Local Life - St Helens - June 2019

32
Away from the
Crowds
Fancy something a bit different this summer away
from the crowds of traditional seaside resorts? A
relaxing weekend away or a day out in one of the
North West’s lesser-known resorts can be just the
ticket. Rural hotspots like Arnside or Grange-over-
Sands could be the ideal place to while away those
long, warm summer days.
Arnside & Silverdale
Nestled just north of Morecambe in Cumbria,
Arnside is a quiet resort and former fishing port.
With glorious views over Morecambe Bay, the
village provides the perfect balance of seaside
and country fields and is filled with quaint shops
and tearooms, with cosy B&Bs tucked along the
waterfront. Arnside Pier might not be long, but it’s
certainly a tranquil place to watch the world go by
with a 99; Pier Lane Gallery is also well worth a
visit to enjoy art by local
people.
of Arnside, also offers sites of historical acclaim –
Arnside Tower dates back to the fifteenth century
and originally stretched to five storeys high. The
impressive ruin is Grade II* listed and can be viewed
from the nearby public footpath. Nearby, the
Pepperpot was built back in 1887 to commemorate
Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee, and a glorious walk
winds through Eaves Wood and up King William’s
Hill to reach the monument.
Grange-over-Sands
One of the Lake District’s many natural beauty spots
– and just a short hop over to Windermere – Grangeover-Sands
offers plenty to do for any discerning
daytripper. Begin at Holker Hall & Gardens, an estate
which spans 17,000 acres and provides a stunning
backdrop for a picnic before you head inside to tour
the Hall and its gardens,
A five minute drive away
is Arnside Knott, a wildlife
area of international
importance run by the
National Trust. Made up
of limestone grassland
and wet meadow,
the land is excellent
for bug spotting and
birdwatching – it’s
renowned for various
species of butterfly and
songbirds, with plenty
of walking routes
around the area.
Parkgate Salt Marsh & Quayside
Silverdale, just south