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St Annes Splash! Park: What to Expect, See and Do

| Last Updated: November 2024

Do your kids LOVE water but can’t swim? You’re in luck! There’s a place where these two things meet, and it’s just a quick trip from Manchester’s city centre (otherwise, you might need to go to a play centre instead).

Splash! is a play park at Lytham St Annes (or just St Annes, for short), where your kids can go wet and wild without the risk of drowning because it isn’t a pool at all!

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Splash!, including tips on how to get there, what to bring, where to stay, and what else to do afterwards.

What is Splash! park at St Annes?

Splash! is a fun water play park for kids in the seaside town of Lytham St Anne’s, just south of Blackpool. It’s designed for children aged 3 to 12, but younger kids can also join in the fun with adult supervision.

Operated and maintained by the Fylde Borough Council, Splash! park is a popular summer attraction for both locals and visitors.

The park features an oval walkway and a central water play area (the “splash zone”) with sprays from poles and loops of various heights. There are no swimming pools here—just a playground with lots of sprinklers, with the actual ocean and beach right next door.

There are also seating all around the walkway for supervising adults or anyone who wants to take a break from the watery fun.

Where is St Annes Splash! park located?

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Image Source: Google Maps

Splash! at Lytham St Annes is within the Promenade Gardens, along South Promenade Road.

Nearby landmarks include:

Since Splash! is just very near St Annes Beach, getting lost looking for it is highly unlikely, even if it’s your first time to visit.

Best Time to Visit the Splash! Park at St Annes 

Splash! at St Annes is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, from April to September (mid-spring to late summer). These months are the best time to enjoy the mini water park.

During its operating season, we highly suggest visiting on weekdays, as the weekends leave Splash park crowded with children and their carers. Bank holidays are also a no-go if you hate crowds.

The park can also close on certain days for maintenance, or when the weather is bad. Be sure to check Splash! official Facebook page for announcements.

How to Get to the Splash! Park at St Annes 

Splash! at St Annes is easily accessible by car, bus, or train from Manchester’s city centre. Some routes are better than others, but the average travel time either way is the same.

Here are the best ways to get to Splash! from Manchester:

  • Driving: If you’re bringing a vehicle, drive for about 1.5 hours from Manchester, heading towards Bolton and Blackpool before reaching Lytham St Annes.
  • Closest train station: From Manchester Piccadilly Station, take a train to Preston, then transfer to a train to Blackpool South, and get off at St-Annes-on-the-Sea station. The park is a short walk from there.

We don’t recommend taking the bus for travelling to Lytham St Annes, because this route has multiple transfers; you’ll need to switch to a train, eventually. This can be too tiring, especially if you’re travelling with kids!

Things Good to Know Before Going

Good things come to those who wait prepare. There are a couple of things you need to know before going to Splash! Park at Lytham St Annes:

  • Parking is available near Splash! You can park your vehicle at any of these areas:
    • Street parking along South Promenade (free, very near Splash!)
    • St Annes Swimming Pool Car Park (paid, very near Splash!)
    • North Promenade Car Park (paid)
    • Fairhaven Road Car Park (paid)
  • There’s a £1 entrance fee (yes, just a quid!) for the kids. Another good news is that supervising or spectating adults can take a breather because they can enter the Splash! for free.
  • Tickets can be bought up to 48 hours AT MOST before your desired day to visit. However, any advance booking is non-refundable, so it’s actually better to buy it on the day itself (online or at the gate).
  • No need to be TOO early. Splash! Park management actually urges visitors to arrive 5 minutes at most before their booked sessions.
  • Follow Splash! park rules. Here’s a running list of things not allowed in the premises:
    • Mud
    • Sand
    • Plants and/or branches
    • Pool toys and/or floats
    • Glass and other breakable objects
    • Food and drink
    • Alcohol
    • Smoking
    • Open flame (e.g., barbecues, bonfires, etc.)
    • Pets (excluding service dogs)
    • Skateboards, bikes, blades, and similar sports equipment
  • Be mindful of wounds or skin disease. People with skin disease or open wounds must NOT use the splash zone for health and hygiene reasons. 
  • Wear swimming attire. Since Splash! is a mini water park where getting wet is part of the fun (and you’ll likely visit the beach afterwards), make sure everyone wears their bathing suits (non-potty-trained kids MUST wear nappies).
  • Don’t forget sun protection. Bring umbrellas or wear hats; apply sunscreen liberally, too, since Splash! is an open area with no shade at all.
  • Consider your allergies. These chemicals are used in maintaining Splash! and its facilities: sodium, calcium hypochlorite, and sodium bisulphate—for safety, reconsider your trip if you or your child is sensitive to any of these substances.
  • Respect people’s privacy. We all love taking pictures, and the park doesn’t ban doing so, given that you’ll only photograph your kids and any other members of your group. 
  • Pay toilets are available. These are outside but just beside Splash!, and are open daily until 8:30 PM (no worries since the toilets don’t close earlier than the park).

