Seven miles beyond Britains greatest seaside resort is the town of Fleetwood. Once a major fishing port and the Euston of the north.
Current act
ivity includes a Freeport Outlet Centre, the sea-port runs roll on/rolloff traffic to Ireland and the Isle of Man. Fishermans Friend lozenges. Fleetwood market is popular.
The towns greatest assets are, in my opinion: its cosiness being surrounded by water on 3 sides giving it a compact nature and the view of Morecambe Bay beyond which are the hills of the Lake District. Another asset is its link with the sea which is displayed in 2 statues on the promenade showing a woman and child waving to greet a homecoming trawler ship looking out to sea and the small display 'the price of fish' listing the many Fleetwood boats lost.
The main street is long and straight with a double tramline for the regular trams from Blackpool. The shops here are mainly local and don't look prosperous but it has a homely atmoshere. The chain stores are in Freeport outlet centre which has a new ASDA next door at the entrance to the main street.
Fleetwood Museum, £3, is in a terrace just across from the vehicle ferry. A valuable addition to Fleetwood but living with the threat of the axe from the local council.
The end of the tramline is near the old lighthouse surrounded by terraced houses which could be termed cottages but they aren't really. On the promenade is the Euston Hotel which is quite a fine building being curved and built of large cut stone. Further along is The Mount a pavilion style building on a small hill overlooking the prom.
Freeport itself is built on the side of the old docks which are now a marina full of yachts. A good view at the far end of the centre. It has a large car park (free). It has improved recently in that an M&S outlet and a Costa Coffee (a good one) have been added. There is also a Next and kitchen, sports and .. well a wide range of shops.
An interesting walk is from the church on main street, towards the vehicle ferry. Noting the old shop with veranda on the corner. Turn left along the front past the museum, nice terrace, note the old lighthouse inland and the complact houses. Then the Euston Hotel. Walk along the promenade taking in the fishermen statues and the view of the Lake District. Lancaster University is also visible sitting slightly raised on the edge of the Pennine Hills. Continue towards Cleveleys which is a good 3 miles. First mile is along the lake next to the sea-front but then it gets a bit lonely in places and the sea wall flood defences block any inland view. Pass Rossall School, boarding. Then into Cleveleys which is having a large improvement programme just as you enter it on the prom including the gardens and a cinema and shops on the front.
