St Annes Beach
You will love the seaside town of Lytham St Annes well known for its long sandy beaches running as far as the eye can see.
St Annes Beach is a very popular place to visit and it is easy to see why. Across the River Ribble are some stunning views. It is also the home of some unique beach huts just south of St Annes Pier.
With the kids in mind, a new very popular attraction called 'Splash' has arrived for the kids. St Annes Beach really is a great spot for couples and younger families on the Lancashire Coast.
Information on this page
Introduction to St Annes Beach
St Annes Beach is found on the seafront of Lytham St Annes it is one of the most popular beaches in the area and it is easy to see why.
With its expansive sandy shoreline and long walks out to the Ribble Estuary and the Irish Sea on the flat sands, it is the perfect spot for a day out at the seaside.
The beach is great for young families and beachgoers alike, and some of the activities are free. Walk the pier, go on the beach, and take a stroll along the promenade all at no expense.
After a long week, or maybe a short break, this is a great spot for those looking to relax and unwind.
We enjoy our walks around the seafront, refreshing our minds, taking in some exercise whilst walking, and admiring the duck ponds and waterfalls in the rockery built on the side of the sand hills.
What to do at St Anne's Beach
Fly your kite near St Anne's pier. Another very popular time of the year is when The St Annes International Kite Festival is in town which is an amazing spectacle every September.
Some people want something a little more relaxed, there are plenty of places along the beach’s promenade south of St Annes Pier for a walk or bench to sit down looking out to sea.
If it gets too warm in the midday sun, St Annes Square is a short walk away to buy some lunch or refreshments.
If you want a bit of fun and competition, try your hand at Pitch and Put. How about having a go at some bowling on the pier? We love the miniature railway running around the pitch and putting greens near the Salters Wharf Toby Carvery.
Visiting St Annes Beach Huts
St Annes beach huts have been featured on local tv several times. These brightly coloured huts are a great way to relax and unwind and can be rented for a day or a weekend.
Each hut comes with some deck chairs, and a small table and chairs, making it the perfect spot to spend a day reading or just taking in the stunning views. They have facilities to make a cuppa (pop the kettle on) or prepare a spot for lunch. They are very popular and reasonable for a family day out. You can sit and watch the world go by.
These huts can be rented from the beach’s kiosk and are an ideal way to spend an afternoon at the seaside. Featured on TV these well-maintained huts with their bright colours are a great way to make the most of your time at St Anne's Beach.
St Annes Pier
St Annes Pier is one of the most iconic sights in the area and is a great spot to take in the stunning views of the beach. This Victorian-style pier also has some gift shops, a cafe near the entrance (I recommend the breakfast), and amusements to try your luck and skill, making it a great spot to spend a day out with the family. You can see the Blackpool Tower from the end of the pier!
The pier is also a great advantage spot to take some pics back to the shoreline or maybe the kite festival. The pier’s unparalleled views of the beach and the sea make it a great spot to take in the area's beauty. You can get a drink and something to eat at the end of the pier too.
St Annes Beach Parking Options
There are plenty of parking options at St Anne's Beach. St. Annes Pier has a car park leading up to the entrance of the pier. There is another on the ride-hand side of the pier car park (as you look at the pier entrance).
Further down past the Dalmeny Hotel heading to Fairhaven, there is a car park next to the Beach Cafe. You will find some toilets near the entrance of the car park.
If you head towards Blackpool from St Annes Pier along North Prom, as the road takes a 90-degree turn onto Clifton Drive North, turn left and 1st left again for Clifton Drive North Car Park. This is a great car park if you want to walk to one of the largest stretches of sand when the tide is out.
St Annes Railway Station, Car Park and taxi rank
St Annes station is about half a mile away and a saunter through St Annes Square to get to the station from the beach.
If you want a trip to Blackpool or Blackpool Pleasure Beach to see The Big One, there are buses and a taxi rank near the station and Crescent bridge.
Call Whiteside's Taxi 01253 711611
Activities to Try at St Annes Beach
St Annes Beach is an excellent spot for those looking for a fun day out in the sun. Have a great day at the beach playing a game of rounders or paddling as the tide is up.
A popular family event is putting up a windbreak, popping a towel down and making some sand castles.
Keep an eye on the tides if you walk a far distance from the shoreline, make sure the sea doesn't creep around a sand bank when the tide is coming in :-)
St Annes Beach Restaurants and Cafes
St Annes Beach is also a great spot for those looking for a quick bite or a refreshing drink. The beach has a handful of cafes, a pub and a couple of restaurants.
Toby Carvery Salters Wharf is near St Annes Miniature Railway and a good selection on Wood Street and in St Annes Square nearby. My personal favourite is Tiggis Italian Restaurant, 25 Back Orchard Rd, Lytham Saint Annes FY8 1PF
The beach also has plenty of ice cream parlors with one along the front and another at St Anne's Pier, making it a great spot to enjoy a refreshing ice cream or a cup of coffee.
Q&A
When is the Best Time to Visit St Annes Beach?
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Anytime is a good time. Wrap up in the Winter months and take to the sands. In the summer months, the beach is obviously at its busiest.
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In the autumn, if it is winding, the sands pick up in the wind and maybe not a time for going down on the beach. Still ok in windy weather along the promenade though and at high tide spectacular with the waves crashing over the sea defences near the lifeboat station.
Is St Annes Beach good for dogs?
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Yes, St Annes Beach is good for dogs, however, a dog exclusion zone on St Annes Beach starts on Good Friday, 15th April until 30th September each year.
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The area of the beach this applies to is located between the slipway for St Annes Lifeboat Station and the northern end of North Promenade car park. Dogs are not permitted on this section of the beach during this time. It is clearly marked by flags
How clean is St Annes Beach?
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St Annes Beach is generally clean, but it can be affected by pollution from the surrounding area. The beach is regularly monitored by the Environment Agency, and there are a number of beach cleaning initiatives in place. It's popular for sandcastle building as the sand is perfect!
What are the other things to do in St Annes besides visiting the beach?
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There are a number of other things to do in St Annes besides visiting the beach. The town has a charming Victorian pier with a cafe and amusements. There is a pub 'Salters Wharf' set near the miniature railway that runs around the pitch and put area.
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There are also a number of parks and gardens in the town, and the Ribble Estuary is a popular spot for birdwatching.
Are there any hotels and accommodations at St Annes?
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There is a fine selection of quality hotels looking out to the Irish Sea plus some B&B's around the town centre. A Travelodge is situated on Wood Street near M&S on Clifton Drive North. All within a short walk from St Annes on Sea Railway Station.
Conclusion
St Annes Beach is a stunning sandy beach located in the heart of Lytham St Annes. With one of the biggest sandy shorelines looking across the River Ribble to Southport, sometimes you can even see the Welsh Hills!
The beach is great for families and beachgoers alike. From its beach huts and pier to its restaurants and cafes, there is something for everyone here. So, if you’re looking for a fun day out in the sun, then St Annes Beach is the perfect spot for you and the family.
Further down toward Lytham you will find Fairhaven Lake which we love for a stroll right around the lake.