Daryl's Destinations

Author: Daryl’s Destinations

  • 24 Hours in Lytham

    A Relaxed Seaside Escape with Teddy Swims at Lytham Festival


    Sometimes the shortest trips leave the biggest impression.

    This visit to Lytham was all about music and formed part of a Christmas present to see Teddy Swims perform at Lytham Festival. With the concert taking place on Lytham Green, it made perfect sense to stay in the town itself and turn the event into a little seaside getaway.

    Although we were only visiting for one night, Lytham immediately felt different from many of the seaside towns nearby.

    Quieter than Blackpool and more relaxed than neighbouring St Anne’s, Lytham has an elegance that’s hard to ignore. Wide green spaces overlook the estuary, the historic windmill stands proudly on Lytham Green and the beautiful Victorian houses make you slow down and appreciate your surroundings.

    This wasn’t a sightseeing holiday. It was very much a concert, an overnight stay and then home the following morning. Yet even in just 24 hours, Lytham left me wanting to return and discover much more of what this charming seaside town has to offer.

    Where I Stayed

    Seagull View Apartment

    For this trip we stayed at Seagull View Apartment, and the first thing that surprised me was just how spacious it was.

    From the small private entrance on the ground floor, stairs lead up to a fully equipped apartment consisting of a modern kitchen, comfortable lounge, large double bedroom and generous bathroom with shower and WC.

    The décor was simple, modern and inspired by the seaside, with light colours and beach-style touches throughout. It created a calm and welcoming atmosphere from the moment we arrived, and after unpacking it quickly felt like home.

    Although the apartment isn’t located in the centre of Lytham, it’s in a great position. Lytham Green is around 3 km away and only a short taxi ride, while the beach itself is less than a five-minute walk from the apartment. There are also regular bus services nearby offering easy access into Lytham town centre, St Anne’s and Blackpool, making it a convenient base for exploring the Fylde Coast.

    The only slight downside during our stay was hearing dogs barking from downstairs. As we weren’t sure whether they belonged to the owners or another guest, it’s impossible to know whether this is something future visitors would experience, but it did interrupt the otherwise peaceful atmosphere.

    Overall, I really liked the apartment itself and couldn’t fault its size, facilities or location. Sadly, the persistent barking from the dogs downstairs took away from what should have been a peaceful stay. As I can’t say whether this was a one-off or a regular occurrence, I can only review my own experience, and unfortunately it would stop me from booking this property again

    Seagull View apartment

    Exploring Lytham

    With only 24 hours to spend here, there wasn’t enough time to properly explore everything Lytham has to offer, but sometimes that’s enough to know you’ll be coming back.

    Walking through the town, it’s easy to see why so many people love it. Independent cafés, boutique shops and beautifully maintained streets give Lytham a relaxed atmosphere that feels worlds away from the bright lights of Blackpool.

    Lytham Green stretches along the waterfront and is undoubtedly the heart of the town. Sitting proudly on the Green is the iconic Lytham Windmill, one of Lancashire’s most photographed landmarks and a reminder of the town’s rich history.

    Even on a short visit, I found myself slowing down and appreciating the quieter pace of life. It felt like the sort of place where people come to unwind rather than rush from one attraction to the next.

    Food & Drink

    As we stayed in a self-catering apartment, we prepared most of our meals ourselves during this trip.

    The only food we bought was while attending Lytham Festival, where we came across PB Lytham (Phil’s Bakery).

    Operating from one of their distinctive gold festival vans, they offered a fantastic selection of freshly made sandwiches, pies, pastries, cakes and excellent coffee.

    I opted for a latte and a gingerbread treat, both of which were excellent. What stood out most, though, was the service. Despite serving a constant stream of festival-goers, every member of staff still had time for a smile and a friendly chat.

    PB Lytham also has a permanent bakery in the town itself, and it’s already on my list to visit properly next time I’m back.

    Lytham Festival

    The main reason for this trip was, of course, Lytham Festival.

    Held each summer on Lytham Green, it’s one of the UK’s most relaxed music festivals and feels very different from many of the larger events I’ve attended.

    With one main stage overlooking the coast, there’s no rushing between different arenas or trying to choose between acts. Instead, everyone gathers together to enjoy the music, creating a really friendly atmosphere that’s perfect for families, couples and groups of friends alike.

    This year we were there to see Teddy Swims, and despite the weather trying its best to spoil proceedings, it turned into a brilliant evening.

    After weeks of sunshine across the UK, this happened to be the first festival where I’d experienced proper rain. Standing on the seafront with strong winds wasn’t ideal, but thankfully we’d packed waterproof jackets and even managed to sneak umbrellas into our bags.

    The rain only really arrived during the final hour and certainly didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. Thousands of people stayed put, singing every word alongside Teddy Swims until the very end.

    Lytham Festival takes place over five consecutive days every summer and regularly attracts an impressive line-up of international artists. If you’re looking for a festival that’s a little more relaxed, beautifully located and suitable for all ages, I’d definitely recommend adding it to your list.

    Final Thoughts

    Would I return to Lytham?

    Without hesitation.

    Although this visit was centred around the festival, it gave me just enough time to realise how much more there is to discover.

