I’ve just returned from a staycation from the North West of England and had a lovely time. I hadn’t been off work for a long time and couldn’t wait to catchup with friends and cousins and recharge!
I travelled on the train from London to the North West, I hadn’t travelled this far on a train during this pandemic, I did have some anxiety about it but you’ve got to do it! So masked up, I had my playlists on, my podcast planner out and watched Netflix whilst travelling through the country and looking out of the window. Of course, I had a magic picnic to accompany it.
I arrived in Wigan and stayed with family in St Helens which is in Merseyside, had a lovely time exploring the local pubs and the outdoor food markets nearby.
We went to a National Trust building called Ruffold House, Rufford Old Hall | National Trust it had a great Tudor hall with beams to die for, suits of armour and what not. It was lovely driving through the farming country.
After two days, I travelled to Blackpool and visited some friends, we went to Lytham St Annes which I have written about before, there’s a lovely windmill and there’s Queen House Hotel which has a lovely restaurant, varied menu and lovely views of the green.
The sunshine was pelting down on the Fylde Coast where Lytham St Annes is located. Driving through Blackpool, the piers and streets were heaving with tourists which was good to see. Alot of people who live in the North West travel to Blackpool for their holidays or day trips, there is a good train service to Blackpool North from many of the train stations in the North West. Check out http://www.avanti.com for trainfares. I purchased an advanced ticket which is more reasonable
My friends and I walked along Cleveley’s Beach which is located a few miles north of Blackpool where the locals go, it has a lovely promenade and plenty of space to walk around. The sunsets were beautiful, watching the sun light highlighting the boat wrecks was a lovely sight. I always find walking along beaches so tranquil and relaxing.
After this visit, I went to Rivington which is located near Chorley, there’s ample walking trails to take, outdoor activities and places to visit. I went to a fabulous vegan and vegetarian restaurant called Whins, Best Vegan Restaurant Chorley Lancashire (whinsgreenkitchen.co.uk) it’s a lovely restaurant with beautiful views of rolling hills. The breakfast and lunch menu are varied and there is the option for Afternoon Tea. I had a lovely sweet potato and filo pie with cashews and a rocket and coleslaw salad, the portion was massive but so tasty! There is also vegan icecream too! Booking is advised. There is also a spa there, called Contours. This was the view.
After the countryside, I went to Manchester which is a contrast with the city skyline! We went to a fab vegan restaurant called Purezza, https://purezza.co.uk/locations/manchester/ there’s a few restaurants located around England in Bristol, Brighton & Hove and Camden in London..The menu is great, I’m not vegan or vegetarian but I thoroughly enjoyed the menu, it’s great for people with intolerances and they serve organic wine too.
We a hit the nightlife in Canal Street where there are gay bars and cheesy music and has plenty of characters. People were friendly and I felt safe.
There are plenty of museums in Manchester to visit. There are the canals and shopping if you feel inclined. There are also food trucks and markets too.
There’s a fab place called John Rylands Museum that has beautiful architecture and it has afternoon tea there which I have had before! I thoroughly recommend it! Sit back on the chesterfield sofas, drink your tea and enjoy!
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit up North. I look forward to exploring more of the United Kingdom. The thing with the pandemic is that it shows there’s so much to do and see in the United Kingdom. There’s something for everyone, landscape, rural, cities, beaches, you name it. I look forward to booking another break and can’t wait to explore soon.
Have a look at my photos on : https://shewholovesadventure.picfair.com
