Wonderful weekend in Lytham

Over the weekend of 13 & 14 February we went over to Lytham for a couple of days, staying with my cousin Bob (Robert) Clough and his wife Anthea. It was a delightful weekend, with some good weather, a lot of reminiscing about when we were youngsters and used to meet up in Holmfirth where Bob lived when I went over there to stay with various Aunts and Uncles, and some excellent hospitality from Bob and Anthea.

Lytham is a traditional coastal village on the Lancashire coast which is truly one of the gems of the North West. With its continental markets, flourishing gardens and stylish restaurants, Lytham really has something on offer for everyone.

Lytham’s landmark windmill, displayed on the green, is just a glimpse of the heritage, which lies within Lytham. This signature now holds a wonderfully illustrated exhibition of the town’s history as well as being a major tourist information point. Built between 1752-64, one of the finest Georgian houses in the North West of England is Lytham Hall, which holds a Grade One listed status. Its parkland is also registered with English Heritage.

If nature is of interest, the Ribble Estuary, running right by Lytham has been claimed a site of special scientific interest. Up to a quarter of a million birds may be present at once and millions pass through in a year. The area is important globally for its winter season flocks and as a stopping place for birds during migration.

On the Saturday afternoon we went down to Fairhaven Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary where these first few pictures were taken.

We then went into town and came across this marvellous mosaic in the town centre. It incorporates a picture of the windmill that we were to visit immediatley afterwards and also the dagger from the Clifton Coat of Arms - the Clifton family having owned a large part of Lytham including Lytham Hall.

We also passed Whelan's Fish & Chip restaurant which is very famous and is visited by the celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay when he is up in the Fylde area.

We then walked down to the Lytham Windmill, a famous landmark on the outskirts of the town just as the sun was starting to set.

On Sunday morning we walked down through Witches Wood to Lytham Hall.

We then passed Lytham Station which looks somewhat overgrown and neglected!

We arrived at Lytham Hall where they were holding their "Snowdrop Walk". Eighteen different varieties of Snowdrops can be found in the gardens. Galanthus is a small genus of about 20 species in the family Amaryllidaceae commonly known as Snowdrops. Most flower in winter, before the Spring Equinox. As you will see from the following photographs the bells differ greatly in shape from one variety to another.

The Dovecote

As we returned towards the hall we came across these lichen covered trees.

Lytham Hall

The entrance gates, again with the "Clifton Dagger"