Serene and stylish, Lytham is the famous Lancashire resort that has so much more to offer than golf…although having a world class course helps too! WORDS: HELEN DUGDALE

Lytham was perfectly described by The Guardian as the yin to Blackpool’s yang. It might just be two miles around the coast from the sparkly lights of Blackpool but the personalities of the two seaside destinations couldn’t be more different.

Lytham is a pretty town nestled along a picturesque stretch of coastline where the estuary of the Ribble River opens onto the sea. It features neat lawns, a boating lake, and a long beach that sits neatly next to the town’s iconic windmill landmark and the impressive Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club.

Neighbouring Blackpool might boast the hustle and bustle of the lights and the thrill of the Pleasure Beach, but Lytham is more serene and refined, with an amazing community and beautiful views of the Fylde coast and sea.

The town has stylish boutique shops selling the latest home interiors sitting next to cafes and eateries under pretty Victorian canopies that run along the main street. Lytham even has its own family-run department store, Stringers.

Properties range from large, detached houses and tall Victorian properties to smaller homes and modern apartments. The way of life offered by Lytham tends to attract the older generation. However, families and couples are also drawn to make the area their home.

WHERE TO BUY?

For a seafront abode then head to the Central Beach or South Shore areas which offer larger properties.

Islay Road is often described as ‘arguably one of the finest residential areas’ of Lytham with its great location near shops and amenities. Prices sit around the million-pound mark for a luxurious detached four-bedroom family home.

For a more village feel but with the benefit of knowing the coast is just a short drive away, then head to one of the neighbouring villages, Wrea Green, Warton, and Freckleton or Newton.

HOW MUCH?

Statistics released by Rightmove in late February 2023 showed that properties in Lytham had an overall average price of £265,784 over the last year.

An apartment or flat in Lytham was selling for an average price of £178,772. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £270,514, with detached properties fetching £419,119.

Overall, sold prices in Lytham St Annes over the last year were two per cent up on the previous year and four per cent up on the 2020 peak of £256,312.

SCHOOLS

Lytham offers a range of excellent schools. Primary schools include Lytham Hall Park Primary School and Hawes Side Academy. For a state high school check out Lytham High School.

Parents looking for grammar and independent education will be spoilt for choice here too. St Anne’s Grammar School College states its greatest strengths are the individual attention given to the students in the small class sizes of around 16 pupils.

AKS Lytham Independent School caters for pre-school through to sixth form and prides itself on being a place ‘where people can pursue their passions and achieve their ambitions.

Popular House School was a welcome addition to Lytham when it opened in the spring of 2022, offering special needs education for SEMH and highly autistic functioning children.

TRAVEL LINKS

Lytham is well connected to the surrounding towns and cities of the North West.

For access with a car, Preston is 25 minutes away and Blackpool 20 minutes. Manchester and Liverpool are just over an hour’s drive and the M55 motorway makes Lytham easy to reach from other parts of the UK.

The town is served by two train stations at Ballam Road and Ansdell and Fairhaven with regular services to Blackpool and Preston.

The closest airport is Liverpool 30 miles away.

TIME OUT

You might consider relocating to Lytham for a slower pace of life, but you’ll be spoilt for choice in the summer months when there’s so much going on in town. The Lytham Festival is a five-day annual event taking place from June 28-July 2 in the purpose-built arena on Lytham Green. Crowds descend on the town to see big-name bands and singers, which for 2023 include: Jamiroquai, Kaiser Chiefs, George Ezra, and Lionel Richie.

The co-founder of the Lytham Festival is Peter Taylor who has lived and worked on the Fylde coast all his life. He founded Lytham Festival with friend and fellow local Daniel Cuffe back in 2010 and they have grown the event from a one-night proms concert to a huge five-day festival attracting major international headliners and around 100,000 people.

Peter says: “We love Lytham and everything about the Fylde coast. It is a wonderful place to live, and we are very proud it is the home of our beloved festival. It is a very traditional coastal town but it is also one that wraps its arms around innovation so it can move with the times. The town has certainly done that for Lytham Festival and the support we receive locally is phenomenal.”

There is also the well-loved Lytham 1940s Wartime Weekend from August 19-20 August and the St Annes International Kite Festival from September 8-10.

If you’re looking to take some time out, then Lytham St Annes has a long list of places to head. From the Georgian Lytham Hall with its 78 acres of stunning grounds and tasty tearoom, or if you fancy a spot of the arts then head to the Lowther Pavilion Theatre, a cultural hub of community entertainment in the Lowther Gardens.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

Why not head to Lytham for a weekend – or even a week – all in the name of research? Get to know the local cafes, find the perfect bench for a picnic with a view of the water and stroll the streets in search of finding your ideal new neighbourhood.

The Grand Hotel, a seaside spa resort offering luxury and fine dining, could offer you somewhere to stay and spend time while you dive under the skin of Lytham and what the surrounding area has to offer.

Or for a day trip, why not treat yourself to hiring one of the St Anne’s Beach Huts? This award-winning tourist attraction offers 36 brightly coloured chalets that are an ideal base for visitors to St Anne’s Beach. Huts are available to rent from 10am to midnight. A great place to work on your budget and start planning your new life in Lytham.

WHAT YOU CAN GET FOR YOUR MONEY

Here are some of our favourite Lytham properties for sale:

SUPERBLY SITUATED (ASKING PRICE £129,950)

This excellent two-bedroom first floor apartment in Oxford Road, Lytham St Annes, has private parking and a shared garden. Superbly situated close to shops, amenities and transport links. uniqueestateagency.co.uk/property-search~action=detail,pid=4878

CLOSE TO THE COURSE (ASKING PRICE £500,000)

The White House is a superbly appointed detached extended and modernised property. It is situated in a popular residential area within yards from Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club and a few minutes’ walk to schools. rightmove.co.uk/properties/129288485#/?channel=RES_BUY

PRIME POSITION (ASKING PRICE £795,000)

This property in Clifton Drive South, Lytham St Annes is a superior, refurbished family house that occupies a prime position within walking distance of the sea front. rightmove.co.uk/properties/125565287#/?channel=RES_BUY

BEAUTIFUL FAMILY HOME (ASKING PRICE £1,165,000)

A beautiful four-bedroom detached family home that is located on of the most affluent roads in Lytham St Annes, Islay Road. rightmove.co.uk/properties/130678418#/?channel=RES_BUY