Northern seaside town nicknamed the ‘Lakeland Riviera’ thanks to its warm microclimate
THE charming seaside town of Grange-over-Sands has been attracting holidaymakers for 175 years.
Located on the north side of Morecambe Bay in Cumbria, Grange-over-Sands benefits from its own microclimate, making it slightly warmer than other nearby tourist destinations.
Grange-over-Sands has this microclimate to thank for its moniker as the “Lakeland Riviera”.
The seaside town was a fashionable seaside resort town in the 19th century thanks to its pleasant temperatures and the arrival of the railroad in the 1850s.
Steeped in charm with promenade walks, lush gardens and sweeping views over Morecambe Bay, Grange-over-Sands is an ideal autumn break for Brits.
One of the main attractions in the town is its Ornamental Gardens, which has been affectionately nicknamed the “Duck Pond” by locals.
Constructed on an area of marshland that was cut off from the shore when the railway was built in the 1800s, the pond is fed by a stream that gives the pond a constant flow of water, meaning it never runs dry.
The pond also has a fountain and several paths and benches surround the pond.
Another popular attraction in the English town is the Promenade Walk – a level walkway along the edge of Morecambe Bay.
A playground is located on the southern end of the promenade equipped with swings, a slide and a climbing frame.
Despite being set on the coast, Grange-over-Sands doesn’t technically have a beach.
However, it is home to a saltmarsh that’s part of nearby Morecambe Bay.
Why does Grange-over-Sands have a microclimate?
THE microclimate in Grange-over-Sands is milder and sunnier than the rest of the Lake District.
Grange-over-Sands has a microclimate because of its location on the edge of the Lake District and the coast.
Factors such as the Gulf Stream, the nearby mountains and its south-facing position also contribute to its slightly warmer temperatures.
There are plenty of other things to do just outside Grange-over-Sands like a visit to Holker Hall and Garden – an award-winning stately home with beautiful gardens, woodland walks and a deer park.
Cartmel Village is known for its famous sticky toffee pudding and it’s also a short drive away from Grange-over-Sands.
Other neighbouring attractions include The Lakeland Motor Museum, Yewbarrow House Garden and Sizergh Castle and Garden.
For visitors who want to stay overnight there’s The Commodore Inn – a pub and restaurant with six en-suite rooms.
There are several restaurants in Grange-over-Sands like Thyme Out Coffee House & Restaurant, The Estuary Bistro and the Akhi indian restaurant.
Grange-over-Sands is a 35-minute drive from Morecambe, and it’s a 26-minute drive from Kendal.
Direct trains operate from Grange-over-Sands to Manchester Airport and Lancaster.
While you’re there….
If you’re paying a visit to Grange-Over-Sands, it’s also worth checking out the charming town of Ambleside, which features England‘s best restaurant – The Old Stamp House.
At the AA‘s 2023 Hospitality Awards, the Lake District dining room was named England’s Restaurant of the Year and got a 3 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence.
Ambleside’s dining options may be fancy, but its outdoors are rugged and adventurous.
Included in that are the two waterfalls, Stock Ghyll Force and Rydal Falls.
The former is just a short walk from the town centre, where it drops 70ft into a plunge pool before continuing on its journey downstream into Lake Windermere.
The lake is the largest in England and is surrounded by mountain peaks and villages, with Ambleside sitting to the north.
For those who aren’t so keen on getting wet, the likes of Wray Castle offer dry options.
The National Trust-owned gothic revival castle sits on the shores of Lake Windermere and has turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
The Trust say it offers church-like interiors and panoramic Lake District views.
It also played an important part in UK literary history, as it’s where Beatrix Potter holidayed in the Lakes for the first time as a child.
Three little-known attractions to visit in the Lake District
HERE are three little-known places to visit in the Lake District.
Rydal Cave
Located near Rydal Water, this man-made cavern was originally a quarry. However, it’s now a serene and somewhat mystical place to explore. The cave is large enough to walk into and features a small pond inside, adding to its enchanting atmosphere.
St. Catherine’s Church, Boot
Nestled in the picturesque Eskdale Valley, St. Catherine’s Church is a charming, isolated, church with a peaceful riverside setting.
Muncaster Castle Gardens and Hawk & Owl Centre
While Muncaster Castle itself is relatively well-known, the extensive gardens and the Hawk & Owl Centre often don’t get the attention they deserve. The gardens cover 77 acres and feature a range of beautiful plants, including rhododendrons and azaleas. The Hawk & Owl Centre offers daily flying displays and the opportunity to learn about various birds of prey in a stunning setting.
A UK city has recently been praised for having the friendliest people in the country.
And an amazing train route offers some of the best views in the UK.