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A pleasant Lancashire seaside town, Lytham St Annes offers a blend of coastal character and Edwardian elegance. Known for its wide sandy beaches, four golf courses – including Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, a frequent Open Championship venue – and its distinctive pair of piers, the area provides a relaxed escape. The town is notable for its well-maintained seafront, the historic Lytham Windmill, and the expansive Ashton Gardens, which offers a peaceful green space for visitors.
The promenade stretches between the two distinct towns of Lytham and St Annes, each retaining its own appeal. St Annes features a traditional pier and beach huts, while Lytham boasts a picturesque green and the aforementioned windmill. The area’s appeal lies in its straightforward blend of natural beauty, leisure facilities, and architectural heritage, making it a popular spot for a calm day out by the Irish Sea.
Most visitors to Lytham St Annes often look for hotels around the central promenade area, particularly in St Annes-on-the-Sea, as it offers easy access to the beach and local amenities.
For those preferring a traditional seaside experience, the heart of St Annes-on-the-Sea provides numerous hotels and guesthouses, many of which are Victorian or Edwardian buildings. Here, you'll find the historic St Annes Pier and the Miniature Railway. The main high street, St Annes Road West, has a good selection of eateries and cafes, alongside independent shops.
Moving south, Lytham offers a slightly different feel with its more refined atmosphere. Accommodation options here include boutique hotels and smaller guesthouses, often close to the estuary. The Lytham Windmill and the adjacent Green are prominent features, and the town centre around Clifton Street boasts a variety of restaurants and pubs, as well as the Lowther Pavilion for cultural events.
Further north, past the main areas, quieter residential zones offer a peaceful stay, often with self-catering apartments or smaller, family-run B&Bs. These areas are ideal for longer stays or for those seeking a tranquil retreat, though they may require a short walk or bus ride to reach the main attractions.
Considering transport, booking a hotel in either St Annes-on-the-Sea or Lytham provides convenient access to local bus services linking the two towns and surrounding areas. Both have their own railway stations, St Annes-on-the-Sea and Lytham, offering connections to larger network hubs. For air travel, Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport are the closest major international gateways, accessible via a combination of train and road links.
When planning a trip to Lytham St Annes, booking your accommodation strategically can help manage costs. Generally, hotel prices tend to be higher during the peak summer months of July and August, when the weather is at its best and school holidays draw more visitors to the coast. The town also sees increased demand around major events, such as the Lytham Festival in late July. If your dates are flexible, consider visiting outside these busy periods.
For potentially better rates, look at booking in the shoulder seasons, particularly May, June, and September, when the weather can still be pleasant but demand might be slightly lower. The quietest and often cheapest times to visit are during the low season months of November to March, excluding the Christmas and New Year period. Many smaller, independent hotels and guesthouses in Lytham St Annes also offer competitive rates directly through their websites, so it’s worth checking those alongside larger booking platforms.