HIDDEN GEMS
With golden sandy beaches and stunning views, whatever your passion is, Morecambe Bay is the perfect place to discover and enjoy new experiences, as well as taking time out for some well needed relaxation.
Make the most of the amazing local wildlife at Leighton Moss RSPB, enjoy the waders and oystercatchers along the shore at Hest Bank and Bolton-Le-Sands, or watch the seals lazing around the Southern tip of Walney Island.
Take a relaxing stroll along one of the many coastal paths and breathe in the fresh sea air, before stopping for a moment to admire the stunning views across Morecambe Bay.
LANCASTER
Visit Historic Lancaster, with its rich history and heritage, famous for the Pendle Witch Trials, Roman, Norman and Anglo-Saxon remains and impressive castle. Marvel at the Ashton Memorial built in 1909 in Williamson’s Park, that can be seen from miles away, or the Historic Priory and Lancaster’s Catholic Cathedral.
Enjoy the Lancaster Canal, from Tewitfield, near Carnforth, through Lancaster, over the beautifully preserved Georgian aqueduct, then snaking its way through the picturesque villages of Bilsborrow, Barnacre and Bonds.
Lancaster is famous for its historical background, and there is plenty to see in Lancaster City Museum to help you piece together the history of the city.
JENNY BROWN’S POINT
The skilfully constructed tall chimney of limestone which stands on the shoreline at Jenny Brown’s point is all that remains of a copper smelting works established at the end of the 18th century. One of Lancashire’s most beautiful coastal areas and the perfect spot to enjoy the amazing vistas in this AONB.
Elizabeth Gaskell wrote some of her novels from a tower overlooking the sea.
GRANGE-OVER-SANDS
A visit to Grange-over-Sands is the perfect way to combine a leisurely stroll around a traditional Victorian seaside town with a small hike over a striking, but low, fell.
Hampsfell stands at only 220m high, yet it boasts some of the finest views of any fell in the Lake District. On the top of Hampsfell is the Hospice. This solid stone shelter was built in 1846 by the vicar of Cartmel and is the ideal place to shelter from inclement weather.
Above the door is a Greek inscription which apparently reads “Rosy-fingered dawn” and seems to puzzle many people; maybe because it faces East and, therefore, directly into the rising sun. Inside the Hospice are several other inscribed panels telling more about the history of the site.
MORECAMBE
Morecambe is again re-living its Art Deco past. The iconic Midland Hotel was completely refurbished in 2008, with its fabulous Eric Gill sculptures, unique staircase and entrance hall, where you can enjoy the experiences of a golden era.
You can now join Art Deco themed walking tours, including a visit to the grade II-listed Winter Gardens Theatre, Brucciani’s Café and not forgetting the incredibly popular Vintage-By-The-Sea Festival, held in the town each year.
Alternatively, stroll the promenade to the statue of the comedian Eric Morecambe and finish with a sundowner back at the Midland’s Sun Terrace Restaurant, or enjoy one of the superb gins from the panoramic windows and sun terrace of the Aspect Bar and Restaurant, while the sun sets slowly over Morecambe Bay.
GLEASTON WATER MILL
A substantial water powered corn mill with the last major site improvements made the 1770s.
The mill and adjacent buildings have been restored by the owners, Mike & Vicky Brereton, to provide access to a fascinating heritage museum, tea rooms, gift shop and a converted pig sty – now a comfortable holiday cottage.
Characteristic of the Cumbria rural landscape, this imposing watermill and site has been part of the local traditions for over 600 years. Located close to the ruins of Gleaston Castle, the mill was first used in the 1300s. Visitors to the mill can see the 18ft water wheel, impressive wooden machinery and many displays and artefacts.
LUNE VALLEY
The Lune Valley is considered one of the most beautiful areas to visit. Close to Morecambe Bay, a trip around the Lune Valley has to be the perfect way to combine coast with countryside. Ideal for walking, cycling or even a leisurely drive, with stunning scenery to enjoy.
