Discover Lytham Saint Annes

Those considering Lytham Saint Annes as a travel destination will find several distinct themes in St Annes to help plan their stay: the coast, gardens, architectural history and attractions such as the Splash! water play park. Think about whether your stay will focus on the beach and nature, landscaped grounds, local history or an activity for children.

Coast, beach and promenade

St Annes Beach offers miles of golden sandy shoreline. The sand dunes at the southern end of the beach are suitable for birdwatching; the coast around St Annes is also rich in wildlife. A description published in 2021 mentions access points and a level surface along the promenade, describing it as suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. As access conditions can change, check them before your visit. A memorial to the Mexico Lifeboat Disaster stands on the promenade near the pier and the paddling pool. The beach, wildlife watching and memorial offer different points of interest for a stay on the coast.

Gardens with a history of their own

The Promenade Gardens are 900 m long and cover about 4.5 hectares. Their defining features included an ornamental pond, stepping stones, a waterfall over a grotto and a footbridge. Ashton Gardens offers a different connection to the landscape: the park covers about 5 hectares, partly retains the shape of sand dunes and was first laid out between 1875 and 1877. The gardens therefore differ in their stated size as well as their history and design.

The Peace and Happiness Garden also has its own character. Its original layout of paths has been preserved to this day; the garden’s features include brick shelters, flower beds and paths in the centre. If you are interested in designed outdoor spaces, you can consider the preserved layout alongside the structural and planted features described here. The Promenade Gardens, by contrast, are notable in part for the water features and bridge that once defined them, while Ashton Gardens partly retains the shape of sand dunes.

Local history and culture

The Church of St Anne was the first church in the new town of St Annes-on-Sea. St Annes Palace offers a different perspective on the town’s history: the building opened on 14 March 1900 as a public hall and assembly rooms. St Annes Palace was a public hall with assembly rooms and displays features of the Queen Anne style. In this way, an early church in the new town and a building’s former public use stand alongside one another as two distinct historical themes.

Activities and getting oriented locally

Splash! is a water play park on the St Annes promenade, designed for children aged 3 to 12. This age range can help you include the activity in your plans with children. Another destination is the museum upstairs at St Annes Lifeboat Station. As visitor arrangements can change, it is advisable to check the latest visiting information in advance.

The St Annes on the Sea Town Trail is produced by St Annes on the Sea Town Council. If you want to use the self-guided trail, check in advance whether the printed or linked materials you need are available. The trail offers its own way to explore the town; the historic buildings and gardens each provide different points of focus.

Planning your arrival and stay

St Annes railway station is in the town centre, just off St Annes Road West. Trains from the station run between Blackpool South and Preston. As train services can change, check the timetable for your travel date. When choosing where to stay, this gives you a specific transport connection alongside the themes of beaches, gardens and history, without treating these distinct travel interests as interchangeable.

Discover more destinations: Up Holland, Thornton-Cleveleys, Preesall, Barrowford, Broughton, Ellel, Charnock Richard, Aughton

For the broader travel overview: Lancashire.