    Lytham has a completely different feel from many traditional seaside towns. Rather than arcades and amusement rides, you’ll find elegant houses, independent businesses, peaceful green spaces and a coastline that encourages you to slow down and simply enjoy where you are.

    Walking past some of the stunning homes overlooking Lytham Green, I couldn’t help thinking, “I’d love to live somewhere like this one day.”

    Next time, I’d definitely stay longer. I’d spend more time exploring the town, visit PB Lytham’s bakery, enjoy a few more cafés and make the most of everything this beautiful part of Lancashire has to offer.

    Sometimes all it takes is 24 hours to know you’ll be back.

  • 48 Hours in Barcelona

    Barcelona is one of my favourite cities for a short break. With its stunning architecture, vibrant food scene, beautiful beaches and endless attractions, it’s a destination I never seem to tire of visiting.

    This trip came about thanks to an unexpected 48-hour layover before boarding a cruise sailing from Barcelona. Rather than seeing it as an inconvenience, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to spend a couple of days rediscovering one of Europe’s most exciting cities.

    I’ve visited Barcelona many times over the years and in many different capacities, but this time I wanted to make the most of every minute. One thing I’ve always loved about Barcelona is how walkable it is. Pick a destination on the map and simply start walking – you’ll pass famous landmarks, hidden gems, local cafés and beautiful architecture along the way.

    where I stayed

    Ecozentric Apartments

    Located in the heart of Barcelona, Ecozentric Apartments couldn’t be much better positioned for exploring the city. Universitat Metro Station is just a four-minute walk away, while city buses and the Aerobús airport shuttle are all within easy reach.

    If you’re arriving late, make sure you have the property’s contact number handy, as you’ll need to call ahead for someone to meet you and complete check-in.

    The reception area is small but welcoming, with complimentary tea, coffee, water and fruit available throughout the day. There’s also a useful information wall featuring local services and recommendations.

    Our room was compact but had everything we needed for a comfortable two-night stay. The room was spotless, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a proper double bed rather than the usual European twin beds pushed together. After a busy day exploring the city, I slept incredibly well.

    The en-suite bathroom was equally clean and well maintained, while the large balcony offered fantastic views across the city and nearby university buildings, particularly after sunset.

    One of the biggest positives was how quiet the property felt despite being in such a central location. The surrounding area is packed with bars, cafés, restaurants and shops, making it an excellent base for exploring Barcelona.

    Food Recommendation
    Cerveseria Catalana

    No visit to Barcelona is complete without tapas, and Cerveseria Catalana remains one of the city’s most popular choices.

    Located in the Eixample district, this bustling restaurant often has queues stretching outside the door. Don’t let that put you off though, as tables tend to turn around quickly and the wait is rarely more than 20 minutes.

    The food is excellent value for money, with a huge selection of traditional tapas dishes available. My only advice would be to order more than you think you’ll need, as portions can be smaller than expected.

    If you’re looking for authentic tapas in a lively atmosphere, this is a fantastic choice.

    Must-See Attractions

    Basílica de la Sagrada Família

    Whether you’re religious or not, the Sagrada Família is simply breathtaking.

    Construction first began in 1882 and, despite looking almost complete, work continues to this day. The intricate detail throughout the building is unlike anything else you’ll see in Barcelona.

    If you’re hoping to go inside, book your tickets well in advance. They sell out incredibly quickly and securing same-day tickets can be difficult.

    Even if you don’t enter, it’s still worth visiting. The surrounding area offers fantastic viewpoints and some of the best photo opportunities in the city.

    Casa Batlló

    Another masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí, Casa Batlló is one of Barcelona’s most recognisable buildings.

    The unique architecture and colourful exterior make it a must-see, even if you’re only viewing it from outside. Tours are available and can often be booked on the day, subject to availability.

    Spotify Camp Nou

    Although I’m not a huge football fan, Camp Nou has always impressed me due to its sheer size and history.

    Unfortunately, major renovation works were taking place during this visit, so I decided to skip the tour. It’s definitely somewhere I’d revisit once construction has been completed.

    Barcelona Beach & Harbour

    Barcelona’s harbour is one of my favourite areas of the city, particularly in the evening.

    The waterfront is lined with restaurants, bars and cafés, while luxury yachts fill the marina. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy a drink and watch the city come alive after dark.

    The beach itself can appear busy at first, especially during the summer months, but there’s usually plenty of space once you find the right spot.

    The sea offers welcome relief from the city’s heat and humidity, making it the perfect place to cool down after a day of sightseeing.

    One downside was the constant flow of beach sellers offering everything from massages and sunglasses to cocktails and souvenirs. While they weren’t pushy, they were frequent. I’d recommend buying food and drinks from the nearby bars and shops instead.

    LGBTQ+ Recommendation

    Priscilla Café

    Barcelona has no shortage of LGBTQ+ venues, particularly around the Gaixample district.

    Of the places I visited, Priscilla Café stood out the most. The venue is quirky, colourful and full of references to LGBTQ+ culture and icons.

    The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming and unpretentious, making it a great place to stop for a drink and soak up the local scene

    Final Thoughts

    Barcelona remains one of Europe’s greatest city-break destinations.

    From world-famous architecture and fantastic food to beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, the city genuinely offers something for everyone.

    Even after multiple visits, I still find new places to explore and reasons to return.