And it’s not just about the beautiful views. Historically the Lune Valley has been one of the main routes from England to Scotland and has been used over the ages from Vikings to Romans, amongst many others.
WARTON
The village of Warton is a great place to discover some history! Close to Carnforth, the village was first recorded as a settlement in the Domesday Book, written in 1086.
Warton has connections to the first President of the United States, George Washington. Washington’s ancestor of seven generations, Lawrence Washington, is rumoured to have helped build the village church of St Oswald and the pub in the village of the same name has connections with George Washington, historical President of the USA.
CONISHEAD PRIORY
Home to one of the largest Buddhist communities in Europe. The Buddhist temple and historic mansion are set in 70 acres of woodlands and parkland next to Morecambe Bay. There is a Cafe with indoor and outdoor seating and guided tours are available.
CARTMEL PRIORY
The stunning market town of Cartmel is a real hidden gem. With its plethora of pubs, restaurants, coffee houses and shops, Cartmel is a pleasure to visit.
Journey to the beautiful Priory, a place where monastic visitors, pilgrims and other travellers, having just crossed the Bay Sands for the first time, would have gazed in awe at the sight of Cartmel Priory as it nestled in the shelter of the wooded valley below.
Cartmel Priory was founded in 1189 by William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke and Regent of the Realm who played a key role in gaining King John’s acceptance of the ‘Great Charter’. His role in convening the meeting between the rebellious Barons and King John and in pursuing the agreement and sealing of Magna Carta at Runnymede in June 1215 was of paramount importance.
BARROW-IN-FURNESS
Barrow-in-Furness is situated at the southern tip of Cumbria, set against the spectacular backdrop of the English Lake District Mountains and on the southern shores of Morecambe Bay with its rich cultural heritage, outstanding natural environment and wildlife. A Victorian built town with a proud heritage of innovation, surrounded by beautiful beaches and inspiring scenery, it is a destination of surprises. The Furness line from Lancaster to Barrow follows the coastline and provides an enjoyable scenic journey of the Bay.
Moving a short distance away from Morecambe Bay, you can explore some of South Lakeland’s best-kept secrets. Here you’ll find a fascinating world of towns and villages, much referenced in English culture like Wordsworth’s Grasmere, Ambleside, Windermere, Coniston, Ulverston, Hawkshead, Walney and not forgetting Kendal. Cumbria has a hat full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered in this beautiful part of the Lake District.
MORECAMBE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Now in its 6th year, Morecambe Music Festival returns with another great programme of music and events for everyone, taking place at a range of venues across the town.
There are a variety of local and national acts which are spaced out across the numerous fantastic pubs and venues throughout Morecambe and Heysham. No matter what your musical taste may be, the Festival welcomes all genres of music and entertainment, so
there’s sure to be something to appeal to every music lover.
LANCASTER MUSIC FESTIVAL
10th – 13th October 2024
The 13th year of Lancaster Music Festival, one of the UK’s largest urban music festivals, where excited festival-goers will descend on the historic city of Lancaster for a long weekend of music and merriment. There will be music throughout the city in over 50 venues, all easily walkable within the city centre, from the courtyard inside Lancaster Castle to cafés and coffee shops; through the city’s squares and outdoor spaces; and in the majority of the city’s 30-odd wonderful pubs and bars.
HIGHEST POINT FESTIVAL
The Award-Winning Highest Point returns to the glorious Williamson Park in Lancaster on Friday 10th & Saturday 11th May 2024.
The stunning 54-acre grounds is one of Northern England’s best-kept public parks and will once again play host to some of the most revered names in British music, representing an eclectic spectrum of sounds and styles.
Ticket holders are set to be spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment over the 2-day spectacle. In addition
to a chock-a-block lineup of music over 6 stages with world class artist and DJs, there’ll also be lots of family entertainment, not to mention a variety of mouth-watering refreshments and delicacies supplied by a score of highly-rated, regional vendors.
Fun for all ages, guaranteed.
Following this two day event is The Big Family Day Out on Sunday 12th May 2024 – tickets available on skiddle.
