The Perfect Day Out: St Annes Beach & Pier - Your Complete Guide

From Victorian grandeur to modern beach huts, discover why St Annes offers the quintessential British seaside experience, just minutes from The Grand.

Some places capture the very essence of what a British seaside resort should be, and St Annes Beach & Pier does exactly that. Whether you're planning a proper family day out, a romantic stroll along the promenade, or simply want to feel that particular magic that only comes from being beside the sea, this stunning stretch of the Fylde Coast delivers in spades.

From our terrace at The Grand, we watch families heading down to the beach each morning, buckets and spades in hand, and returning in the evening with that particular glow that comes from a perfect day by the sea. Here's everything you need to know about making the most of St Annes Beach & Pier.

The Crown Jewel: St Annes Pier

A Victorian Marvel That's Still Making Memories

St Annes Pier has been welcoming visitors since 1885, when it first opened as one of the earliest public buildings in this planned Victorian resort. Designed by Alfred Dowson and originally stretching 914 feet into the Ribble Estuary, this Grade II listed beauty has survived fires, storms, and the changing fortunes of seaside resorts to remain the heart of St Annes.

The pier boasts a magnificent mock Tudor entrance that sets the tone for what lies ahead. Step through those doors and you're transported into a world where traditional seaside fun meets modern comfort. The amusement arcade brings out the child in everyone, whilst the shops offer everything from traditional seaside rock to unique souvenirs.

Find out more about the history of St Annes Pier here

What Makes the Pier Special Today

The Deckhouse Cafe opened at the end of the pier in April 2012 - the first new business to open on the pier for 38 years. This charming spot offers the perfect place to enjoy a coffee whilst taking in those spectacular views across the Irish Sea. On clear days, you can see right across to the Lake District fells and the Isle of Man.

The pier now houses an amusement arcade, 2 cafes, and shops, making it an exciting spot for visitors. Whether you're trying your luck on the penny slots or simply enjoying the sea breeze from the open-air deck, there's something wonderfully timeless about spending time here.

Opening Times & Practical InformationWinter hours run to 4pm, early summer to 9pm, and July/August until 10pm. The pier is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays from November to Easter.

The Beach That Dreams Are Made Of

Miles of Golden Sand & Endless Possibilities

Huge, open acres of golden sand stretch against a traditional Victorian seafront at St Annes. When that famous Lancashire light catches the sand and sea just right, you'll understand why artists and writers have been drawn to this coast for generations.

The beauty of St Annes Beach lies in its sheer size and variety. Because of the big tidal range, the beach is huge at St Annes. When you stand at the open-air end of the pier you're surrounded by the great big sky and the great big beach. Whether you want to fly kites, play beach cricket, or simply find a quiet spot to read, there's space for everyone.

Perfect for All Ages, from food and drink served in kiosks and cafes to children's amusements, pitch and putt golf, the pier, and even a little train - it's a properly family place, ideal for all ages from toddlers to as old as you like!

The central area near the pier features a children's paddling pool which is very popular in summer, and next to it an attractive bandstand. There's also an exciting outdoor water play area for children under twelve called Splash Park, with water jets, fountains and more.

The Beach Huts: Your Private Seaside Paradise

Luxury Meets Tradition by the Sea

Nothing says "proper day at the seaside" quite like having your own beach hut, and St Annes has perfected the art. The St Annes Beach Huts offer day rentals from 10am to midnight, giving you a full day to make the most of your coastal retreat.

What's Included in Your Beach Hut

‍Each hut is well-appointed with kettle, fridge, utensils, chairs, table - everything you need for a day by the sea in style, including access to toilet and washing facilities near the car park. All beach huts are fitted with mains electricity, kitchens, fresh water, crockery, a folding table and everything you'd need for a luxurious day at the beach.

How to Book Your Beach Hut

‍Booking couldn't be easier. Simply visit www.stannesbeachhuts.co.uk where you can:

• Choose your date and enter your group size (each hut accommodates up to 6 guests)
• Plan your stay - your booking covers one full day (10 AM to midnight)
• Select your huts - when booking multiple huts under the same name, they'll ensure they're right next to each other

Practical Tips for Beach Hut Days

‍The closest car parking is available at St Annes Swimming Pool Car Park (Pay & Display), and beach huts are easily accessed on foot via the promenade entrance outside the RNLI. Dogs are welcome and count as one of the permitted 6 occupants.

The Promenade Gardens: Victorian Elegance by the Sea

Where Heritage Meets Natural Beauty

The seafront promenade gardens are beautiful and well kept, running most of the way along the outer promenade. These aren't just any municipal gardens - they're a masterclass in Victorian park design that continues to delight visitors today.

