Enjoy all the Fun of the fair in Blackpool and St. Annes this October with special deals from talkholiday

THERE’S always places that can take us right back to our childhood days and the coastal gems of the northwest are mine.

The sights, smells and sounds have changed little over the years, despite a lot of urban regeneration and updating, which is always necessary.

You can’t really leave things the way they were in the 70s. A great autumn choice for UK family breaks is a trip to the classic resorts of Blackpool and St Anne’s on the popular Flyde Coast.

The Fylde Coast is the northwest stretch of seaside between the rivers Ribble and Wyre, with Blackpool in the middle, Fleetwood to the north and Lytham to the south. Perfect for half term, Blackpool is one of the UK’s iconic seaside resorts and it’s easy to see why families continue to flock to its bright lights year after year, given the range of year-round attractions

I spent much of my childhood in this neck of the woods and I now go there as a grown up with my own children and it is still my happy place – even if I can no longer fit in the small bumper cars at the end of the pier!

If you don’t want to be right at the heart of the bustling Blackpool action, the neighbouring town of St.Annes on Sea is a more tranquil option. I always loved staying in this delightful little town and knowing the big fun was just a couple of miles along the road and short tram ride away was so exciting.

St.Annes is a picture perfect seaside town with sand dunes fringing the beach and the fresh, salty sea air will give you a great night’s sleep. One of the town’s most recognizable features is the beautifully preserved Victorian pier, which is packed with fun, traditional amusements.

From here, you can enjoy a stroll along the pretty sea front, which in high season is a hive of activity and like most British seaside resorts, always look and feel nicer when the sun is shining!

Out of summer season, it’s still a lovely little spot for blowing off the cobwebs and in the evenings (from 2 September until 6 November 2016) there’s always the Blackpool Illuminations. This dazzling light show keeps Blackpool buzzing over the autumn months when many other places have closed down.

It’s a great sight and worth the visit. Check out these great October deals from talkholiday the social travel network.