Views from the Seafront

From Lytham Green there are amazing views from the seafront, looking across the wide estuary of the river Ribble as it flows into the Irish Sea. Above photo: View of Southport looking from Lytham, by Sue Massey

Here at Visit Lytham we like to be able to see something when we look out over the water. A view purely of the ocean is beautiful, but when you can see land and activity it’s much more interesting!

With views from the seafront at Lytham Green there’s plenty to see – depending on the weather conditions of course.

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Views from the seafront of Southport

The nearest and clearest land is the curve of the Southport/Formby coastline.

The largest patch of buildings that you can see straight across the water is Southport (above). The hills to their right are the shores of the Formby area. In the next photo, Rivington Pike and Winter Hill can be seen (you can see the mast glistening in the shot). Thanks to the reader who left a comment below, pointing it out.

Views from the seafront of Wales

Turning further to your right the views from the seafront are looking across the northern edge of Wales.

The River Ribble

The River Ribble begins its journey near the Ribblehead Viaduct in the spectacular Yorkshire Dales.  It starts as a trickle, wends its way via Clitheroe, Ribchester and Preston where it gathers momentum and rushes into the Irish Sea.

With St Annes and Lytham on one side of the 10 mile wide estuary and Southport on the other, it’s a stunning finale to the Ribble’s 75 mile journey.

The Ribble Estuary is one of the most important wetland sites in Britain.  Some 350,000 wildfowl over-winter here, and it’s a significant breeding site for Atlantic Salmon.

Be careful on the beach

The land on the opposite shore looks as if it’s quite close by. Almost as if you could walk to it, straight across the bay.

Please don’t even think about it. The estuary is dangerous with shifting sands and strong, fast moving tides. In fact, when cockling restrictions were briefly lifted in 2011, numerous fishermen quickly got into trouble, requiring the help of the RNLI.

If you ever see anyone in difficulty or danger, always ring 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Of course when you tire of the views from the seafront, you can always turn around and look at the beautiful Green and Windmill!

While you’re here…

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