Discover Wyre - a Lancashire gem, rich in history www.discoverwyre.co.uk
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START YOUR VISIT ON THE
COAST...
Wyre is blessed with over 10 miles of continuous coastline from Knott-End on Sea and the surrounding villages to Cleveleys, and then Blackpool. It’s a mainly flat so highly accessible and fun day out by bicycle or by foot.
If you start your journey in the picturesque village of Knott End-on-Sea you could hop on the passenger ferry, an 8 minute run across the Wyre Estuary towards Fleetwood. This historic ferry service was first established in 1841 by The Croft Family out of necessity: as local farmers they needed to cross the estuary to sell animals and produce at Fleetwood Market. Today it is a popular journey taken by local people and visitors, and to this day it is still the only ferry service in Lancashire.
If you don’t fancy the walk along the coast you could take the tram! The service was first established in 1885, and today an iconic feature of the local landscape. It’s a great way to see the entire coastline from Fleetwood, past Cleveleys and onwards to Blackpool. You could even book to ride on a vintage tram, which runs a service during the main holiday season. w
www.blackpoolheritage.com
A WE HIST
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FLEETWOOD MUSEUM The museum, built in 1836, was originally the town's Custom’s House. It was one of the first buildings constructed in Fleetwood and like much of the town it was designed by architect Decimus Burton. The building became the local town hall and is now a museum. It has been designated Grade II listed by Historic England.
EALTH OF TORY IN
The museum explores the history of Fleetwood – the building of a new seaside town, its unique maritime heritage, and the many stories of Fleetwood people – bringing this rich history to life through family friendly displays featuring real objects from Fleetwood’s past and present. In the boatyard, visit Harriet, a historic fishing smack originally built in Fleetwood in 1893. She’s one of the few surviving fishing smacks in the UK. t
01253 876621
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www.fleetwoodmuseum.co.uk
EETWOOD MARINE HALL This iconic art deco theatre with its stunning stained-glass dome, was opened in 1935 and has been the premier entertainment venue for Fleetwood and the Wyre area ever since, hosting a range of events including live music, comedy and festivals throughout the year. Marine Hall is also a beautiful wedding venue hosting ceremonies, receptions and family events. Situated around the Marine Hall are the gardens which were transformed in 2011 to bring them back to their previous 1930’s art deco glory. t
01253 887693
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www.wyretheatres.co.uk
MEMORIAL PARK A Grade II listed park built in 1925 by renowned town planner Sir Patrick Abercrombie. The park is unique as the entire grounds were created in commemoration of the First World War, unlike most conventional architectural memorials, and it is one of only a few listed war memorial parks and gardens in the country. Iron gates by the eminent company HH Martyn, who made the gates at Buckingham Palace and Marble Arch, were installed at the entrance.
FLEETWOOD MARKET
Today Memorial Park is a much loved park, and includes a children’s play areas, multi-purpose games area, footpaths, tennis courts, bowling greens and a programme of events throughout the year.
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01253 887651
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www.fleetwoodmarket.co.uk
Fleetwood Market is one of the finest examples of a traditional Victorian Market. Having first received its Market Charter in the 1200s the market was constructed in 1840 and still thrives today as a great day out. There are 250 individual stalls, places to eat and a street-food courtyard. Perfect for a visit, as one of the largest and most popular markets in the North West of England.
THE
CENTRE OF THE TOWN
THE MOUNT PAVILION Star Hill, a large natural sand dune, became known as the Mount in 1836 when it acted as the centre point in the architect Decimus Burton’s design for Fleetwood town. His design can still be seen through the roads that radiate out from the Mount. The iconic Victorian padoga style pavilion was designed by Herbert Luke, an architect working for the war office, and building work was completed in 1902. Now designated Grade II listed by Historic England, today the Mount Pavilion is a beautifully restored venue surrounded by attractive gardens, with its iconic Fleetwood Crest set into the front of the Mount itself. The historic World War One memorial clock was installed within the Mount Pavilion in 1919, and still chimes throughout the day in memory of the Fleetwood men who lost their lives in service. w
www.wyre.gov.uk/themount
HISTORIC HIGHSTREETS
&
MARKET TOWNS
POULTON-LE-FYLDE
St. Chads Church in the centre of Poulton-le-Fylde was first recorded in 1094, and today is Grade II* listed. Only footsteps from the church, you’ll find a rare collection of historical artefacts: the market cross, the fish slab, the stocks and the whipping post.
A weekly street market is still held today, and there are a number of historic pubs, places to eat and drink, and independent shops.
GARSTANG Venture further east of the district to the ancient market town of Garstang, where you’ll still find a weekly street market and a bustling high street. Look out for the numerous blue plaques throughout the town and follow the Garstang Heritage Trail for a glimpse into the colourful past of this historic town. w
www.discoverwyretrails.co.uk
LANCASTER CANAL
MARSH MILL WINDMILL
Work started on the canal in 1792 to designs by renowned Scottish Civil Engineer, John Rennie. Built to carry trade between Kendal and Preston, Lancaster Canal is a unique contour canal (built along the natural lie of the land), measuring over 41 miles without locks.
Marsh Mill Windmill is a Grade II* listed windmill which was built in 1794 during the reign of King George III. It once ground corn to produce flour to make bread and then animal feed, and was last used as a working mill in 1922. At 70ft high it is one of the tallest windmills in the UK.
The towpath stretches over 27 miles and is ideal for peaceful countryside cycling and walking. You can even stop along the way for a bite to eat or enjoy a drink and take in the view.
w www.discoverwyre.co.uk/
marshmill
LOOK OUT FOR HISTORICAL PLAQUES A historical plaque is a permanent sign installed in a public place to commemorate a link between that location and a famous person, event, or former building on the site, serving as a historical marker. The plaques erected are made in a variety of designs, and colours: some in Wyre are blue, brown, orange, white or even red if referring to transport related heritage. Historical plaques in Wyre can be mainly found in Garstang, Poulton-le-Fylde and Fleetwood.
If you love history and local heritage then you will discover lots of historic places in Wyre. From our beautiful buildings to our natural coastline and countryside. This is your opportunity to see what’s on the doorstep with the help of this MORECAMBE introductory guide. At the southern tip of Morecambe Bay, Wyre is the home of picturesque towns including Fleetwood, Garstang, Poulton-leFylde and Thornton-Cleveleys, as well as many rural villages. Situated on the Fylde Coast just north of Blackpool, on one side you’ll find stunning award winning beaches FLEETWOOD with unspoilt coastlines, and on the other unforgettable CLEVELEYS landscapes in the Forest of Bowland, an area of POULTON-LE-FYLDE outstanding natural beauty. BLACKPOOL
LANCASTER
WYRE
GARSTANG
PRESTON