Grange over Sands

About

Genteel Grange-over-Sands is an excellent example of a prosperous, Edwardian seaside resort. Steeped in elegance and charm, this is the perfect place to indulge in a very English pastime - a leisurely stroll along the fine promenade, a walk in the Ornamental Gardens and afternoon tea in one of the many fine cafes. Looking over Morecambe Bay's sands to the south, the town is more sheltered than much of the Lake District. Once an important headquarters for the walk across the tidal sands from Hest Bank to Lancaster, the crossing is now a tourist attraction rather than a necessary travelling shortcut. Now, as then, a guide is required to cross the sands. The tide changes swiftly, and there are many areas of quicksand. To enhance Grange for seaside worshippers, a mile-long promenade, stretching from Blawith Point to the Victorian railway station, was built in 1904. Next to it are the Ornamental Gardens with rare trees and plants. Waterfowl enjoy the artificial lakes. Specialist shops abound. Higginsons, a butcher shop, won a "best butchers in Britain" award. There are a large range of eating establishments where local specialties such as Cumberland sausage, Holker venison, Morecambe Bay shrimps, and Flookburgh flukes are on offer.

Last year the town was listed second in a list of top ten seaside towns, described as the perfect old fashioned resort, full of life and character. Traditional in its own way, just how you remembered life to be like when you were growing up. Not as much sand these days, but showing lots of quiet Cumbrian class.

More recently in Spring 2008, this Victorian/Edwardian resort was placed fifth in Coast Magazine's survey of Britain's Best Coastal Towns. The town is noted for its relaxed, friendly atmosphere, its mild climate, ornamental gardens, traffic-free promenade overlooking the scenically delightful extremities of Morecambe Bay, and several award-winning shops and tourism attractions. Its famous small railway station was recently named the best in Europe, and l'Enclume restaurant at the picturesque neighbouring village of Cartmel came 13th in a recent listing of Britain's top 50 culinary venues: one of the many choice places to eat in South Lakeland.