Group Travel > Group Attractions in Lancashire > Coastal Contrasts

Coastal Contrasts

Lancashire's coastline offers something for everyone from peaceful nature reserves to fishing ports and charming Victorian resorts.

Much of the Lancashire coastline is of international ornithological interest. In the north of the county, the distinctive limestone scenery of Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is home to the Leighton Moss RSPB Nature Reserve. This is the largest remaining reedbed in Northwest England, well known for its special birds - breeding bitterns, bearded tits, marsh harriers and avocets. Events held throughout the year include guided walks, talks, craft courses and workshops.

Further south, the Ribble Estuary is one of the most important places for wildlife in Europe.With a lakeside location a few minutes walk from the dunes of the Fylde, the Ribble Discovery Centre is an interesting visitor attraction with interactive displays. Special walks, talks, displays and activities are staged throughout the season with the resident RSPB warden.

If your group enjoys the activities of a seaside resort, you will find a good choice on the Lancashire coastline.
In the north, Morecambe attracts visitors from far and wide to see the Eric Morecambe Statue on the seafront and admire the bird sculptures of the TERN Sculpture Project. With its five mile stretch of level promenade offering fantastic views across Morecambe Bay, the resort is a popular choice.

With a history stretching back thousands of years, Heysham Village boasts one of the finest Anglo-Viking sites in the Northwest.Visit the ruins of St. Patrick's
Chapel and the parish church of St. Peter for stunning views across Morecambe Bay. Many of the old smuggling cottages in the village date back to the 17th century.

The seaside town of Fleetwood was founded just over 150 years ago as a Victorian resort. Once noted for its great fishing industry, this has declined in recent years. But visitors still love to watch as the Fleetwood trawlers return to port to off load their catch.The town's maritime history can be discovered at the Fleetwood Museum.

Fleetwood has the only original main street tramway in Britain; it has a lighhouse in the middle of the road and is home to the world famous 'Fisherman's Friend'lozenges.The town has an assortment of attractions including a traditional market and hosts an array of festivals and events.

From Fleetwood, it is possible to catch one of Blackpool's Electric Trams to the most popular resort in the Northwest - Blackpool.Travelling 12 miles along the Promenade, the Blackpool Electric Trams range from finely restored cars to customised feature trams during the Illuminations. Blackpool's famous Golden Mile is packed full of character, charm and tradition.

South of Blackpool, the traditional resort of St Anne's-on-Sea offers a wide range of family entertainment along its promenade including the Victorian Pier and Island complex.

Nearby, Lytham also features a fine promenade and lovely sandy beach. Close to the promenade is the famous Lytham Green and Lytham Windmill. One of several mills on the Fylde, Lytham Mill was worked until 1919 when a fire
destroyed most of the machinery. Rebuilt and renovated, the Mill now houses a permanent exhibition of the history of the Mill and of bread-making, a tableaux of Lytham life during the last 100 years, various memorabilia and models.To enjoy the superb scenery, take a quiet stroll round nearby Fairhaven Lake.

Stanley Park in Blackpool is approximately two miles around its boundaries and includes 22 acres of land, 96 acres of golf courses, as well as providing a natural habitat for an extensive variety of wildlife and flora.What makes the park so complete is its provision of numerous recreational facilities, which were included in the original landscape design. A fabulous place to explore for the afternoon around the boating lake, model village and Art Deco Café.

One of the largest mills in Europe, Marsh Mill is located within a craft village in Wyre. Built in 1794, the mill worked commercially until 1922 and is now fully restored. Guided tours are available to the top of the mill.The Marsh Mill Shopping Village features a number of speciality shops.

At the heart of England's Golf Coast there are four superb golf courses in Lancashire located around the delightful resorts of Lytham and St.Annes. Seaside links courses where the irresistable forces of sea, sand and nature combine to provide a challenge, second to none for dedicated golfers at all skill levels.

Follow in the triumphant footsteps of golfing greats like Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros and Tiger Woods at Royal
Lytham & St Anne Golf Course, regular home to the legendary Open Championship.