Cleveleys Library

Community libraries don't usually make tourist guides, but Cleveleys Library punches above its weight as a proper local institution. Housed in a handsome Victorian building on Victoria Road East, it's the kind of place where you'll find local history sections packed with fascinating material about the Fylde coast, plus decent internet access when your holiday park Wi-Fi inevitably gives up.

Families staying at nearby Haven Cala Gran or Broadwater Holiday Park will appreciate the children's section, especially on those inevitable rainy Lancashire afternoons. The staff know their stuff about local walks and attractions too - always worth asking for insider tips on the best spots along the coast towards Fleetwood.

What makes this library genuinely useful is its role as a community hub. Regular events include storytimes for little ones and local history talks that give proper context to the area you're exploring. The building itself tells a story about seaside town pride, and it's refreshingly unpretentious.

Don't expect cutting-edge facilities, but do expect a warm welcome. It's free, obviously, and makes for a civilised hour's browse when you need a break from beach activities. The local studies collection is surprisingly comprehensive if you're interested in how this stretch of coast developed as a Victorian resort.