Lytham Windmill

The mill stands on the seafront at Lytham, a proper Victorian landmark that's been grinding grain since 1805. It's a working museum now, which means you can actually see the machinery in action on certain days - the clatter of the millstones and the smell of flour dust take you straight back two centuries. The building itself is Grade II listed, all red brick and white painted woodwork, and it's free to have a look around inside.

This is the sort of place where history buffs will spend a good hour poking about, examining the original equipment and learning how the Fylde's farming community kept itself fed. Children usually find it engaging enough, though it's not a full day's entertainment - thirty minutes to an hour covers it properly. The real draw is standing inside and imagining the noise and chaos when this thing was actually milling flour for the whole region.

It sits right on the coast near Preston, so it pairs well with a seaside walk or fish and chips from one of the nearby spots. If you're based at Sea View Caravan Park or Pipers Height, you're practically on the doorstep. The seafront promenade here is decent for a stroll, and the windmill gives you a genuine reason to spend an afternoon in Lytham rather than rushing through. Check ahead for opening times before you visit - it does close seasonally - but when it's open, it's worth the detour.