Visit Lancashire

The Tour de France – A Shared History of Firsts

As the Grand Depart of this year’s Tour begins in Leeds, we consider the impact Lancashire and Yorkshire have made on the world’s greatest cycle race. 

The British didn’t ‘do’ cycling. At least, that was the perception before Brian Robinson became the first British rider to finish the race (in 1955) and then win a stage, in 1958. From Mirfield, just a quick sprint from the routes of this year’s first two stages, Brian was Britain’s – and Yorkshire’s – first Tour de France hero, not that he sees it quite that way. "I suppose I played my part, I set the ball rolling if you like..." he modestly tells the Le Tour website.

A Lancashire Tour de France?

The wheels are about to start turning in this year’s Tour de France, and while we wait to watch our favourite jersey to fly by we got to thinking: where would the jerseys of a Tour de Lancashire be won?

Polka Dot Jersey

We may not be able to match the Pyrenees for scale, but the Pendle hills are a haven for cyclists of all abilities – and with the Pendle Cycling Festival in full swing just a few miles west of the official Tour route, it’s the natural location for demanding climbs and swift descents. The actual Tour competitors don’t get to enjoy the Cycling Beer Festival in Colne either…

Mamma Mia! Here I go Again!

I had been looking forward to seeing Mamma Mia! for months. I’ve seen many West End and Broadway shows but never been lucky enough to see Mamma Mia! so when I heard its International Tour was starting in Blackpool at the Winter Gardens (20 June – 1 Sept) I quickly booked tickets with a couple of friends.

It always amazes me every time I go into the Winter Gardens just what a stunning venue it is with so much choice and flexibility as well as an abundance of history that is special to Blackpool. There was a real mix in the crowd from couples and children but the majority naturally being groups of females.

Discovering seaside fun with St Annes Beach Huts

It wouldn’t be summer without a trip to the seaside and what could be more quintessentially British than a beach hut overlooking the expansive sandy beach at St Annes.

We arrived just after 10am (after a welcoming text from Stuart, the owner) to find our lovely beach hut ready and waiting for us.  We put the kettle on, opened the doors and made ourselves at home in what became our home for the day.

A comfy seating area, moveable table and plenty of deck chairs made our base very cosy – with the added convenience of the fridge, microwave, DAB radio, plates, glasses and cutlery – we were short of nothing. We’d brought a picnic for our lunch with plenty of yummy cream cakes (picked up at Barton Grange Garden Centre on route) and a bottle of bubbly so the fridge was well stocked for the day.