Fleetwood to Knott End Ferry

The Fleetwood to Knott End Ferry, officially known as the Wyre Estuary Ferry, is a historic pedestrian ferry that has been a significant part of the local community and a key transport link across the River Wyre in Lancashire. The service was first established in 1841 by the Croft family, who operated it for over five decades. In 1893, control of the service was transferred to the Ferry Committee of the Improvement Act District of Fleetwood, who then leased its management to Newsham and Myerscroft. A steam-powered ferry, The Nelson, was introduced in 1894, marking a significant advancement in the service. Ownership of the ferry returned to the Croft family in 1895, and they continued to manage it until 1898 when the council decided to run its own vessels. As part of this transition, the council acquired the Onward, Quail, and Nymph from the Crofts, and the new landing stage at Knott End was built in 1897 to accommodate the larger Onward, which could carry up to 120 passengers. Over the following years, the ferry service expanded with the addition of new vessels, including the Bourne May in 1901 and the Wyresdale in 1925, which would serve as the primary ferry for the next three decades. In 1905, the service reached a milestone with a record 10,000 passengers in a single day.

During the early-to-mid 20th century, the fleet continued to grow, and by the 1930s, the Lunevale and Caldervale ferries were added to the service. The smaller Pilling was also in operation at times to assist during off-peak periods. By the 1960s, the ferry had become a well-established part of the region’s transport network, though in 1966, the Viking 66 was introduced as the primary ferry. Over the next few decades, several vessels were brought in to support or replace older models, including the Wyre Lady (which replaced the Viking 66 in 1985), the Wonder in 1995, the Wyre Princess, and the Harvester. The ferry service, however, faced challenges in the early 21st century. Between 2001 and 2003, it was temporarily suspended, and for several years thereafter, it operated sporadically. In 2006, Lancashire County Council reinstated the ferry as a full-time service, contracting Wyre Marine Services to operate the crossing. At this point, the service was renamed the Wyre Estuary Ferry. The current ferry, the Wyre Rose, began service as the primary vessel, and it remains in operation today, carrying up to 35 passengers. As of 2022, the ferry serves approximately 30,000 passengers annually.

The Wyre Estuary Ferry operates daily, typically from 7:45 AM to 5:45 PM, crossing the 0.21-mile (0.34 km) stretch of the River Wyre in around five minutes. In comparison to the road route, which takes around 35 minutes, the ferry offers a quicker and more scenic alternative. It is a pedestrian-only service, with no motorized vehicles allowed, making it a relaxing and picturesque way to travel between Fleetwood and Knott End. The ferry remains a vital part of the local transport network, linking these two communities and offering a unique and historically significant experience for both locals and visitors. As a popular tourist attraction, the ferry allows passengers to enjoy beautiful views of the Fylde coastline and the surrounding natural environment. With its long history, the Wyre Estuary Ferry continues to be a cherished feature of the region, offering a link to the past while serving the needs of modern-day commuters and visitors alike.