THE PLANNER

GETTING THERE

There are direct train services from London Euston to Preston (2hr 10min) and Lancaster (2hr 25min). Change at Preston for Blackpool, Burnley and Blackburn, or at Lancaster for Morecambe. www.nationalrail.co.uk

WHERE TO STAY

Northcote Manor, at Langho in the Ribble Valley, offers sumptuous rooms and suites, as well as a famous Michelinstarred restaurant. For sea air and coastal views, step back in time at the Art Deco Midland Hotel on Morecambe’s waterfront. www.northcote.com; midlandhotelmorecambe.co.uk

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

The Ribble Valley is known as the food capital of the North and is full of fantastic places to eat, including the Freemasons gastropub at Wiswell and the 14th-century Inn at Whitewell. You can have afternoon tea in the sumptuous setting of the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool, or pop in to Notarianni’s, which has been selling its secret recipe ice cream to visitors since 1928. www.freemasonsatwiswell.com; www.innatwhitewell.com; www.theblackpooltower.com; notarianni.co.uk

FURTHER INFORMATION

www.visitlancashire.com; www.visitblackpool.com; www.visitribblevalley.co.uk