Three Days Exploring Lancaster and Morecambe Bay

Day One

Start your day with a stroll along the paths of RSPB Leighton Moss Nature Reserve, as they cut through the reedbeds and saltwater lagoons. Look out for otters, marsh harriers and red deer, and keep your ears open for the ‘boom’ of the bittern! Have a browse in the Visitor Centre shop followed by a cuppa in the café, before heading to Carnforth, a charming marketing town set on the River Keer.

Follow the self-guided Carnforth Heritage Trail to find out more about the town’s landmarks and industries, or call in to Carnforth Station Heritage Centre to discover how the station featured in the classic 1945 David Lean film ‘Brief Encounter’. You can even feel like you’re stepping into the film set yourself by stopping for a bite to eat – or perhaps a wistful glance over a steaming coffee - in the Brief Encounter Bistro and Bar, faithfully restored to its 1940s period glory.

In the afternoon, visit Leighton Hall (open seasonally, see website for details), the elegant and much-loved family home of the Gillow family of furniture-making fame, and the centre of an agricultural estate since mediaeval times. Come and explore the house and gardens – and stay to see the birds of prey display – it is an amazing sight to see these magnificent birds swooping and wheeling above this stunning estate! 

Alternatively, call in to Greenlands Farm Village near the Tewitfield Marina on the Lancaster Canal – the well-stocked farm shop with locally-sourced meat and cheese is sure to tempt your taste buds! And if you have little ones with you, they will be delighted by the petting farm, play barn, laser tag and crazy golf.

Day Two 

Spend the morning in Heysham, a scenic coastal village overlooking Morecambe Bay. A stroll along the headland, which is owned by the National Trust, will offer some surprising sights including a row of graves, hewn directly from the solid rock and thought to date from the 11th century. If you think you have seen them before, you might be right – these graves are featured on the cover of the Black Sabbath CD, The Best of Black Sabbath! Heysham Heritage Centre (open seasonally) is worth a visit to understand more of the fascinating history of the area.

Then head to Lancaster to St. George's Quay. Built in 1750, during its Golden Age as a port, Lancaster imported sugar, cotton, rum and mahogany and exported furniture and general merchandise to the colonies in North America and West Indies. The Customs House, which is now part of the Maritime Museum, was where goods were measured and checked by customs officials. The museum is packed with information about life on the canals, the river and the sea, and is open Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

In the evening, choose from one of Lancaster’s many tempting restaurants offering food from Thai to Turkish, and then sit back to hear live music played in one of the city’s traditional pubs.

Day Three

Today,take a trip out to the countryside to explore the beautiful Lune Valley. Beginning at the Lancaster Estuary and bordering the northern edge of the Forest of Bowland, its scenic villages and lush green landscape have, for centuries, inspired many writers and artists. 

From the car park at the Crook O’Lune, take a gently undulating walk along the banks of the River Lune towards Aughton Woods, along the way catching glimpses of Clougha Pike and the stunning views captured by JMW Turner and lauded by Thomas Gray. Cross the river by the small aqueduct bridge, built in 1881 to carry water from the Lake District to Manchester, and walk back towards the car park. If in season, it is worth taking a short diversion through the beautiful swathes of bluebells in Burton Wood.

In the afternoon, continue on to Kirkby Lonsdale. Situated on the border with the Yorkshire Dales, this is a charming market town, perfect for browsing in the high-quality independent shops offering clothes, gifts and local produce. Stop for a late lunch or an early evening meal – you’ll find cosy cafes, welcoming pubs and tempting bistros along the picturesque main street.