Fleetwood is a seaside town in Lancashire that is a former fishing port and a popular tourist destination. In 2022, Fleetwood was named by Airbnb as the third best place to visit on their list of the 12 trending seaside destinations to visit, says Lancashire Live. If you have chosen this destination for a weekend break or a family vacation, there are plenty of things to see and do during a visit. To help you plan your time and get the most out of a visit to this coastal resort, here are the 15 best things to do in Fleetwood.
15 Best Things to Do in Fleetwood
1. Ride the Ferry Across the Estuary: One of the Most Popular Things to Do in Fleetwood
One of the most popular things to do in Fleetwood is to ride the ferry across the River Wyre estuary to the village of Knott-End-On-Sea. You can get off the ferry on the other side to explore the village, eat in one of the places to eat in Knott-End-On-Sea, or take a walk along the coastal path. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy the boat ride and return to Fleetwood. It is essential to check the ferry operating times as the times change daily depending on the tides.
2. Take the Kids to Farmer Parrs Animal World: Things to Do in Fleetwood with Kids
If you visit the town with children, one of the best things to do in Fleetwood with kids is to take them to Farmer Parrs. At this farm-based attraction, there is a petting barn, pathways leading around fields with farm animals, a playground, pony rides, tractor rides, and much more to enjoy.
A museum about the area’s history is an unusual feature at Farmer Parrs. It predominantly focuses on the agricultural aspects of life in the Wyre area. On the lower floor of the two-level museum, there are some traditional games that visitors can play, while the upper floor is devoted to a series of dioramas depicting life in Wyre in bygone times.
Beyond the museum, there is a pottery studio where visitors can make pottery. There is also a large barn and a reptile room. The large barn is turned into a Winter Wonderland before Christmas, and visitors can meet Father Christmas and stroke the reindeer.
3. Shop at Fleetwood Market: Retail Therapy
One of Fleetwood’s most famous attractions is its market, which ranks as the best seaside market in the North West. At Fleetwood Market, there are indoor and outdoor sections, with stalls selling a vast array of goods, including fresh foods, books, toys, jewellery, electronic items, crafts materials, pet supplies, and clothing. Other stalls offer services like engraving, T-shirt printing, and mobile phone repairs. Furthermore, there is a café in the market where you can grab a bite to eat. Another place you can enjoy some retail therapy at Freeport, a shopping village in Fleetwood.
4. Dine at the North Euston Hotel: Eating Out in Fleetwood
Not only is North Euston one of the best hotels in Fleetwood, but it is also one of Fleetwood’s best restaurants. Furthermore, it is a landmark structure in the town and a popular venue for events. There are two dining areas at the North Euston Hotel.
The first is the Victoria Bar at the North Euston. It has a typical pub food menu featuring dishes such as lasagne, fish and chips, burgers, sandwiches, and steak and ale pie. There is a special grill menu on Tuesdays and Thursdays and special deals on seafood dishes on Fish Friday.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a stylish yet relaxed dining experience at The Bay, which is open for dinner service from Monday to Saturday and all day on Sundays.
5. Ride a Tram to Blackpool: Exploring the Area
Fleetwood is known for its trams, which travel from Fleetwood through Cleveleys and Bispham, then along Blackpool Promenade to Blackpool’s South Shore. The trams are a cheap and convenient way to visit the different coastal towns in the area and are also a fun activity to enjoy.
If you visit the area between September and December, you can take the tram through Blackpool to see the Blackpool Illuminations, one of Blackpool’s most famous attractions. Many trams are illuminated, and it is possible to travel in open-top, double-decker trams.
Another great time to visit Fleetwood and take a tram ride is when Tram Sunday takes place in July. It is the UK’s biggest free vintage and arts event. Not only are there vintage trams to see and tram rides to take, but there are also many stalls and attractions to enjoy during the event.
6. Go to Fleetwood Museum: One for History Enthusiasts
Those who like to learn more about an area’s history during a visit should go to Fleetwood Museum. This museum covers many aspects of Fleetwood’s history, and there is a specific focus on the fishing industry that was once a vital part of the town’s economy and culture. The museum has many interesting and interactive activities to enjoy, including some that will appeal to children.
