Things to do in Arnside
Arnside is a charming little village perfect for a break away from home.
Check availability and book your cottage online
What does Arnside have to offer?
Bounded by the stunning expanse of Morecambe Bay and the River Kent, the small picturesque village of Arnside and its surrounding area has much to offer those seeking a special seaside haven.
There’s so much to do in Arnside. Sitting in a National Landscape, the countryside offers the contrast of rolling pastures bounded by hedgerows with the brackish marshes of the Kent Estuary. With walking routes heading in all directions, every ramble from Arnside offers a different perspective on the area.
The unique temperate microclimate around Arnside makes it a haven for wildlife and flowering plants while wading birds and wildlife throng the areas of the estuary. The historical landmarks of Arnside tell the tales of the rich and at times bloody past of this northeast corner of Morecambe Bay. There’s also a number of great places to eat in Arnside as well as things to do and see with the kids – or the dog if you have a pooch in tow.
Here are just some of the best things to do in Arnside if you’re staying at Hollins Cottage or our Pier and Tower Cottages.
Arnside Viaduct
As if a length of five football pitches (552 yards) wasn’t impressive enough, the 50 piers that jut off the majestic Arnside Viaduct make this Victorian engineering marvel something to behold. All seafront views from Arnside lead the eye to its viaduct. Regular trains cross the estuary with the loco journey to nearby Ulverston and on to Barrow chuffing this stunning coastal line.
Arnside Knott and Arnside Tower
A must for the walkers and view-seekers, Arnside Knott is a local beauty spot offering fantastic views over Morecambe Bay and the hills of the Lake District. Naturally to reach the top of Arnside Knott takes an uphill walk but there are gentle routes that can be taken for a leisurely-ish stroll.
From Arnside Knott, there are wonderful views of Arnside Tower below. The 15th-century Pele tower is just one of a ring of such fortified lookouts built to keep an eye out for marauding Scots. You can get up close to the structure but entry is not permitted. The rectangular hulk is an atmospheric spot for a picnic or a slice of cake at the nearby tea shop with routes on for a number of Arnside walks crisscrossing the area.
Arnside seafront and beach
The seafront at Arnside is a special coastal place. Be it at sunrise, sunset or somewhere in-between, the estuarine waters glisten in a kaleidoscope of colours that change throughout the day. The Victorians certainly knew this and erected a pleasant promenade that leads onto the coastal path with lovely beach walks to Sandside and Silverdale. There’s also a short pier At Arnside that makes up for its lack of length with the views across the bay to Lakeland.
Arnside beach is a sandy stretch but with its quicksands and fast-moving tides isn’t of the castle-building variety. Keep an ear out for the alarm, that sounds a little like an air raid siren, signalling the arrival of the Arnside Tidal Bore. This rare phenomenon is essentially a tidal wave that rushes on the incoming tide. Some folks even surf on it. After all that excitement, a trip to the seafront isn’t complete without a visit to the Arnside chip shop for battered cod and a stroll into the village itself to browse the unique independent shops.
The best pubs and places to eat in Arnside
Ye Olde Fighting Cocks – both of the Arnside pubs just off the promenade can lay claim to offering the best views of the estuary. The inn with rooms and a restaurant offers meals indoors and out.
The Albion – the other waterfront Arnside pub overlooking the estuary, this 200-year-old offers local ales, home-cooked food and is popular for Sunday lunch.
The Wayside Cafe – a really popular spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch, coffee and cakes near the railway station.
Old Bakehouse – boasting the most extensive pie menu around, this eatery also does breakfasts and has a shop to pick up a few bakery delicacies to bring back to your holiday home.
And more...
Arnside has regularly been voted as one of the Sunday Times’ ‘Best Places to Live’ in recent years. It’s arguably even better as a place in which to choose a holiday home. If you’re staying in a Holgates cottage, you can also enjoy complimentary access to Silverdale Holiday Park for dining in the restaurant, a drink at the bar or a 99 at the icecream parlour.
Leisure Facilities at Silverdale Holiday Park
Enjoy complimentary access to our 5-star leisure facilities at Silverdale Holiday Park during your stay in one of our nearby holiday cottages.
Leisure facilities include: swimming pools, sauna, steam room, spa pool.
Additional facilities include: gym, bowling lanes, bar, restaurant, shop, play areas & ice cream parlour (fees may apply).
