Arnside

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Located at the southernmost tip of the Lake District, the former fishing village of Arnside has developed into a popular resort town set in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
 

Food & Drink

Seaside cafes, espresso bars and bakeries jostle for position along the historic promenade - all offering tempting snacks, hot drinks and pastries. When you’re by the sea, you’ve just got to have fish and chips at least once during your stay and the fish and chips at Arnside won’t disappoint!

There’s always plenty of fresh fish on the menu for restaurants in and around Arnside and nearby Sandside, but there’s lots of lovely, local meat too. If you’re lucky enough to be here on a warm day, sit back on a local beer garden and soak in the view over a pint of real ale, a craft lager or a glass of wine, while you enjoy some traditional tasty pub food.

There’s also some very good Asian food too, from Malaysian and Indonesian to Vietnamese – a great choice of venue for Vegetarians and Vegans.

Many of the cafes, pubs and restaurants have the advantage of stunning views across the bay, so what better way to enjoy your beautifully prepared meal, than watching the sun go down across the bay.
 

Culture & Heritage

Arnside grew in popularity during the 19th century when pleasure boats sailing from Morecambe and Fleetwood would dock there. Visitors to Arnside can still enjoy a stroll along the Victorian promenade and nothing beats the spectacular sunsets gazing out across the Kent Estuary against the backdrop of the Lakeland fells.

The railway age also had a major impact on Arnside. The construction of the Arnside Viaduct to carry the Furness Railway over the estuary made the village even more accessible and led to a proliferation of grand guesthouses, many of which still line the promenade. Today, Arnside railway station is part of the Cumbrian Coast Line, providing train connections to Grange-over-Sands, Ulverston, Barrow-in-Furness and onwards up the Lake District coast.

The church at nearby Beetham dates back to Norman times and was once an important ecclesiastical centre, with a so-called ‘coffin route’ linking the village to Arnside. En-route is a narrow rock staircase known locally as the Fairy Steps. According to local legend, if you descend the natural stone steps without touching the sides, the fairies will grant your wishes!

Shopping

If you’re looking for retail therapy, enjoy an eclectic mix of small, independent shops scattered along Arnside promenade. Look out for a quirky selection of local arts and crafts, antiques and ceramics, cards, toys and unusual mementos of your visit which stand out from the crowd. It’s the antithesis to mass produced gifts you might find elsewhere.

Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB)

A haven for birds, rare butterflies and alpine plants, this special place is renowned for its spectacular limestone pavements, ancient woodlands, meadows and coastal scenery.

A fantastic network of footpaths make the AONB a great place for walking of all abilities. The National Trust’s 260-acre site at Arnside Knott is perfect for scenic wooded walks with stunning views across Morecambe Bay; walk up to the ‘Pepper Pot’ at nearby Silverdale or wind round the cliff tops along the coastline. This area is renowned for its butterflies in the summer months, including the rare Scotch Argus and High Brown Fritillary. In Arnside itself, visit Dobshall Wood and Grubbins Wood.

For two-wheeled adventures, the Bay Cycle Way (NCN 700) is a great mix of quiet lanes and traffic-free paths which winds its way through the AONB.

Discover more about Arnsdie & Silverdale AONB.
 

Surrounding Areas

Beetham – A little further inland, this attractive village on the banks of the River Bela can trace its lineage back to Anglo-Saxon times, with its ancient church, fortified farmhouse and historic corn mill.

Silverdale - A picturesque coastal village overlooking Morecambe Bay. Located around 8 miles north of Lancaster looking across Morecambe Bay to the Lake District, Silverdale stands within the AONB. It’s also home to Leighton Moss, the RSPB coastal nature reserve.

Please support our local businesses by following HM Government COVID-19 safety guidelines when you visit.

The Welcome Back to High Streets Project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and HM Government as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. More information here.