Beautiful town with barely any tourists as everyone's in rush to get to Lake District

Grange-over-Sands offers a delightful step back in time for day-trippers.

Perched on the edge of Morecambe Bay, the town exudes a unique coastal charm despite lacking its own beach. A stretch of sand is separated by marshland, yet the salty sea air is unmistakable.

The arrival of the rail line in the 19th century transformed Grange-over-Sands into a fashionable destination. Today, the Victorian and Edwardian influences are still evident, with a lengthy seafront promenade, a charming train station, a neat row of cafes and shops, and ornamental gardens.

Away from the bustling tourist crowds of the nearby Lake District, Grange-over-Sands has a relaxed atmosphere.

The Lake District is just a12-minute drive from Grange-over-Sands. The national park attracts around 18.1million people every year. 

Visitors can leisurely explore hidden gardens or stroll along the promenade, which offers views across the bay to Far Arnside and Silverdale.

The town's sloping topography creates layered areas above the coastline, each offering a different place to discover. This means you can walk along a path directly alongside the town's railway line, while looking down at the sunken Ornamental Gardens on one side and the marshland on the other, reports Manchester Evening News. 

Tucked away in the town is Hazelmere Cafe and Bakery, a charming tea room that blends old-world charm with modern interiors. During my weekend visit, it was bustling with patrons savouring everything from cream teas to light lunches.

Boasting an extensive tea menu with every blend imaginable (upstairs houses Dorothy's Teas, a shop dedicated to all things tea), I opted for the China Rose, a refreshing brew with a subtle rose flavour. Given the cafe's location, one must-try dish is the Potted Morecambe Bay Shrimps served on toast.

Despite never having tried potted shrimps before (their appearance always deterred me), they were delightful. We rounded off our meal with a shared vanilla slice, featuring crisp flaky pastry, smooth custard filling, and sweet icing - a perfect accompaniment to the tea.

The cafe also houses an onsite bakery, open Monday to Saturday. Although it was closed during our visit, it typically offers a wide array of freshly baked breads and over thirty different cakes each day, ranging from Caramel Shortbread to Yorkshire Curd Tart.

It's the ideal spot to pick up some treats to enjoy at home after your visit or to snack on as you explore Grange-over-Sands.

What you need to know.

The journey from Greater Manchester to Grange-over-Sands can be completed in approximately 90 minutes, whether you choose to drive or take a direct train. Parking is available at several locations, including the Main Street car park near the promenade, with charges starting from £1.90 for an hour.

The postcode is LA11 6DY.

Hazelmere Tea House and Restaurant welcomes customers every day from 10am to 4pm (no bookings required), while the bakery shop operates from 7.30am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday.

Visitors are strongly advised against walking on the saltmarsh at Grange-over-Sands due to the presence of dangerous quicksand. Instead, they can enjoy the views from the safety of the promenade.