Location
United Kingdom
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About St Annes on the Sea
St Annes North Beach, on the Fylde coast a few miles south of Blackpool, is a vast flat sandy beach backed by low dunes, and a stretch of it north of the North Beach car park has become Lancashire's established naturist spot. British Naturism places the area roughly 600 m north of the car park along the sand, and its regional group holds regular summer beach days there, meeting by the line of wooden posts and numbered bins just past bin 5 on the Blackpool side. The area is not signed or fenced; naturists share the beach with walkers and dog owners. At low tide the sea retreats a very long way across the Ribble estuary flats, so a swim can take some walking. The beach faces the Irish Sea and the wind can be strong, so a windbreak is worthwhile; there is no shade and visitors warn that the sun can be fierce. The sand continues unbroken north toward Blackpool. Barbecues are not part of the accepted arrangement.
Getting there
From the M55 follow signs toward Blackpool South Shore past the airport, then head south on Clifton Drive North past the coastguard station and turn right into North Beach car park (FY8 2TR). Charges have been about £1 per hour to £4 all day, paid via the MiPermit app; toilets are in the car park and a café sits in the dunes. Walk about 600 m north on the sand. Squires Gate station is about 1.2 miles away on the level, and bus 68 (Preston-Blackpool) stops at Norwood Road beside the car park. Dune paths are sandy.
What visitors say
Naturists describe a relaxed, problem-free beach with lots of space, and regular organised British Naturism meets in summer. Textile walkers and dog walkers pass through but rarely cause issues. Visitors recommend bringing a windbreak, sun cream and a picnic, and note that the tide goes out a very long way. Some contrast it favourably with Southport and Formby, where naturists are no longer welcome.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Fylde Council has no officially designated naturist area but, in a statement quoted in September 2024, called the naturist area an accepted unofficial position: naturists who stay north of the North Beach car park and avoid barbecues are left alone. British Naturism describes it as council approved.
Naturism at St Annes on the Sea sits under United Kingdom's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: United Kingdom public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 53.7619, -3.0495
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
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Frequently asked questions
Is nudity allowed at St Annes?
Fylde Council has no designated area but accepts naturist use north of the North Beach car park, as long as people avoid barbecues.
Where is the naturist area?
About 600 m north of North Beach car park on the sand, past the numbered bin posts toward Blackpool.
Is there parking and toilets?
Yes, North Beach car park (FY8 2TR) has toilets and a café nearby; payment is by app.
Are there organised meets?
British Naturism's North West region holds regular summer beach days here; check its events calendar.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
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