What to Do at the Splash! Park at St Annes

Spending an hour or two at Splash! is a fantastic way to bond with the kids and kick off your day trip to Lytham St Annes, on the southern part of the Fylde Coast.

While the park is small and activities are limited, there’s still plenty of fun to be had. Here’s a list of things you can do at Splash!:

Attend the regular play sessions

Do what you came for at Splash! Let your kids (and maybe yourself, too) frolic and enjoy getting drenched all across the oval water play area.

There are five regular play sessions every day that cater to 3-12-year-olds. They’re scheduled as follows: 

  • 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • 11:15 AM to 12:15 AM
  • 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
  • 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM
  • 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Visit during earlier time slots to avoid crowds, or embrace the fun chaos in the afternoons!

Take the younger kids to the “under 5’s” sessions

Have a child under five? They can join the regular sessions with older kids, but for a more supervised and less crowded experience, try the “Under 5’s” sessions every Monday at 10:00 AM.

One thing to note: older siblings of toddlers cannot join the “Under 5’s” session.

Join the Children with Disabilities and SEN sessions

Besides toddler-specific sessions, Splash! park offers sessions for kids with disabilities and special education needs (SEN).

The sessions are held every Tuesday at 10:00 AM. These sessions are scheduled during non-peak times to ensure the maximum comfort of the participants.

SEN sessions are open to kids below 12 years of age. Non-SEN siblings in the same age range can join the SEN participants in their session.

Watch over the kids during their play session

Parents, carers, and older family members can relax on the many seats around the splash zone and watch their kids play. If you prefer to join in the fun, you can do that too.

Just remember, Splash! park rules apply to EVERYONE, not just the children. Have fun!

Where to Eat near the Splash! Park at St Annes 

After your adventure at Splash!, everyone in your group will probably be ready for a meal or a quick snack. Here’s our list of the best restaurants (like this one for our Mancunian hometown), just around St Annes:

Anatolia Sea View 

Media from Anatolia Sea View

Address: First Floor, Pleasure Island, South Promenade, Lytham Saint Annes FY8 1LS
Phone: 1253 789551
Pricing: ££
Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  • Monday – CLOSED

Good to know: Mediterranean cuisine, Great seaside view, No takeaways allowed
Website
Menu

Anatolia Sea View is one of the best restaurants near Splash! park. Just walk a few metres towards the building housing Surfside Amusements and The Island cinema, and you’ll easily spot it (pro tip: they’re all in the same building).

For those unfamiliar, “Anatolia” is the ancient name for the region now known as Türkiye (Turkey). This restaurant specialises in Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, all served with a stunning seaside view.

Since you’re by the sea, don’t miss out on the garlicky-buttery King Prawns. The Lamb Kebab is also a splendid choice, known for being tasty and juicy, grilled to perfection.

Imli

Media from Sugarvine Restaurant Guide

Address: Wood Street Chambers, 33 Wood St, Lytham Saint Annes FY8 1QG
Phone: 01253 788009
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
  • Sunday – 1:00 PM to 10:30 PM

Good to know: Indian cuisine, Takeaways available
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Menu

Imli, meaning “tamarind” in Hindi, is a popular Indian restaurant just a 10-minute walk from Splash! Park. Its modern interiors, featuring an elegant pairing of royal purple and black, are striking yet perfect for a casual meal.

After a day at Splash! or the beach, bring the family here and try the Tandoori Chicken from Imli’s Early Bird menu, available from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. For the kids, the milder Chicken Korma is a brilliant option.

If you’re dining later and enjoy spicy food, opt for one of the house specialities, Lamb Handi—a very spicy but hearty Indian curry.

Greek Flame Taverna

Address: 13 St Andrew’s Rd S, Lytham Saint Annes FY8 1SX
Phone: 1253 726319
Pricing: ££
Operating hours: Daily – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Good to know: Authentic Greek food and drinks
Website
Menu

For a quick trip to Greece through authentic Greek food and drink, visit Greek Flame Taverna. It’s just a 15-minute walk from Splash! park on St. Andrew’s Road.

Aside from the delicious meals, the best thing about this restaurant is its real Greek wines imported straight from the Mediterranean.

Enjoy a Lamb Kleftiko or Moussaka with a glass of Makedonikos red wine (disclaimer: this is just our post-visit idea, best to leave the pairing suggestions to the staff).

For the kids and the rest of the family, other great options include the Greek Salad or Gyros.

Bistro St Annes

Address: 22 Orchard Rd, Lytham Saint Annes FY8 1RY
Phone: 1253 726482
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Sunday and Monday – CLOSED

Good to know: Great for casual family breakfasts
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Menu

For simpler fare, why don’t you try Bistro St Annes? It’s a family-run resto that’s loved by locals and serves typical but really tasty English and American food.

