Melissa’s guidebook - Our favourite places and restaurants etc
Sightseeing
Carnforth Station Heritage Centre is the famous setting for David Lean's film `Brief Encounter`. This once significant railway station is situated at the junction between the main London-Glasgow line and the Carnforth-Leeds line, and the starting point of the Carnforth-Barrow-In-Furness line and a branch line to Morecambe.
The station has been lovingly restored and is now an award-winning Heritage Centre and unique conference venue.
The tea rooms have been restored to resemble the set used in 'Brief Encounter' and now serve refreshments daily, while the extensive heritage centre tells not only the story of the making of the film, but delves into the history and heritage of Carnforth, its workers and its families.
The cafe here is absolutely lovely and a great place to stop off and visit for coffee and cake, especially as a stop on the walk to Warton crag for walkers / ramblers. Its free admission and has lots of history to have a look around at..
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Carnforth Railway Station
Warton RoadCarnforth Station Heritage Centre is the famous setting for David Lean's film `Brief Encounter`. This once significant railway station is situated at the junction between the main London-Glasgow line and the Carnforth-Leeds line, and the starting point of the Carnforth-Barrow-In-Furness line and a branch line to Morecambe.
The station has been lovingly restored and is now an award-winning Heritage Centre and unique conference venue.
The tea rooms have been restored to resemble the set used in 'Brief Encounter' and now serve refreshments daily, while the extensive heritage centre tells not only the story of the making of the film, but delves into the history and heritage of Carnforth, its workers and its families.
The cafe here is absolutely lovely and a great place to stop off and visit for coffee and cake, especially as a stop on the walk to Warton crag for walkers / ramblers. Its free admission and has lots of history to have a look around at..
This is a wonderful place to visit in heysham you can walk the old ruins and grounds of the church for a couple of hours (look out for the famous album cover stones shot here by black sabbeth. Definately worth a visit, and then you can head down to the beach over the hills. Its great to take a picnic and spend the day here walking
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
St Patrick's Chapel, Heysham
1-3 Main StThis is a wonderful place to visit in heysham you can walk the old ruins and grounds of the church for a couple of hours (look out for the famous album cover stones shot here by black sabbeth. Definately worth a visit, and then you can head down to the beach over the hills. Its great to take a picnic and spend the day here walking
Food scene
The food is gorgeous here and its very reasonably priced, we have been often for breakfast dinner and tea. Fab food and lovely staff that are so welcoming. A homely atmosphere and I always eat way too much ! This is literally a two minute walk from our property. You will usually need to book a table so give them a call even on short notice they will try and squeeze you in if they can.
The County Hotel
Lancaster RoadThe food is gorgeous here and its very reasonably priced, we have been often for breakfast dinner and tea. Fab food and lovely staff that are so welcoming. A homely atmosphere and I always eat way too much ! This is literally a two minute walk from our property. You will usually need to book a table so give them a call even on short notice they will try and squeeze you in if they can.
The food is lovely here (only been for dinner) and there is a bar area for drinks and cocktails. It can get busy so you need to book usually, its a five minute walk from our property its nice to have a couple of drinks in the station bar and then move to the restaurant for dinner..
Royal Station Hotel
Market StreetThe food is lovely here (only been for dinner) and there is a bar area for drinks and cocktails. It can get busy so you need to book usually, its a five minute walk from our property its nice to have a couple of drinks in the station bar and then move to the restaurant for dinner..
Lovely food and if the weather is warm lovely seating outside to enjoy the weather. You can drive here or if the weather is nice come out of our property turn left and walk a minute to get on the canal path. Go right and walk less than ten minutes to the canal turn. Great booze and food. They also have quiz nights and signers and bands of a weekend. We usually go once a week in summer and I would suggest pre booking by phone because it can get really busy especially in nice weather. Sitting outside watching the canal and world go by while having a drink is lovely ! Oh and dogs are allowed here :)
The Canal Turn
Lancaster RoadLovely food and if the weather is warm lovely seating outside to enjoy the weather. You can drive here or if the weather is nice come out of our property turn left and walk a minute to get on the canal path. Go right and walk less than ten minutes to the canal turn. Great booze and food. They also have quiz nights and signers and bands of a weekend. We usually go once a week in summer and I would suggest pre booking by phone because it can get really busy especially in nice weather. Sitting outside watching the canal and world go by while having a drink is lovely ! Oh and dogs are allowed here :)
A lovely italian restaurant in bolton le sands. Its really reasonably priced and the food is lovely, we don't go often as my husband is not a fan of italian, but I wish he was as the atmosphere, food and service is always lovely. Its reasonably priced too ! its a few minutes drive from the house and you will need to call to pre book a table..
