Fairhaven Lake, Lytham

Visiting Fairhaven Lake is one of our favourite things to do in St Annes with kids. It’s a great place for young and old with accessible paths, play areas, an RSPB visitor centre, a cafe and loads more things to do and see. It’s a great place to visit on the Fylde coast. Find more Family walks North West here.

I’ve been visiting Fairhaven Lake since I was a child. It has always been a great place to walk and play but thanks to a National Lottery Heritage fund donation in 2018, it’s now even better than I remember from my own childhood.

Where is Fairhaven Lake?

Fairhaven Lake is on the inner promenade between St Anne’s and Lytham. It’s 1.5 miles from St Anne’s Pier and would take you around half an hour to walk there along the promenade.

There is a pay-and-display car park on both sides of the lake. There is also plenty of free on-road parking on the surrounding streets.

The address is – Inner Promenade, Lytham St Annes FY8 1BD

How much does it cost to visit Fairhaven Lake?

There is no entry cost to walk around Fairhaven Lake. There are additional costs for some activities like adventure golf and boat hire.

What age is Fairhaven Lake suitable for?

There really is something for all ages to do here. The walk is short enough for little legs, the paths are really accessible for prams and wheelchairs and there are activities that kids of all ages will enjoy.

How Long do families typically spend at Fairhaven Lake?

As long as you want. You might choose just to spend an hour here on the playgrounds or you might do a half day to explore the lakeside walks. You could probably spend the whole day if you wanted as the beach is right behind it (although it’s not as nice sand as down by the pier, it is more mud/clay-like).

Facilities at Fairhaven Lake

You’ll find toilets within the cafe (these are for customers only though) and some pay-to-use toilet blocks by the south entrance.

Cafe at Fairhaven Lake

The cafe at Fairhaven Lake is in the original 1895 golf clubhouse. They serve a range of food and drinks. There is a good amount of indoor and outdoor seating with views over the lake in one direction and in the other you have the younger children’s play area.

There are also multiple kiosks to buy drinks or ice cream around the lake and gardens.

Playgrounds at Fairhaven Lake

There are 2 playgrounds at Fairhaven Lake. They are aimed at younger and older children. My own children had just turned 10 and 7 on our last visit and they found something they enjoyed in both playgrounds but definitely more in the one for older children.

The older children’s playground is the Fairhaven Adventure Playground. Here you’ll find a large trim trail, climbing frames, zip wire and so much more.

The younger children’s play area is pirates cove and yes, you’ve guessed it, it’s sea and pirate themed. There is a fantastic pirate ship climbing frame at the centre of this play area.

There are also tennis courts, a bowling green and a skate and BMX park in this area too as well as a crazy golf course (more details below).

Boat rides at Fairhaven Lake

Fairhaven Lake has a water sports centre with a choice of boat rides on the salt water lake. As well as boat hire there are lots of different water activities. You can hire motor boats, rowing boats and pedalos. They also have stand-up paddle boarding sessions, windsurfing and canoes.

Fylde council have full details of all costs here – Fairhaven Lake and Gardens Facilities.

Crazy golf at Fairhaven

There is a fantastic 18 hole adventure golf course that opened in 2020. It’s really fun and costs £20 for a family of 4. Full prices and details here – Fairhaven Adventure Golf.

RSPB visitors centre

Fairhaven Lake is a haven for wildlife and as such bird watchers. There is a popular RSPB Centre on the lakeside. There is loads of information about the birds you might see and a gift shop too.

Fairhaven lake walks

Fairhaven Lake is an extremely popular destination for easy walks. You can enjoy views of the lake, Ribble estuary, and Granny’s Bay beyond the sea wall. It’s a great place for easy mobility walks.

The walk around the lake is approximately 1 mile and the paths are all smooth and flat. There is a lovely pond and garden area, loads of geese, boats to watch and so much more to keep everyone entertained on this short walk.

You’ll also see the Spitfire memorial. The nine-metre long, full-size replica Spitfire is displayed as if in flight, suspended on a pole support, mounted on a plinth.

Where to next?

There’s so much to do in the surrounding area. We love the Fylde coast for family days out.

Find loads more Pram friendly walks Lancashire here.

There are lots more parks in Lytham. Find these and more parks in Lancashire here.

One of the best parks in the area has to be Park view 4u, Lytham.

Pennington flash is another great family walk with fantastic play areas. Find out more here – Pennington flash country park.

Find more Things to do in Lancashire with toddlers here.

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