Life in Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre
St Mary’s is situated in the vibrant coastal town of Blackpool, in the picturesque Fylde Coast region of Lancashire. Just two miles from both the town centre and the coast, St Mary’s is ideally located to explore all that the area has to offer.
While Blackpool is renowned for its tourism, there are also plenty of charming, traditional towns and villages in the surrounding Fylde and Wyre countryside. Historic Poulton-Le-Fylde, quaint Wrea Green, and charming Kirkham are just a few examples of the many delightful places to explore in the area. With their slower pace of life and traditional character, these towns offer a welcome contrast to the bustling energy of Blackpool.
There’s always something fun happening on the Fylde Coast to keep you entertained. From the Blackpool World Fireworks Championships to the Rebellion Punk Festival, and of course Blackpool Pleasure Beach there are plenty of activities and events that take place each year, and many of them are free to attend.
Other popular events include the Blackpool Air Show, Blackpool Illuminations Switch On, and Strictly Come Dancing at Blackpool Tower Ballroom. For those who love cycling, there’s Ride The Lights, and for fans of classic trams, there’s Fleetwood Tram Sunday. Additionally, the Great Eccleston Agricultural Show, Poulton Gala, Thornton-Cleveleys Gala, St Annes International Kite Festival, Lytham Club Day, and Lytham Festival are all a good day out.
If you’re looking for indoor activities, The Fylde coast has plenty to offer, including the Winter Gardens, Zoo, Grand Theatre, Grundy Art Gallery, Sealife Centre, Madame Tussauds waxworks and Lytham Hall. And if you want to explore beyond the Fylde Coast, the scenic Lake District National Park and Forest of Bowland AONB are within easy reach.
But if you’re in the mood for some city living, Manchester, Liverpool, Lancaster, and other vibrant cities in the North West are also close by. So whether you’re a culture vulture, an adrenaline junkie, or simply looking for a relaxing day out, the Fylde Coast has something for everyone.
The Fylde Coast boasts a wide range of sporting activities and facilities for visitors and locals alike. Football enthusiasts can enjoy watching games from the three main local teams, including Blackpool FC, Fleetwood FC, and AFC Fylde. Cricket lovers can choose from several cricket grounds, Rugby fans have Fylde Rugby, while tennis players can join one of the many tennis clubs in the area.
Golf enthusiasts will be delighted to know that the Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club, which has hosted the Open Championship, is located in the area, alongside other top-rated courses. Running enthusiasts can take part in Fun Runs or even a Marathon on the scenic promenades and beaches.
One of the area’s most well-known attractions is the award-winning Stanley Park in Blackpool, which features an athletics track, boating lake, and beautiful gardens. The promenades and the river Wyre offer stunning scenic walks, while the Lancaster Canal and the nearby Bowland Forest and Lake District provide even more opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re looking to watch a football match, play a round of golf, or take a leisurely stroll, the Fylde Coast has something to suit everyone’s interests.
St. Mary’s is conveniently located in the heart of the Fylde peninsula, with excellent transport links for visitors and locals alike. For drivers, it is just 4.5 miles from junction 4 of the M55, which connects the area to the M6 at junction 32, making it easy to commute from farther afield.
Getting around the Fylde Coast and accessing the wider UK is straightforward and efficient. Locally, the historic, modernised Blackpool Tramway is an iconic and highly effective mode of transport, running along the promenade and linking Starr Gate in the south all the way through to Fleetwood in the north. This is supplemented by an extensive local bus network covering all major towns and suburbs across Blackpool, Fylde, and Wyre, ensuring reliable connectivity for commuting and school journeys. For motorists, the M55 motorway provides a quick, direct link from Blackpool to the M6 (near Preston), which is the primary route for travel throughout the North West.
For wider regional and national travel, the area is exceptionally well-placed. Blackpool North Station serves as the main rail gateway, offering direct, fast train services to key cities including Preston, Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly, and London Euston, ensuring the rest of the country is easily accessible. For international travel, both Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport are within easy reach via rail or road. This combination of efficient local transport and excellent national links ensures that residents can travel effortlessly, whether for daily commutes or long-distance journeys.
The Fylde Coast and Wyre are defined by strong community networks and excellent support services, which are vital for a high quality of life. The towns and villages boast active volunteer centres and community groups, particularly in the smaller towns like Lytham, Poulton-le-Fylde, and Garstang, fostering a genuinely friendly and close-knit atmosphere. These local hubs are complemented by well-run local council services that ensure parks, libraries, and social support are readily accessible to residents.
The region is committed to developing skills and offering diverse career pathways. The employment landscape is varied, ranging from the huge Tourism and Visitor Economy to significant roles in the NHS and public sector. Crucially, the area hosts major players in the Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace sector, such as the large BAE Systems site at Warton, alongside strong finance and professional services firms in areas like Lytham St Annes, ensuring a wealth of opportunities for skilled workers and graduates.