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Miaitalia
4 Bypass RdA lovely italian restaurant in bolton le sands. Its really reasonably priced and the food is lovely, we don't go often as my husband is not a fan of italian, but I wish he was as the atmosphere, food and service is always lovely. Its reasonably priced too ! its a few minutes drive from the house and you will need to call to pre book a table..
This is a lovely indian restaurant and the food is always amazing with excellent service. Book well in advance as it gets really busy. We only go here on special occasions like birthdays because we find it a little expensive but that's probably because we always order a lot !
Far Pavilion
25 Bye-Pass RdThis is a lovely indian restaurant and the food is always amazing with excellent service. Book well in advance as it gets really busy. We only go here on special occasions like birthdays because we find it a little expensive but that's probably because we always order a lot !
The food is lovely here and I would probably say this is morcambe's best restaurant. I would recommend for adults only (couple's and groups) alike for a special evening meal. Its lovely in the evenings when the candles are all lit and you can enjoy a special meal in a lovely atmosphere. You need to pre book and you need to drive here too, its about fifteen minutes away by car and there is parking in the side streets either side of the restaurant. there are also car parks close by to the restaurant.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Crown Bar & Bistro
239 Marine Rd CentralThe food is lovely here and I would probably say this is morcambe's best restaurant. I would recommend for adults only (couple's and groups) alike for a special evening meal. Its lovely in the evenings when the candles are all lit and you can enjoy a special meal in a lovely atmosphere. You need to pre book and you need to drive here too, its about fifteen minutes away by car and there is parking in the side streets either side of the restaurant. there are also car parks close by to the restaurant.
We are sushi fans (they also do lovely curries and hot tempura style food too!) if you are a sushi fan this is the best place in the area by far. Its like yo sushi on a conveyor belt style but the food is so much nicer than yo sushi. We often go for lunch after shopping in Lancaster. They serve alcohol also but its great for families too.
Nami Sushi
31-35 China StWe are sushi fans (they also do lovely curries and hot tempura style food too!) if you are a sushi fan this is the best place in the area by far. Its like yo sushi on a conveyor belt style but the food is so much nicer than yo sushi. We often go for lunch after shopping in Lancaster. They serve alcohol also but its great for families too.
This is a real hidden gem in Lancaster and we often go for lunch or dinner when shopping in Lancaster. the food is so fresh and lovely. Its so reasonably priced and they always have great lunchtime special offers on and I would highly recommend !
Medusa
5 CheapsideThis is a real hidden gem in Lancaster and we often go for lunch or dinner when shopping in Lancaster. the food is so fresh and lovely. Its so reasonably priced and they always have great lunchtime special offers on and I would highly recommend !
Unfortunately the owners of the midland have let the exterior down somewhat lately, however don't let that fool you because the bar and restaurant inside is still amazing. The afternoon teas and spectacular views are a must have especially for a special occasion. you have to pre book and it can be a little pricey. It's always worth a visit though and the midland is to morecambe what betty's tea rooms is to harrogate !
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Midland
Marine Road WestUnfortunately the owners of the midland have let the exterior down somewhat lately, however don't let that fool you because the bar and restaurant inside is still amazing. The afternoon teas and spectacular views are a must have especially for a special occasion. you have to pre book and it can be a little pricey. It's always worth a visit though and the midland is to morecambe what betty's tea rooms is to harrogate !
