This date is about salt air, big skies and a change of scenery. The Lancashire coast has everything from busy traditional resorts to quieter promenades and wide open sands, so you can choose the kind of day that suits you both, whether that is arcades and rides or a simple walk and an ice cream.
Pick a seaside town within a comfortable drive and plan a few simple things to do when you get there. You might walk the prom, paddle in the sea, sit and watch the world go by or try a classic activity such as fish and chips, a pier, a tram ride or the amusements. The important bit is that you go together and treat it as a proper day out, not a rushed errand.
Classic Lancashire seaside: the Fylde Coast
If you want that traditional British seaside feel, look to the Fylde Coast, where Blackpool, St Annes, Cleveleys, Fleetwood and Lytham line up along the shore with long beaches and plenty of things to do.
Blackpool is the big, bright option, with piers, rides, shows and a huge sandy beach, ideal if you enjoy arcades, attractions and people watching.
St Annes and Lytham offer a quieter, more old fashioned feel, with gardens, green spaces and long stretches of sand that are great for walking and sandcastles.
In Fleetwood, the seafront retains its Victorian character, with Marine Gardens, boating lakes and a long promenade that is perfect for a slower stroll.
Use these as inspiration and choose the part of the coast that matches your mood, whether that is lively and noisy or calm and nostalgic.
Lucy loves…
“I think that my favourite place to be is by the sea. I love the air, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore and the feel of the sand on my feet.
If you would like to drive on to a beach, Ainsdale Beach, which is in historic Lancashire, is great or if you have horses and want to ride them on the beach. I love Formby too, which again was part of Lancashire historically, but is now considered in Merseyside. In the summer, I have often swam in the sea here and it is lovely and refreshing.
Middleton Sands, near Morecambe Bay, is beautiful and known for great birdwatching – something my Grandma loved to do there.”
From a Lancashire Lass tips: Lucy Baxter is the host of the From a Lancashire Lass podcast that shares stories from Lancashire businesses and inspirational people. The aim of the podcast is to support businesses, whilst supporting Lancashire and celebrating the county’s heritage. Lucy is also a broadcast journalist who works on a range of national and international TV and radio programmes.
Morecambe Bay and promenade walks
If you prefer views and a long promenade to wander, rather than lots of rides, Morecambe is a lovely option. Morecambe’s seafront has wide views across the bay, beaches for traditional seaside fun and a promenade that is ideal for walking and people watching.
As you walk, you can follow parts of the TERN Project, a series of sculptures celebrating the birds and wildlife of the bay, dotted along the promenade and Stone Jetty. Stop now and again to look at the artwork, read the plaques and maybe take a few photos together with the sea behind you.
Seaside with a bit of heritage
If you enjoy a mix of history and sea views, look for coastal spots with a clear landmark or story.
On Lytham Green, the white Lytham Windmill stands out against the sea, with open grass and paths around it and a small museum inside when open.
In Fleetwood, you can pair your seafront walk with a look at Marine Hall’s art deco frontage, the gardens and views towards the Wyre estuary, or link your trip with a visit to the local market or museum.
Any coastal town with a bit of history, a promenade and somewhere to sit together with a view will do nicely.
Simple seaside pleasures
You do not have to plan a packed day. Once you have chosen your destination, keep it easy and lean into the small pleasures that make the seaside feel special. You might:
Walk along the sand or shoreline and write a message or draw a heart where the tide will wash it away
Sit on a bench or a low wall and watch the waves, the birds and the people
Share fish and chips from the paper or try a local café with sea views
Buy a bag of rock, a stick of candy floss or an ice cream and eat it slowly as you wander
If you enjoy walking, you could check local maps or coastal path information for a short circular route or a there and back walk along the shore.
This card can be anything from a full day out at a big resort to a couple of hours on a quieter stretch of beach. Choose a seaside spot that feels right for you, pack layers and maybe a blanket, and give yourselves time to breathe, talk and enjoy the coast together before you head back inland.
