I LOVE Blackpool, donkey rides on the beach, enjoying the views from the top of the Tower, spending a fortune on the slot machines and rides.

But as a cold wind bites and the inevitable clouds roll in it’s nice to know that you can stay somewhere that offers an altogether different ambience.

While the seafront hotels have a certain charm, they lack a little sophistication.

However, if you are fortunate enough to have a car, a mere 25 minutes away is a hotel that enables you to have your candy floss and eat it.

The MacDonald Tickled Trout Hotel, on the outskirts of Preston, has recently undergone a £500,000 refurbishment.

Striking a balance between the modern and the traditional it is set on the banks of the River Ribble, just off Junction 31 of the M6.

With a homely exterior – Georgian entry, bay windows, dormers, lovingly arranged hanging baskets, flowers and shrubs – first impressions were favourable.

An impressive lobby with friendly, courteous staff made for the perfect start.

Up the well maintained staircase and our adjoining rooms were ready for us.

As the dark began to take its grip on the night it was nice to have such a homely base for the evening.

Kids settled and my other half content reading in bed, I popped downstairs to the bar which was populated by a few businessman quenching their thirst before hitting the motorway the following day no doubt and couples enjoying a romantic night away.

Modern and yet still retaining character, I felt like having more than the one beer I had promised I’d have.

However, ever the dutiful husband I retreated, ale in hand, upstairs – after all I’d need all my energy for the day to come.

Throwing the curtains back earlier than perhaps was good for us, we took in a view that had not been obvious the night before.

The river wending its way below, we were able to watch cormorant fishing, ducks greeting the morning with a hearty quack and even a kingfisher, it’s shimmering colours picked out by the early light, dashing along the riverbank.

Had it not been for the need for a hearty breakfast, I could have taken in the scene for much longer.

We were welcomed in, our gaze already occupied by tables fair groaning under the weight of fresh produce, meats and cereal.

For the children, this was an adventure in itself and they busied themselves with several journeys to and from the serving area, eyes lit up by the calorific bounty before them.

Orders taken, we waited a little while for our cooked breakfast to arrive, but it was well worth it and ensured that we would be able to avoid the greasy seafront offerings for a few hours at least.

A final look at that river this time from the new Riverside Bar and Lounge and, bags packed, it was time to leave, our overnight retreat leaving us like the Trout that adorns the sign outside, well and truly hooked.

FACTFILE
The MacDonald Tickled Trout Hotel, Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Preston, PR5 0UJ
Tel: 08448 799 053
Family rooms and double rooms start from £69 per night. Extra children's beds, travel cots and cribs available
For more details visit www.MacdonaldHotels.co.uk/tickledtrout