This page is a personal view of the places around Thornton and Cleveleys within the Borough of Wyre on the western part of the Fylde plain.

Thornton is a sprawling area, although not unattractive. It begins where the Broadwater district of Fleetwood finishes, and runs all the way through to Anchorsholme Lane East. It is famous for: the ICI Mond Division which used to be a major employer. It used to be famous for The Victorian House Restaurant which was nice but expensive. This is now to be called Didiers Wine Bar and Bistro. The Gardeners Arms (which used to feature live bands) is also here. Contrary to popular myth, it is not the origin of "Thorntons Chocolate Cabin" but one of these shops may be found in Cleveleys and the chocolates are yummy.

Cleveleys is on the coast and popular with older folk for shopping days out. The main store in the town is called "B & M Bargains". They sell "end of line" and similar goods at knockdown prices and draw bargain hunters by the coachload. There are other shops in the town too, ranging from small independent specialist shops like camera shops, lighting suppliers, a good cake decorating accessory shop and auction rooms, through to the usual food supermarkets. Cleveleys is also popular as a seaside retirement venue.

Marsh Mill village is a recent development initiative undertaken by Wyre Borough Council which saw the old (Circa 1794) Thornton Windmill restored, opened to the public for guided tours, and surrounded by a community of leisure and craft shops, a pub/restaurant, some commercial property, and a programme of events and entertainment from Easter to October to attract visitors. The initial response was lukewarm, but it is now developing into a popular spot for a half day visit, or a coffee stop en-route to Fleetwood or Freeport.

Stannah is mainly an undeveloped area, and is most famous for having the Wyre Estuary Country Park which can be found at the end of a long and winding road from Thornton. The country park has a visitor centre with car parking, and is ideal for walking along the estuarial reaches of the river Wyre and for birdwatching. You need strong shoes or boots though, as it is a countryside park rather than an urban one.

Skipool is a curious and interesting place. Once a port and thought to be the origin of the name of nearby "Pool town" (Poulton), it is now much smaller, and varies from the most depressing muddy creek you can imagine (at Low tide in November) to an attractive countryside walking spot (at high tide in spring and early summer). It is definitely a boating enthusiasts spot, although more "Shanty town" than "Yacht Club". But Skipool has not finished surprising you yet. It has one of the better roadhouse style pub restaurants in the area, Thornton Lodge - which is currently a Mediterranean feel distressed wood panel affair with reasonable to topside prices that caters for some vegetarian, healthy heart and other specialities as well as traditional fayre. Skipool also has "The River Wyre" a non-chain restaurant with an interesting range of menu items. But best of all is Skipool's secret - "The River House". This is one of the best restaurants in the whole of Fylde (although you need to save up for several years to go!) It has a good menu, an incredible wine list (if you have the pocket) and masterchef status in my book. If you go in the evening you may well dine alongside some of the celebrities from the Blackpool shows, or in September, next to national political figures from party conferences in Blackpool.