If you have Splash! at the bottom of your itinerary, then don’t hesitate to drop by the bistro for brunch. You’ll have the options of a usual breakfast plate, toast, or sandwich (the shop’s closed on Sundays though, so Sunday brunches aren’t possible).

We’re also fans of Bistro St Annes’ jacket potato menu. Besides the classic buttered potato, you can try the adventurous Sweet Chilli Chicken or Prawn and Marie Rose Sauce.

Allegria Italian Restaurant 

Media from Allegria Italian Restaurant

Address: 27 St Anne’s Rd W, Lytham Saint Annes FY8 1SB
Phone: 1253 781936
Pricing: £££ 
Operating hours: 

  • Sunday to Friday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  • Saturday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Good to know: Has special deals for dinner service online bookings
Website
Menu

Allegria is a bustling Italian restaurant located on St Anne’s Road. If you’re visiting Splash! on a Saturday morning, this is a great lunch option afterwards.

The best price deals are during dinner service. Allegria offers generous and delicious discounts that you wouldn’t want to miss!

No matter when you dine, we recommend the Spaghetti Bolognese—this tomato-based pasta is very filling, with its savoury, sour, meaty sauce.

There’s also a great selection of wines that pair nicely with the food. Ask the servers for their best drink recommendation to complement your dish.

The Zen Restaurant

Address: 32-34 Wood St, Lytham Saint Annes FY8 1QR
Phone: 1253 728860
Pricing: ££ 
Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Saturday – 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM
  • Sunday – 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
  • Monday – CLOSED

Good to know: Reservations required
Website
Menu

The Zen Restaurant in Lytham St Annes is a multiple-award-winning establishment known for its Asian and fusion cuisine, focusing on Chinese and Thai dishes.

For a delightful family meal, try their 3-Course Set, which includes options for soup, an appetiser platter, and a main course. You can’t go wrong with the spicy King Prawns with Green Curry as the main, especially given The Zen Restaurant’s coastal location.

If you prefer to order à la carte, we highly recommend the Fillet Steak with Cantonese sauce instead of the usual mushrooms and garlic. You might never go back to “bland” sauces!

Tiggis Restaurant

Media from Tiggis

Address: Back of 25 Orchard Rd, Lytham Saint Annes FY8 1PF
Phone: 1253 714714
Pricing: ££ 
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Saturday – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM
  • Sunday – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Good to know: Great for kids, Menu changes regularly
Website
Menu

Tiggis is a beloved restaurant, just a ten-minute walk from Splash! Since 1981, it has been serving the St Annes community with delectable and authentic Italian dishes in a modern yet cosy atmosphere.

Dining here with kids is great, as there’s a Children’s Menu suited to their taste buds. Adults, on the other hand, can enjoy pizza and pasta from either the Lunch or Dinner menus, depending on the time of your visit.

You need to visit this place at least once to fully see what it offers. Tiggis refreshes their menu regularly, and we love them for that.

Where to Stay near the Splash Park at St Annes 

If you’re staying at Lytham St Annes for more than a day, here are our top hotel picks near Splash! and St Annes Beach. No need to go to Blackpool or any other town!

The Grand Hotel

Media from The Grand Hotel

Website: https://www.the-grand.co.uk/ 
Address: South Promenade, Lytham St Annes, Lytham Saint Annes FY8 1NB
Contact Details: 1253 643424
Check-in Time: 2:00 PM
Check-out Time: 11:00 AM

Since visiting St Annes Beach and Splash! at Lytham St Annes over a weekend is extremely budget-friendly, why not splurge on other things by treating yourself to a great hotel stay?

The Grand Hotel is a four-star hotel just a few hundred steps from Splash!, located along the South Promenade. It offers an elegant yet modern experience with rooms overlooking the pristine waters of the Fylde Coast.

Staying here also comes with great perks: complimentary breakfast, access to an indoor heated pool, a gym, and a spa. What more could you ask for?

Mode Hotel – St Annes

Media from Mode The Place to Stay

Website: https://www.modehotel.co.uk/stay/st-annes-hotel 
Address: 45 South Promenade, Lytham Saint Annes FY8 1LS
Contact Details: 1253 713535
Check-in Time: 2:30 PM
Check-out Time: 10:30 AM

Another great option for those who want to stay close to Splash! and St Annes Beach is Mode Hotel. Also along South Promenade, it offers 19 rooms for stays, including eight premium rooms with balconies facing a stunning view of the beach.

Each room here has amenities such as complimentary toiletries, uber fast Wi-Fi, a smart telly, and a Nespresso coffee machine. There’s also a dining area and a bar for those looking to unwind indoors.

