Morecambe Bay

Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of.

On the southern coast of Cumbria, Morecambe Bay is dotted with classic seaside towns, coastal views, and stunning natural landscapes.

Take a stroll along the prom at Arnside or Grange-over-Sands for stunning views across Morecambe Bay, including some truly spectacular sunsets.

Artsy Ulverston is jam-packed with character, from its quirky cafes and foodie hotspots to colourfully painted houses and cobblestone streets. It even has its own award-winning gin distillery, an historic priory-turned internationally renowned Buddhist centre and a museum dedicated to Laurel & Hardy (this was Stan’s birthplace, after all!).

Take the ultimate ‘road with a view’ along the coast road to Barrow for its virtually uninterrupted coastal scenery. Then, step back almost 900 years with a visit to the magnificent Furness Abbey; explore the area’s rich maritime history at Barrow’s Dock Museum, explore a 14th-century stronghold on Piel Island, or even try a spot of seal watching at South Walney Nature Reserve. For some retail therapy, Barrow Market Hall is one of the Cumbria’s largest indoor markets. 

Other highlights include the Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape, on the eastern side of the bay. From birds to butterflies, it’s known for abundant wildlife, ancient woodlands, and an elaborate mosaic of stunning limestone pavements.

Whether it’s an exhilarating bike ride for two or a family-friendly cycling trip, the Bay Cycle Way is the perfect place to reconnect with nature on two wheels.  Whatever your age, interest or ability, this fairly flat coastal route takes in some fantastic views, with plenty of quirky towns and villages worth hopping on and off your bike for.

Morecambe Bay is also the perfect place to eat, from hearty pub grub to top-notch dining for a special occasion. Cartmel has earned itself a national reputation for culinary excellence thanks largely to superstar chef Simon Rogan, whose two restaurants in the village have four Michelin stars between them. And that’s not forgetting the world-famous sticky toffee pudding, proudly sold in Cartmel Village Shop. 

Nearby, the Holker Hall & Gardens estate is framed by the Lakeland hills, and includes 200 acres of parkland as well as its own herd of fallow deer.