A Weekend of Coastal Stories: Our Guided Walks in St Annes & Lytham

If you’re looking for a walking weekend in St Annes, there’s no better way to experience the town than on foot with a local guide.

And there’s something special about seeing a place on foot.

Not rushing. Not ticking off attractions. Just walking, noticing, listening — and letting the story of a town unfold around you.

This weekend we hosted a guided walking break with local author and historian Steve Garrill, exploring St Annes-on-the-Sea and Lytham across two days. It was the perfect mix of gentle coastal walking, fascinating history, warm conversation and plenty of well-timed coffee stops.

Even the weather played its part — from fresh sea air to classic Lancashire drizzle — but nothing dampened the spirit of the group. If anything, it made the cafés even more welcome!

Day 1: St Annes – Gardens, Coastline and Hidden Details

We began Day 1 at The Sea Croft, setting off together to explore St Annes through Steve’s eyes. It’s amazing how quickly a familiar town becomes full of surprises when you start to learn the “why” behind the buildings, streets and landmarks.

Some of our highlights included:

• Ashton Gardens, one of St Annes’ most beautiful green spaces
• A coffee stop at the Pavilion Café (a firm favourite!)
• The RNLI Lifeboat Station, always an impressive sight
• The charming mini train
• The Grand Hotel and the Carnegie Library, packed with character and history

Throughout the walk, Steve shared stories that connected the past to the present — the kind of detail that makes you look up, look closer, and appreciate what’s right in front of you.

Day 2: Lytham – Landmarks, Local Characters and Lytham Hall

Day 2 took us to Lytham, and while the weather was a little mixed, the day was packed with brilliant moments.

We started by meeting at The Station Pub, which is a historic building in its own right. Inside, we saw a collection of photographs chosen by local historian David Hoyle, showing Lytham as it once was. It was a wonderful way to begin — setting the scene before we stepped out into the town.

From there we explored key parts of Lytham including:

• The Wesleyan Chapel
• Stringers Department Store, with its own “potted history”
• The Cenotaph and Lytham Memorial Gardens
• A welcome break at Apex Café for coffee and cake (highly recommended!)
• The iconic Lytham Windmill
• Lowther Gardens and another quick stop at the Pavilion Café

And then came the real finale: Lytham Hall.

Rather than approaching the obvious way, Steve guided us along the path less travelled, taking us from Clifton Drive and around St Cuthbert’s, before entering the grounds through a hidden entrance. It felt like discovering a secret corner of Lytham — peaceful, atmospheric and beautifully green.

We finished with coffee and lunch at Lytham Hall Café, and were incredibly lucky to be welcomed by Peter Anthony, who took time out of his day to speak to our group about the Hall, the Clifton family, and the darker chapters of local history that aren’t always told. It was a fascinating end to a memorable day.

A Weekend We’ll Remember

It’s hard to put into words how enjoyable this weekend was.

Yes, it was walking — but it was also storytelling, connection, learning, and laughter. Steve has an incredible knowledge of the area, and his books are absolutely worth reading if you want to explore the Fylde Coast with a deeper understanding.

If you’ve ever wanted a short break that feels calm but not boring, this is it.

Interested in a Future Residential Walking Weekend?

Our guided walking weekends are offered as residential breaks, meaning you stay with us at The Sea Croft and join the walks as part of your trip.

If you’d like to hear about upcoming dates, the best way is to join our email list via our website, and we’ll keep you updated when new walking breaks are released.

(You can also contact us directly if you have any questions — we’re always happy to help.)

See You Here!

Georgina & Jamie