Lancashire and the Lake District is full of hidden gems just waiting to be explored. Here’s our pick of the best
Cleveleys
Located on the Fylde Coast midway between Fleetwood and Blackpool, Cleveleys is a picturesque town perfect for a day out with the family. With a beautiful beach and promenade, make time to have a look round the high street before enjoying an ice cream on the shore while admiring the Stone Ogre and Mary’s Golden Shell. In the summer, Plaza on the Promenade is a buzzing destination for music and entertainment. Take a break from the sea air and walk along to Jubilee Gardens, situated just off North Promenade. Opened in 1937 and, it was built on the original site of Wilkinson’s Beach Camp.
Bolton-le-Sands
This gem of a village is virtually untouched by tourism, making it an ideal destination if you want to get off the beaten track. A civil parish of Lancaster, Bolton-le-Sands is a great place to enjoy a walk as its cut in half by the Lancaster canal. After a stroll through the area and along the canal edge, take a well earned rest at one of the village’s cafes or pubs for a drink and bite to eat.
Bardsea
Situated on the beautiful Furness peninsula near Ulverston, Bardsea’s shoreline is a place of peace and quiet. This is ironic considering there was a time when it was a busy port with regular steam packers running to Fleetwood and Liverpool. Take a trip a little way out of the village to Birkrigg Common, where you can see The Druid’s Circle, which consists of two roughly concentric stone rings.
Grange-over-Sands
Set between the Lake District and Morecambe Bay, the Edwardian resort of Grange-over-Sands is a popular destination for those wanting to explore Lakeland fells. Take a trip to Holker Hall and Gardens, situated just outside the town. Home of Lord and Lady Cavendish, here you can explore the beautiful stately home and well kept gardens. Grange-over-sands is also home to many tea rooms, you won’t be short of choice when picking somewhere for a refreshment.
Sunderland Point
Sunderland Point is an excellent destination for a coastal walk. A small village set on marsh peninsular just past Morecambe and Heysham, it’s an attraction point for those wanting to bird watch, paint or simply spend time in the outdoors. Sunderland Point is also home to the grave of Sambo, a slave boy who ended his days here. Despite being located on the mainland, the village is dependent on tidal access so watch out.
Piel Island
Situated on the tip of the Furness Peninsula, Piel Island is a hidden gem spreading across just fifty acres. Here lies the impressive ruin of a 14th-century castle. Managed by Heritage England, it is free to visit and is steeped in history. The only other building on the island is The Ship Inn, where you will find local ales and hearty meals cooked using local line-caught fish and Cumbrian produce. Located just off the coast of Barrow-in-Furness, the island can be reached by a ferry from Roa Island.
