The owners of a distinctive Blackpool guesthouse famed for knitting and crochet breaks have listed the business for sale as they prepare to retire.
Local institution seeks new custodian
Paula and Simon Chew have run the Westcliffe on King Edward Avenue for more than two decades, turning what began as an ordinary bed-and-breakfast into a specialist holiday venue for people who knit and crochet. The couple say they would like the next owners to continue the craft-focused holidays that have become the hotel’s hallmark.
“We’ve had the Westcliffe for 22 years… The demand was so massive, and so I had to completely move to knitters and crocheters,” Paula Chew told the Gazette.
The Westcliffe has attracted national and international attention during the Chews’ ownership, appearing on television and in travel guides. The property has been placed on the market with bids starting at £170,000.
What the sale means for the town
The Westcliffe is one of a handful of niche holiday operators that bring specialist visitors to Blackpool. Those craft breaks support local spending on cafes, shops and attractions and contribute to the town’s year-round visitor economy rather than just peak-season tourism.
- Owners: Paula and Simon Chew
- Location: King Edward Avenue, Blackpool
- Years run: 22 years
- Asking bids: from £170,000
Paula said she hoped a buyer with a passion for crafting would come forward so the hotel’s loyal clientele could continue to enjoy dedicated knitting and crochet breaks. She and her husband plan to retire to nearby Cleveleys.
Practical information for prospective buyers and visitors
Those interested in acquiring the Westcliffe will find an established customer base and a specialised product that has won media attention — assets that could be attractive to someone looking to operate a small business in the tourism sector. For crafters who visit Blackpool, the sale raises questions about continuity of the tailored breaks the Westcliffe has offered; prospective customers may wish to check the hotel’s status before booking.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Property | Westcliffe Hotel, King Edward Avenue |
| Owners | Paula and Simon Chew |
| Time owned | 22 years |
| Asking bids | From £170,000 |
The Westcliffe’s sale marks the end of a chapter for a small-pressured niche business that has become part of Blackpool’s tourism fabric. While the Chews move on to retirement, the future of the knitting hotel will depend on whether a buyer with both the financial means and the enthusiasm for craft breaks comes forward.
