The landscapes in the North West, in places like Lancashire and Cumbria, have something that money can’t buy – character. Holgates Cottages are perfectly located in order to see as much of these gorgeous vistas as possible and offer a cosy and convenient base from which to venture forth from.
When researching a holiday here, it can be difficult to choose between the huge amount of beautiful places and stunning attractions. So, in order to help you decide which of the many Lancashire and Cumbria beaches to prioritise during your holiday, here are our top picks for sandy beaches in the area.
Our top Lancashire and Cumbria beaches
Half Moon Bay, Heysham
Nestled in the charming seaside village of Heysham, Half Moon Bay is home to a myriad of deep rock pools and some of the most gorgeous views of Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland fells in the distance.
Featuring long stretches of walking paths along the seafront, it’s the perfect place to explore the great outdoors and everything the quaint village of Heysham has to offer. If you feel like you’ve seen Half Moon Bay before, that’s because you may recognise it from the opening sequence of the ITV drama series ‘The Bay’.
When you’re out and about, be sure to pay a visit to St Patrick’s Chapel. Dating back to the 8th or 9th century, this chapel of ruins is one the oldest religious buildings in the North West. It’s also the place where you’ll find the eerie grave stones which were featured on a Black Sabbath album cover.
Heysham dates back to the Stone Age and is home to one of the finest Anglo-Viking sites in the North West. The village even hosts an annual Viking festival, so if you’re visiting at the right time of year, you could find yourself joining in with the local festivities!
Morecambe Beach
In the summer months, Morecombe beach is the go-to place for families and beach-goers alike. It’s a classic English seaside town where anyone can enjoy traditional seaside fun on its award-winning promenade.Â
Along the seafront, you’ll find arcades, shops and plenty of places to eat, perfect if you’re looking for a great family day out. If you venture out to the end of the charming promenade, you can overlook a five mile stretch of sandy coastline and simply enjoy the unique beauty of Moreambe Bay.Â
There’s plenty of activities to get involved in during your visit to Morecambe beach. If you’re interested in exploring the rugged coastline, why not take a tour to wander the mudflats and tidal sands? If you want to explore but without all the sand, enjoy a scenic bike ride along the seafront and see if you can spot any basking seals!
Arnside and Sandside Beach
In the small but beautiful village of Arnside, you’ll find Arnside beach which offers spectacular views over Morecambe Bay and a picturesque viaduct across the water. This area is situated on the River Kent estuary and has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Whilst the beach itself is unsuitable for walking or swimming due to dangerous quicksands, you can still enjoy the beach by strolling along the Victorian promenade which houses a small selection of shops, cafes and pubs. You might even find yourself lucky to watch a small tidal wave sweeping into the bay known as ‘The Bore’ which happens every few weeks.
Sandside is a small village located in South Lakeland in Cumbria. Like Arnside beach, Sandside lies on the south shore of River Kent estuary and features just one pub dating back to 1671, one restaurant and a handful of commercial businesses. If you’re visiting Sandside, take a look at their ‘Geotrail’ which acts as a guide for visitors around the geology of the area.
Bardsea Beach
Bardsea Beach is located on the Furness Peninsula and has some of the most excellent views of Morecambe Bay. It’s a mixture of shingle and sand beach making it the perfect opportunity to look for interesting driftwood and seashells.
During your visit to Bardsea beach, head over to Birkrigg where you’ll find an interesting ancient stone circle. Be sure to stop by Conishead Priory too. Here you’ll find a former Cistercian Abbey which was once the home of 14th century monks. In the present day, you’ll see it’s now home to the Manjushri Buddist Centre.
Whilst this scenic beach is dog-friendly and perfect for nature lovers, visiting Bardsea beach does come with its warnings as it is known for its high winds and strong currents, so swimming is not recommended.
Book your trip today
If you are interested in staying in a luxurious self-catering holiday cottage accommodation in North Lancashire, Cumbria & the South Lakes, or if you just want some more information on the best Lancashire and Cumbria beaches to visit during your stay, please contact us today using the form on the website, by emailing info@holgates.co.uk or by calling 01524 701508.