7. Watch a Performance at the Marine Hall and Gardens
If you want to see a performance when you visit Fleetwood, then the nearest place to do so is at Marine Hall and Gardens. There are various performances to enjoy throughout the year, including pantomimes at Christmas. Outside the hall, there are pretty gardens where you can take a stroll or sit on one of the benches to watch the world go by.
8. Have Fun at Marine Splash Adventure Park
Next to Marine Gardens is Marine Splash, which is a fun activity for children to enjoy in Fleetwood. It opens from the Bank Holiday weekend in April and remains open throughout the summer holidays. There is a paddling area, water tunnels, water jets, and fountains.
9. Go Swimming: Fun and Fitness
Along the promenade in Fleetwood, there is a swimming pool and fitness centre. The pool is open to the public and is a great place to get some exercise or take the kids for a swim. There is a seven-lane 25-metre pool and a 20-metre learner pool. There are dedicated times for lessons and public sessions. Therefore, you should check out the times before visiting. You can see the opening hours and session times for YMCA Fleetwood here.
10. Walk Along the Prom with an Ice Cream
On a hot day, a pleasant way to spend your time is to buy ice cream and take a stroll along the promenade. The views continuously change as you walk along the prom. From one end of the prom, there are views across the river to Knott-End-Golf Club. The views then change to the estuary scenery, including views of Knott-End-On-Sea, across Morecambe Bay to Lancaster and Morecambe, and then out to the Irish Sea.
11. Enjoy the Beach: Things to Do Outdoors in Fleetwood
Like many coastal towns, one of the best features of Fleetwood is the beach. The best point to access Fleetwood beach is next to the Coastguard Station and the ferry slip, which is right on the estuary. A wooden pier leads out to the Coastguard’s launching station, and there is an entrance to the beach at the beginning of the pier.
As you enter the beach, there are small grassy dunes. There is then a strop of soft, sandy beach where children enjoy playing. Closer to the water, there is a pebble beach. It is important to note that you cannot paddle in the water of this beach, as there is a steep drop into the water, and there are strong undercurrents in the estuary.
12. Get Creative at Glazy Days
For those with a creative streak, a fun and creative activity to enjoy is making pottery at Glazy Days Creative Café. It is a pottery painting and casting studio with a small café. By appointment, you can paint your own pottery that you can then keep as a memento of your time in Fleetwood.
13. Relax in Memorial Park
If you want to spend some time in a relaxing space when you visit Fleetwood, head to Memorial Park. It is a Green Flag park that has benefited from a £2.4 million restoration. The park in Fleetwood is at the heart of the town and features landscaped areas, a pavilion, and a sensory garden. There is also a gardening club, and various events occur within the park throughout the year.
14. Watch a Football Match: Things to Do in Fleetwood for Sports Fans
Those visiting Fleetwood during the football season might like to catch a Fleetwood Town F.C. game. To check out when they are playing a home game, look at the Fleetwood Town F.C. website.
15. See the Views from Rossall Point Tower
Rossal Point Tower is located on the promenade in Rossall, which sits between Fleetwood and Cleveleys. Inside the tower, informative displays teach the public about the biodiversity of the coastal environment, local birdlife, and other aspects of the natural environment. Visitors can also enjoy views from two viewing decks using the binoculars provided. There are views across the Irish Sea, Morecambe Bay, the Forest of Bowland, and the Lakeland Fells.
16. Have Fun at the Amusement Arcades
A great choice of activity in Fleetwood on a rainy day is to head to the arcade, which is close to the Knott-End and Fleetwood ferry terminal. You will find the typical games that you will see in most arcades, such as the grabbers and 2p machines. There are also some vintage games, such as the pictured puppet machine.
Have you visited Fleetwood? Have you any other things to do in Fleetwood to add to the list? Feel free to add comments and recommendations in the section below.
[…] There is a vast array of Fleetwood restaurants from which you can choose, and each has something different to attract diners. We hope you have enjoyed reading our recommendations for the best restaurants in Fleetwood. If you have visited any of the venues, let us know what you think and if you agree it is one of the best places to eat in Fleetwood. You may also like to read our article about the best things to do in Fleetwood. […]