A Sandy Date

You probably already know this by now, but in case there was ever any doubt, here it is - I am obsessed with all things coastal, a shoreline addict who feels a near constant pull to be by the sea. Living in a landlocked rural town, the call of the sea never really goes away and so I try my best to persuade the family to accompany me to the coast on a regular basis. 

Our closest seaside destination is about 50 miles away (80km) over on the west coast of Lancashire and the place we generally head to is called Lytham St Anne's. J has been visiting St Anne's since he was a child and knows it well, but our first family visit was seven years ago in 2016. Since that first jaunt we've been back many times, sometimes staying a few nights in the same holiday rental but mostly we've found ourselves day tripping to this coastal spot.

During the Easter holidays I really wanted to take a family jaunt to the seaside, but with one thing and another (including some really disheartening weather) we didn't manage it. I was disappointed but J suggested that maybe we could go just the two of us as which sounded like a cute date to me, so yes please, count me in for a sandy date by the sea.

Last Monday the weather forecast was good and we decided it would be a perfect day to make our seaside trip happen. Arriving mid morning, we set out to walk along the beach in search of the Beachcomber café - this is a new discovery, recommended to me by one of my lovely readers who is lucky enough to live in St. Annes (thank you Karen!) As you can see in the photo above it's in a gorgeous location tucked into the sand dunes right on the beach. It was just about warm enough for us to sit outside, and we chose a table right in the back corner of the deck where the glass walls kept us sheltered from the wind.

It was late in the morning by the time we sat down and we just managed to catch the breakfast menu with five minutes to spare. I adore a good brunch, it's my favourite meal to have as a treat when I'm on holiday as there is just something about it which feels very decadent to me. A Monday morning brunch during a normal work/school week has a little extra luxury added into the mix - even after all these years of J and I having Mondays free from work, it still feels extra special for us to spend this time together.

Our beachcomber brunch was really enjoyable, but I was soon getting itchy feet and feeling the call of the sea. I'd checked the tide times and found out that the tide was on its way in, although still another two hours before it would reach its peak. The beach at St Anne's is absolutely ginormously huge and it can take quite you quite a long time to actually reach the waters edge. It's a satisfying walk though, stepping over and over the beautiful, rhythmic sandy ridges created by the waves.

It took twenty minutes to reach the sea, with it's teeeeny-tiiiiiiny waves rippling in over the sands. 

The tide comes in fast here, with very small, shallow waves moving at a surprising speed. If you aren't paying attention, it's easy to get caught out because the sea absolutely does not wait for you to move out of its way. Just saying - wet feet don't feel very nice :|

We eventually meandered our way back across the vast sands, leaving the sea behind us and making our way to the long promenade. We spent a while on a bench with the above view - I really do love to spend time benching-with-a-view, it's one of my favourite pastimes. Old fashioned English seaside resorts generally have many, many benches to choose from, and it just makes me happy to slow right down to a >stop< and take time to simply sit, be in the moment and breathe it all in.

After a lovely, gentle few hours pottering around St Annes we decided to drive a bit further around the coast and spend some time in Lytham. It's not that far to drive (about four miles I think?) and although the two places kind of sprawl and merge into one another, they each have a very distinct identity and different feel to each other. The coast at Lytham is more estuary than open sea because the wide mouth of the River Ribble opens out between two stretches of land here. It means that there isn't really a traditional beach as such, it's more of a wet, grassy marshland which isn't very safe to walk on.

I find it strange to be at a coastal place and not really have access to the sea - it always feels to me as if something is wrong. Lytham is more about promenading than beaching, and there is a lovely long stretch to walk along, with the eye catching Lytham Windmill dominating the view at the end.

Lytham town centre is close to the shore and is a lovely place - known to be rather posh and upmarket, it does have a bit of a superior air about it. I fell in love with this huge pebble mosaic in Clifton Square....

....it really is so incredibly detailed (all those perfectly placed pebbles!) and beautifully made. When I came home I researched it online and discovered the amazing work of Maggy Howarth...wowsers, what talent! 

The area around Clifton Square is really lively with lots of cafés, restaurants and bars spilling out onto the wide pedestrian pavements. I especially loved the seating outside of The Deacon which reminded me a little of Paris (it's those chairs I think). I would love to go back on a warm summers day and enjoy sitting there with a delicious refreshment of some sorts. 

We pondered stopping and having a drink somewhere in Lytham, but in the end we decided to go the DIY refreshment route. We bought fruit smoothies and some chocolate from the mini supermarket and took ourselves to a scenic bench overlooking the grassy beach (which isn't really a beach) and enjoyed the views.

