Views Across the Sea

At quick glance, the sea at Blackpool looks like, well, just flat sea with nothing to see! But look closely and on a clear day you can actually see quite a lot, with different views across the sea.

You can see some of North Wales, the Lake District and even the Isle of Man (if you’re lucky!). The strange thing is that it looks so totally different – depending on where you are standing. You’ll see more from the northern or southern end of Blackpool seafront than you will dead on in the centre… come with us to take a look!

Views Across the Sea of Wales

The further you travel around the coastline to the south (or left as you look at the sea) the more you’ll see of North Wales. When you start to get around the peninsula of the Fylde Coast to St Annes and Lytham, Wales comes clearly into view!

You’ll see the hills of Snowdonia, which is the largest of the right hand humps that stick out of the water. To the left of them, coming back to land, is the north Wales coastline including Prestatyn and Rhyl. The hills of north Wales look almost like the bumps of the Loch Ness Monster!

The strange thing is that the highest hills of Wales appear like an island, floating in the sea. Of course they’re not, and there’s lower-lying land between them and mainland UK.

Views Across the Sea of the Wind Farms

Looking out to sea, at the north and towards the right hand side of the horizon, you’ll see the wind farms.

Most of it is called the Walney Offshore Windfarm – some of which is actually cabled into shore at Cleveleys. Read about the Walney Offshore Windfarm coming to land at Cleveleys here.

Follow sight of the wind farm as you travel northwards along the coastline and their position appears to change. You’ll see the turbines line up and then spread out. Of course it’s actually the difference in the curve of the coast which changes the view – even though you feel like you have travelled in a straight line.

This windfarm has been growing quite rapidly over the last 20 years. With pretty much constant, onshore prevailing wind, it’s a perfect place for them. Even more are planned, this time cabled to shore in the Squires Gate area.

Views Across the Sea of the Lake District

Further to the right of the turbines you’ll see land on a clear day.

Walney Island is at the very end of the land mass. Heading inland Ulverston is next, followed by Grange over Sands. Then you can see the power station at Heysham which is the big white building. The coast then turns into Morecambe Bay, so the land goes out of view.

Ships and Activity Out to Sea

There’s a fair amount of activity out in the bit of Irish Sea that you can see from here on the Fylde Coast. Assorted rigs and masts come and go, along with all of the vessels which erect and maintain the wind farms. You’ll also see the large ferries sailing in and out of Heysham to the Isle of Man and Ireland. You can find out what most of these vessels are by looking at the Ship AIS website. You can even find out where they’re from and where they’re going! (There’s a similar plane tracking one too).

Views Across the Sea of the Isle of Man

If you’re really lucky, on a clear evening at sunset, you might see the Isle of Man.

You’ve got more chance of catching it at the northern end of Blackpool seafront – at North Shore or in the Bispham area. You need to be looking in the direction of the windfarms, and the hills will be lit up by the sinking sun.

You can see them at sunset because of a mirage, created by the light conditions at that time of day. There’s a full explanation of why you can see the Isle of Man on this page on our Visit Cleveleys website.

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Views from the Piers

For a completely different perspective on Blackpool seafront, all you have to do is walk along the towns three piers. Stand and look back towards land and everything looks so different!

Walk to the end of North Pier and you’ll see all of Blackpool north shore (below). Plus all the way along the coast to Cleveleys, with Rossall behind and the Lakes highlighted at your left. Look to your right and you’ll see all of Blackpool’s seafront up to Central Pier.

Walk along Central Pier and look back towards The Blackpool Tower (below) and you’ll see all of the main Golden Mile laid out in front of you. When the tide is in the sea is magnificent. When it’s out (and the sun’s shining) you’ll see a beach busy with people enjoying themselves!

The views across the sea are quite different again from this angle. Why don’t you go and take a look!

Walk along South Pier and everything looks different again. This beach looks huge and usually appears to be quieter – probably because there’s loads of space for everyone.

Birds Eye View from the Top of The Tower!

Of course the best view of the whole of Blackpool seafront is from the top of The Blackpool Tower!

Enjoy panoramic views along the whole of the Fylde Coast as far as the eye can see. With floor-to ceiling windows over the beach – and that stomach-churning glass floor! A whopping 380ft up in the air you’ll see the North West of England laid before you. On clear day there’s views over Bowland, up to the Lake District, down to Liverpool and even across to the Isle of Man!

If you’ve enjoyed this page about the views across the sea from Blackpool, why don’t you join in? Send us your photos, or indeed anything you know about the view. Just email to jane@therabbitpatch.co.uk – full credit will be given.