An ai generated image of st. anne's beach with Blackpool tower in the background

Things to do

St. Anne’s-on-the-Sea and the surrounding Fylde coast offer a wonderful mix of Victorian seaside charm, tranquil natural beauty, and vibrant cultural events.

Here is a curated list of things to do, categorised to help you plan your visit.

Iconic Landmarks & Heritage

  • St. Annes Pier: A classic 19th-century pleasure pier featuring amusements, cafés, and beautiful views. It is perfect for a nostalgic stroll.
  • Lytham Windmill: Located on Lytham Green, this 19th-century windmill houses a museum dedicated to local history and milling. It is one of the most photographed spots in the area, especially at sunset.
  • Lytham Hall: A magnificent Grade I listed Georgian country house set in 78 acres of parkland. You can tour the hall, explore the gardens, or visit their tea room.
  • Les Dawson Statue: Located in the Peace and Happiness Garden near the pier, this bronze statue pays tribute to the beloved comedian who lived in the area for many years.

Nature, Parks & Gardens

  • Fairhaven Lake & Gardens: A fantastic spot for families, offering boating, an adventure playground, and scenic walks. It is also perfect for birdwatchers.
  • Ashton Gardens: A beautiful, well-maintained park in the heart of St. Anne’s with rose gardens, a bowling green, and the popular Ashton Pavilion Café.
  • Promenade Gardens: Stretch your legs along the extensive gardens that run from the pier toward the beach, featuring water features, flowerbeds, and a bandstand.
  • Granny’s Bay: A quieter stretch of coastline near Fairhaven, ideal for those seeking peace or dog walkers who want a less crowded environment.

Fun & Leisure

  • St. Annes Beach & Beach Huts: Enjoy the expansive sandy beach, perfect for kite flying or walking. You can even hire one of the award-winning, colourful beach huts for a luxurious day by the sea.
  • Golfing: The area is a “golfer’s paradise.” The Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club is legendary, but there are several other courses and smaller venues like “Little Links” or the 18-hole putting green for a more casual experience.
  • Ditchburn Jukebox Museum: A unique, free-to-visit museum showcasing British-made jukeboxes from the 1940s onwards—a must for music and nostalgia lovers.
  • Watersports: For the adventurous, the Fylde coast offers opportunities for kite surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

Nearby Exploration (Blackpool & Beyond)

Just a short trip away, you can access the major attractions of the Fylde coast:

  • Blackpool: Famous for the Blackpool Tower, Pleasure Beach (for thrills), and the iconic Illuminations (late summer through autumn).
  • Fleetwood: A historic port town at the northern end of the coast, known for its lighthouses and views of the Lake District across Morecambe Bay.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

  • Getting Around: The area is very flat, making it ideal for walking and cycling. There are regular bus and rail links connecting Lytham, St. Anne’s, and Blackpool.
  • The Tides: When visiting the coast, keep an eye on the tide times, as the water goes out a long way across the estuary.
  • Food & Drink: The town centers of Lytham and St. Anne’s are packed with independent shops, boutiques, and a wide range of cafes and restaurants, perfect for stopping for a traditional afternoon tea or fresh local seafood.

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