Coach Friendly Cleveleys

A group of retailers in Cleveleys has joined forces to launch a new Coach Friendly Cleveleys campaign to encourage visits to Cleveleys. And in January 2026 retailers joined forces to showcase the town to UK coach party organisers.

Coach Operator Familiarisation Event 2026

More than 30 Coach Party Organisers from as far away as London visited Cleveleys in a showcase event organised by the town’s retailers. The event also marked the first operational use of a proposed new coach drop-off point outside Millstores on Nutter Road. It’s part of a series of upgraded parking arrangements for visiting coaches.

The visit brought coach operators from Lancashire and further afield to Cleveleys. They were welcomed by the Mayor of Wyre, Councillor Steve Nicholls. The town’s retailers met them as part of the ongoing Coach-Friendly Cleveleys initiative, supported by Millstores.

Following an overnight stay at Farington Lodge Hotel in Leyland, operators travelled to the town using Walton’s Coaches of Freckleton. They were met at Millstores before taking part in a guided visit of the town and seafront.

Simon Yates, joint owner of Millstores and one of the organisers, said: “We wanted to show, in real terms, how coaches can work in Cleveleys. Seeing the drop-off point in use and being able to walk the town together made it all feel very real and very practical.”

Jane Littlewood, Care for Cleveleys, said: “Our volunteers spend a lot of time keeping Cleveleys welcoming and tidy, so it’s really rewarding to see visitors arriving and enjoying the town. Coach parties fit naturally with what Cleveleys already offers.”

We hope they enjoyed their trip…

Natalie English, from The Coffee Bar, who treated the organisers to a specially-prepared corned-beef hash feast, said: “When a coach arrives, you feel the difference straight away. People come in, sit down, have a drink, and take time to look around. It’s exactly the kind of steady trade town centres need during the week. We hope they enjoyed their trip.”

Steve Reed, event organiser on behalf of the coach party organisers, said: “We look at places through an operator’s eyes, and this visit ticked the practical boxes. The drop-off worked, the parking options were clear, and everything was within easy walking distance. That makes a big difference when you’re planning a smooth day out for passengers.”

The event marked the first live use of the proposed coach drop-off and 30-minute waiting area on Nutter Road outside Millstores. It’s scheduled to be fully in place by the end of March. Existing coach facilities include drop-off bays at the western end of Victoria Road near the seafront, bays opposite the bus station, and dedicated parking for four coaches at Derby Road East car park.

These arrangements form part of a wider programme of work aimed at improving access, dwell time and operational clarity for coach operators visiting Cleveleys, alongside engagement with local retailers and community groups.

Mayor of Wyre, Councillor Steve Nicholls, added: “It’s good to see practical solutions being tested on the ground. Coaches bring people directly into town centres. This visit showed how simple changes to access and parking can support local businesses and visitor footfall.” The organisers will now gather feedback from attending operators to inform the next phase of the Coach-Friendly Cleveleys initiative. Further engagement is planned with traders ahead of the new facilities becoming fully operational later this spring.

Increasing Mid-Week Trade and Overall Spend

The event follows the survey results that captured widespread support from Cleveleys retailers for the return of coach-based tourism. Businesses reported that coach groups are a way to increase midweek trade and overall visitor spend. Many backed proposals for dedicated offers and enhanced facilities for group visitors.

Cleveleys has a longstanding history as a stop on the traditional coach tour circuit. The current campaign aims to revive that legacy and align with broader regional tourism strategies that identify coach travel as a tool to boost town centre economies. Retailers have also been encouraged to contribute to a local action plan to improve coordination and services for group visits.

Coach Friendly Cleveleys

Millstores on Nutter Road in the town are leading the Coach Friendly Cleveleys initiative with support from other local traders. The survey kickstarted a discussion about how retailers can work better together. To highlight the town as a convenient and accessible destination for coach operators planning day trips or stopovers along the Fylde Coast. Millstores owners already operate a thriving coach-party destination in Atherton called Ena Mill. It is hoped that this expertise will benefit the town.

Simon Yates is joint owner of Millstores. He said: “We’ve known that over the years, Cleveleys has been renowned as a coach party destination. This is our chance to remind people and show people what makes Cleveleys worth a stop. It’s easy to get to, not sprawling, and enough to fill a couple of hours. With a brew and a chippy tea thrown in.”

There’s a thriving town centre, kept immaculate by the Care for Cleveleys volunteers. Plenty of pavement cafes and shops to visit – including high street names and independents. Enjoy a walk to the seafront and, on nice days, a stroll on the wide, open promenade.

An Ideal Coach Party Destination

Situated between the busier resorts of Blackpool and Fleetwood, Cleveleys is a great mid-point on coach tour itineraries. Retailers behind the campaign say the town offers a better customer experience. There’s plenty to do but without the congestion of larger destinations. This could appeal to group travel organisers catering to older visitors or those with mobility concerns. Especially since the area is very flat and easy to navigate.

The new ‘Coach-Friendly Cleveleys’ campaign highlights drop-off bays in the town centre. One is at Victoria Road West near the seafront, and an additional one near the seafront at Rough Lea Road. There’s official, free coach parking on Derby Road car park. Follow improved pedestrian access to the town centre, via the bus station along Princess Road.

Daniel Thornton is the owner of Phillips Jewellers. He added: “The town’s got that classic seaside charm. We’ve got public art along the seafront and views across the Irish Sea as additional draws for tourists. Visitors get a proper day out without it feeling too hectic, and the traders really do appreciate the custom. We’re just making it easier for the coach companies to see what’s here.”

‘No Fancy Gimmicks’

Jon Murray owns Plush Home and Giftware. He said: “It’s not about fancy gimmicks – just good shops, friendly faces and a great shopping experience. Coach Friendly Cleveleys is reminding people you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a lovely day out. We’ve got flat terrain ideal for visitors with limited mobility, and everything in the town centre is so close.”

Tourism groups have identified coach travel as a growth opportunity in post-pandemic recovery plans. Particularly in areas that combine coastal access, walkable centres, and a variety of independent retailers and eateries. The Cleveleys campaign will include downloadable guides, suggested itineraries, and contact information for group booking discounts at participating businesses.

Alex Clayton from Claytons Jewellers said: “Cleveleys has always had loyal locals, but the day-trippers give it that extra buzz. We’ve come together because we know the town’s got something special. We want to remind coaches they are welcome and will be looked after.” Retailers hope by collaborating, they can increase midweek footfall. Aiming to strengthen Cleveleys’ profile as a coach-friendly option along the Lancashire coast.

The first step was a brief online survey to canvas opinions amongst retailers. Asking how the town can better attract more coach groups to the coastal town.