Arnside
Could Arnside be Cumbria’s best-kept secret for a stunning sunsets?
Arnside is a former fishing village.
It is situated above the shores of Morecambe Bay on the River Kent, Just below the more famous Lake District National Park, you’ll find the coastal cliffs of Arnside.
One of the many things Arnside boasts is its views.
In fact, there’s no better view than the estuary view.
At a Glance: Arnside
- What it is: A former fishing village on the Kent Estuary, Morecambe Bay
- Best known for: The Arnside Bore (tidal bore), sweeping views of the Lakeland fells, and its Victorian promenade (built c.1897)
- Things to do: Walk or drive up Arnside Knott (521 ft) for panoramic views, follow trails to the Pepper Pot at Silverdale, birdwatch along the estuary, browse independent shops and cafes
- Eat: Fish and chips on the promenade, watching the sunset
- Wildlife & scenery: Part of the Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with limestone pavements home to rare butterflies and alpine plants
- Getting there: 4 minutes by train from Grange-over-Sands (vs c.30 minutes by car around the bay); Arnside is two stops by train from Kents Bank Station
- Nearby stay: Kents Bank Holiday Cottage, Grange-over-Sands — www.kentsbankholiday.co.uk · 07785 944194
From the promenade, which was built around 1897, you will get a panoramic view of the Lakeland hills in the distance.
On a clear day, you can see all the way up to Skiddaw in the far north.
Sitting on the edge of the Kent Estuary, Arnside has been a fishing village, boat building centre and Victorian playground.
The village earned a reputation for boat building and was home to some of the finest traditional boatbuilders.
Arthur Ransome, author of Swallows and Amazons, loved Arnside as a place to visit.
Furthermore, the stone jetty is testimony to the visiting pleasure craft of yesteryear.
There is a strong tide here at Arnside, and boat enthusiasts are generally safe if they prepare and take reasonable precautions.
The River Kent does not just flow out to sea. It sometimes flows back up the river in a phenomenon known as the Arnside Bore.
The tidal bore occurs at high tides, especially spring tides, where the incoming tide of Morecambe Bay narrows into the river estuary right in front of the village’s promenade.
A peaceful village with pretty shops, it attracts holidaymakers to its waterfront with magnificent views over to the Lakeland fells.
Arnside is popular with walkers, cyclists and birdwatchers, being home to much coastal birdlife.
The areas around Arnside are renowned as designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Keep your eyes peeled for rare butterflies and alpine succulents that shelter amongst the limestone pavements.
You can drive or walk to Arnside Knott, where you will be treated to a panoramic view of the Lakeland fells.
Arnside Knott is a rolling 521-foot fell just south of the village.
From here, there are many lovely walks around the Knott with woodland offering some shade.
As mentioned, there are many fine walks around the Knott and up to the Pepperpot at Silverdale.
A little to the south of Arnside Knott is the ruined thirteenth-century Arnside Tower. It was badly damaged by fire in 1602.
It appears to have been something of a large Pele Tower.
There are similar towers in Beetham, Hazelslack, and Wraysholme.
Further on from Arnside Knott, the sparkling sands of Morecambe Bay come into view.
Arnside Knott is a rolling 521-foot fell just south of the village.
From here, there are many lovely walks around the Knott with woodland offering some shade.
This quaint old former fishing village has a charming promenade with independent shops, pubs and cafes.
Arnside was once an important setting-off point for trips across the bay, and the railway viaduct you see today crossing the estuary is built at an old fording point.
Today, the railway journey from Arnside to Grange-over-Sands takes just four minutes over the viaduct.
The equivalent car journey around the bay takes closer to thirty minutes.
The fish and chip shop sells the best fish and chips for miles around.
From the promenade, the Arnside sunsets are spectacular and from the pier, watching the tide roar in on the bore never fails to fascinate.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) Does Arnside have a railway station?
Answer: Yes, Arnside Station is on the Furness line starting at Carnforth.
Arnside is two stops by train from Kents Bank Railway Station.
Where to Stay near Arnside
If you are looking for a Grange-over-Sands dog-friendly holiday cottage with easy access to Arnside, ring 07785944194 or enquire here.
How to Book Kents Bank Holiday Cottage
Booking Kents Bank Holiday Cottage in Grange-over-Sands is quick and simple. Just visit our website at kentsbankholiday.co.uk or give us a call on 07785944194.
We’re always happy to answer your questions and help you find the perfect dates for your stay.
Our friendly team makes the whole process easy, so you can focus on looking forward to your relaxing holiday near Arnside and the Lake District.