Birthday picnics and kite flying in Lytham

For her birthday, Carole chose to spend the day on the Fylde coast, where, weather permitting, we could enjoy a summer picnic on the grass at Lytham before an afternoon stroll along the sea front (or should that be river front?). With both sets of parents coming along too, the day was set to be a great family day out.

Although the glorious weather from the previous few weeks had broken down (although to be honest it had been a little too hot for us anyway), the forecast for the day was set fair, with the best of the weather on the west coast - so Carole's choice of venue was perfect.

We started the day a couple of miles up the coast from Lytham centre, in Fairhaven, where the lake is a pleasant spot for a stroll. After the customary photos, we strode off around the lake, watching its flocks of Canada geese whilst watching out for the obstacles they tend to leave behind. The lake itself is a very pleasant place, with plenty of activities available for those so inclined, such as tennis, bowls and crazy golf, as well as a cafe and even a well-stocked RSPB visitor centre, which is worth a look. The lake is just over 1km long so the circular walk around is perhaps almost 2 miles in total and takes about ¾hr. By lunchtime we were back by the green in Lytham, unpacking cool-bags, rugs and chairs for our picnic.

It was, in truth, a little on the cool side for a picnic, but in true British spirit we stuck it out regardless, even though there weren't many others around! Carole still had a couple of presents to open and there was still a cake to cut! There was of course far too much food to eat, so when Dad got the kites out there wasn't at first much enthusiasm from us to join in.


Even so, the breeze was fairly conducive to kite flying and before long we had all three kites in the air, although perhaps not simultaneously. The erratic way the kites dived down towards the ground at speed ensured that we had plenty of space to ourselves!

Later we took a stroll down to the lifeboat station and shop, then on to Lytham's famous landmark, the windmill, which was open with an exhibition of its history and of milling in general.

As the afternoon turned to evening, we returned to the cars and headed north, through Blackpool and on to Bispham for a fish and chip supper - a traditional way to end a lovely day!