Walking and Rambling
This is a nice walk and usually takes a couple of hours to get around. My daughter often walks to the crag from our property which takes about half an hour. We tend to drive which takes around 7 or 8 minutes and walk the dogs here. If you are planning on walking then perhaps you can stop at Carnforth station visitors centre and tea rooms on the way to break up your journey and make a day of it
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Warton Crag Local Nature Reserve
Crag RoadThis is a nice walk and usually takes a couple of hours to get around. My daughter often walks to the crag from our property which takes about half an hour. We tend to drive which takes around 7 or 8 minutes and walk the dogs here. If you are planning on walking then perhaps you can stop at Carnforth station visitors centre and tea rooms on the way to break up your journey and make a day of it
its about a 16 mile drive here but well worth it for a day out. We make a day of it and take a picnic and walk around the lakes here for a couple of hours. There is a lovely cafe too, the parking is about six quid for the day and visitors charge is a couple of quid each. You need to pre book your tickets on line for the next day or further in the future, you cant just turn up. If you like walking and rambling this is a great picturesque area to get a good few miles in. The kids swim in the lakes in the summer but even when its boiling the water in the lakes is freezing but the kids and dogs don't seem to mind ! You can also hire kayaks, and boats for a minimal charge.
96 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Fell Foot del National Trust
its about a 16 mile drive here but well worth it for a day out. We make a day of it and take a picnic and walk around the lakes here for a couple of hours. There is a lovely cafe too, the parking is about six quid for the day and visitors charge is a couple of quid each. You need to pre book your tickets on line for the next day or further in the future, you cant just turn up. If you like walking and rambling this is a great picturesque area to get a good few miles in. The kids swim in the lakes in the summer but even when its boiling the water in the lakes is freezing but the kids and dogs don't seem to mind ! You can also hire kayaks, and boats for a minimal charge.
https://www.visitlancashire.com/dbimgs/Carnforth%20Canal%20Walks.pdf
If you put the link above into your browser this is a guidebook that shows you many of the canal walks in the local area. Its less than a minute walk to get onto the canal behind our property and you will be amazed how lovely it is. Go right to come across pubs and restaurants about half a mile away, for the fitter peeps go left for an eight mile walk to end at a lovely restaurant / pub! I walk at least five miles a day with the dogs along the canal and its a great afternoon walk with a pub pit stop at the end, or in the middle !
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lancaster Canal
https://www.visitlancashire.com/dbimgs/Carnforth%20Canal%20Walks.pdf
If you put the link above into your browser this is a guidebook that shows you many of the canal walks in the local area. Its less than a minute walk to get onto the canal behind our property and you will be amazed how lovely it is. Go right to come across pubs and restaurants about half a mile away, for the fitter peeps go left for an eight mile walk to end at a lovely restaurant / pub! I walk at least five miles a day with the dogs along the canal and its a great afternoon walk with a pub pit stop at the end, or in the middle !
Local Takeaways
This in my opinion is the best indian for miles (we have tried them all!) they deliver or you can walk (6 minutes) or drive (2 minutes) to collect. I have left some menus in the folder.
Cafe Masala
Warton RoadThis in my opinion is the best indian for miles (we have tried them all!) they deliver or you can walk (6 minutes) or drive (2 minutes) to collect. I have left some menus in the folder.
Food is always fab ! I have left menus in the house - they don't deliver (its a three minute walk to collect), but you pre order by telephone. They take cash only..
Peking Chinese Takeaway
32 Market StreetFood is always fab ! I have left menus in the house - they don't deliver (its a three minute walk to collect), but you pre order by telephone. They take cash only..
Lovely pizzas and really nice kebabs. Nicest pizza's in the area, I recommend pre order by phone then walk to collect (three minutes) as delivery takes too long as they are always super busy. They only take cash..
Sizzle-in
30 Market StreetLovely pizzas and really nice kebabs. Nicest pizza's in the area, I recommend pre order by phone then walk to collect (three minutes) as delivery takes too long as they are always super busy. They only take cash..
Gorgeous fish and chips and all the trimmings. They take card or cash and its a one minute walk at the end of the road. You can call to pre order then pick up, they don't deliver but its not needed as literally a one minute walk ! heck opening times as hours a limited to a couple of hours each opening session. Food is amazing !
North Road Chippy
1 North RoadGorgeous fish and chips and all the trimmings. They take card or cash and its a one minute walk at the end of the road. You can call to pre order then pick up, they don't deliver but its not needed as literally a one minute walk ! heck opening times as hours a limited to a couple of hours each opening session. Food is amazing !