I do like Lytham, and the stunning display of tulips really made my heart sing, but honestly, I much prefer the more down to earth feel of St Anne's. There is something very unpretentious and endearing about a slightly old fashioned seaside resort, and of course I just love being beside the sea.

Such a lovely way to spend the day, I came home feeling energised and happy, and determined to return as soon as I can.

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Comments

[suddenadolescent]

What a great post, and I really relate to missing the beach now that I no longer live near it. https://papas-freezeria.com/

[Debra A Price Agrums Sposa]

Living vicariously thru your blog posts is always a delight!

[Jane G]

Lucy- YOU HAVE TO BOOK ONE OF THE BEACH HUTS AT LYTHAM!! You rent them for the day- and you have them from morning to midnight- and honestly, late evening beaching, watching the sunset is the biggest treat. They have electricity, heaters, little mini kitchens with a fridge so you can brew up, chill wine and prep simple food. Plus you have access to a private loo super close by- bonus!
I can’t tell you how much we adore the huts at Lytham - they make for the BEST beach day out. I’ve been in one in the searing heat of last summer, and also in a howling wild winter storm- both experiences were equally fab :)

[Jools]

Brilliant photos, as always, Lucy 😊 I've lived in the South Shore area of Blackpool for nearly seven years, and have never seen the tide in at St Anne's when we go walking there, so well done for getting a photo of it!
I prefer St Anne's too - Lytham is far too "designer handbag" for me xx

[Louise]

We love making a once or twice yearly pilgrimage to my parents place which is at a beautiful village called Mollymook. The beaches are amazing. The water is blue and I can sit there for hours looking out to sea and breathing the salty air. There are some beaches just 20 mins from home but they are port beaches and don't quite have the same appeal! Xox

[Anna-Karin (from Sweden)]

Oh, what a lovely Date! :)
I just love spending time at the beach, but here in Sweden, we dont have the tides, so it is really "exciting" to se all your photos, and almost experience the tide this way! Thank you for sharing! :)

[Debbi Robertson]

I love that you share so much of your discoveries with us. I've been looking at Maggy Howarth's site, and oh my goodness, what a talent, indeed! I've always wanted to create a stepping stone (or two) for my own garden, and her site is providing such inspiration. Thank you for that!
I grew up and spent most of my life in Hawai'i, so your call to the sea is very much a part of my heart and soul as well. I do believe it's the most precious place on Earth. Sending you love. . .

[Angela]

I'm so glad you had such a lovely day! The beach looks really lovely. I love the pic showing the wide expanse of the sand and sky 😍 Sounds like this day was very healing for soul, much needed I'm sure. Thank you so much for brightening our days Lucy!🙂

[Karen Dodgson]

Ah Lucy, I am so glad you found the cafe and that it was just right for your day at the sea. And I quite agree, St Anne’s is much more “us” too!
I have often sat at that bench (well, I think during lockdown we sat on ALL the benches!!) and I often volunteer at the little RNLI shop near there. You’ll have to try and time your next visit when the tide is deeper….I promise we do sometimes have the sea in walking distance!

[Charlotte]

Really please that you and J had such a lovely day out. Your breakfast looks amazing, and Maggy's mosaic is gorgeous...I want one in my garden!

[Beverley]

This sounds like a perfect seaside date for the two of you. I agree the pebble mosaic is a wonderful piece of artwork designed by a really talented artist.

[Jane Dorfman]

Your post makes me want to jump in the car. The real ocean is several hours away, perhaps I could make do with the Chesapeake Bay.

[Elizabeth]

Lucky you! A relaxed day meandering near the sea with your beloved. Sounds darn near perfect to me! Especially the Monday part, and the sea part, and the beloved part. Yep. Perfect!

[Tineke]

I always go to Google Maps to see where you have been. Ooooh, there you've been! I like to travel with you, as a seaside-born girl I understand your longings. I live deep in the East country too. It is such a treat you could go together <3

[Kay]

How lovely. I must add this to my list of places to visit. X

[Susan Randle]

Lovely post as always. Thank you for sharing xx

[Rebecca]

You might enjoy this book by Madeleleine Bunting called The Seaside: Englands Love Affair. I listened to a podcast called the bunker where they chatted to the author. (whose name could not be more perfect!)
I too am drawn to the sea. I live not to far from the coast in Western Australia and spend as much time at the beach as I can.

[Ruthie]

Thank you for sharing your day. These days out are very special, aren’t they, a real luxury. Coming from a seaside town originally , though I spent 20 landlocked years , I eventually returned to live by the coast, and really appreciate it x

[Susan]

Oh, what a lovely post & growing up near to the coast, it's something I miss these days too. Thanks for sharing, take care & hugs from down under.

[Jacqui]

Awws so lovely