Board the comfortable coach in Wigan mid-morning, tuck Percy and Max into their favourite travel blanket in the designated pet area, and enjoy the scenic motorway route while sipping a hot drink from the onboard kiosk and spotting early seaside signs as you approach Ponyville. Use the short comfort stop at the coastal service station to stretch legs, let the dogs sniff around the grassy walk, and pick up a sandwich from the café for a picnic later.
Arrive at Ponyville Bus Station around early afternoon and follow the festive signs down to the transformed seafront where the School of Friendship’s Christmas by the Sea Village hub is already glowing — check in at the welcome marquee, grab a map, and settle your bags into the dog-friendly accommodation zone. Take a gentle orientation stroll with Percy and Max along the promenade to the new ‘Luminous Carousel’ and 'Seashell Swing' near the playground, pausing at Marina Lane Café for a warm cocoa and a locally baked mince pie.
As dusk falls, return to the village square for the opening-lighting ceremony beside the giant driftwood Christmas tree, where carollers from Ponyville Choir and a storyteller from the School of Friendship kick off the festive programme — find a bench while Percy and Max relax with a treat from the dog-friendly kiosk. Finish the night with a quiet supper at Salt & Starboard bistro overlooking the harbour, then stroll back past twinkling stalls to the coach hub to reconfirm tomorrow’s meeting point and timings.
Wake to the scent of salt air and gingerbread; after a cosy breakfast at the dog-friendly Marina Lane Café, take Percy and Max for a leisurely wander through the transformed playground where the Seashell Swing and Luminous Carousel glint with festive lights — pause at the School of Friendship storytelling nook for a short puppet tale and seasonal crafts. Stop by the Artisan Wharf pop-up to sample warm spiced cider and pick up a hand-knit scarf from the Ponyville Makers stall before the crowds arrive.
After a light seaside lunch of crab soup and sourdough at Salt & Starboard’s alfresco terrace, explore the village’s new rides and installations — try the gentle Tidewheel Ferris and the Storybook Train (both dog-friendly waiting areas) then browse themed stalls along Driftwood Row for locally made ornaments and treats for Percy and Max. Pop into the Coastal Conservatory for the interactive ornament workshop led by School of Friendship volunteers, leaving time to relax on the promenade while the dogs enjoy a sniff-and-sun patch.
As dusk deepens, join the Candlelit Carol Walk from the village square to the harbourfront, where lanterns and a live harpist create a magical backdrop — share a warm trotter pie from a food stall and let Percy and Max enjoy a doggy biscuit from the pet-friendly vendor. Finish with a quiet cup at the Nightlight Kiosk as the Luminous Carousel puts on its evening spin, then head back to the accommodation zone to recharge for tomorrow’s market adventures.
Start early with a warming breakfast at Marina Lane Café, then follow the festive bunting to the Ponyville Christmas Market as vendors open along Driftwood Row — sample warm mulled cider at the Artisan Wharf stall while Percy and Max meet other dogs at the pet-friendly seating area beside the Paw & Porridge kiosk. Pop into the School of Friendship pop-up for handcrafted baubles and a quick ornament-decorating demo before the crowds swell, leaving time to grab a freshly baked cornbread muffin for a promenade picnic.
Wander the market lanes after a light lunch of smoked fish chowder at Salt & Starboard’s market hatch, browsing stalls like Seaside Sundries and Tinsel & Tide for locally made gifts and tasty dog treats; don’t miss the Puppy Patisserie stall where Percy and Max can choose a festive biscuit. Take a relaxed break at the Coastal Conservatory seating area, then join a short tasting trail hosted by Ponyville Makers that highlights spiced caramels, sea-salted fudge and seasonal cheeses from nearby producers.
As dusk falls, settle on a bench near the harbourfront food circle for a hot chestnut and a plate of mince pies while the market’s fairy lights twinkle overhead and a local quartet plays carols on the Harbour Stage; Percy and Max can enjoy a complimentary doggy chew from the Paw & Porridge evening stand. Finish the night with a slow shoreline stroll past the Luminous Carousel and Seashell Swing, picking up a final handcrafted ornament from Driftwood Row as a memento before returning to the dog-friendly accommodation.
Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at Marina Lane Café before heading to the Seaside Rides Area; Percy and Max will love the fenced pup-parking zone while you ride the new Tidewheel Ferris for panoramic views of the twinkling village and harbour. Afterward, stroll the Fairground Promenade to try the gentle Storybook Train and pause at the Puppy Patisserie stall for a festive biscuit treat.
Spend the afternoon exploring the newest attractions — hop on the Luminous Carousel’s daytime spins and take a turn on the Seashell Swing installation, then browse Driftwood Row’s updated stalls for handmade ornaments and seaside toys. Break for a relaxed waterside lunch at Salt & Starboard’s fairground hatch, followed by a scenic cliff-top walk toward the Coastal Conservatory where Percy and Max can enjoy a short off-lead sniff and sun break.
As dusk falls, return to the Holiday Fairground for the illuminated ride sessions when the Luminous Carousel and Tidewheel Ferris light up in full festive colour, enjoying hot spiced cider from the Nightlight Kiosk while Percy and Max rest at the dog-friendly seating. Finish with the Harbourfront Lantern Stroll — a slow, lantern-lit promenade back to the accommodation zone where the Village Choir’s carols drift over the sea and you collect a final keepsake from Tinsel & Tide.
Enjoy a relaxed final breakfast at Marina Lane Café, savouring a gingerbread waffle while Percy and Max curl up by your feet; pop into Driftwood Row one last time to pick up any forgotten gifts from Tinsel & Tide and a freshly baked dog biscuit from Puppy Patisserie. After checkout, take a gentle shoreline stroll past the Luminous Carousel and Seashell Swing for one last photo-op beneath the twinkling lights before heading to the Ponyville Bus Station.
Spend a calm early afternoon at the bus station’s sheltered picnic area — tuck into a takeaway crab sandwich from the Salt & Starboard hatch and share a warm chestnut as you wait, letting the dogs enjoy a final sniff-and-stretch on the nearby grassy patch by the Paw & Porridge kiosk. Confirm boarding times at the coach meeting point, say goodbye to any new dog-friends, and store your keepsakes in your bag before stepping aboard for the scenic return to Wigan.
Arrive back in Wigan in the early evening, unloading with Percy and Max and taking a short walk through the coach park green to unwind after the journey; reminisce over favourite market finds and festive moments as you head home. Unpack slowly, give the dogs a cosy treat from Puppy Patisserie, and finish the night with a cup of cocoa while placing your new ornaments where you can see them and relive the seaside lights.