Knott End
by Hazel Holloway
Where the Wyre Estuary gracefully meets the Irish Sea, the charming village of Knott End lies.
A place of unique charm and character, Knott End beckons you to explore its hidden treasures.
When Jamie’s fish shop opens, it becomes a vibrant community hub. His regular hours are Tuesday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, but as one of his customers jokingly remarked, “Disregard that; it’s open whenever he fancies.”
Jamie’s witty reply, “You havin’ a laugh?” sparked shared laughter, turning the shop into a space of joy and camaraderie. She added that Jamie is very trusting; if you come in without your purse, he says, ‘Never mind, bring it next time.’
“A regular visitor to Knott End during the 1950s and 60s was the famed artist L.S. Lowry.”
There is also a butcher, a baker, and, you guessed it, you can still purchase candlesticks at the local hardware shop. It’s a picturesque coastal village on the southern side of Morecambe Bay, across the Wyre estuary from Fleetwood, which remains an overlooked gem with its quaint shops and breathtaking views. Knott End radiates beauty and charisma. While it may not have the glamour of its nearby counterpart, Blackpool, you can still catch a glimpse of the tower if you wander to the end of Prince Philip Riverside Walk beside the jetty, along with the Fleetwood Pharos lighthouse just across the river. On a clear day, you’ll be treated to a splendid view of the Lake District peaks.
Knott End is not merely a village; it’s a living testament to history. Its deep roots stretch back to the early Bronze Age and the arrival of Norse seafarers. It is said that these seafarers used knotted ropes for navigation, employing knots to mark distance and the ‘knot end’ to signify the rope’s end. Thus, the name Knott End was created.
SCULPTURE BY THE SEA
A regular visitor to Knott End during the 1950s and 60s was the famed artist L.S. Lowry. It is said that he adored the area and drew inspiration from his time along the Lancashire coast. Knott End appears in many of his paintings, including ‘The Jetty at Knott End’. Today, a statue designed by local artist Tom Elliot stands near the Ferry Slipway, honouring him and serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of his work and its deep connection to this coastal town. You can’t miss it. The 5ft stainless steel statue, with his dog in tow, stands by the slipway.
PLENTY OF RICH PICKINGS
Jamie, owner of Shoreway Fisheries
Knott End is more than just a place; it embodies a sense of warmth and community. The welcoming locals, the quaint shops, the lively library, and the fresh fishmonger, Shoreway Fisheries, all contribute to this feeling of belonging.
Jamie, who owns Shoreway Fisheries shop on Wyre View, was born and bred in Fleetwood just over the water but has lived in Knott End for the last 12 years, so he’s almost a local. He’s a charismatic chap with many regular customers who pop in for fish and a chat. Pop in if you need to know anything about the village. The fish is fresh and, in his words, the best around. He doesn’t go out on the boat anymore but sources his produce from Fleetwood port. He will even tell you how to cook it.
Samphire, a sea vegetable that grows abundantly along the shoreline in Knott End, is available to pick up throughout mid-to-late summer. I’ve tried it, and it is delicious. It is the asparagus of the sea, with a delightful salty flavour packed with iron and goodness. Jamie says, “Make sure it’s clean, and then just sauté it in butter, maybe alongside some scallops you buy from me,” and laughs.
“While you can stand on the shore line and see Fleetwood less than a mile away, it is almost 14 miles apart by land.”
Knott End boasts several spots to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat, including two cafés and a fish and chip shop in the village. Sadly, the café at the slipway appears to have closed, but don’t lose hope. The Bourne Arms on the front is a traditional British pub serving homemade, locally sourced produce, scrumptious desserts, cakes, and plenty of real ale. If you prefer a cappuccino, latte, or a smoothie, there’s something for everyone.
The Bourne Arms
Look up at the beams and try to decipher the old Lancashire sayings.
“Well wur reet gradely fain ter see thi at Th’Aleaheawse.”
There’s always a warm welcome and the fire roars throughout the winter. Reserve a table upstairs for stunning views of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District.
A TWITCHERS AND RAMBLERS PARADISE
On the lookout for a Twite
Bird watchers, affectionately known as birdies or twitchers, flock to Knott-End-on-Sea. They can often be seen dotted along the slipway and the coastal path, equipped with their binoculars and cameras with giant lenses at any time of year. The twitchers observe Black-tailed Godwits, Turnstones, Redshanks, Oystercatchers, Pied Wagtails, Kestrels, Little Egrets, and many more. My favourite is the Twite (Linaria Flavirostris), which initially resembles a brown sparrow until you take a closer look and realise it’s a little finch. Its back is tawny and streaked with dark brown, with males displaying a tiny pink rump. You can see them rummaging around the tideline in search of seeds.
If you’re not a birdwatcher but enjoy a stroll, Knott End offers a charming circular route of around 4.5 miles.
It begins at The Bourne Arms on the esplanade and continues along the coastal path, veering inland through well-marked tranquil countryside paths and farm tracks. The walk includes a former railway line and a salt marsh area. For centuries, salt was extracted from local mines and brine pools. The Fleetwood Museum shows and teaches about the industry’s history.
ALL ON BOARD THE FERRY
The Knott End Ferry
There is plenty of parking in Knott End, and it’s free!
Buses run regularly from Knott End to Blackpool and Lancaster, but consider taking the ferry to Fleetwood if you fancy something a little different. Park at Knott End and sail to Fleetwood or vice versa – it takes just 5 minutes. The ferry provides an essential link between Knott End and Fleetwood. While you can stand on the shoreline and see Fleetwood less than a mile away, it is almost 14 miles apart by land.
In 1841, the Croft family operated rowing boats, ferrying people to and fro. This unregulated service enabled residents and farmers to utilise the growing Fleetwood market to sell their produce. Pigs, sheep, and fowl would travel by boat, while horses were often seen swimming alongside the vessels. The area gradually transformed into a popular holiday destination, and by the 1940s, the ferry was making frequent trips with tourists. In 2018, Wyre Borough and Lancashire County Council jointly funded the ferry service for an additional eight years, and the little red ferry continues to make its daily journeys across the estuary. It operates during the winter months and resumes service sometime in February. Be sure to check the times first, as it is, of course, tidal-dependent.
WATCH THE TIDE COME AND GO
View across the estuary
You can’t visit Knott End in the summer without taking a walk along the beach.On a clear blue day,the sand stretches for miles. It’s perfect for dogs.Walking near the sea wall is advisable if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Coastal regions can present hidden dangers, and Knott End experiences a considerable tidal range. Water levels and depths change daily. Before you go, check the tide times. Oh, and if you visit in winter and fancy a stroll along the beach, don’t forget your wellies!
No matter the season, it’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll along the promenade, breathing in the crisp, fresh air. You can also sit on one of the many benches lining the front. Indulge in some freshly prepared fish and chips, silence your notifications, and watch the world pass by, along with the ebb and flow of the tides.
NorthernLife March/April/May 25
