Grange-over-Sands is a traditional seaside town which sits on the edge of Morecambe Bay in Cumbria. In fact, it is sometimes referred to as ‘the Jewel on the Bay’. With plenty of charm and character and plenty of things to do, it’s a great spot for travellers to visit.
The Promenade
One thing you are almost obliged to do when you visit Grange-over-Sands is walk along the stunning Edwardian promenade. This is one of the best things to do in Grange-over-Sands with dogs. Your four-legged friend will enjoy a stroll along this fantastic feature, a mile in length and stretching all the way along the bay. It offers stunning views of the coastline (and even the Lake District fells in the distance) and a pleasant stroll through ornamental gardens. At the southern end lies the Recreation Ground, a popular park featuring a 9-hole mini-golf putting green plus crazy golf as well as a skate park and games courts.
Golf Club
Officially established in the first decade of the 20th-century, Grange-over-Sands Golf Club offers a challenging 18-hole course (measuring 6,065 yards with a par of 69) with panoramic views of Morecambe Bay and the surrounding countryside. This coastal scenery ensures players will enjoy a memorable experience even if their golfing skills are not quite up to par! Open seven days a week and offering very reasonable course rates, buggies, electric trolleys and club hire.
Holker Hall
Lovers of history and architecture will enjoy a visit to Holker Hall, just a short distance from Grange-over-Sands. There are 23 acres of stunning gardens and woodland to explore, as well as the Neo-Elizabethan hall itself. With an imposing tower and soaring cupola, the exterior of Holker is impressive – and the interior continues the spectacle. You can wander and explore in your own time or take a guided tour full of historical facts, gossip and trivia. Holker is open Wednesday to Sunday each week.
Cartmel
Two miles north of Grange-over-Sands lies Cartmel, a charming and picturesque village known for its medieval priory (around which it originally grew) and its award-winning restaurants. There are cobbled streets to explore, lined with quaint shops, plus Unsworth’s Yard, a collection of artisan food retailers offering local produce. There are also Michelin-starred eateries, including the famous L’Enclume (which also held top spot as the UK’s best restaurant in The Good Food Guide from 2014-2017).
Festivals / events
Throughout the year, Grange-over-Sands hosts a variety of festivals and events which celebrate local culture, music and food. The annual Edwardian Festival sees the town transported back to the early 20th-century, and there are several lively food and drink festivals during the summer which showcase the best of Cumbrian cuisine. Holker Hall hosts the Wild Goat Festival (in late May / early June), which is designed for ‘outdoor types’ and features a mix of music, food, guest speakers and sporting events – you could even take on the stunning Lake District trails with some of sports greatest leading the way!
Music In The Park
If you time your visit right you might catch one of the performances during the annual Music In The Park season in Grange-over-Sands. With a brass band playing from the traditional bandstand in the park at 2pm each Sunday, visitors are encouraged to pull up a deckchair, indulge in an ice cream and enjoy the music. This really pleasant ‘old fashioned’ seaside way to relax is one of the best things to do in Grange-over-Sands. There’s no greater nostalgic grin than the one you’ll get when you hear a brass band puffing and parping their way through some classics.
Cumbria Steam Gathering
Okay, there’s another no greater nostalgic grin! It’s the one you’ll get when you see a steam engine powering up and working at full strength. Grange-over-Sands represents a great chance to get that grin! Each July more than 20,000 visitors descend on nearby Flookborough for the massive Cumbria Steam Gathering event. This weekend-long annual celebration of steam-power has been bringing together steam engines (plus commercial vehicles, classic cars, motorcycles, bikes, agricultural and industrial tractors, farm equipment and stationary engines) from across the world for over fifty years. There are also specialist caterers and craft stalls, plus a traditional fair.
Laurel & Hardy
Just a twenty minute drive along the A590 from Grange-over-Sands is Ulverston. This small town is a mecca for comedy fans the world over, as it was the birthplace of the genius Arthur Jefferson – otherwise known as Stan Laurel. There’s a small but perfectly formed museum dedicated to Stan (and his films with partner Oliver Hardy) at the town’s the Roxy cinema, including personal artefacts as well as memorabilia, there’s a statue of the duo in the town centre and the house on Argyll Street in which Stan was born in 1890 is still standing. There’s also a pub named after him where you can enjoy a pint once you’ve visited all the Stan and Ollie sites.
Grange-over-Sands is a gem, offering a sparkling blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and outdoor adventure. There are plenty of things to see and do, whether you’re after relaxation or excitement. This charming and tasteful British seaside town and surrounding area have something to offer everyone and are well worth some of your time for a visit if you’re at our Scout Cragg or Willow Tree parks.