While the daily continental breakfast buffet isn’t included in the freebies and there’s no pool, these are minor compromises given the four-star hotel’s reasonable price point.

The Bedford Hotel

Website: https://bedford-hotel.com/ 
Address: 307-313 Clifton Dr S, Lytham Saint Annes FY8 1HN
Contact Details: 1253 724636
Check-in Time: 2:30 PM
Check-out Time: 10:30 AM

The three-star Bedford Hotel in Lytham St Annes is a community gem and an excellent place to stay during your visit to Splash! and St Annes Beach. 

This family-run hotel offers 44 unique rooms, each with its own charm. The Bedford features a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, lounge area, and a very popular ballroom, ensuring you’ll never run out of things to do.

Each room has modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a digital telly, bathrobes, hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries. There’s also a complimentary full English breakfast daily, adding to the overall comfort and convenience of their stay.

Howarth House

Media from Howarth Hotel, St. Annes

Website: https://www.howarthhouse.co.uk/ 
Address: 315 Clifton Dr S, Lytham Saint Annes FY8 1HN
Contact Details: 1253 725622
Check-in Time: 2:00 PM
Check-out Time: 12:00 PM

Right next door to our previous hotel entry is Howarth House. This Victorian redbrick abode got converted into cosy yet premier, four-star rooms for stays, offering free breakfasts to guests.

For other meals, there’s also a restaurant on the premises to serve the whole family. Kids are very welcome here!

The biggest draw of Howarth House, aside from its stunning architecture and comfy interiors, is its dog-friendliness. You can bring your beloved furry friend for your weekend trips to the St Annes Beach and stay with them here overnight.

However, please note that Howarth House doesn’t provide dog-sitting services, so your pets remain your responsibility throughout your stay.

The Breverton

Media from Cafe Sorrel Manchester

Website: https://www.thebreverton.co.uk/ 
Address: 64 Orchard Rd, Lytham Saint Annes FY8 1PJ
Contact Details: 1253 726179
Check-in Time: 3:00 PM
Check-out Time: 11:00 AM

The Breverton is a charming place to stay, embodying the homey atmosphere of the Lytham St Annes community. This three-star accommodation is a detached home with comfortable rooms, perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families.

The hotel is also an excellent choice for guests with accessibility needs, since it has an “Easy Access Room” with a wet room (i.e., a wide, levelled bathroom) complete with aids for these types of guests.

Guests can enjoy a free and always fresh breakfast. The Breverton also features a lovely garden where everyone can relax, admire the scenery, or play giant chess.

The Gaydon B&B

Website: https://thegaydonuk.com/ 
Address: 33 Derbe Rd, Lytham Saint Annes FY8 1NJ
Contact Details: 1253 722082
Check-in Time: 3:00 PM
Check-out Time: 10:00 AM

The Gaydon B&B in St Annes is a charming stay owned by the lovely couple, Keith and Kate. It’s conveniently located, just a ten-minute walk from Splash! and St Annes Beach.

After a day at Splash!, families can relax in one of the comfy family suites, which include a telly, Wi-Fi, and complimentary toiletries. Breakfast is free, fresh, and served until 10:15 AM, with options available for special diets.

While it may not be as grand as chain hotels, the service and atmosphere here exceed any corporate-packaged hospitality—the people are very warm and welcoming.

Other Stuff to Do near Splash! Park at St Annes

Lytham St Annes, where Splash! is located, might not be as bustling as its neighbour Blackpool, but it still offers plenty of fun in a more relaxed setting.

Here’s a short list of other things you can do at St Annes on the sea:

  • Enjoy St Annes Beach. Swim, sunbathe, build sandcastles, or take a leisurely walk along the shore with the kids and your pets (only during the off-season for the pawed ones, though).

(Note: This beach differs from St Annes North, which has stunning views too, but waters unsuitable for bathing).

  • Take pictures of the sunset at St Annes Pier. Opened in 1885, the pier offers a stunning view of the sunset and is just beside St Annes Beach.
  • Visit the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Lytham St Annes Lifeboat Station. Get to see the lifeboats and volunteers in action, or buy a nifty souvenir at the gift shop to support the lifesaving cause.
  • Savour the greenery of Ashton Gardens. This public park is a great way to spend more time with nature; kids won’t get bored with the views and the play area.
  • Geek out over the Fylde Spitfire Memorial. Aeroplane enthusiasts will surely fawn over this full-scale replica of the famous Spitfire at Fairhaven Lake, made public in 2012 to honour RAF and USAF pilots and engineers from World War II.
  • Know more about St Annes’ comedy legends. Have a quick visit to George Formby’s home along the Inner Promenade, or admire Les Dawson’s statue at the Peace and Happiness Garden beside St Annes Pier. 

FAQs about Splash! park and St Annes Beach

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