T'other Chippy
1 Stanley StreetEqually as nice as North Road Chippy just an extra five minute walk !
Things to do / Places to Visit
This is a great afternoon / evening out for couples and families and groups alike. We often go bowling, in the large arcade downstairs and then for a meal in the restaurant. The restaurant menu is not huge but the food is good and well cooked, burgers, pasta and pizza style food but a lot nicer quality than takeaways. You can have a few drinks at your bowling station from the bar so we enjoy it as a night out too. Lovely views of the prom and beach from the huge windows
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Soul Bowl
Central PromenadeThis is a great afternoon / evening out for couples and families and groups alike. We often go bowling, in the large arcade downstairs and then for a meal in the restaurant. The restaurant menu is not huge but the food is good and well cooked, burgers, pasta and pizza style food but a lot nicer quality than takeaways. You can have a few drinks at your bowling station from the bar so we enjoy it as a night out too. Lovely views of the prom and beach from the huge windows
Morecambe sometimes gets a bad rap, but its really cleaned up its act and is more than your quintessential English seaside town. We often spend a nice afternoon walking around taking in the following;
A couple of nice beaches which are super clean and unspoilt
Nice coffee shops and ice cream shops
Visit the statue of Eric Morecambe for a photo opportunity
Lots of antique and bric a brac shops (not cheap but some unusual finds)
A couple of great bookshops
Nice fish and chips to eat on the beach
A nice walk around the pier area in front of the Midland Hotel and adjacent areas
Retail shopping isn't too good but look at Kendal or Lancaster for that
Its a fifteen minute drive away , lots of parking but gets busy so get there early
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Morecambe
Morecambe sometimes gets a bad rap, but its really cleaned up its act and is more than your quintessential English seaside town. We often spend a nice afternoon walking around taking in the following;
A couple of nice beaches which are super clean and unspoilt
Nice coffee shops and ice cream shops
Visit the statue of Eric Morecambe for a photo opportunity
Lots of antique and bric a brac shops (not cheap but some unusual finds)
A couple of great bookshops
Nice fish and chips to eat on the beach
A nice walk around the pier area in front of the Midland Hotel and adjacent areas
Retail shopping isn't too good but look at Kendal or Lancaster for that
Its a fifteen minute drive away , lots of parking but gets busy so get there early
This is our favourite place for retail shopping, its about ten miles away up the M6 but its got that heritage feel that you get in places like bath, harrogate and chester. Lots to see and do with some great shops and little back street cafes which serve great food with special offers. If you go on a warm day find one on the back roads with outside seating and watch the world go by..
126 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kendal
This is our favourite place for retail shopping, its about ten miles away up the M6 but its got that heritage feel that you get in places like bath, harrogate and chester. Lots to see and do with some great shops and little back street cafes which serve great food with special offers. If you go on a warm day find one on the back roads with outside seating and watch the world go by..
This is a great place for retail shopping with some lovely restaurants and cafes. Some great architecture too if you fancy a stroll around the area. I highly recommend the TK maxx here, I know some are no so good but the homeware section here is amazing, I've had some amazing designer bedding bargains etc. They also do great sportswear for runners and gym bunnies.
79 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lancaster
This is a great place for retail shopping with some lovely restaurants and cafes. Some great architecture too if you fancy a stroll around the area. I highly recommend the TK maxx here, I know some are no so good but the homeware section here is amazing, I've had some amazing designer bedding bargains etc. They also do great sportswear for runners and gym bunnies.
My husband is a huge lover of history and architecture, he advises this a great day out and has taken the kids often, there is a lot to see and do in and around the castle and he has visited multiple times.
71 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lancaster Cathedral
Balmoral RoadMy husband is a huge lover of history and architecture, he advises this a great day out and has taken the kids often, there is a lot to see and do in and around the castle and he has visited multiple times.
Lots to do in windermere, obviously all the watersports on the lake and walking and rambling. Some great cafes. There is also the world of beatrix potter which is an attraction more suited to smaller children but their are lovely gardens and a great cafe too.
56 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Windermere
Lots to do in windermere, obviously all the watersports on the lake and walking and rambling. Some great cafes. There is also the world of beatrix potter which is an attraction more suited to smaller children but their are lovely gardens and a great cafe too.
Great place for kids to burn off some steam we sometimes combine with lunch out in the area for a nice afternoon. The kids usually spend an hour or two in here but it does get very busy in holiday periods !
