Healthy Grange-over-Sands:
In its heyday, Grange-over-Sands used to be one of the most popular health resorts in the North of England.
During the Victorian period, the sea air was believed to be of benefit to tuberculosis sufferers.
With its mile-long promenade on the coast of Morecambe Bay and easy access for walkers to Hampsfell and Yewbarrow Woods, Grange is well worth a look if you visit Cumbria.
Grange-over-Sands took off as the place to be seen once the Ulverston and Lancaster railway arrived in 1857.
The town became so much more accessible to those from the industrial towns and cities in the North.
The railway company built the original Cumbria Grand Hotel in 1880, which was then known as the Hazelwood Hydro.
This Victorian building was used by visitors who enjoyed billiards, dancing, and games such as tennis, croquet, badminton, quoits, and golf. At one time, the Hazelwood Hydro (then known as the Golf Hotel) owned what is now the Grange-over-Sands golf course.
As Grange tried to establish itself as a ‘Spa’, visitors flocked to the area from the industrial towns of the north, notably for its warmer climate and fresh air.
Hotels, such as the Grange Hotel (below), and other health-related hydropathic establishments were built.
A brochure when the Grange Hotel was then known as Rigg’s hotel, advertised the following, “ The Hotel is well sheltered by hills on the north and east, and is admirably adapted for a winter residence or for invalids. The water supply is exceptionally good being brought from Newton Heights, five miles away from Grange, and is the purest in the neighbourhood”.
The hotel boasted a swimming bath with water drawn from the sea by steam power.
At the bottom of the hotel drive, you will see the original stables (now apartments), and refreshment rooms. These were called ‘The Taps’ and were part of the hotel.
The refreshment rooms were nicknamed ‘the cocoa rooms’ because cocoa was the cheapest drink you could buy.
In 1872, the hotel was leased to Messrs Rigg of the Windermere Hotel, who were among the most experienced hoteliers in the Lake District.
The Rigg’s were also coach operators and ran horse-drawn coaches from the Grange Hotel to the Windermere Hotel.
The building known as ‘Lingholme’ on Fell Road (once the British Legion Club) is another relic of the Spa era. It was built in 1880 as the Grange Hydropathic. With a long roof, broken by eleven tall dormer windows and no less than 49 chimney pots, it was a notable sight in the town. It also had white tile vapour baths and a sea water pool, but ceased to function as a hydro in 1900.
Down on the promenade, pleasure boats and steamers arrived. There was a small pier at Clare House, built in 1893, where boats of varying sizes arrived from across Morecambe Bay.
Imagine stepping back in time to Edwardian England. You stroll along a grand promenade, the gentle sea breeze ruffling your hair.
Tea rooms beckon with freshly baked scones, while a lively bandstand fills the air with music.
Tennis courts invite a friendly match, and ornamental gardens burst with vibrant blooms.
This wasn’t a scene from a dream, but the charming reality of Grange-over-Sands, once aptly nicknamed the “Torquay of the north.”
For wanderlusting souls, Grange offers a haven of well-marked footpaths.
These trails wind through stunning countryside, rewarding you with breathtaking views of the bay and the majestic Lakeland fells.
Craving an extra challenge?
Walk up to the top of Hampsfell.
It’s a thrilling climb that leaves you looking out at the sprawling beauty of Morecambe Bay and the quaint village of Cartmel nestled below.
Whether you seek gentle strolls or exhilarating peaks, Grange-over-Sands promises an unforgettable escape.
Come discover its timeless charm, savor its Edwardian elegance, and let the magic of the north coast work its spell on you.
Ready to book your stay at Lothlorien in beautiful Grange-over-Sands? Click here to enquire.
