There’s something special about living in the North West of England, especially being so close to the coast. The fresh sea air, the sound of seagulls, and the rich maritime history make coastal towns like Fleetwood a joy to visit.
Fleetwood, located on the Fylde and Wyre coast just north of Blackpool, has a deep-rooted history as one of Britain’s largest fishing ports. Though its industry has changed over the years, the town still holds onto its fishing heritage, with trawlers coming in regularly and some of the best fish and chip restaurants in the region. One of my favourites is Bispham Kitchen, which serves fresh fish daily—there’s nothing quite like it!
This week, my father and I took a trip to Fleetwood to watch some of the trawlers entering the marina at high water. As we arrived, the salty sea breeze mixed with the unmistakable scent of fresh fish, a true reminder of Fleetwood’s working docks. The sight of the boats gliding in, their decks busy with the day’s catch, was fascinating. It’s easy to forget just how much effort goes into bringing fresh fish to our plates until you see these hard-working vessels and their crews in action.
After watching the boats, we took a stroll along the promenade. The views across Morecambe Bay at dusk were stunning, with the sky turning shades of pink and orange as the sun set behind the distant hills. There’s a peacefulness about Fleetwood in the evening—away from the hustle and bustle, just the sound of the waves lapping against the shore and the occasional call of a seabird.
No visit to Fleetwood is complete without a portion of fish and chips, so we finished our evening with exactly that. Sitting on a bench by the seafront, tucking into crispy battered fish and fluffy chips, we chatted and watched the lights reflecting on the water. It’s simple moments like these that make coastal towns so special.
Fleetwood may no longer be the bustling fishing hub it once was, but it still has its charm. Whether you visit for the fresh seafood, the maritime history, or just a peaceful evening by the sea, it’s always worth the trip.