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jump Rush Trampoline Park
21 Northumberland StGreat place for kids to burn off some steam we sometimes combine with lunch out in the area for a nice afternoon. The kids usually spend an hour or two in here but it does get very busy in holiday periods !
Beaches
Lovely Beach and the backdrop is a typical and pleasant seaside town with lots of ice cream shops and fish and chips etc. Lovely pier! does not allow dogs between april to september on this particular beach but plenty of others do.
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Morecambe Bay
Lovely Beach and the backdrop is a typical and pleasant seaside town with lots of ice cream shops and fish and chips etc. Lovely pier! does not allow dogs between april to september on this particular beach but plenty of others do.
There are three parts to this beach all accessed from separate locations. If you drive from our property towards morecambe you will see signs for the garden centre. carry on driving past the garden centre for about 1 mile and you will come to the 'shore' pebble beach with grassy wetlands behind it. dogs and kids love it here and there are miles of area to walk. Do be careful though because less travelled areas can contain quicksand! so we always ensure we stick to the main drag and enjoy a good few hours here when the weather is nice.
Another access point is at the railway crossing which sits opposite to sarah murray aesthetics on the corner location at Hest bank. This is the furthest access point from our property and again is a pebble beach great for dogs and kids.
The Shore
The ShoreThere are three parts to this beach all accessed from separate locations. If you drive from our property towards morecambe you will see signs for the garden centre. carry on driving past the garden centre for about 1 mile and you will come to the 'shore' pebble beach with grassy wetlands behind it. dogs and kids love it here and there are miles of area to walk. Do be careful though because less travelled areas can contain quicksand! so we always ensure we stick to the main drag and enjoy a good few hours here when the weather is nice.
Another access point is at the railway crossing which sits opposite to sarah murray aesthetics on the corner location at Hest bank. This is the furthest access point from our property and again is a pebble beach great for dogs and kids.
This a wonderful beach and about a twenty to twenty five minute drive away in heysham. At half moon bay there is a great cafe too so we usually get a bite here (dog friendly also) then take our food and eat on the beach. This is a sandy beach and a sun trap so if the tide is out you can stay here for most of the day. Great shells for the kids and the dogs can run for miles!
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Half Moon Bay Cafe
Smithy LaneThis a wonderful beach and about a twenty to twenty five minute drive away in heysham. At half moon bay there is a great cafe too so we usually get a bite here (dog friendly also) then take our food and eat on the beach. This is a sandy beach and a sun trap so if the tide is out you can stay here for most of the day. Great shells for the kids and the dogs can run for miles!
Blackpool
Great Day out for the kids and adults too. Its cost effective to purchase a multi site pass and use for three attractions and that will take you over 1 or 2 days
117 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque de atracciones Blackpool Pleasure Beach
525 Ocean BlvdGreat Day out for the kids and adults too. Its cost effective to purchase a multi site pass and use for three attractions and that will take you over 1 or 2 days
The kids absolutely loved it here and so did my husband, its an inter active walk around but you spend time in each part. Lots of historic facts and its a bit like a live version of horrible histories. Think it took about three hours and it wasn't cheesy just great fun and was great value for money
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
Bank Hey StreetThe kids absolutely loved it here and so did my husband, its an inter active walk around but you spend time in each part. Lots of historic facts and its a bit like a live version of horrible histories. Think it took about three hours and it wasn't cheesy just great fun and was great value for money
This is just a great day out if the weather is bad, it does get really busy though so make sure you get there early
85 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque acuático Sandcastle
PromenadeThis is just a great day out if the weather is bad, it does get really busy though so make sure you get there early
We went here when we purchased a 3 attractions ticket and the kids chose this one. It was great value for money and took about three hours to get round. Lots of interactive attractions
46 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sea Life Blackpool
PromenadeWe went here when we purchased a 3 attractions ticket and the kids chose this one. It was great value for money and took about three hours to get round. Lots of interactive attractions
Absolutely tons to do in here, we actually thought it would be rubbish but the kids wanted to go. it was actually a great half day spent here, its one of those places though once you have been that; it because you know what's in there so one visit will suffice ! A lot of history here too..
97 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Blackpool Tower
Absolutely tons to do in here, we actually thought it would be rubbish but the kids wanted to go. it was actually a great half day spent here, its one of those places though once you have been that; it because you know what's in there so one visit will suffice ! A lot of history here too..