The Spirit of Discovery invites you to step outside, slow down - or speed up - and explore Lancaster and Morecambe Bay. From sweeping coastal paths and sandy beaches to quiet inland trails, parks and gardens, this is a place made for walking, cycling, running, breathing deeply and reconnecting with the great outdoors.
Whether you’re drawn by big skies and big views or the simple pleasure of spotting wildlife, finding a peaceful picnic spot or feeling the sea air on the promenade, the district offers endless opportunities to get active, feel well and enjoy nature at your own pace.
Celebrate the joy of discovery: uncovering hidden corners, following themed trails, and heading off on self‑guided walks, scavenger hunts and outdoor adventures that reveal something new at every turn. The Spirit of Discovery invites you to become an explorer, following in the footsteps of adventurers and trail-blazers.
The 14 May marks the centenary of Eric Morecambe's birth. One of Britain’s most loved comedians and one half of the legendary double act Morecambe and Wise, his TV shows were watched by millions. He was born in Morecambe with the name John Eric Bartholomew, but changed his name to Morecambe to honour the town he loved.
Eric Morecambe helped bring music, performance and laughter together, using songs, dance and playful sketches to make the arts accessible to everyone. Through Morecambe and Wise, he introduced huge TV audiences to musical comedy and even classical music, proving that the arts could be enjoyed by everyone.
So how better to start our Spirit of Discovery series than by exploring Morecambe's TERN art project - and you might even meet Eric along the way!
The TERN Project
A self‑guided art trail along Morecambe’s seafront
Distance: approx. 1.5 miles
Terrain: flat, step‑free promenade and jetty
Allow: 45–75 minutes (longer if you stop to take part)
Walk from the Stone Jetty along Morecambe Promenade, discovering playful artworks inspired by the birds, words and wildlife of Morecambe Bay. Look out for sculptures, carvings, pavement games and poetry along the way.
Your trail checklist
STONE JETTY
1. Food Chain & Word Search
Find it: On the Stone Jetty paving
Try it: How many creatures can you spot?
Take a photo of: Your favourite game of sculpture on The Stone Jetty
2. Compass
Find it: Stone Jetty
Try it: Stand in the centre — which direction is the Lake District?
Take a photo of: You and the compass
3. Mythical Bird
Find it: Stone Jetty
Try it: What bird do you think inspired it?
Take a photo of: A side‑on view of the bird
4. Magpie Hopscotch
Find it: Stone Jetty
Try it: Hop all the way along
Take a photo of: An action shot mid‑hop
5. Tongue Twisters
Find it: Stone Jetty
Try it: Say one out loud without stumbling
Take a photo of: Pointing at your favourite phrase
6. Maze
Find it: Stone Jetty
Try it: Trace the route with your finger
Take a photo of: An overhead view
7. Egg Feature Benches
Find it: Stone Jetty
Try it: Sit and watch the sea for a moment
Take a photo of: The view from the bench
PROMENADE
8. Cormorants
Find it: Near the Midland Hotel
Try it: Copy a cormorant pose
Take a photo of: Bird and human side by side
9. Bird Bollards
Find it: Along the promenade
Try it: Spot as many different birds as you can
Take a photo of: Your favourite bollard
10. Coot Parade
Find it: Promenade near Morecambe Winter Gardens
Try it: Follow the birds’ direction
Take a photo of: Walking alongside them
11. Eric Morecambe Stage
Find it: Central promenade
Try it: Strike Eric’s famous pose
Take a photo of: You on the stage, dancing along with Eric!
12. Seagulls
Find it: Around the Eric Morecambe Stage
Try it: Spot the smallest gull
Take a photo of: Gull with the bay behind
13. Panorama
Find it: Former Central Pier area
Try it: Pick out mountain names across the bay
Take a photo of: The cut‑out skyline
14. The See Wall
Find it: Near the children’s playground
Try it: Touch the carved textures
Take a photo of: Your favourite animal carving
15. Moon Walk
Find it: By the Clock Tower
Try it: Follow the stars underfoot
Take a photo of: Your feet on the moon
NEAR THE PLATFORM
16. Destination Morecambe
Find it: In front of The Platform
Try it: Read a word that stands out
Take a photo of: Letters with the promenade behind
17. Flock of Words
Find it: Adjacent to The Platform, leading towards the Festival Market
Try it: Read one full quote
Take a photo of: Your favourite line of text
