? Just ask our team.
Walks We Rate
1. Nicky Nook
A short, steep walk with sweeping views of the Forest of Bowland and the coast beyond. You’ll find a small tarn at the top, and often a wind strong enough to clear your head. Start in Scorton village (30 minutes away) and finish with a coffee at The Apple Store Café.
2. Cartford Bridge to Great Eccleston Loop
Start right from the inn. Cross the toll bridge, stroll through quiet country lanes, past farms, and loop into the village of Great Eccleston — a solid excuse for a stop at the bakery, deli, or the weekly market (Wednesdays). Easy going, and a lovely way to explore the immediate area.
3. Knott End Coastal Walk
Park up in Knott End (15 mins away) and head along the sea wall for bracing views across Morecambe Bay. At low tide, you can see the outline of old ferry crossings and vast sands stretching out to the horizon. Look out for seals.
4. Beacon Fell Country Park
Woodland walks, sculpture trails, and views across Lancashire. Ideal for families or anyone who enjoys a varied, easy-to-navigate route. About 30 minutes’ drive away.
5. The Wyre Way
If you’re in the mood for a longer stretch, parts of the Wyre Way meander close to us — a long-distance path that follows the river from source to sea. Join a section for a taste of rural Lancashire at its finest.
Villages, Towns & Stop-Off Spots
Great Eccleston
Our nearest village, a few minutes away. Proper butchers, a popular bakery, a monthly Farmers’ Market, and a good example of Lancashire’s down-to-earth charm.
Garstang
The UK’s first Fairtrade town and a nice place for a potter. Canal-side walks, independent shops, and a solid ice cream parlour. Around 25 minutes away.
Kirkby Lonsdale
Worth the drive (about 45 mins) for cobbled streets, independent shops, and the famed Ruskin’s View. Feels like a postcard town that’s never tried too hard.
Lytham St Annes
More genteel than Blackpool, with a wide promenade, smart shops, and a windmill on the green. A good option for a relaxed day by the sea.
Blackpool
Yes, really. Whether you’re there for the rollercoasters, the Tower, or just to people-watch on the prom, Blackpool remains one of the most bizarrely brilliant places in the UK. Don’t overthink it — just go and enjoy yourself. The Pleasure Beach and Sandcastle Waterpark are both worth the trip if you’ve got kids (or want to feel like one again). 25 minutes’ drive.
History, Culture & Curiosities
Samlesbury Hall
A beautiful half-timbered manor with a slightly spooky edge and a cracking Sunday roast. Free to visit, with regular events and exhibitions. 35 minutes away.
Fleetwood Museum & Ferry Port
For something quieter and a little off the beaten path, head to Fleetwood. Explore the maritime museum, take a walk along the old docks, or hop on the ferry across to Knott End. There's something faded and oddly comforting about it.
Brockholes Nature Reserve
Floating visitor centre, bird hides, and boardwalks through wetlands. Owned by the Wildlife Trust, and a lovely way to spend a slow few hours. About 35 minutes’ drive.
Lancaster Castle
A proper slice of history still used as a Crown Court. Take the tour to hear about witches, prisoners, and the darker side of legal history. 40 minutes by car.
Something Different
The Flower Bowl, Barton Grange
Think curling, cinema, bowling, crazy golf and fine dining — all in one architecturally ambitious leisure complex. Ideal for a rainy day. 20 minutes away.
Sand dunes at St Anne’s
Often overlooked in favour of the beach, the dunes here are sprawling and cinematic. Take a walk at sunset and you’ll forget you’re in Lancashire. Bring a flask.
The Illuminations
Seasonal, yes, but when they’re on (September–early January), Blackpool’s Illuminations are unlike anything else — a six-mile stretch of light, music, nostalgia, and oddball brilliance.
Heading Further Afield?
The Lake District is about an hour’s drive away, with all the hikes, lakes, and cake shops you could want. Keswick, Ambleside, and Grasmere are all good bets for a day trip.
Need recommendations or taxi numbers? Just ask.
Our team has been just about everywhere worth going around here — and quite a few places that aren’t. We’re happy to point you in the right direction.