Gynn Gardens

Right by the North Pier in central Blackpool, these formal gardens stretch along the seafront offering a proper respite from the madness of the Golden Mile. The Victorian-era terraced gardens climb up from the promenade in neat geometric patterns, with well-maintained flowerbeds that actually look decent from spring through autumn.

Families with younger children will find this a useful pit stop - there's enough space for kids to burn off energy without the chaos of the beach, and the benches give weary parents a chance to catch their breath. The gardens aren't huge, so don't expect to spend more than half an hour here unless you're particularly keen on municipal horticulture.

What makes Gynn Gardens worth a quick detour is the combination of sea views and the fact it's free - always a bonus in Blackpool where everything seems designed to empty your wallet. The formal layout feels oddly continental against the backdrop of the Tower and seafront hotels.

If you're staying at Newton Hall Holiday Park or Haven Marton Mere, it's an easy addition to a day out in Blackpool proper. Best visited in the morning before the crowds build up, or early evening when the light's better for photos. Not spectacular, but a pleasant enough spot that does what it says on the tin.