train travel

Blackpool blues

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It’s a glorious October day. I’m straight on the train and heading for seaside icon Blackpool to enjoy a long walk in the sunshine. CONTINUE READING BELOW

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My train from Manchester took me to Blackpool North station. The walk to the promenade takes you past the resort’s garish, seedier side – but the first view of the sea makes it all worthwhile.

For my long photo walk in sublime light I stayed close to the beach, kicking off with a first wander along the North Pier, which offered great views of Blackpool’s iconic tower.

Under piercing blue skies and sun that still radiated some warmth, I edged along the resort’s strikingly Brutalist sea defences and strolled along the sand.

The last time I came to Blackpool a winter storm was raging and the water was a very murky caramel colour, but this time it was like another place altogether.

A visit to a coastal town isn’t complete without going underneath the hulky struts of its pier – a box that was satisfyingly was ticked on this occasion.

After an obligatory fish and chip lunch at a place called Cod Father (yes really) I kept tracking south and moved away from Blackpool, catching famous rollercoaster The Big One in full throttle (from a safe distance!)

The broadening of the beach and deepening of the sand was a sign I was closing in on St Annes-on-the-Sea, near Blackpool but a real shift in style and substance. I really shrugged off city life and felt peaceful along this little stretch of the Fylde Coast.

As I made my way to the train station, the sun was still blazing away in an untroubled sky – the last time before moody Atlantic lows and Arctic freezes would dominate this island…

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Yorkshire: A coastal road trip

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At the end of the summer I packed my bag and went on a really enjoyable road trip along the spectacular coast of North Yorkshire – without getting into a car. 

I visited four places on my journey and captured them with my camera. View the photos and read more below.

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I boarded a three-hour TransPennine Express train journey from Manchester to Redcar in the north-east of England, and a shuttle train took me the short distance to the coast.

Saltburn was my first port of call, but some grey, drizzly weather curtailed my stay. It’s a traditional seaside resort with sandy beaches, a slender pier and a funicular built for genteel Victorians and now a novelty for visitors. I caught the X4 bus which runs along this Yorkshire coastal stretch – my regular lift for the next few days.

Staithes is a pretty harbour village with visitors in mind, with many places to eat and buy gifts. When the sun came out, the colours popped and it was a pleasure to explore. Climb higher for bird’s eye views, clifftop panoramas and a breathtaking sunset if you’re lucky. I stayed overnight in a comfy pub with a hearty breakfast to set me up for another day on the coast.

Runswick Bay isn’t far on the bus. While smaller than Staithes, it’s sat beside a beautiful curve of sand. It feels far more tranquil than the likes of Saltburn and is a place to relax and enjoy being by the sea. There are fewer amenities but that may well keep the hordes away.

Whitby, my final stop, is a coastal mecca with a lot of offer, from its Dracula connection, astonishing ruined abbey on the clifftop and tasty seafood. Its streets take some exploring and this hilly town is full of steps. I stayed here for the night and beat the crowds with a very early start for sunrise – my top tip if you want Whitby to yourself.

My mini adventure ended with a train back to Manchester. There are some trips that are a headache without a car, but this wasn’t one of them. I’m still looking back on these photographs and enjoying those recent summer memories.

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