Where to Fly - UK

These are the other UK places I have flown - most are (obviously) beaches and are (generally) better suited for kite flying than Sheffield (more space, cleaner wind, etc.).

St Annes Beach

Lancashire Map...

What's it like: Until the tragic accident last August (where a woman was killed by a sand yacht) this was the place for kite flying & buggying. There is currently a ban (as of January 2003) on all traction activities - but not kite flying or kite surfing (but check out before flying). There is huge amounts of open sand - the sea goes out for miles - as well going all the way to Blackpool, and there is almost always a good breeze blowing. Most kite flying takes place North of the pier - alongside the sand hills.

Stunt Kite Flying: Excellent - lots of space, consistent & smooth wind, what more can I say?

Traction Kite Activate: Excellent (when it's allowed) - lots of space, hard sand, absence of obstacles, good winds, etc.

Other Users: Horse riding, dogs (as usual), sand yachting (again when the ban is sorted out), and of course in summer you get more families playing on the beach.

Facilities: Not many where the flyers go (which is north of the pier) - some toilets (which seem to be locked out of season), cafe's in the town centre. But you can park free on the road if you are early.

My rating: 5 (of 5)

Bispham Beach

Blackpool, Lancashire Map....

What's it like: Further north up the coast from St Annes - but (like all the beaches around Blackpool itself) when the tide comes in the beach goes (goes right up to the sea wall). However when the tide is out it's quite a nice flying area.

Stunt Kite Flying: Very good.

Traction Kite Activate: Not really - I *think* it's not allowed, but in any case I don't think there is enough space for it.

Other Users: Usual beach users, not many other kite flyers.

Facilities: Toilets, shops, cafe's etc. are all along the sea front.

My rating: 3 (of 5)

Cleethorpes Beach

NE Lincolnshire Map....

What's it like: The main flying area is through the Thorpe Park caravan park (near the Pleasure Island theme park). The sand is OK, but a bit soft, but does have plenty of space when the tide is out.

Stunt Kite Flying: Very good.

Traction Kite Activate: Very good (especially since St Annes has the ban in force). Just watch out for the little streams crossing the beach! Also be aware that kites are banned from some areas of the beach.

Other Users: Usual beach users, but usually a good crowd of kite flyers around.

Facilities: Nothing near by (but I hear that a sea front cafe will be opening soon - although I haven't seen it!), but free parking nearby. No toilets.......

My rating: 5 (of 5)

White Creek

Arnside, Cumbria Map....

What's it like: Very pretty bay overlooking Grange-Over-Sands in Cumbria. The beach is small stones, then sea grass, then mud flats. The estuary White Creek opens into itself is very dangerous - there are patches of quick sand further out and people who don't know the way still die trying to cross the bay on foot. Therefore stick close to shore! Also the tide comes in very, very quickly - so be careful! Oh yes you and the kites will get very dirty with the mud...............

Stunt Kite Flying: Very good - especially in such a beautiful setting. But is dependent on an onshore wind, otherwise you are too sheltered by the hills and trees.

Traction Kite Activate: Scudding, jumping and general power/traction kite activities are possible with care on the mud flat bits (near to the grass).I have seen a buggy there, but care would have to be taken with the nasty tides and quick sands.

Other Users: Mostly walkers - but in summer people of course play there.

Facilities: None - have to go to the Arnside village further along the coast for anything.

My rating: 4 (of 5) - but that's because it's such a nice place!