The Bay’s Best Beaches

If it’s traditional ‘day at the seaside’ beaches you’re after then Morecambe Bay is the place to be!

In 2018, a number of beaches around the bay have again achieved the coveted ‘Seaside Award’, which celebrates clean, safe and attractive beaches, making sure everyone can enjoy our amazing and unique coasts.

So if you’re looking for a day out by the sea, here are my favourite beaches to visit:

 

Half Moon Bay, Heysham

Half Moon Bay

 

This is a lovely little corner to explore and has plenty to keep everyone amused. There’s plenty of sand for lying on, digging in or playing on, plus there are a couple of lovely easy short walks if you fancy a bit of exploration. Just along the headland at Heysham Cliffs are St Peter’s and St Patrick’s churches with the open tombs and just around the bay in the other direction you’ll find Near Naze lighthouse, built in 1904 to warn boats about the rocks around the harbour. Near the churches you’ll also find a lovely little sandy cove nestled in the cliffs in case you’re feeling anti-social and don’t want to share your picnic with anyone else.

 

Morecambe Seafront

 

A lot of money has been spent on Morecambe seafront and the prom is fabulous with loads to see and do. There are also several lovely sandy spots where the whole family can have fun splashing in the sea and building sandcastles. On top of all of that there are the nearby parks, if the beach isn’t exciting enough, and throughout the year there are festivals and activities in the town – I particularly love the Vintage by the Sea weekend in September which reminds you just how wonderful and special real British seaside towns are. And if you want to see what the place was really like back in its heyday, take a look at this wonderful clip of Morecambe seafront in 1901.

 

Silverdale Cove

 

 

Not your typical sandy beach but SO much to explore – and isn’t that what the seaside is all about? There are paths out around the headlands, caves, nooks, crannies and rock pools and all with beautiful Silverdale village nearby. When the tide is low the walk along the base of the cliffs is a fun challenge and when the tide is in then the walk along the top of the cliffs is equally as beautiful – it’s no wonder the region has inspired so many authors and painters.

 

Sandy Gap, Walney Island

 

Another beautiful beach and this time with glorious views in every direction. To the north beautiful Black Combe dominates the horizon and out to sea the Isle of Man looms large and clear on a sunny day. There are miles and miles of beach here for you to stroll along and enjoy and up at the north end you’ll find North Walney Nature Reserve with dunes and more hidden views to discover. If you enjoy adventures on two wheels Sandy Gap is also the starting point for the Morecambe Bay Cycleway which stretches all the way around to Glasson Dock and is definitely worth exploring.

 

Sandscale Haws

 

We had the most fun when we visited here with dune jumping and a beautiful picnic on the beach at sunset. There are dozens of paths around the reserve and loads of wildlife to spot if you take your binoculars along with you. Honestly, on a warm sunny day on Sandscale Haws you’d be hard pressed to believe you weren’t in the Mediterranean and almost impossible to believe you were only 10 minutes drive from the centre of Barrow-in-Furness. There aren’t many facilities available at this beach so make sure you pack your picnic before you head off and, of course, tidy all your litter up when you’re done.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Parts of Morecambe Bay can be notoriously dangerous so please only explore close to the shoreline and heed all local warnings.