KNOTT END & FLEETWOOD
There has been a ferry service between Knott End and Fleetwood since before records began with the first ferries operated by fishermen who took passengers across the river as and when required. The first official ferry service began in 1894 and continues today with the Wyre Rose.
The Fleetwood to Knott End ferry service provides a vital link for visitors and locals between Fleetwood and Knott End. The ferry journey takes less than 10 minutes.
WILLIAMSON’S PARK
When visiting Lancaster, don’t miss out on the opportunity to pop up to one of Lancaster’s most beautiful parks. Explore the pathways that lead to huge playground areas for the children, a beautiful lake inhabited by ducks, and the grassy banks that are the perfect spot for a picnic and to watch the sun go down. With a café on site as well as plenty of events that happen at the park throughout the year (inc. The Dukes’ Play in the Park), there is always something going on.
SWARTHMOOR HALL
Swarthmoor Hall is a 16th Century country house set in beautiful gardens and grounds in 130 acres of farmland, yet close to the bustling market town of Ulverston. It offers tours of the historic hall, gardens and grounds, a café, accommodation, events and gift shop.
ROSSALL POINT
OBSERVATION TOWER,
FLEETWOOD
Open to the public so that visitors can learn about the coastal environment, bird life and plant life, or just come and enjoy the view.
The ground floor gallery has information about the local area and seasonal displays. There are two observation decks for bird watching and taking in the views over the beach to the Irish Sea and across Morecambe Bay to the Lakeland fells and the Forest of Bowland. Anyone who is not able make it to the top deck will be able to enjoy the view through a screen at ground floor level.
The tower has been designed to look as though it is leaning into the wind and rises 42 feet above the sand dunes.
A specially commissioned artwork ‘Drift’ features throughout the building and
is made up of a series of individually designed pieces fashioned from natural materials and textures inspired by
the natural patterns from the coastal environment.
BOBBIN MILL
The story of the Bobbin Mill is brought to life with a brand new exhibition. Visitors can also see the journey from tree to bobbin first hand during production on the original belt driven machinery. A hands-on family trail helps visitors to imagine what it was like to work at the mill. Although small, compared to other mills, some 250 men and boys (some drafted in from workhouses) worked here over the years in often arduous conditions to produce a quarter of a million bobbins a week.
Located in the Lake District, this extensive working mill produced literally millions of wooden bobbins vital to the Lancashire spinning and weaving industries.
NICKY NOOK, SCORTON
Nicky Nook is a real hidden gem and a popular vantage point on the outskirts of Scorton with amazing sweeping views from the summit.
The Wyre Way is one of the best ways to check out those views, by pulling on your walking boots and enjoying all, or some of the 46-mile walking route throughout rural Wyre. For the less adventurous, there are some shorter circular routes, with lots of pubs and restaurants to put your feet up along the way.
INGLEBOROUGH CAVE, NATURE TRAIL & THE OLD SAWMILL CAFE
Ingleborough Cave, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, was first discovered in 1837 by brave Victorian explorers who drained away a lake and went on to discover 1/2km of previously unexplored passages delving deep beneath Ingleborough mountain with only candles to guide them! Today, the cave is well lit, and you can follow in the footsteps of those pioneers on an awe-inspiring voyage of discovery! The cave is reached via the 1.3 mile Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail, which wends its way through the stunning woodland alongside a picturesque lake. The trail is the gateway to some of the U.K’s most stunning limestone scenery including Trow Gill gorge, Gaping Gill pothole, limestone pavements, Norber Erratics and ultimately the summit of Ingleborough. Alfred Wainwright, the esteemed guidebook author and illustrator, called this route
up Ingleborough “the finest of all, a classic”. At the base of the trail sits the newly opened Old Sawmill Café. The heritage & history of this listed building has been beautifully preserved, providing a fascinating backdrop for visitors to immerse themselves in, whilst enjoying use of the café. Expect great coffee, delicious tray bakes, and an ever changing breakfast and lunch menu using a range of seasonal, fresh & local food.