Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Course

Ten Open Championships have been staged here since 1926, and you can feel the weight of that history the moment you step onto the first tee. This is links golf at its most demanding - the wind whips in from the Irish Sea, and the rough can be absolutely brutal. Seve's famous shot from the car park in 1979 happened right here on the 16th hole.

Golf enthusiasts will recognise this as one of the toughest tests in championship golf. The course runs inland from the dunes, meaning less of the seaside views you might expect, but the challenge more than compensates. That said, it's proper expensive and getting a tee time as a visitor isn't straightforward - you'll need to plan well ahead.

Families staying at nearby Haven Marton Mere or Ribby Hall Village should know this isn't a quick diversion. You're looking at four hours minimum for a round, and the course demands serious golf skills. Beginners will find it thoroughly dispiriting.

The clubhouse maintains its traditional atmosphere - jacket and tie required in certain areas. It's worth the visit if you're a golf obsessive, but casual players might find better value at one of the many other courses along this stretch of the Lancashire coast. The proximity to Blackpool makes it convenient for a golf-focused break, though you'll want deep pockets.