Arnside and Silverdale Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Arnside and Silverdale, featuring outdoor adventures, natural attractions, cultural landmarks, local food and drinks, accommodations, and transportation options.


Introduction to Arnside and Silverdale

Located in North West England, Arnside and Silverdale is a picturesque area that features a serene seaside, scenic landscapes, and charming small towns. The region is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and history buffs.

List of Places to Visit in Arnside and Silverdale

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Arnside and Silverdale AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) - a protected area rich in flora and fauna, hiking trails, and birdwatching spots.
  • Leighton Hall - a majestic Georgian house with beautiful gardens, vintage car displays, and falconry demonstrations.
  • Warton Old Rectory - an ancient 14th century building that used to be a residence of Catholic priests during the Elizabethan era.
  • The Heron Theater - a charming venue for performing arts shows, music concerts, and movie screenings.

Natural Attractions of Arnside and Silverdale: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Arnside Knott - a popular hiking trail with stunning panoramic views of the coast and limestone hills.
  • RSPB Leighton Moss Nature Reserve - home to a variety of rare bird species and offering guided tours and birdwatching hides.
  • Silverdale Golf Club - a scenic golf course with stunning views of Morecambe Bay and the surrounding hills.
  • Fairy Steps - a magical limestone staircase underneath a canopy of trees that, according to legend, you must climb in nine steps while counting backwards to avoid bad luck.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Arnside and Silverdale

  • Arnside Knott - a moderately challenging 2.5-mile hike with panoramic views of the coast.
  • Eaves Wood - a family-friendly 1.5-mile walk that leads to stunning views of the Kent Estuary.
  • The Shoreline Way - a 10-mile biking trail that offers picturesque views of the coast and hills.
  • The Pepperpot - a short but steep climb that rewards hikers with stunning views of the Kent Estuary and the Lancashire hills.

Best Things to Do in Arnside and Silverdale: Activities and Tours

  • Coastal Walks and Beachcombing - take a leisurely stroll along the seaside and explore the beautiful beaches and coves.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing - explore the coast and estuaries by hiring a kayak or canoe and experiencing the beauty of the region from the water.
  • Food and Drink Tours - take a tour of local breweries and vineyards to experience the region’s food and drink culture.
  • Horse Riding - explore the countryside on horseback and enjoy stunning views of the landscape.

Week-Long Itinerary for Arnside and Silverdale

Day Activities
Day 1 Explore the town of Arnside, visit the Arnside Pier and Arnside Chip Shop
Day 2 Hike up Arnside Knott and enjoy panoramic views of the coast and countryside
Day 3 Visit Leighton Hall and the nearby village of Warton
Day 4 Explore the RSPB Leighton Moss Nature Reserve and go birdwatching
Day 5 Take a scenic biking trail around the coast
Day 6 Enjoy a leisurely seaside walk and a day trip to nearby Lancaster
Day 7 Try out horse riding and visit the fairy steps

Food and Drink Scene of Arnside and Silverdale

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lancashire Hotpot - a hearty meat stew with lamb or beef, potatoes, and vegetables.
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding - a classic English dessert made with dates and toffee sauce.
  • Local seafood - sample freshly caught fish and shellfish including shrimp, crab, and lobster.
  • Kendal Mint Cake - a sweet treat named after the town of Kendal, made with sugar and peppermint.

Local Beverages

  • Lancaster Bomber Ale - a local ale brewed in Lancaster, named after the WWII bomber planes.
  • Cumbrian Gin - a boutique gin made with local botanicals and water from the Lake District.
  • Damson Gin - a sweet and fruity gin made with damson plums, a local delicacy.

Where to Stay in Arnside and Silverdale: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Royal Silverdale - a cozy guesthouse with panoramic views of the coast and countryside.
  • The Priory - a historic building turned boutique hotel in the town of Cartmel.
  • The Silverdale Hotel - a charming family-run hotel with comfortable rooms and a restaurant that serves local cuisine.
  • The Longlands Inn and Restaurant - a country inn with rustic rooms and a restaurant that serves hearty pub fare.

What to Buy in Arnside and Silverdale: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Cumbrian Pottery - handmade pottery crafted in the Lake District.
  • Kendal Mint Cake - a sweet treat named after the town of Kendal.
  • Local cheeses - sample the region’s signature cheeses including Lancashire, Cheddar, and Stilton.
  • Herdwick Wool - high-quality wool produced from a rare breed of sheep unique to the Lake District.

Local Culture and Customs of Arnside and Silverdale

  • The region has a rich maritime history, as evidenced by the numerous shipwrecks and fishing heritage.
  • The local dialect is unique to the region and features a distinct accent and vocabulary.
  • The region hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Arnside Chip Shop Day, the Silverdale and Arnside Art and Crafts Trail, and the Warton Carnival.

Best Time to Visit Arnside and Silverdale

The best time to visit Arnside and Silverdale is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the region is beautiful all year round, with different seasons offering different charms.

Do’s and Don’ts of Arnside and Silverdale

Do:

  • Respect the natural beauty of the region and follow the “leave no trace” principle.
  • Take advantage of the region’s outdoor activities and scenic views.
  • Try out the local food and drink scene, including the seafood and locally brewed beer.
  • Learn about the region’s history and cultural landmarks.

Don’t:

  • Litter the countryside or harm the wildlife.
  • Ignore safety precautions, especially when hiking or participating in outdoor activities.
  • Disrespect the locals or their customs and traditions.
  • Visit during peak season if you prefer a more peaceful and less crowded experience.

Safety and Health

Safety in Arnside and Silverdale

  • Always observe safety precautions when hiking or participating in outdoor activities.
  • Be aware of the tides when visiting the coast and estuaries.
  • Lock your vehicle and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.
  • Follow COVID-19 safety guidelines and restrictions.

Health in Arnside and Silverdale

  • There are no major health risks in the region, but visitors are advised to have comprehensive travel insurance and be prepared for emergencies.
  • There are several GP surgeries and pharmacies in the region, and the nearest hospital is in Lancaster.

Getting to Arnside and Silverdale: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Arnside and Silverdale

  • Manchester Airport - 60 miles away.
  • Liverpool John Lennon Airport - 65 miles away.
  • Leeds Bradford Airport - 77 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Arnside and Silverdale

  • Arnside Bus Station - located in the town center, with connections to nearby towns and cities.
  • Carnforth Bus Station - located 4 miles away, with connections to major cities in the North West.

Other Options

  • Train - Arnside has a train station with regular services to Lancaster, Manchester, and Leeds.
  • Car - the region is easily accessible by car, with major roads including the M6 and A6.

How to Get Around in Arnside and Silverdale

  • Walking - the best way to explore the region, with many hiking trails and scenic walks.
  • Cycling - a popular and scenic way to see the area, with several biking trails and rental shops available.
  • Driving - a convenient way to explore the surrounding area, but parking can be limited in some towns and villages.

Where to Go Next from Arnside and Silverdale: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • The Lake District - a stunning and popular national park known for its crystal-clear lakes and rugged fells.
  • Lancaster - a charming historic city with a rich cultural heritage and several interesting landmarks.
  • Morecambe - a seaside town with a lively promenade, arcades, and beautiful views of the bay.

Conclusion

Arnside and Silverdale is a hidden gem in North West England, offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and local food and drink. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful seaside getaway, a refreshing hike in nature, or a taste of English heritage and culture, Arnside and Silverdale has something to offer for everyone.