Lancashire

Lancashire: A glorious getaway

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Lancashire is a county of northern England blessed with a beautiful coastline, forests, waterways and heritage towns.

My home city of Manchester was part of Lancashire until 1974, so there’s a natural pull to day trips which are close to home.

I’ve often explored the county’s glorious countryside, which offers an escape from the big city. Here’s just some of what I’ve captured on camera with plenty more still to see.

Where should I go next in Lancashire? Please leave your comments below

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2021: Six of the most memorable photos

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2021. It was marked by the peaks and troughs of Covid-19. It was the first full year that I didn’t travel abroad. But I explored closer to home and pressed on with my photography.

I’ve picked six memorable shots from the year and tell you why they’ve stayed with me. You can vote for your own favourite at the end of this post. Hello 2022, we’re looking at you…

A BEACH OF OUR OWN
Location: Heysham, Lancashire
Month: August

Beach scene at Heysham, Lancashire

This was a memorable day trip to Heysham on the Lancashire coast. Just two figures walk by the blue expanse of Morecambe Bay. The good weather and coastal scenery was a welcome break from the density of Manchester. TAP/CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE PHOTOS

COASTAL FURNITURE
Location: St Anne’s, Lancashire
Month: April

Fairhaven lake sluice along Lancashire's Fylde Coast

This my first trip to the seaside in 15 months due to the pandemic. This shot combines my loves of coastal landscape and architecture, with a sluice for an inland lake taking centre stage during a walk along the Fylde Coast. TAP/CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE PHOTOS

ESTUARY SLANT
Location: Humber Estuary, East Yorkshire
Month: August

Angled view of the Humber Bridge from the shores of the river

Travel restrictions meant a staycation mini-break to Hull was on the cards. It also included a visit to the mighty Humber Bridge, a moment of real excitement for me. Being able to walk beneath the structure was a pleasant surprise. TAP/CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE PHOTOS

PROMENADE
Location: Alexandra Park, Manchester
Month: January

Walkers in a wintry Alexandra Park, Manchester

Alexandra Park is a popular place for walkers here in Manchester. A spell of wintry weather the other side of the Christmas period hit when a new wave of coronavirus was in full swing. A memorable time for maybe the wrong reasons. TAP/CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE PHOTOS

STOCKPORT SILHOUETTE
Location: Stockport, Greater Manchester
Month: October

Sunset silhoutte of Stockport's Victorian railway viaduct

It was the end of a lovely day exploring Stockport’s old town, which didn’t fail to impress. Dusk was reaching in and the town’s magnificent railway viaduct and rooftops created a satisfying frame. Man-made and nature working together. TAP/CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE PHOTOS

THE ONLY WAY IS UP
Location: Deansgate Square, Manchester
Month: June

Looking up at the skyscrapers of Deansgate Square, Manchester

A place very close to home that has regularly featured in my photographs, the skyscrapers of Deansgate Square in Manchester. A public terrace was opened this year, allowing me to lie back and capture them from this perspective. A reminder of warm summer weather. TAP/CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE PHOTOS

Heysham: Village by the sea

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Visitors to Lancashire in north-west England flock to its seaside resorts of Blackpool and Morecambe.

But it’s worth stopping at Heysham (pronounced Hee-sham) which is a charming little village perched on the cliffs with beautiful sea views. CONTINUES BELOW

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However, there’s another side to Heysham which is hard to ignore – a nuclear power station and ferry terminal which support a large population beyond the quaint village.

I’m quite fond of industrial facilities but failed to find any redeeming features about the power plant. But on this side of Heysham you can see The Ship sculpture, a truly intriguing landmark.

My advice is to concentrate on the village, the remains of St Patrick’s chapel and enjoy those commanding views over the bay.

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Return to the seaside

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I last visited the coastline of north west England in January 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic took hold and we had to stay close to home.

That trip was to the Lancashire seaside town of Lytham St Anne’s. I finally returned in April 2021 to see the sea again and enjoy sunny blue skies.

I walked along this stretch of the Fylde Coast armed with my wide angle lens. The photos I took express a real sense of space and freedom – exactly what I’d been craving for in Manchester.

The past year makes you appreciate the simple things, doesn’t it?

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Northern snapshots

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I’ve lived in the north of England for 18 months now. There’s a great deal to explore here, from industrial cities to the natural beauty of the Lake District.

Here’s a scattering a 12 shots from my northern discovery so far. There is a lot more to discover…

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