Nice areas around Blackpool ?!?

[NewHorizons2020]

Current in SE, but splitting with partner and need to relocate children & I to be close to Family in Blackpool.

Can anyone recommend anywhere not to far from Blackpool with excellent primary and secondary options ?

Lytham or saint Anne's? Ansdell ? Depends a lot on your budget.

Staining and Poulton-le-Fylde are both very nice. Good schools.

Or slightly further inland (20 mins) and look at Garstang. Lovely market town with vibrant community and non of the tourism issues that Latham's / St. Anne's suffers from in peak season.

How far is not too far? Southport is nice if an hour's drive is acceptable? (Have to to into Preston and back out again)

If that length of time is ok, then you can also look a fair way inland across Lancs, along the m65. Do you want town / village / rural?

The nice thing about Garatamg or anywhere nearby is that is a small town, it's near enough to the sea without the tourism issues, it's on the edge of the trough of bowland (fells / lakes), it's near Beacon Fell (walks, tea room), the Lakes are directly "up the road", The motor ways are easily accessible (M6, M60, M62, M61 and M55 - to Blackpool). Lancaster is 15 mins away, as it Preston in the opposite direction. You have access to places such as Barton Grange garden centre (it's sooo much more), lovely canal walks, decent pubs etc.

I also agree re Southport (I live near Croston) although I would say that it lacks the hills, lakes, walks etc. That characterise Garstang ot village nearby (look at Scorton!)

Narrowed our search down to Broughton now. Thank you for your suggestions !