St Annes-on-the-Sea Dunes
A vast, serene sandy beach and rolling dunes offering a tranquil escape with stunning sunset views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Expansive beach revealed
St Annes-on-the-Sea Dunes
Best Time
Expansive beach revealed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, serene sandy beach and rolling dunes offering a tranquil escape with stunning sunset views.
"You wouldn’t believe this hidden gem is right on your doorstep if you live on the Fylde Coast—most people probably don’t!"
Check Tide Times 🌊
The beach is huge at low tide, but the sea comes in fast! Always check tide times before you go to avoid getting cut off.
Explore the Dunes 🚶♀️
Venture beyond the beach to explore the large, grassy dunes. They offer a different landscape and great views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vast Sandy Shores
The beach
Experience an enormous, pristine sandy beach, especially stunning at low tide. Perfect for long walks and feeling like you're miles from anywhere.
Grassy Dunes Exploration
East of the beach
Trek through large, grassy dunes offering unique landscapes and panoramic views across the coast.
Sunset Views
The beach
Witness breathtaking sunsets over the sea, painting the sky with vibrant colors. A perfect, peaceful end to the day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Escape the Crowds
Tide Times & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times 🌊
The beach is huge at low tide, but the sea comes in fast! Always check tide times before you go to avoid getting cut off.
Explore the Dunes 🚶♀️
Venture beyond the beach to explore the large, grassy dunes. They offer a different landscape and great views.
Pack Essentials 🎒
There are no toilets directly on the beach, so come prepared. Shops are conveniently located nearby.
Wildlife Spotting 🐬
Keep an eye out for dolphins or porpoises in the summer months when the tide is in.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times 🌊
The beach is huge at low tide, but the sea comes in fast! Always check tide times before you go to avoid getting cut off.
Explore the Dunes 🚶♀️
Venture beyond the beach to explore the large, grassy dunes. They offer a different landscape and great views.
Pack Essentials 🎒
There are no toilets directly on the beach, so come prepared. Shops are conveniently located nearby.
Wildlife Spotting 🐬
Keep an eye out for dolphins or porpoises in the summer months when the tide is in.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise St Annes-on-the-Sea Dunes as a 'hidden gem' offering a vast, beautiful sandy beach and intriguing grassy dunes, a peaceful escape from busier resorts. The stunning sunsets and potential for wildlife spotting are highlights, though the lack of on-site toilets and the need to monitor tides are noted drawbacks.
"You wouldn’t believe this hidden gem is right on your doorstep if you live on the Fylde Coast—most people probably don’t! Step away from the road, venture behind the dunes, and suddenly, you’re transported. On a sunny day, it could be anywhere in the world—South France, Spain, Italy, even California. The destination is yours to imagine!"
Neil London
"Always enjoy going there, away from the crowds at Blackpool. Get there during low tide and you have to walk pretty far to the water line but watch out as it does start coming in fairly quickly and can block you in at times. The further away from Blackpool you are, the more beach area there tends to be, even during high tide."
Basheer Khan
"Great beach, perfect weather, sunny all day!"
Rashmi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St Annes-on-the-Sea Dunes is located at the western end of Blackpool. You can reach it by car, with parking available nearby. It's also accessible via public transport, including trams that run along the coast.
Yes, there are parking facilities available close to the dunes and beach area, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, you can walk along the promenade from Blackpool. It's a pleasant walk, and the further you get from the main Blackpool attractions, the more serene the beach becomes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, St Annes-on-the-Sea Dunes is a public beach and dune area, so there is no entrance fee. You can enjoy the natural beauty freely.
As a natural outdoor space, St Annes-on-the-Sea Dunes is accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Unfortunately, there are no public toilets directly on the beach or within the immediate dune area. Visitors are advised to use facilities in nearby shops or cafes before or after their visit.
Yes, wheelchair access is available from two different directions, making it possible for visitors with mobility challenges to enjoy the area.
The beach features good quality sand, which is particularly noticeable when the tide is out and the beach is at its widest.
Swimming is possible, but always exercise caution. The tide can come in quickly, and currents can be strong. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings and local conditions.
From the grassy dunes, you can enjoy nice views across the coast, including a view towards Southport on a clear day.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are shops and cafes located nearby St Annes-on-the-Sea Dunes, offering options for refreshments and meals.
Absolutely! The expansive beach and dunes are perfect for picnics. Just remember to take all your litter with you to keep the area clean.
📸 📸 Photography
The vast sandy beach at low tide, the unique sea defenses, and the rolling grassy dunes all offer excellent photographic opportunities. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular.
The sea defenses are described as 'funky' and can make for interesting shots. Also, keep an eye out for any wildlife, like the porpoises that have been spotted here.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during low tide to maximize beach play time. The gentle slope of the beach can be good for paddling, but always supervise children closely due to the incoming tide. The relative quietness compared to Blackpool's main attractions makes it a more relaxed environment for families seeking a peaceful day out.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
The opportunity to witness beautiful sunsets here is a major draw for those looking for a peaceful and picturesque end to their day. The lack of commercial hustle and bustle allows for genuine relaxation and a connection with nature. Remember to bring your own provisions, as amenities are minimal, reinforcing the area's natural and uncommercialized charm.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Dunes
The area is also noted for its interesting sea defenses, which add a touch of modern design to the natural environment. While a solar-powered art installation once added a unique element, its disrepair means the focus is now firmly on the natural and architectural features. The expansive nature of the dunes and beach means that even on busier days, it's possible to find your own quiet spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
For those interested in the local transport heritage, it's worth noting that this is where the trams are kept and turned around. While not a primary attraction for most, it adds another layer of local character to the area. The combination of natural beauty, open space, and unique local features makes St Annes-on-the-Sea Dunes a compelling destination for a variety of visitors.
Navigating the Tides
It's highly recommended to check local tide times before your visit. This will help you plan your activities and ensure you have ample time to explore the beach safely. The further you are from the main Blackpool promenade, the more beach area tends to be available, even during higher tides, offering more flexibility.
The dynamic nature of the coastline here means that the beach experience can change significantly throughout the day. Being prepared and informed about the tides will greatly enhance your visit, allowing you to make the most of the stunning, ever-changing seascape.
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