Viewing platform across the mere

Twenty feet above the water, this simple wooden platform gives you a proper bird's-eye view across Marton Mere - one of Blackpool's quieter spots that most visitors miss entirely. The mere itself stretches out below, home to coots, moorhens and the occasional heron if you're lucky with timing.

Birdwatchers will get the most from this spot, especially early morning when the wildlife is most active. Families staying at Haven Marton Mere Holiday Village can walk here in two minutes - it's practically on their doorstep. The platform itself isn't much to look at, just basic wooden planking with railings, but the view is worth the short climb up.

You won't need long here - fifteen minutes is plenty unless you're serious about your birdspotting. It's free to access and always open, though the wooden steps can get slippery when wet. Not exactly thrilling for teenagers, but younger kids enjoy pointing out the ducks and watching for fish jumping.

For those staying at Newton Hall or the other nearby parks, it makes a decent morning constitutional. The mere sits just off the main Blackpool tourist trail, so you'll often have it to yourself. Pack binoculars if you have them - the wildlife viewing is genuinely better than you'd expect this close to the Golden Mile.