The Riveria

The click of the front door, the smell of fresh coffee drifting from the breakfast room, and beyond it all — the tang of salt air blowing in off the Irish Sea.

This Blackpool base suits couples after a seaside weekend without the tent pegs, families who want a proper bed after a day on the Pleasure Beach, and anyone drawn to the coast but happy trading canvas for four walls. There's a camping pod if you fancy something in between, and the seafront promenade with its famous tower and illuminations is never far in this corner of Lancashire. Dog owners should ask ahead — policies vary by room.

Facilities aren't listed in detail, so it's worth checking what's included when you book. Campfires need confirming on arrival if you're in the pod. Open all year, which makes it handy for winter breaks and off-season walks along the prom. The vibe leans towards traditional seaside lodgings with a practical edge — somewhere to rest your head after the arcades and trams, rather than a back-to-nature retreat. Anglers might note Four Seasons Fishery a short drive inland if you fancy a quieter morning with a rod.