Wilmar

The first thing you notice at Wilmar is how quiet it feels for somewhere so close to Blackpool's buzz — a proper pause between the Pleasure Beach and the Irish Sea wind coming off the coast.

This is a handy spot if you're after a base with a roof rather than canvas, offering both camping pods for those who want to sleep off-ground and guest house rooms for anyone craving a proper bed and a cooked breakfast. Dogs are welcome by arrangement, so it's worth asking ahead if you're bringing yours. The Fylde Coast location means you're never far from the promenade, the tramline, or the dunes at Squires Gate, and anglers will find Four Seasons Fishery a short drive inland if the tides or the crowds don't appeal.

Campfires depend on what's allowed when you arrive, so check in at reception. It's open all year, which makes it a useful wintertime bolt-hole when most coastal sites have shut their gates. The vibe is low-key and practical — somewhere you sleep well and head out early.