Specially for ‘It’s A Shoe Thing’, we’re asking our store teams to put on their favourite comfortable shoes for walking and spotlight their home towns, sharing their local knowledge with you. Hopefully you’ll be inspired to make a trip or two – and don’t forget to pop in to see them when you do, you’re guaranteed a very warm welcome!
Here at Fleetwood the team shares the highlights of the local area with its famous landmarks and must do activities (which of course includes shoe shopping!).
Walk This Way
Being situated on the most Northerly point of the Fylde Coast, Fleetwood offers stunning, picturesque walks to suit all.
The team recommend a visit to The Wyre Estuary Nature Reserve, ideal for dog walkers and keen photographers. This spot offers views of abandoned shipwrecks and maritime birds across the River Wyre. On a clear day you can take in the spectacular views of Fleetwood, Knottend, Thornton Skippool Creek, then out onto the Irish Sea.
The other option is to cycle or walk along the Promenade from Fleetwood to Cleveleys then onto Blackpool, approximately 11 miles but the views can be outstanding, taking in Morecambe bay, the Lake District and Barrow-in-Furness. Rachel, a Customer Service Advisor at Fleetwood, loves nothing more than getting on her bike with her little boy and cycling along this picturesque prom.
Let’s go back in time
Fleetwood itself is a very historical place with a huge fishing industry background.
There are 2 lighthouses in the town which have stood since 1840, the Beach lighthouse and the Pharos Lighthouse. These were lifelines for the local fishermen with help guiding them through the Wyre estuary. The Beach Lighthouse is also a Grade 2 listed building. The fishing industry may not be as prominent as it once was, but Fleetwood remains a very proud, community based town. Most families are connected through the fishing trade, and have gone onto setting up their own fishmonger businesses and rounds, that way keeping the traditional industry alive. Many of the Fleetwood teams family and friends are employed within the fishing industry locally.
The Beach Lighthouse
Pharos Lighthouse
The North Euston hotel is another Grade 2 listed building paid for by Sir Peter Hesketh and was built in 1841. The North Euston hotel is still a fully operational hotel now, holding many a vintage fair which plenty of our customers attend.
North Euston hotel
A huge contributor to the local economy at Fleetwood is the Lofthouse family. That name may not be familiar to most, but the brand name they developed back in 1865 more than likely will be. In 1865 a local Fleetwood pharmacist developed a syrup for the local fishermen, to use whilst they were at sea. Nowadays it comes as a lozenger, it is of course Fisherman’s Friends. Doreen Lofthouse is a great ambassador for Fleetwood, she has donated a lot to the local community and even donated a statue…..the statue of Eros.
The Memorial Park
Another stunning area to visit whilst your in Fleetwood is the Memorial Park.
Memorial Park is a Grade II listed park situated in the middle of Fleetwood. Designed and built in 1925 by renowned town planner Sir Patrick Abercrombie, it is unique in that the entire grounds were created in commemoration of the First World War, unlike most conventional architectural memorials, and it is one of only four listed war memorial parks and gardens in the country. It has 2 parks for children, a duck pond and a rose garden area to sit down, relax and recharge those batteries.
Fleetwood is a very patriotic town with a history steeped in the uniformed services. Many families have connections with the Navy, Merchant navy, Army, RAF and the RNLI.
In the centre of the park is the cenotaph, it can been seen from every entrance of the park, and overlooks the entire area, including the football stadium belonging to Fleetwood Town.
Off to the shops!
You’ll find the team in the very popular Freeport Shopping Outlet Village. Plan a trip to the Hotter store to find your next pair of must have shoes and you’ll be able to carry on your shopping in the comfort of your new shoes, feeling amazing and looking great.
After a day of shopping, there are plenty of photogenic places to sit and have a cup of tea, whilst looking across the beautiful marina and recharging those batteries.
If you like markets, then a visit to Fleetwood Market is a must for you.
Fleetwood Market has over 200 stalls within three indoor heated halls and a selection of outdoor stalls. A true shopper’s paradise, you’ll find a variety of stalls including jewellery, clothing and household goods. The market is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9am – 4.30pm all year round including bank holidays.
Although market rights were granted to Fleetwood Market in 1725, it wasn’t until 1840 when Sir Peter Hesketh-Fleetwood started using those rights that the Victorian Market was built. The building has stayed true to its Victorian heritage and has changed very little. However, in 1990 the market was extended, and as a result is one of the largest markets in North West of England. It’s only a 10 minute walk from Freeport and you can even jump on the bus from outside Freeport, and it will drop you right outside the market.
Here are the store’s favourite styles to wear whilst exploring Fleetwood…
We’d love to hear about your favourite places to explore, share them with us in the comments below or email [email protected]
Bought pair of Hastings shoes at Fleetwood, my first Hotter pair and immediately bought a second pair as a special offer at a most advantageous price.Quality of leather uppers seems very good indeed and insoles can be varied to size.I look forward to seeing how they perform over time(especially the soles).Good to see they are still made in England, (Skelmersdale).Good service from young lady in shop(very patient ).I am a retired podiatrist of 40 years plus.I used to favour Clarkes but things aren’t what they used to be quality wise and they are now outsourced to Vietnam or somewhere equally remote.