Around a 20-minute drive from Hawthorns you’ll find yourselves stumbling upon Arnside and Silverdale. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty sits on the border between Lancashire and Cumbria, and is simply teaming with wonderful things to see and experience. Whether you’re going for the gorgeous views, for a hillside scramble or to spot the many varieties of birds and butterflies, add a few off these notable days out to your to do list too!
Arnside Knott
Make your way through shady glades and across heaths and pastures on the short but beautiful walk around Arnside Knott. There is an abundance of wildlife waiting to be discovered, from the Scotch Argos Butterfly to characterful woodpeckers. Along the way you’ll also benefit from many breath-taking views such as the ones over to Ingleborough, the Lakeland hills and Grange-over-Sands.
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Lakeland Wildfire Oasis
If you like your wildlife a little more on the exotic side, then this tucked away gem of a zoo is just the thing. With interactive displays, fossil exhibits and even some impressive snow leopards, this wildlife park truly is an oasis. Great fun for visitors of any age and the walk through the tropical halls is particularly popular!
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Beetham Fairy Steps
For those that believe in magic, the Beetham Fairy Steps are a must-see. Legend has it that if you can climb the steps and make it through the sheer limestone gully without touching the sides, the fairies will grant your wish! A beautiful trail that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike, see if you can spot some of the fairy folk dancing in this enchanted walk.
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Arnside Tower
Built in the late 14th or early 15th century, Arnside Tower has now been weathered by the elements and ravaged by fire, but would have originally been an impressive five storeys tall. Walking up to the pele tower also gives you an opportunity to get some beautiful photographs of the surrounding landscape, as well as close ups of Arnside Tower’s craggy walls.
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The Wells of Silverdale
Once supplying water to the villagers and livestock of the area, the Wells of Silverdale are no longer in use but are a lovely glimpse back in time. If you’re going to wander through the area be sure to stop for a picnic close to Bank Well as it has now formed a pond and offers a bounty of wildlife ready for you to spot.
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Carnforth Station Heritage Centre
Used as the setting for David Lean’s film, Brief Encounter, the station has now been lovingly restored to its 1940s glory, and is a fantastic place to learn about the history of the area. Growing from a one platform station to seeing thousands of servicemen pass through during the two World Wars, this fascinating station has seen it all – and they serve a lovely spot of cake in the Refreshment Room too!
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Warton Crag
Although the huge sheer cliff face of Warton Crag was created by man during its days as a limestone quarry, it has now been reclaimed by the land around it and is home to wildlife including Peregrin falcons. Walking to the top takes you right up past the cliff, through woodland and up an ascent which is not for the faint of heart – but well worth it for the views of Arnside, Silverdale and Morecambe Bay.
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Leighton Moss Nature Reserve
Home to the largest reed bed in north-west England, Leighton Moss is rich in wildlife ranging from egrets and march harriers to red deer and even mischievous otters. This beautiful habitat has plenty of viewing points, trails, guided walks and even educational facilities for little ones to get up close and personal with some of the creatures and plants from the area. There’s a lovely café too, so it’s great for warming up with a cup of tea and some cake after a day of exploration.
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Cinderbarrow Miniature Railway
Owned and cared for by a group of local model engineers and enthusiasts, Cinderbarrow Miniature Railway is open to the public for rides on Sundays and bank holidays. Kids can learn more about the engines and it offers the perfect picnic spot, surrounded by charming woodland that’s great for building dens and exploring.
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Arnside Pier
After exploring the area, there’s no better way to end the day than enjoying freshly made local fish and chips whilst sat on Arnside Pier. This small stone pier has a couple of benches that offer a great spot to see the train crossing the low bridge across the estuary or just watch the world go by.
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If you have any questions about the sights around Arnside and Silverdale, or fancy some recommendations during your stay at Hawthorns Caravan Park, then simply pop into our tourist information/library during your stay.
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