Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Shopping
Farmers' markets, farm shops, and other local produce outlets are the shopping high-
lights of Lancashire (for the Ribble Valley Food Trail, which includes shops, see
p. 593). Of particular note is the Bashall Barn Farm Food Visitor Centre
near Clitheroe ( &   01200/428964; www.bashallbarn.co.uk), which brings together
a farm shop, ice-cream parlour, coffee shop, and restaurant, and is home to the Bow-
land Beer Company Ltd. ( &   01200/428825; www.bowlandbrewery.com), which
runs tours and tastings. There's another local brewery you can tour at Burnley, Moor-
houses ( &   01282/422864; www.moorhouses.co.uk), producer of Pendle Witches
Brew and Black Cat.
Lancaster is also a good spot for food shopping, with a farmers' market on the
second Saturday of each month plus the Port of Lancaster Smokehouse
( &   01524/751493; www.polsco.co.uk), offering smoked fish including salmon
from the River Lune and Manx kippers, Morecambe Bay shrimps, fresh game in
season, specialist cheeses, and more.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Blackpool is still alive and kicking as an entertainment hub, especially in summer,
which sees a lot of traditional variety shows. Cultural venues include the Grand
Theatre ( &   01253/290190; www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk) and the Winter Gar-
dens ( &   01253/625252; www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk), both impressive
historic buildings with populist programming. The Arena at the Pleasure Beach hosts
ice-skating spectaculars and other glitzy shows.
In terms of nightlife, the mood is boisterous—the resort is a popular hen- and stag-
night choice, and the transvestite show bar Funny Girls ( &   0844/247-2665; www.
funnygirlsonline.co.uk) a favorite venue. Blackpool also has the U.K.'s biggest night-
club, Syndicate ( &   01253/753222; http://blackpool.thesyndicate.com), with a
revolving dance floor. Since World War II, the resort has been known as a safe haven
for gay communities, and since the 1990s it's been actively promoted as a gay tourist
destination, so there are plenty of gay-friendly venues plus a dedicated radio station
(www.gayradiouk.com).
For up-to-date listings, consult www.blackpoolevents.co.uk.
Where to Stay
VERY EXPENSIVE
For rooms at Northcote and the Inn at Whitewell, see p. 595.
Midland It's all about the history at this newly revived Art Deco classic in the
middle of Morecambe's promenade. That and the sea views, which are worth the
extra money and are really the point of staying here. The reopening of the hotel led
the Guardian , in 2008, to declare Morecambe the U.K.'s top coastal holiday destina-
tion—a turnaround for the once-neglected resort. Seeing it now, you may be amazed
that the cruiser-liner-like building was allowed to rot for decades. All praise to the
developers for seamlessly incorporating iconic features such as the sweeping staircase
and Eric Gill frescoes into the new venue. Rooms are spacious and stylish in a Pop
Arty way, with ingenious bathrooms (it may take you a while to find the toilet). There's
a slight starkness to them, as with many design hotels, but with nothing beyond your
15
 
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