David Chadwick

A Guide to Grange-over-Sands 2024

Being on the northern edge of Morecambe Bay, Grange has been at the mercy of winds and changing sea currents for many centuries.

Early days

In the middle ages Grange was one of Cartmel Priory’s farmsteads.

Before the turn of the last century, Grange became a small fishing village with around a dozen houses, untouched by the hand of the Industrial Revolution.

By the 1820s, Grange was described as a ‘Beautiful sea-bathing village’. There were a small number of villas and hotels being built, including the Crown Inn at the top of the hill (where the mini-roundabout is now).

In 1848 there were two inns, two grocers, a shoemaker, and a tailor.

By 1854, there were some 135 people around Main Street and living around the small hamlet at Cart Lane.

Following the arrival of the railway in 1857, Grange suddenly underwent a complete transformation.

Visitors were looking for accommodation in Grange-over-Sands.

Hotels sprang up in the years that followed, including spas like the Hazelwood Hydro and Grange Hydropathic.

A local golf course was set up in the 1890s, and by the early 1900s the town’s seafront was graced with a stately promenade.

The Grange Lido followed in 1932.

Virtually overnight the area grew up from a few scattered cottages, to become one of the most popular Victorian seaside resorts of its time.

Grange finds itself sheltered from the cold winds by the broad, wooded backdrop of Hampsfell.

People found the mild, dry climate much to their liking.

Arrival of tourism

Large hotels, schools, ornamental parks and the parish church were all built during this period.

Furthermore, numerous guest houses sprang up almost everywhere, in a frenzied attempt to cater for the sudden boom in mass tourism.

As many as 40,000 visitors would flock to the town.

Most arrived by rail, along the line considered one of the most scenic routes in Britain.

The majority of visitors would come during the summer bathing season.

In addition, some visitors would vary their stay to take advantage of the year-round equable climate and savour the medicinal qualities of the local spring water.

Mentioned in a brochure at the time, Grange was described as being the ‘loveliest spot on the Lakeland Coast’.

One inevitable result of the railway preceding the town is that is acted as a barrier to the sea.

Moreover, the line effectively limited the growth of large-scale developments that has blighted other resorts.

The mile-long promenade was built as an afterthought in 1902.

Why not take a stroll along the scenic promenade today, where vibrant flowerbeds line your path?

Be sure to stop by the charming Ornamental Gardens, home to a delightful duck pond.

It quickly became popular with its affinity with the open waters of Morecambe Bay.

Unfortunately, not long afterwards, an accelerated process of silting up occurred out across the sands.

Due to the silting, it eventually, became too shallow for the ferries and private yachts to negotiate.

The town’s heyday has long since gone, but the overall effect of the water as it sweeps across the whole bay is still there.

Fishing

The local fishermen still continue the traditions handed down over many generations.

The fishing industry has slowly declined over recent years. However, the cockles, muscles, shrimps, and fluke from this area are still considered to be of unmatched quality.