St Annes-on-the-Sea
With a wide open sandy beach which regularly wins awards, Victorian pier, extensive sand dunes to Starr Gate, modern beach huts and plenty of fun for the whole family, St Anne’s on the Sea is a popular tourist destination and has many top class independently owned hotels with top facilities, holiday apartments and welcoming guest houses. There’s a wide range of independent shops throughout the town, especially down the many side streets just off St Annes Road West. There’s beautiful award winning parks and gardens with the sounds of brass bands in the summer and a huge range of popular events throughout the year.
Imagine yourself on the perfect sandy beach with beautiful blue sea, wide open golden sands backed by dunes; take a deep breath and imagine the freshness of salty sea air and listen to the laughter of your family and friends. St Annes-on-the-Sea’s town centre and the beautiful Ashton Gardens have been regenerated over recent years to offer a charming experience, blending heritage with modern living.
(Kite Surfing image – Adam Gee)
Take a stroll along the promenade in St Annes, past the bandstand and wonderful Promenade Gardens with waterfall and fountain and you’ll find the historic Victorian Pier, an important landmark reflecting the town’s heritage, entertaining curious young minds and the young at heart with its endless amusements. Adjacent to the pier you’ll find the Peace and Happiness Garden with a wonderful statue of entertainer Les Dawson, who lived locally and enjoyed the stunning coastal views as well as other familiar faces.
Buy an ice cream, relax for a moment and take in the panoramic views of the Ribble Estuary and the Irish Sea over to North Wales, an important habitat for birds and wildlife. For traditional seaside fun enjoy a round of mini golf, make sandcastles, fly a kite, enjoy an ice cream, have a donkey ride, or even book a day at a multi award winning Beach Hut.
A short stroll away from the beach, you’ll find the town is a haven of tranquillity and calm – mixing the traditional holiday experience with modern shopping facilities, a good choice of restaurants and a variety of quality places to stay. From modern independent owned hotels featuring spa and leisure facilities to welcoming B&Bs, or top quality self-catering choices you are sure to find something to suit your taste and budget.
There’s quality dining throughout the town from the Pavilion Café in the beautifully restored Ashton Gardens to Anatolia Sea View Restaurant and Tiggis alongside niche boutique stores. S.T.E.P. was formed in 2015 by traders and businesses to improve all aspects of St Annes and regularly undertake events. You’ll find many unique shops down the many side streets in St Annes, so a short stroll away from the main shopping street will prove really enlightening. Pop into the new Homebird store on Clifton Drive South for homewares, furniture and gifts
St Anne’s-on-the-Sea offers traditional seaside family fun with a modern twist and whether you’re strolling along the Prom, kite surfing (image shown – Adam Gee) to enjoying a traditional brass band, we’re sure you’ll agree it’s a great place for a short break, holiday or day trip.
If you’re a golf lover, there’s the renowned Royal Lytham & St Annes which is famous for the Open Golf tournaments, there’s the challenging St Anne’s Old Links, plus the Mini Links on the front close to the Promenade, plus a short drive away Fairhaven Golf Club.