Reserve Closure
This reserve will close on Thursday 14 November for an all-staff meeting. Please check locally for site specific closure times and details.
Fairhaven Lake
LythamClosed | Opens tomorrowSee opening timesFairhaven is the gateway to exploring the Ribble Estuary – of the most important wetlands in the country and home to more than 250,000 birds. Situated on the edge of popular Fairhaven Lake, the RSPB Fairhaven Lake Visitor Centre is run in partnership with Fylde Borough Council.
About
You'll find the Fairhaven Lake Visitor Centre on the edge of the popular Fairhaven Lake. We run the centre in partnership with Fylde Borough Council, and it's a fantastic place to start your Ribble Estuary adventure from.
Down at the lake’s edge, you can see different ducks and geese. Look out for tufted ducks as they dive under the water for their food while the Mallards, Coots and Mute Swans glide serenely across the surface.
On the far side of the lake, the sea defence wall offers a fabulous view over the whole Ribble Estuary which is recognised as one of the most important places for over-wintering waders and wildfowl in Europe. It’s home to over 250,000 birds in the Winter months and is protected as a Special Protection Area (SPA), a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a RAMSAR Wetland site.
With its vast mudflats, saltmarsh and sand dune network, it's a haven for birds. Swirling flocks of knot, great numbers of Redshanks, Curlews, Dunlins and Black-tailed Godwits are among the distinctive birds you can see here throughout the Autumn and Winter. Keep an eye out for large skeins of Pink-footed Geese flying in V-formation and Shelducks dabbling on the mudflats.
The birds arriving here have flown thousands of miles from breeding grounds in the Arctic Tundra, Greenland and Siberia and will consume the vast quantities of shellfish and worms that live in the estuary mud.
In our visitor centre you'll find fun and interactive displays and daily activities. Our friendly team of staff and volunteers are always on hand to help out as well.
As well as catering for all your bird food, bird care and wildlife needs we have a wide range of binoculars and telescopes. We also have a great gift selection as well a range of books and stationery.
At a glance
Parking is available close to the reserve on Inner Promenade and at both ends of Fairhaven Lake at Stanner Bank and St Paul’s car parks. These car parks are available 24 hours.
They are run by Fylde Council. Head to their website for car park cost information. There are also three electric vehicle charging points on Inner Promenade.
We don't have our own toilets, but there are others very close by, next to Fairhaven Lake, 50 metres from the Fairhaven Lake Visitor Centre.
We don't have our own baby changing facilities, but there are others which are situated very close by, next to Fairhaven Lake.
The level, circular walk around Fairhaven Lake, and the smooth route along the newly refurbished sea wall are the perfect place for a stroll with a pushchair. Spot ducks and geese on Fairhaven Lake and take in the stunning views across the Ribble Estuary and the fresh sea air as you go.
The route around Fairhaven Lake is smooth and level tarmac suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
We don't have our own toilets, but there are others very close by, next to Fairhaven Lake.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the site at any time.
Dogs on leads are welcome at Fairhaven Lake Visitor Centre. Please keep your dog on a short lead and under control at all times.
For more information on where you can walk dogs around Fairhaven Lake, and where leads are required, head to Fylde Council's webpage.
Thank you for protecting the special wildlife here by keeping your dog on a lead and under control.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
Find out about school visits
Contact Fairhaven Lake
ribble.reserves@rspb.org.uk schoolbookings@rspb.org.uk Fairhaven Lake Visitor Centre, Inner Promenade, Lytham Saint Annes, Lancashire, FY8 1BD 01253 796292