Local authority district in Lancashire, England
| Coordinates: | 53.8, -2.92 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SD 39 33 |
Fylde is a borough on the flat coastal plain of western Lancashire in England, stretching along sandy beaches and dunes and taking in the seaside town of Lytham St Annes and market settlements such as Kirkham. The landscape is a mix of low-lying arable land, attractive seafronts and small urban centres, with a distinctive open, windswept character shaped by the Irish Sea.
Its economy combines tourism and leisure - Lytham St Annes is known for its pier, greens and a famous links course that has hosted national golfing championships - with light industry and aerospace at the BAE Systems site beside Warton. Many people commute to nearby centres like Blackpool and Preston, while local shops, cafés and seasonal events keep town centres lively.
Historically the area has Georgian and Victorian seaside architecture, country houses such as Lytham Hall, and local memories of wartime events including the 1944 tragedy at Freckleton. Socially the borough mixes long-standing coastal communities and retirees with younger families, and there is an active focus on conserving coastal habitats and promoting tourism alongside everyday local life.