Near Blackpool Is A Relaxing Coastal Escape With Local Eateries, Beach Beauty, And An Award-Winning Promenade

Britain's coastline has a knack for mixing the spectacular, the grandiose, the legendary, and the absurd. Its stretch of the Lancashire coastline contains multitudes, from seaside tourist magnets to wildlife areas. Within that cacophony, near Blackpool, lies Cleveleys, a relaxing coastal escape. Its local eateries, beautiful beach, and award-winning promenade make it a unique destination for a weekend away, or more.

The cozy town with a population of 11,000 hits all the right notes of a classic coastal escape: a mile-long seaside vista with a clever promenade and a delightful dose of quirk combine with natural beauty to create a decidedly British destination. The coastal defenses built to hold back the sea often double as engrossing public spaces. And the eye-catching, dual-level promenade doubles as a barrier against unruly waters. It's the sort of place where you can nosh on fish and chips, the waves creating a soothing white noise while a massive ogre stands stoically out in the sea (more on him later).

Cleveleys' beach, a mix of pebbles and sand, offers a lower-key, less-crowded chunk of shoreline for relaxing and enjoying the sea's siren song. If you're looking for some solitude, or at least the semblance of it, head toward the northern end of Cleveleys' coast to Rossall Beach. The long, shallow stretch of water combines views of the Irish Sea with family-friendly environs and vibes. Just look out for the incoming tide. The sandbanks can quickly become islands, cut off from the coast, leaving you marooned. It's the ideal detour on a trip to Blackpool, England's own Coney Island, which is only 15 minutes away.

Cleveleys' main attraction is a winning geographic lottery ticket. The coastal hamlet enjoys a west-facing view, naturally providing that most mystical of travel experiences: the seaside sunset. Its promenade is designed to maximize this natural advantage, winning awards from a bevy of construction and tourism groups (including The North West Tourism Award for "Best Public Space"). The plethora of sitting areas along the wide walkway lets visitors enjoy a meditative break or take in that impressive sunset. The promenade also serves as the axis of life in Cleveleys. The sea on one side, the exciting gastronomic and pub scene on the other.

This being the U.K., quirky names and good food go hand in hand. Exhibit A: Frilly Pig Bistro, a highly-rated eatery in the heart of town known for its homemade food and cozy vibes. Diners rave about the Sunday roasts, with staff and decor getting plaudits as well. See if you can book a table for the bottomless brunch, which includes a choice of three entrees and cocktails for £40 (about $53). That or try the Yorkshire pudding. For something even more distinctly British, hit up the popular local chippy, Kay's Fish & Chips. It'd be criminal to skip having batter-covered haddock that borders on the divine so close to the sea.

The five sculptures serving as landmarks and eye candy along the promenade and beach are a must-see. These form the Mythic Coast Artwork Trail, which retells the story of the Sea Swallow, a local fairytale. The visually arresting Sea Ogre, for example, cuts a solitary figure jutting out of the sand, covered in algae and lending the coast an even more magical feel. Mary's Shell, on the northern end of the beach, is perhaps the most iconic and visually arresting of the bunch.

The best route to Cleveleys is rather straightforward: fly to the closest major travel hub, Blackpool International Airport. Then, hop on a cab, tram, or bus and head into town. Along the way, throw in a detour to Lytham St. Annes, a quaint coastal town with shops and restaurants just 5 miles south of Blackpool.

If you plan on sleeping in town, you're in luck. The Thornton-Cleveleys area has a wide range of accommodations, spanning everything from budget sleeps to commendable hotels. The Briardene Hotel is a popular choice — along with excellent reviews on Google, it's less than a mile from the seafront. Keep in mind that, as fun as the town is, Cleveleys is admittedly small. You can enrich your trip with another stop on the Lancashire coast at Fleetwood, a nearby coastal town that has ocean views and award-winning beaches just 10 minutes up the coast.

No matter when you go, bring a jacket. The weather along the Irish Sea can be quite British, with long, cloudy winters and year-round winds thrown in for good measure. Aim for a trip during July and August for the best odds of fair weather. If you were planning on getting in the water for a swim, don't. The water temperatures hardly reach the 70-degree Fahrenheit threshold and are usually somewhere between "Oh, that's uncomfortable" and "BRRRRRRRR!"