My very first introduction to golf was at Lytham St Annes Mini Links in the 1970s with my grandfather who had retired there.
I went back with my son a couple of years ago and was delighted to find it exactly as I remembered. It is a genuine 18 hole links course - just on a miniature scale!
Duncan I remember that one as well! Lovely spot there
30 years ago I learned to play on the P&P courses at Bruntwood in Cheadle and also in Lyme Park with my father. Bruntwood in particular used to have huge queues on a warm summer's evening, with whole families out for a few hours recreation
Do you know if either of the courses are still in existence? <wistful>
Bruntwood is indeed still there. It is now managed by Cheadle Golf Club whose 9 hole course is half a mile away.
https://cheadlegolf.com/bruntwood/pitch-and-putt/I don't remember a course in Lyme Park, and there certainly isn't one there any more.
The best bet locally is at Adlington Golf Centre near Poynton. I even did a "photo tour" of it a few years ago!
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,46917.msg1042590.html#msg1042590