The Longlands Cumbrian and Lancashire coastal wonders

Inspired by the recent VisitEngland ‘All on the Northwest Coast’ campaign, we thought it was the perfect time to share some of the coastal delights close to The Longlands. We’re so lucky to be in such a fantastic location with easy access to the best of both Lancashire and Cumbria’s stunning coastlines.

Here are some great coastal towns and villages to visit plus some events happening nearby – with The Longlands being the ideal base for an extended stay to make the most of the coast.

Grange-over-Sands

Step back in time with a stroll along the Edwardian promenade in the charming village of Grange-over-Sands overlooking Morecambe Bay. A hugely fashionable seaside resort in bygone days when the seafront lido, and the arrival of the railway, attracted holidaymakers from around the country. Today, Grange-over-Sands retains that olde-worldly elegance with its ornamental gardens, long promenade, independent shops, and bandstand hosting concerts during the summer. From The Longlands, you can reach Grange-over-Sands in just 15 minutes by train from Carnforth on what is one of the most picturesque train journeys in the UK.

On selected Sunday’s during the summer, the promenade comes alive with up to 60 stalls of original art, photography, crafts, and gifts in what is a unique open-air Arts & Crafts Fair. ‘Prom Art’ takes place on Sunday 26^th July, Sunday 30^th August, and Sunday 27^th September from 10am-4pm.

Cartmel

Just a 30-minute drive from The Longlands will take you to the picturesque village location of Cartmel where the historic Cartmel Priory has stood proudly in the heart of the village for more than 800 years. A grade I listed building; the medieval Priory’s square belfry tower is the only one of its kind in the UK. Independent shops, including the famous Cartmel Village Shop, surround the traditional market square and the village is home to four Michelin stars across two famous restaurants. Cartmel Racecourse is only a few minutes’ walk from the village and boasts one of the prettiest racing backdrops in the country. Nine race days are held each year with the season finale on August’s Bank Holiday Monday.

Ulverston

Just a half hour drive along the A6 & A590 from The Longlands leads you to the quirky market town of Ulverston with its cobbled streets, independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and the famous pepperpot, a lighthouse-styled monument to naval man, Sir John Barrow, atop Hoad Hill looking out over the estuary and Morecambe Bay. For an epic drive, the coast road from Ulverston to Barrow in Furness is stunning with views stretching as far as Blackpool Tower on a clear day!

Widely recognised as a festival town, there’s always lots going on in Ulverston; from market days to a range of events including Shakespeare in the Park, family fun days, the Ulverston Lantern Festival in September and the Dickensian Festival in November.

Morecambe

Less than 10 miles from The Longlands is the traditional seaside resort of Morecambe known for attracting the likes of the stylish Coco Chanel in its heyday. The picturesque 5-mile stretch of seafront promenade is home to Eric Morecambe’s statue, and across the road is the charming Brucciani’s Art Deco coffee shop. Work gets fully underway this summer on the innovative Eden Project North and new 1.5-acre community gardens, which will open next spring, before the full Eden Project Morecambe experience launches in the winter of 2028.

Morecambe Bay Fringe Festival brings live music, cabaret, and comedy to the town this July and August with more than 40 shows, plus around 30 more in the newly expanded Carnforth fringe, just a few minutes from The Longlands. Highlights include Nigel Planer and Alexei Sayle looking retrospectively at The Young Ones, and rockers, Hawkwind, will close the festival.

Silverdale

Just 10 minutes from The Longlands is an often-overlooked part of Cumbria.  Silverdale is a lovely village in the Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape (previously an AONB), protected for its rich and rare flora and fauna, limestone pavements, and salt marsh. The RSPB Leighton Moss Nature Reserve lies on the outskirts of the village where you can see bitterns, otters, rare butterflies and much more. Then there are some beautifully secluded sandy coves offering the best places to soak up stunning sunsets over Morecambe Bay.

RSPB Leighton Moss hosts a number of fascinating events over the summer including after-dark ‘Bats of Leighton Moss’ experiences, birdwatching for beginners, and local makers markets. Nearby Leighton Hall has Shakespeare in the Garden this July in one of the finest backdrops for outdoor performances.

Looking ahead to September and the Westmorland Show is one of the highlights of the area’s events calendar. Taking place over two days on Wednesday 9^th and Thursday 10^th September, and attended by the cream of the countryside crop, the show brings the best animal shows, livestock displays, and competitions, as well as hundreds of trade stands showcasing the best of the region’s crafts, gifts, and food & drink. The popular Food Theatre serves up celebrity and local chef demonstrations with TV and show favourite, Phil Vickery, returning this year. The Longlands is only 15 minutes from the showground, so book your stay to beat the crowds.

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