Mary's Shell: Iconic Mythic Coast Sculpture on Cleveleys Beach

An iconic stainless steel sculpture on Cleveleys Beach, embodying local myth and offering immersive coastal views at low tide.

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Mary's Shell

Mary's Shell is a striking 8-meter-long stainless steel sculpture on Cleveleys Beach, part of the Mythic Coast art trail. Inspired by the children's book 'The Sea Swallow,' it represents a golden shell central to local folklore. Visible and accessible at low tide, visitors can climb inside and enjoy views of the sea. The sculpture rests on a concrete foundation embedded in the beach, protected by adjacent rock formations that stabilize the shoreline.

A brief summary to Mary's Shell

North Promenade, Thornton-Cleveleys, FY5 1DW, GB
Visit website
Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit at low tide to fully explore inside the shell and enjoy unobstructed views of the sea.
Bring a camera for stunning sunset shots framed by the shell’s spiral structure.
Wear sturdy shoes as the beach can be uneven with rocks near the sculpture’s base.
Check tide times in advance to plan your visit when the sculpture is accessible.

Getting There

Bus

Take the Stagecoach bus service 74 or 75 from Blackpool town center to Cleveleys Promenade; journey time is approximately 25–35 minutes. Services run frequently during the day but reduce on Sundays. A single fare costs around £3.50 GBP.
Train and Bus Combination

Travel by train to Poulton-le-Fylde station from major nearby cities, then catch a local bus or taxi to Cleveleys Beach. The train journey takes about 20–40 minutes depending on origin, with bus or taxi transfer adding 10–15 minutes. Train fares vary but average £5–£10 GBP.
Car

Driving to Cleveleys Beach is straightforward via the A585 and A587 roads. Allow 20–40 minutes from Blackpool or Fleetwood. Parking is available near the promenade but can be limited during peak times. Parking fees typically range from £1 to £3 GBP per hour.

Mary's Shell location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Windy Conditions
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Mary's Shell

A Symbol of Myth and Art on the Fylde Coast

Mary's Shell is a monumental piece of public art located at the northern end of Cleveleys Beach promenade. Created as part of the Mythic Coast art trail, it brings to life the story of the Sea Swallow, a local myth captured in a children's book by Gareth Thompson and illustrated by Hannah McGee. The sculpture represents the golden shell wielded by Mary, the story's young heroine, who saves the town from a devastating sea threat. This narrative connection enriches the sculpture’s cultural significance, linking art, folklore, and community identity.

Design and Construction of a Coastal Landmark

Designed by artist Stephen Broadbent and fabricated by Chris Bramall of CB Arts, Mary's Shell is crafted from stainless steel rolled sections. Measuring 8 meters in length and 4 meters in height, it weighs approximately 16.5 tonnes. The sculpture is securely anchored on a solid concrete foundation cast directly into the beach in July 2013, ensuring stability amid shifting sands and tides. To protect the base from erosion caused by rough weather, an arc of rocks was strategically placed nearby, effectively stabilizing the beach levels and preserving the artwork’s integrity.

Engaging Visitor Experience and Natural Interaction

Mary's Shell offers a unique interactive experience as it is visible and accessible only at low tide. Visitors can climb inside the large spiral shell, gaining a captivating perspective looking out toward the sea. The sculpture’s position on the beach means it is periodically engulfed by the tide, creating a dynamic interplay between art and nature. Photographers are drawn to the site, especially at sunset, when the shell frames stunning coastal views. The sounds of the sea inside the shell add an immersive sensory dimension, enhancing visitors’ connection to the local environment and story.

Part of a Larger Artistic and Cultural Trail

Mary's Shell is one highlight among several public artworks along Cleveleys promenade that together tell the Mythic Coast story. Other installations include the Ogre, the Ogre’s Paddle, the Sea Swallow sculpture, and the Fylde Shipwreck Memorial. These works collectively celebrate local maritime heritage and folklore, creating a rich cultural landscape that invites exploration and reflection. The trail links art with history, community narratives, and the natural coastal setting, making it a meaningful destination for visitors.

Environmental Setting and Conservation Efforts

Situated on a dynamic beach environment, the sculpture’s concrete base and protective rock formations are vital to its preservation. The beach nourishment works carried out alongside the installation involved importing shingle to protect the sea wall and stabilize the shoreline. This careful balance of art and environmental management ensures that Mary's Shell remains a lasting feature of Cleveleys Beach, resilient to natural coastal processes while enhancing the seafront’s aesthetic and cultural appeal.

Photographic and Artistic Inspiration

Mary's Shell is a popular subject for photographers and artists, who are captivated by its scale, form, and interaction with light and tide. The sculpture’s reflective stainless steel surface and dramatic curves create striking images, especially during changing weather and light conditions. Its location offers panoramic views of the Fylde Coast, making it a favored spot for capturing sunsets and seascapes. The artwork’s presence enriches the visual and cultural fabric of Cleveleys, inspiring creativity and appreciation for coastal heritage.

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Mary's Shell: Iconic Mythic Coast Sculpture on Cleveleys Beach

A brief summary to Mary's Shell

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Bus

Train and Bus Combination

Car

Mary's Shell location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Mary's Shell

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Mary's Shell

A Symbol of Myth and Art on the Fylde Coast

Design and Construction of a Coastal Landmark

Engaging Visitor Experience and Natural Interaction

Part of a Larger Artistic and Cultural Trail

Environmental Setting and Conservation Efforts

Photographic and Artistic Inspiration

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Everything Blackpool

Blackpool War Memorial

Blackpool Town Hall

Jimmy Armfield Statue

South Pier Blackpool

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Flying Machines

Ripley's Believe It Or Not, Blackpool

The Ghost Train

The Big One

Lytham Windmill

Piel Castle

Brock Valley Picnic Site

Stone Jetty

Eric Morecambe Statue

Unmissable attractions to see

Cleveleys Seafront

Niamos beach

Marsh Mill

Norbreck Slipway.

Fleetwood Marsh Nature Reserve

Affinity Lancashire Outlet Shopping

Rossall Point Watch Tower

jubilee quay

Devonshire Road Rock Gardens

North shore beach

Jubilee Gardens (Gynn Square)

Spitfire Island

Blackpool Shows And Attractions

Kingscote Park, Blackpool

Funny Girls

Essential places to dine

Twelve Restaurant and Lounge Bar

Level 6 Restaurant: Blackpool and The Fylde College

Terra Nostra Restaurant

Italian fusion

Ciao Ciao

La Bottega

Hauze

Common Bar & Kitchen

Michael Wan's Wok Inn • Pan-Asian Street Food

Three Piers Cookhouse + Pub

Sapori

La Fontana Ristorante Italiano

Kwizeen Restaurant Blackpool

Michael Wan's Mandarin

Twisted Indian street food blackpool

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Love Faith Hope Boutique

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Springfields

Scotties Got It

The Repository

Enchanted flame

Precious gems gift shop Ltd blackpool

Bubbles Den

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Hermosa Boutique