The Last Day of the Knott End Ferry Service - Only it Wasn't

The Knott End Ferry 'Wyre Rose' passing Fleetwood trawler 'Julia Anne' on 16th April

Wyre Council posted an Important Information bulletin on their Facebook page on 10th April which read "Wyre Council has today confirmed that the Fleetwood-Knott End ferry service is due to end on 15 April 2026." Note that the loss of this historic 185 year old transport link for local residents and visitors was only announced five days before the ferry was due to stop running! The news was quickly picked up by local media, and on the 15th April items about the Knott End Ferry were broadcast on TV and Radio news programmes, also a presenter from Radio Lancashire was in attendance at Fleetwood to record the passing of the ferry service. By the time that the last ferry was due to sail from the Fleetwood landing stage at 1245, a crowd of people had gathered to witness the end of an era.

Later in the day at 1740 Wyre Marine Services Ltd (who operate the ferry) posted the following statement on Facebook. "Following constructive discussions with Wyre Borough Council and Lancashire County Council, it was jointly agreed that the ferry service would continue operating on an interim basis for the benefit of the public while longer term arrangements are progressed. Talks have been positive, and discussions are now underway towards agreeing a new three year contract."

So the last day of the ferry service turned out not to be the case in the end. A series of photos are posted here of the resurrected ferry service taken on Thursday 16th April, as the weather on Wednesday which was the supposed 'Last Day' was rather dismal. One shot is included from Wednesday showing the assembled crowd which had gathered to watch the final sailing of the ferry from Fleetwood to Knott End and back.

Wednesday 15th at 1245 and the assembled crowd are gathered to watch the 'Final' sailing of the Knott End Ferry

The next day and it's business as usual as the ferry leaves for Knott End on Thursday 16th April

The Wyre Rose arrives back at Fleetwood passing the RNLI lifeboat crew on training manoeuvres

The Wyre Rose approaching the slipway at Knott End on 16th April

The ferry berthed at the end of the landing stage at Fleetwood due to the lowering tide

The Wyre Rose approaching Knott End, showing the very long slipway on that side of the river

An interior view of the ferry berthing at Knott End, showing the raised bridge area for the skipper

Passengers disembarking onto the Knott End slipway on Tuesday 14th April

The Wyre Rose sailing back towards Fleetwood on 14th April

The ferry service cessation notice posted by Wyre Council on Friday 10th April