Local Beach Guide
The Lancaster District is a very diverse area and we are blessed not only with rolling countryside, hills, rivers, beautiful towns and villages, a thriving city with a historic castle but the seaside too.
The Morecambe Bay is the largest expanse of intertidal mudflats and sand in the United Kingdom, covering a total area of 120 sq miles! The bay is notorious for its quicksand and fast moving tides (it is said that the tide can come in “as fast as a horse can run”) but there are some beautiful beaches to enjoy along the stretch of the coast. If you want to paddle in the sea, however, it is best to check out the local tide times at tidetimes.org.uk.
Morecambe South Beach
Parking: Closest car parking at the Battery and Bay Arena. Various other car parks in Morecambe within walking distance.
Dogs: Banned from 1st May to 30th September. Allowed on the promenade on leads.
Swimming: Yes (dependant on tides), but need to be aware of dangers (rip tides, strong currents etc.) No lifeguard cover but beach patrol officers on duty to oversee public safety.
Refreshments: Ice cream van on prom, Breeze Café at the Battery and Stone Jetty café
Disabled access: Yes
Toilets: Paid toilets at the battery (20p)
Water standard: Predictedsufficient
Morecambe North Beach
Parking: Bay Arena
Dogs: Banned from 1st May to 30th September
Swimming: Yes (dependant on tides), but need to be aware of dangers (rip tides, strong currents etc.) No lifeguard cover but beach patrol officers on duty to oversee public safety.
Refreshments: Closest are Clock Tower café, ice cream on promenade. Various other food outlets available in the town centre and along Marine Road.
Disabled access: Yes
Toilets: Paid toilets available at the Clock Tower (20p)
Water standard: Predicted sufficient
Half Moon Bay
Parking:HalfMoonBayCarPark(FREE)
Dogs: Dogs allowed
Swimming: Yes (dependant on tides), but need to be aware of dangers (rip tides, strong currents etc.) No lifeguard cover but beach patrol officers on duty to oversee public safety.
Refreshments: Half Moon Cafe is Open for breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, and afternoon tea, we source all of our produce locally and provide the best bacon barms in Lancashire all day long!
Disabled access: Yes
Toilets: At the Half Moon Cafe
Water standard: Predicted sufficient
Silverdale
Silverdale is an attractive village well located on the shores of Morecambe Bay in the Arnside & Silverdale AONB. There are plenty of easy walks in the surrounding woodland. Why not head up to Arnside Knott to enjoy the sweeping sea views? Or head for the shoreline following the mix of beach and rock down to Jenny Brown’s Point. The Lancashire Coastal Way footpath goes from Silverdale to Freckleton, and the Cumbria Coastal Way goes from Silverdale to Gretna.
Facilities: There are a number of cafés in Silverdale. Bike hire is also available.
Beach cleans: Beach cleans take place on a regular basis meeting at Holgates caravan park and nearby Arnside. We are always looking for more volunteers. All equipment provided and all welcome.
Hest Bank
The sandflats and saltmarshes of Morecambe Bay are vital feeding grounds for a quarter of a million wading birds, ducks and geese. It’s the second most important estuary in the UK and is protected by European and UK law. During the hour before high tide, spectacular flocks of waders gather to roost at Hest Bank. Do not go out onto the saltmarsh or intertidal area – there are dangerous channels and quicksand. On blustery days if you don’t feel inclined to leave the car you can get still great views from the car park.
Facilities
• Car park: The car park is owned by the local authority.
• A nearby cafe is open seasonally.
• Dog-Friendly
Beach cleans
Beach cleans take place on a regular basis. We are always looking for more volunteers. All equipment provided and all welcome. http://www.morecambebay.org.uk/events?page=1
