Grange-over-Sands is perched on the edge of Morecambe Bay and offers a delightful step back in time for day-trippers. The Victorian and Edwardian influences are still evident
Grange-over-Sands, a quaint town perched on the edge of Morecambe Bay, offers a delightful journey back in time for day-trippers. Despite not having its own beach, the town exudes a unique coastal charm with a stretch of sand separated by marshland and the unmistakable salty sea air.
The 19th-century arrival of the rail line transformed Grange-over-Sands into a fashionable destination. Today, the Victorian and Edwardian influences are still evident, with a lengthy seafront promenade, a charming train station, a neat row of cafes and shops, and ornamental gardens. Away from the bustling tourist crowds of the nearby Lake District, Grange-over-Sands has a relaxed atmosphere.
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Just a 12-minute drive away is the Lake District, a national park that attracts around 18.1 million people every year. Visitors can leisurely explore hidden gardens or stroll along the promenade, which offers views across the bay to Far Arnside and Silverdale.
The town’s sloping topography creates layered areas above the coastline, each offering a different place to discover. This means you can walk along a path directly alongside the town’s railway line, while looking down at the sunken Ornamental Gardens on one side and the marshland on the other, reports Manchester Evening News.
Nestled in the heart of the town is Hazelmere Cafe and Bakery, a delightful tea room that marries vintage charm with contemporary decor. During my weekend jaunt, it was brimming with customers relishing everything from traditional cream teas to light midday meals, writes Liv Clarke.
Proudly offering an extensive tea menu with every conceivable blend (upstairs you’ll find Dorothy’s Teas, a shop devoted entirely to tea), I chose the China Rose, a revitalising brew with a delicate rose undertone.
Given the cafe’s location, one dish not to be missed is the Potted Morecambe Bay Shrimps served atop toast. Despite never having sampled potted shrimps before (their look always put me off), they were surprisingly enjoyable.
We concluded our meal with a shared vanilla slice, boasting crisp flaky pastry, silky custard filling, and sweet icing – the perfect partner to the tea.
The cafe also features an onsite bakery, open from Monday to Saturday. Although it was shut during our visit, it typically presents a broad selection of freshly baked breads and over thirty different cakes each day, ranging from Caramel Shortbread to Yorkshire Curd Tart.
It’s the perfect place to grab some goodies to savour at home after your visit or to nibble on as you wander around Grange-over-Sands.
What you need to know
A trip from Greater Manchester to Grange-over-Sands can be done in roughly 90 minutes, whether you opt to drive or hop on a direct train.
There’s ample parking available at various spots, including the Main Street car park near the promenade, with fees starting at £1.90 for an hour. The postcode is LA11 6DY.
Hazelmere Tea House and Restaurant opens its doors every day from 10am to 4pm (no need to book), while the bakery shop is open from 7.30am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday.
Visitors are strongly discouraged from venturing onto the saltmarsh at Grange-over-Sands due to the presence of perilous quicksand.
Instead, they can savour the views from the safety of the promenade.