North Fylde Coast: Fleetwood and Cleveleys

In Brief

The Fylde Coast runs from Fleetwood in the North, through Blackpool, to Lytham in the South. A coastal path runs the entire way, often on top of imposing sea defences and promenades, as in Cleveleys. A visit is likely to include wandering along the coast, looking out to sea across miles of sand when the tide is out. The beaches provide more than enough space for visitors, and although these are not high intensity resorts, there are a variety of facilities at the beaches and in the towns. The Fleetwood Museum provides a good introduction to the history and ways-of-life of the town.

Sea Swallow statue on the promenade at Cleveleys

What's Here?

Since its development in Victorian times, Fleetwood has had a varied history, including as a tourist destination, a fishing port and a ferry terminal.  This varied history can be traced in the excellent Fleetwood Museum, which on my visit had enthusiastic volunteers occupying its informative themed spaces, including one on Fisherman's Friend lozenges, which were devised and are still manufactured in the town. The sea front is extensive, but quite low key, with a few refreshments outlets and some leisure facilities, such as pitch-and-putt and a boating lake that hosts an active model yacht club. The town itself has areas that seem a bit tired, but there has been quite a lot of recent development, and an outlet mall was busy on my visit.

One of Fleetwood's two lighthouses is surprisingly far inland.

While it would be possible to follow the coastal path from Fleetwood to Cleveleys, this would be a 90 minute walk, so probably the tram or car are more common choices. The seafront at Cleveleys, as well as providing miles of sand, benefits from an impressive modern promenade, which was busy with walkers and people watchers in my July visit. The promenade features several varied sculptures, of which Sea Swallow is pictured, and is adjacent to a play park and cinema. The bustling main shopping street stretches inland from the promenade. 

Practicalities

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 54 miles

Drive Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Price: Fleetwood Museum: $

Parking: There are free carparks and on road parking near the coast in Fleetwood, and paid seafront carparks in Cleveleys

Food and Drink: There is a scattering of coastal cafes in Fleetwood; in Cleveley, eateries tend to cluster around Victoria Road West.

Retail Therapy: Fleetwood has a bustling outlet mall, and there are chains, charity shops and independent shops in and around Victoria Road West in Cleveleys.

Child Friendly: There are playgrounds near the beach in both places, as well as loads of sand.

Toilets: At both beaches, but bring change.

Do it justice in: Fleetwood museum: 60 minutes.

Inside-Outside: 30:70

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