Fylde

Fylde is a local government district with borough status in Lancashire, England. It is named after the Fylde, a low-lying coastal plain along the Lancashire coast, and lies on the northwest coast between the rivers Wyre and Ribble estuaries. The district includes the seaside towns of Lytham St Annes and the towns of Poulton-le-Fylde and Kirkham, as well as smaller villages and rural areas. The area is characterized by flat farmland, dunes along the coast, and several nature reserves.

Fylde was formed on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, merging several borough and rural districts to create a two-tier shire county area. It is governed by Fylde Borough Council, with responsibilities including housing, planning, and local services. It is part of the ceremonial county of Lancashire and is represented in Parliament as part of the Fylde constituency.

Historically, the area grew as a market and agricultural region, with coastal development in the 19th and early 20th centuries transforming Lytham St Annes into a popular seaside resort. The district’s economy now includes tourism, services, light industry, and agriculture. Transport links include the Blackpool South and Lytham St Annes-Poulton-le-Fylde rail lines and major roads such as the A585 and M55 corridor.

Notable places include Lytham Hall, Fairhaven Lake, and the Fylde coastline with its dune systems. The district is a mix of coastal tourism, rural landscapes and suburban settlements, reflecting its role as a gateway between Blackpool and the rural Fylde countryside.