Beaches In Cumbria
Less than 45 miles from Silverdale
Arnside
Idyllic setting on the River Kent estuary, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Exceptional views over Morecambe Bay, with the hills and mountains of the Lake Ditrict in the background and a picturesque viaduct crossing over the water.
The beach is tidal and the water comes up very rapidly.
Best enjoyed with a stroll along the Victorian promenade, which has a selection of interesting shops, cafes and pubs, and ends in a coastal path.
Bardsea Beach, near Ulverston
Coastal paths and interesting finds of driftwood and seashells amongst the shingle.
Chapel Island can be seen about a mile from the beach, but not accessible due to quick sand and fast-moving tides.
An ancient stone circle is at Birkrigg and Conishead Priory is nearby.
Haverigg Beach, Millom
Shingle beach that becomes a vast expanse of sande heading out towards the Irish Sea. Large area of sanddunes covered in seagrasses. This long beach is clean and has, in the past, been awarded Blue Flag status.
The beach is tidal, so best to visit at low tide, when you can walk along the beach to Silecroft or along the former sea wall to Millom.
Silecroft Beach, Millom
This long, gently shelving, shingle beach is on the edge of the Lake District National park. When the tide is low there is a vast expanse of sand that is suitable for kiting, hore-riding and other activities.
Alongide the beach is an area of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) where Natterjack Toads spawn in the springtime. Local and migratory birds, including swallows, oystercatchers and gannets can be seen flying above.
West Shore Beach, Walney Island
This is an 11-mile long island in the Irish Sea with two nature reserves. The island is linked with mainland Barrow-in-Furness by the toll-free Jubilee Bridge
At the norhern end of the island are sandy beaaches, including one frequented by naturists.
Piel Island lies at the south end of the island, where there are the ruins of a 14th century castle. There is also a pub called The Ship Inn.
There is a small ferry, as you cannot walk across the sands to Piel Island because of the rapidly incoming tides and quicksand.
Earnse Bay
This open sandy beach is the most popular in the area getting quite busy in the summer. It is a popular spot for both windsurfing and kitesurfing with a kite surf school on the beach. It is also a venue for national kitesurfing championships.
Beaches in Lancaster Area
uk/local-beaches/
Morecambe South Beach
Morecambe South Beach is a sand and shingle expanse, backed by rocky sea defences. The beach slopes gently into the sea, and is a popular place to relax whilst taking in the sea air during the warmer summer months.
A pleasant promenade, with art installations and games for children runs all the way along the seafront. The iconic statue of Eric Morecambe, as well as sculptues of cormorants are installed along the promenade.
Morecambe North Beach
The beach is mainly sandy and is popular with beachgoers in the summer months, although there is no lifeguard cover please be aware of the dangers in the area from fast tides and quicksand that make it dangerous to stray far out into the bay.
At the heart of the seafront is the promenade with a variety of art installations and thoughtfully designed games and puzzles for children to enjoy. The art-deco façade of the Midland Hotel has been restored to its former glory and in front of the hotel a stone jetty with benches and ornamental birds juts out into the sea. This is an excellent place to admire the views over the vast expanse of sand and mudflats that make up Morecambe Bay.
Fleetwood (Marine) Beach
Fleetwod is a former fishing harbour that is now a charming seaside town. The beach, which is called either Fleetwood or Marine, is a wonderful stretch of sand backed by the pretty sand dunes.
The seafront area has recently been renovated and has views across to Morecambe Bay, where the low tide reveals a truly vast expanse of sand.
Hest Bank
The sandflats and saltmarshes of Morecambe Bay are vital feeding grounds for wading birds, ducks and geese. It is the second most important estuary in the UK and is protected by law. During the hour before high tide, spectacular flocks of waders gather to roost. Warning: do not go out onto the saltmarss or intertidal area.