RSPB Fairhaven Lake Lancashire

Fairhaven Lake offers a unique hands-on and fun outdoor learning experience.  The large purpose-built education centre is situated on the edge of Fairhaven Lake which is on the doorstep of the mighty Ribble Estuary.

With opportunities to uncover the secrets of this unique mudflat habitat and the creatures that call it home along with exploration and investigation of the sand dunes, there are a wide variety of options for all key stages.

There are lots of different habitats to explore around the lake and gardens too, making a trip to Fairhaven Lake a safe, yet exciting and varied coastal visit.

To find out more, take a look at our list of programmes and contact us to make a booking.

Each programme is designed to last two hours. Sessions run from 10am to 12pm and then 12.30 to 2.30pm. Two programmes can be combined to make a whole-day visit.

Being on the Ribble Estuary makes a great unique experience.  Our coastal setting provides opportunities to discover different ecosystems, adaptations and food chains in new and exciting habitats such as mudflats and sand dunes.

Our mudflat, sand dune and beach based sessions are hands on and investigative. Comparing and contrasting these habitats with a more familiar habitats allows children to discover new habitats.  All of our sessions, coastal or garden based, provide opportunities to use equipment, explore and identify creatures which support curriculum requirements in EYFS to GCSE

• LOtC Quality Badge

Our coastal sessions not only discuss the natural history of the area and the importance of the coast, but also introduce the historical heritage of the locality.  Fairhaven Lake is the UK’s third largest marine lake and was built as a leisure and activity site during the Edwardian era. The recent Heritage Lottery funded (HLF) development in conjunction with Fylde Borough Council has allowed for the regeneration of the lakeside buildings including both the RSPB Visitor Centre and the education building (also known as the Watersport’s Centre) and the uncovering of Thomas Mawson’s Japanese Garden.

Group Sizes upto 60.

We use our RSPB age appropriate resources and equipment to support our curriculum linked sessions. See the session outlines on our website.

We also have a wealth of teacher resources and ideas to continue your learning journey with us. You will find more information on our website.

Schools are welcome to take photographs of their own children.

Please contact our Learning Officer using the email above.

Full details of pricing can be found on our website.

Although we have a classroom, our sessions are held outdoors so we recommend students are dressed appropriately for the weather. This may be waterproof boots and raincoats, or it may be sunhats and sunblock cream.

RSPB Learning staff are first aid trained to Appointed Persons status and will carry a basic first aid kit.

A visit includes the use of a large purpose-built classroom with toilet and handwashing facilities.

There are also wetrooms, changing areas with accessible toileting and showering facilities.

A sheltered outdoor space is reserved for visiting schools at lunchtime, the large indoor space can be used in times of inclement weather.

All facilities are on one level and fully accessible to all.

Free all day parking for cars and buses along the front on Inner Promenade.

The Visitor Centre is available for the of purchase hot drinks and snacks.

Visitors are welcome to look around the shop in small groups.

Pin badges are available to purchase for school groups via pre-visit arrangement.

Fully accessible path all the way around the lake. (Provided by Heritage Lottery Fund)

There is also an Adventure play area on site.

Accessible toilets are available.

All the buildings are fully accessible to all as is the flat path all around the lake.

10:00am-4:00pm Oct to March

10:00am-5:00pm  March-Oct

“Outstanding introduction to my new topic – the children were immersed in their learning and I will be able to draw on their experiences for a series of lessons.”

“Amazing as always, well trained staff, excellent facilities and fabulous setting with educational activities.”