Lancashire’s coastline is a haven for all ages, with seaside attractions, beaches, rock pools and scenic coastal paths. It’s the perfect destination for a fun-filled family day out. Here are a few spots we recommend

Cleveleys Mythic Coast trail

Want to introduce your kids to an ogre, play in the sand, and be inspired by storytelling? Then look no further than the Cleveleys Mythic Coast Artwork Trail. This trail is made up of five sculptures situated along the seafront that bring to life The Sea Swallows, a specially commissioned children’s story inspired by local history and folklore. Kids will love meeting the Sea Ogre, dancing through Mary’s Shell when the tide allows, or looking out over the Irish Sea through the Shipwrecks sculpture.

There’s also an Augmented Reality (AR) app to add even more excitement.

Fairhaven Lake Watersports Centre

Need the kids to burn off some energy? Head to Fairhaven Lake, where there’s plenty to see and do for little ones. First up, the lake itself has a watersports centre offering canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and boat hire. Next are the great play areas, skate or BMX park, and walks around the nature reserve. Finally, if you have a competitive streak, you can have a tennis match, play bowls or enjoy a round of mini golf to crown the ultimate winner. The new visitor centre provides information about the site, and you’ll find tasty food and refreshments in the café — perfect for recharging before your next adventure.

(Image: Aviktas)

Blackpool thrills

Blackpool is the ultimate seaside resort, and the beach is perfect for building sandcastles, enjoying a donkey ride and trying your luck on the 2p machines on a warm summer’s day. These are great for many kids, but if you’re searching for bigger thrills, they might not be enough. Instead, head to Sandcastle, the UK’s biggest indoor water park, or Pleasure Beach Resort, where a brand-new ride, Aviktas, is ready to swing you 140 feet into the air — provided you’re 130cm tall or over. These attractions offer unforgettable adventures for the whole family, with rides and slides suitable for younger visitors too.

St Patrick’s Chapel ruins, Heysham (Image: Diana Jarvis)

Morecambe prom

Morecambe Bay is a sight to behold, and there are no better spots to enjoy it than along Morecambe Promenade. Enjoy a sunny day on the beach or take a wander while soaking up the views. Kids will love building sandcastles and exploring the conveniently placed play areas along the seafront. The biggest play area can be found at Happy Mount Park, where you’ll also find trampolines, a brilliant splash park and mini golf. Alternatively, head along the promenade to Heysham and bring the children’s imagination to life with a trip to St Patrick’s Chapel ruins, the stone-hewn graves, and a walk to Half Moon Bay.

Arnside Knott

Got adventurous kids who love a walking challenge? Arnside Knott is one of the best viewpoints thanks to its location at the edge of Morecambe Bay. This walk is a big one, with some steep sections, but nature-loving kids will relish it — especially once they reach the top. Keep an eye out for incredible fungi, beetles, roe deer and butterflies. Over 30 different butterfly species have been spotted here. Late July and early August are the best times to spot the Scotch argus butterfly — common in Scotland but found in only two places in England.

Warton Crag

A fantastic hillside spot within the Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape is Warton Crag. Situated within a nature reserve, it offers a two-mile walk perfect for exploring the crag and its inhabitants. While the walk is short, it does rise steeply, so little legs may need a helping hand. Warton Crag is a haven for rare butterflies, and peregrine falcons have been known to nest here. It’s one of the best places in the region for lichen growth too, offering plenty of opportunities for wildlife, wildflower and lichen spotting.

Cross bay walk

There is no greater coastal adventure than walking across Morecambe Bay itself. This walk can only be attempted as part of an organised event with the King’s Guide to the Sands, Michael Wilson, due to the dangers posed by the tides. Because of this, there are minimum age requirements. If your tween or teen is brave enough, they can join Michael and his team for a walk starting in Arnside and crossing the sands to Grange-over-Sands. They will wade through knee-high water and see views of the coastline usually reserved for boats.

Leighton Moss

A must for nature lovers is RSPB Leighton Moss. It features the largest reedbed in the North West of England and is home to a wide range of bird and animal species. Here you might spot otters, marsh harriers, red deer and more, and there’s even a leaderboard for sightings of the day. While the reserve is slightly inland, the area managed by the RSPB extends towards the coast. Here, two hides allow you to get close to the hundreds of wading birds that gather along Morecambe Bay.

Whether you’re looking for nature-inspired days out or exciting attractions to keep the kids entertained this summer, you’ll find it all along the Lancashire coast.

Head to visitlancashire.com/explore-the-lancashire-coast for more inspiration.