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A DAY AT THE BEACH IN LYTHAM ST ANNES
From what I knew about Lytham is that it is the ‘posh side’ of the Fylde Coast. Apparently the residents’ earnings are some of the highest in the North of England. We kind of guessed this might be the case when we spotted a huge Boothes supermarket en route to the beach. A small telltale of the income of an area if there ever was one. (Note: we have Iceland and Farmfoods where we live, not that I am knocking them – have you tried the Farmfoods vegan meatless balls?!)
Anyway, this is not a post about the huge houses and area affluence. It is about a fun bank holiday day on the beach of Lytham St Annes.
Unfortunately, our one hour drive up to Lytham St Annes took somewhat longer due to a number of accidents on the motorway. It did mean that we got to detour through lots of areas new to us and also stop by that coveted Booths for a comfort break and to buy some bread for tea.
We arrived eventually and snagged a free parking space on the side of the road by the sand dunes. It can get very busy along that route, but a slow drive (and a willingness to walk further) will ensure you find a spot to stop.
LYTHAM ST ANNES DUNES
Between the promenade and the road are the beautiful dunes which provide a pleasant walk and retreat from the traffic. There are plenty of desire lines to follow which lead you to the beach. From some of the peaks, you are treated to some far-reaching views of the beach and opposite coast. I would certainly recommend stopping from time to time to enjoy the smell, sounds of the grasses and of course those aforementioned views.
Sand dunes are more than a fun place to walk though. They are natural soft defences against the sea. This is why they are so important and preservation of them paramount. If you have ever been to Formby, you will have noticed the amount of old Christmas trees along the dunes. Rather than being a post festive graveyard for no longer wanted decorations, they are in fact there to help maintain the dune structure. We notices a few on our wander along the Lytham St Annes dunes, so assume they are employing the same technique.
On the note of preservation, you will realise that some of the dunes are out-of-bounds. Although it might seem annoying at first, it is actually beneficial to encourage you to explore more.
PERFECT FOR PICNICKING
Of course, no day out for us would be complete without a picnic. Honouring our picnic status, we hunted down a nice spot near the dunes with a beach view. Just out of the way of flying footballs and sandy kicks. Our planning, although well thought through, couldn’t have factored in the gust of wind which fortunately only dusted our lunch with crunchy grains. Thank goodness we waited to pour our tea as our cups took the most of the sand!
It turns out that a lot of people go all out at Lytham St Annes beach. Not your usual picnic in a bag or portable BBQ, some people brought along full-sized barrel BBQs! We were astonished at the amount of stuff people dragged along to the beach. Obviously, made our picnic look like a meagre attempt at beach eating, which is a turn up for the books as we’re normally the ‘well prepared’ ones.
BEACH HUTS
I have always associated beach huts with the south coast, having watched The Great Interior Design Challenge Show in 2014 and looking up ones for sale with my friends down in Essex. My speedy Wiki search of Lytham St Annes while I prepared our breakfast and picnic drew to my attention that there were some beach huts along the prom of St Annes.
I have always loved the idea of a beach hut (ever since that show) but I am not sure that I could sit for that long to make the most of them. Turns out that the ones along the prom in St Annes are only for day rent. Perhaps it is something we might try on a rainy day. I know what you’re thinking and that is why would we want it on a rainy day? Well. Our discussion along the prom went something along the lines of us not being able to stay still long enough to make the most of the hut. However, if it was raining, we would be able to sit inside with a brew, drying off from a walk. We would enjoy the sound of the rain over a steaming hot drink, prepared in the hut, and read our books. Occasionally glancing out to beach.
It might not be everyone’s ideal beach hut experience and I don’t know whether you can use them off-season. Or in lashing rain for that matter. But it is our dream and maybe one day, we’ll get to realise it.
PROMENADE TO THE PIER
Back to reality and the high twenty-odd degree heat, we made our way along the promenade stopping to watch the people enjoying their days on the beach too. It was nice to see plenty of people playing in the golden (and black – these are industrial cities) sand and laughter blowing in the sea air. After joking about a vegan ice cream we were also pleasantly surprised to discover that it wasn’t an impossibility. One of the stands did, in fact, sell it. Only we were too full from lunch, so bypassed this time. Good to know though.