The Peace and Sensory Garden, to the right of the pier entrance, contains a statue of legendary comedian Les Dawson, erected in 2008 and created by sculptor Graham Ibbeson. It's a lovely tribute to the comedian who lived in St Annes before his death in 1993.

At the southern end of the seafront is an ornamental pond and huge waterfall that you can walk under, where you'll find resident ducks and if your lucky you might spot the lone terrapin called Tony, hes useually sunbathing on one of the islands. It's the sort of magical touch that makes St Annes special - where else can you walk through a waterfall on your way to get an ice cream?

Where to Eat & Drink

From Traditional Seaside Treats to Fine Dining

Traditional Seaside Favourites

‍The promenade is dotted with kiosks and cafes offering everything from proper fish and chips to artisanal ice cream. Don't miss the traditional ice cream huts - nothing beats a 99 with a flake when you're watching the waves.

The Beach Cafe (South Promenade, next to the car park)

‍A family-run cafe that's been rated Top 20 in the UK by The Guardian, The Beach Cafe is perfectly positioned right next to the swimming pool car park with the beach directly in front. Tony and Karen McLaughlin have run the Beach Café for over fifteen years, with four full-time chefs offering wonderful home-cooked style food to suit all tastes.

What makes it special? They have their own car park designated by pink bays which are free to customers whilst you're in the cafe, plus disabled bay parking. The café has a restaurant licence so you can enjoy alcoholic drinks with your meal, plus a huge range of chilled soft drinks. Perfect for families - they're very child friendly with buckets and spades available for the beach, plus ice creams including "Mr Whippy" - and their outdoor window serves the most amazing scooped ice cream with the thunderstorm flavour being a particular favourite.

The Deckhouse Cafe (On St Annes Pier)

‍Located at the end of the pier, this charming cafe offers stunning views whilst you enjoy refreshments. Perfect for morning coffee or afternoon tea with a view.

Anatolia Sea View Restaurant (The Island, South Promenade)

‍For something more substantial, Anatolia Sea View offers authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine with stunning coastal views. The menu features fresh seafood, succulent kebabs, vibrant mezes, and traditional Anatolian specialties, all crafted with the finest ingredients. Perfect for a special meal with sea views.

The View Fish & Chips (Boating Lake)

‍For the ultimate seaside dining experience, The View offers exceptional fish and chips with stunning panoramic beach views. This modern, stylish restaurant with conservatory-style seating makes you feel like you're dining in summer even in February.

The fish boasts perfectly crispy, light batter that's never greasy, whilst the chips are crispy outside and fluffy inside. Each meal is thoughtfully presented with a slice of lemon and a sprig of parsley. What sets The View apart is the breathtaking setting - you can watch the sunset over the promenade whilst enjoying what many consider the best fish and chips on the Fylde Coast. Perfect for those special seaside moments.

The Train Cafe (Promenade)

‍A charming addition to the promenade, The Train Cafe offers a unique dining experience in a converted railway carriage setting. Perfect for a quick bite or refreshments whilst exploring the seafront.

FIND MORE PLACES TO EAT IN LYTHAM ST ANNES

Making the Most of Your Visit

Getting There & Parking

‍The pier is located on the Promenade in the town centre, opposite St Annes Road West, with a car park for around 50 vehicles right outside the pier entrance.

Or if your staying here with us at The Grand, there is complimnetary parking for all our hotel residents.

Perfect for All Weather

‍St Annes' weather may be unpredictable, but with a bit of preparation, you can embrace the charm of the seaside regardless of the forecast. The sun often surprises, and magnificent sunsets await those who are prepared with extra layers.

Our Insider Tips

• Visit the pier early morning or late afternoon for the best light for photos
• Book beach huts in advance, especially during school holidays
• Take advantage of the huge beach at low tide for the best walking
• Don't miss the sunset views from the end of the pier
• Try the free Petanque court on the Promenade opposite The Grand Hotel

Why St Annes Beach & Pier Matter

From The Grand, we've watched this stretch of coast work its magic on thousands of guests over the years. There's something about the combination of Victorian grandeur, natural beauty, and genuine seaside fun that creates memories that last a lifetime.

Whether you're building sandcastles with the grandchildren, enjoying fish and chips from our local guide, or simply walking hand-in-hand along the promenade as the sun sets over the Irish Sea, St Annes Beach & Pier remind us why the British seaside holiday remains one of life's simple pleasures.

Planning Your Perfect Seaside Break

The beauty of staying at The Grand is that St Annes Beach & Pier are literally on your doorstep. You can pop back to the hotel for afternoon tea, change for dinner, or simply enjoy watching the world go by from our terrace before heading back down to catch the sunset from the pier.

Ready to experience the magic of St Annes Beach & Pier for yourself? Our team can recommend the best times to visit, help you book beach huts, and suggest the perfect combination of seaside fun and hotel luxury.

Book your seaside escape

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