St Anne’s Pier in St Annes-on-the-Sea, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire is well worth a visit. Just down the road from Blackpool, it’s a Victorian gem with loads of things to see and do. Read on to plan your visit and find out the best ways to get there.
Why visit St Anne's Pier?
Having attracted visitors since its opening in 1885, St Anne’s Pier is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a fun-filled day out by the sea. A beautiful place to walk, the Victorian pier is a unique historical landmark that’s recently been refurbished back to its bustling glory.
It offers a wide range of attractions for visitors of all ages, including amusement arcades, cafes and souvenir shops. Here, visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee, ice cream or a meal while taking in the beautiful sea views. Inside the pier’s amusement arcade is a range of classic and modern gaming machines for children or adults to enjoy.
Surrounded by beautiful beaches and a stunning coastline, the pier is also an ideal spot for relaxation and recreation. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming and building sandcastles, visitors can also go fishing off the end of the pier or rent a bike to explore the nearby Fylde coast.
Facts about St Anne's Pier
One of the few piers of its kind left in the UK, St Anne’s Pier has a deep and unique history. Here are some facts about this special seaside building.
- St Anne's Pier is 600 feet long. It was originally 914 feet - that is around 279 metres.
- It was designed by Eugenius Birch, who also developed other famous piers in Brighton and Eastbourne
- Construction of St Anne's Pier began in 1881 and was completed four years later, at a cost of £14,000
- The pier has welcomed visitors since 1885. It has undergone several renovations and repairs since including a major refurbishment in 2003
- Holidaymakers originally travelled to the pier on a steamer service that journeyed from Liverpool and Blackpool
- A beautiful example of Victorian architecture, the pier is built from cast iron, wooden decking and has an ornate pavilion with a mock Tudor-style entrance
History of St Anne’s Pier
St Anne's Pier has a rich and fascinating history that’s intertwined with British seaside resort culture.
When it first opened, the pier was a popular destination for Victorian holidaymakers who would travel there to enjoy the fresh sea air and amusements. The pier was originally 914 feet long and had a pavilion at the entrance which housed a variety of shops and cafes.
In the early 20th century, a new pavilion was built at the entrance. It was designed by the architect J.W. Kinnear and was home to a cinema, a ballroom and a roller skating rink.
During World War II, St Anne's Pier played an important role in the war effort. The pier was used as a lookout post and the pavilion was converted into a hospital to treat wounded soldiers. After the war, it was restored to its former glory with new attractions, such as a miniature golf course and an amusement arcade, added in 1954.
In August 1974, St Anne's Pier was almost destroyed by a fire. Despite extensive damage to the pavilion and several attractions, the pier was rebuilt and reopened the following year.
In 2003, a major refurbishment took place thanks to funding secured by Fylde Council, St Anne’s Pier Company and St Anne’s Enterprise Partnership. This included restoring the pavilion and the original wrought iron railings. A new observation deck was also added to offer visitors stunning views of the surrounding coastline.
Today, St Anne's Pier is a popular destination for thousands of visitors and plays an important role in the local community. Boasting a range of attractions, cafes and souvenir shops, it also hosts events such as art exhibitions, music festivals and firework displays.
So whether you are a history buff or a beach lover, St Anne's Pier is definitely worth a visit.
How to get to St Anne's Pier by train
To get to St Anne's Pier by train, you need to catch services to St Annes-on-the-Sea or Lytham train stations. St Annes-on-the-Sea is served by regular trains from Crewe, Manchester, Preston and Blackpool. The walk from the station to the pier will take about 10 minutes and is well-signposted.
Another option is to take a train to nearby Lytham station. This is also served by trains from Manchester, Preston and Blackpool. From Lytham, you can take the number 17 bus or catch a taxi to the pier.
Closest station to St Anne's Pier
The closest station to St Anne's Pier is St Annes-on-the-Sea. This is located on St Andrew's Road North, just a short walk from the pier. Trains come to this station from towns and cities across the north of England, making it easy to reach the pier by public transport.
St Annes-on-the-Sea station has a ticket office, waiting room and toilets. There are also several shops and restaurants nearby, so you can grab supplies for your day and something to eat on the way home.
Visiting St Anne’s Pier with Avanti
It’s easy to find the best train times and buy cheap tickets to St Annes-on-the-Sea station with the Avanti West Coast app. Simply download it and you could soon be on your way to St Anne’s Pier on an exciting seaside trip.
Alternatively, you can look online for the best train prices. You’ll also be able find everything you need to plan your journey, including live updates on train times.
