With sublime views of the Lake District, a wealth of walking routes and one of England’s best fish and chip shops, Arnside is a perfect spot for a weekend break in northern England.
Sitting in a hidden pocket of nature-rich countryside just south of the Lake District, this charming seaside village sits in the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (now known as a ‘National Landscape’), and is often overlooked by travellers heading to more famous spots. Whilst the lure of Windermere’s waters and Helvellyn’s slopes draws millions of tourists each year, only a fraction of the Lake District’s visitors will call in at Arnside. They are missing out.
Whether you want to get your hiking boots on or are keen to explore the local shops and eateries, here are eight brilliant things to do during a weekend in Arnside
1. Take in the views from the top of Arnside Knott
Best for: Fantastic views of the Lake District fells.
The walk from Arnside to the summit of Arnside Knott, a small hill that stands at a humble 159m above sea level, should take 25 to 30 minutes. Although Arnside Knott is not a Wainwright, it offers guidebook-worthy views of the famous Lakeland fells and across the vast expanse of Morecambe Bay.
The route up Arnside Knott follows a winding country lane out of the village. Before long, you will find yourself above the rooftops, gazing out through the branches to the glistening sands of Morecambe Bay below.
As you approach the summit of Arnside Knott, the treeline begins to thicken, and the views become sporadic once more. However, upon reaching the top, you will be rewarded with a stunning vista in all directions. Beauty abounds athe summit, from the sprawling Lake District peaks to the Howgill Fells and the rolling Lancashire hills.
On a clear day, you can even catch glimpses of vast offshore wind farms standing tall in the Irish Sea. In the opposite direction, the Yorkshire Peak of Ingleborough looms on the horizon.
2. Watch the tidal bore rolling in from Morecambe Bay
Best for: Admiring the power of nature – from a safe distance!
One of the most impressive natural phenomena at Arnside is the tidal bore. Tidal bores occur when the rising tide races in from the sea, forming an isolated wave that sweeps towards the shore. Check for a summary of the tide times – the best tidal bores occur at the highest tides.
If a particularly impressive bore is forecast, expect a small crowd to gather at Arnside. You may well hear the bore before you see it. A frantic whooshing heralds its arrival before it races down the river and under the Arnside viaduct.
Read next: Exploring the shores of Slovenia’s Lake Bohinj
3. Tuck into dinner from the fantastic Arnside fish and chips shop
Best for: Enjoying a quintessential British seaside experience.
No trip to the seaside is complete without tucking into a classic fish and chips. Arnside boasts one of the best “chippies” around, attracting diners from near and far. Queues that stretch around the corner are not unheard of at busy times. The small shop’s busy schedule is testimony to the enduring popularity of this local favourite.
Our menu tip? Stick to the classic. A haddock or cod and chips is hard to beat.
4. Take a train ride along the Cumbria coast
Best for: Discovering little-visited corners of Cumbria.
Despite its rural location, Arnside is surprisingly well-connected. A 30-minute drive takes you to the shores of Windermere in the heart of the Lake District. Meanwhile, Arnside station offers fast rail connections to Manchester, Lancaster and beyond.
The Cumbrian Coast Line is a popular train journey from Arnside that snakes up the county’s coast. The route circumnavigates the Lake District National Park and passes through a plethora of attractive villages. It offers a fantastic day out and a chance to explore an area of the country that tourists rarely visit. Expect sweeping rocky beaches, enormous views and heaps of adventure.
How to do it: You can buy train tickets for all Arnside departures from Northern.
5. Admire the views of Arnside viaduct
Best for: Marvelling at a true feat of railway engineering.
For those who decide to hop on the train and explore the Cumbrian coast, the first landmark on the journey is the Arnside Viaduct – also known as the Kent Viaduct.
Built in 1856 by the Ulverston and Lancaster Railway and stretching for 522 yards over the River Kent estuary, the viaduct stands tall at the northeastern tip of Morecambe Bay. A constant presence on the horizon, the viaduct was reconstructed in 2010 at a cost of £11m and continues to connect Arnside with the southern edges of Cumbria.
Walkers hoping for a quick shortcut to the town of Grange-over-Sands are, however, out of luck. The Arnside viaduct is for trains only.
Read next: Ten fantastic things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds
6. Go for a walk by Arnside beach (but be careful!)
Best for: Blowing the cobwebs away next to Morecambe Bay.
Walking on the beach at Arnside is possible – in theory. However, we would not recommend it unless you are with a local who knows what they are doing. Even then, you should not venture too far. The tides at Morecambe Bay are notoriously dangerous, with lethal quicksand never too far away.
The best way to walk at sea level without heading onto the beach is to follow the narrow path around the bay that begins at the promenade car park. This paved trail stands slightly elevated from the beach but offers sublime views across to the impressive Arnside viaduct and the looming peaks of the Lake District beyond.
If you must walk on the beach, stick close to the shoreline and do not take any risks. People often need rescuing from within a stone’s throw of the car park, having ventured too far out onto the sands. Under no circumstances should you attempt to swim when visiting Arnside beach.
Dogs are allowed on the beach at Arnside, but the usual rules apply – clean up after them and always keep the dangers of Morecambe Bay in mind. The best place to walk your dog by the beach at Arnside is next to Arnside Beach Car Park, where patches of grass among the sand are a helpful indicator of quicksand-free zones.
Top Tip: Guide Over Sands offers guided walks across Morecambe Bay from Arnside to Grange-over-Sands.
7. Enjoy a sweet treat at Arnside Beach Hut
Best for: Taking a short break on your seaside walk in Arnside.
If you follow the paved walkway that tracks alongside the beach from the promenade car park, you will eventually reach Arnside Beach Hut. This small cafe receives rave reviews from locals and visitors alike and serves up an array of sweet treats and hot drinks that will keep even the most exhausted of hikers going.
From gorgeously gooey brownies to decadent ice creams perfect for a hot summer’s day, Arnside Beach Hut might just become your new favourite pick-me-up spot.
Read next: A guide to hiking up Wild Boar Fell in the Yorkshire Dales
8. Support local businesses at one of Arnside’s small shops
Best for: Spending your money to support the local economy.
Although Arnside is a small village of just over 2,000 residents, it has a handful of locally-run shops that would love your support.
From She Sells, which offers an array of pre-owned designer clothes to ladies looking for a bargain, to The Coast Office, a family-run gift shop with a host of handmade souvenirs to snap up, a visit to Arnside is a great way to discover new independent businesses.
Read next: Discover the beautiful walk between Arnside and Warton
A weekend in Arnside: How to do it
A short stay in Arnside promises a perfect blend of seaside tranquillity, scenic hikes and a taste of life in a quiet Cumbrian village. Here’s how to plan your weekend escape:
How to get to Arnside by public transport
The easiest way to get to Arnside by public transport is to take the train. The village boasts its own railway station on the Furness and Cumbrian Coast lines, with direct services running from the nearby cities of Manchester and Lancaster.
If you’re travelling from further afield – perhaps from Leeds – you can change at Carnforth or Lancaster to catch the connecting service to Arnside.
For the latest timetables, visit the Northern website.
Once you arrive at Arnside station, you are just a two-minute walk from the main promenade – and you’ll even pass the fish and chip shop along the way.
How to get to Arnside by car
Arnside is easy to get to if you’d prefer to drive. From the M6, exit at Junction 35 (Carnforth) and follow the signs for Arnside via the A6 and B5282.
The village is roughly 20 minutes from the motorway, although you could opt to take a scenic route through the heart of the National Landscape if you prefer.
Once you arrive at the promenade, you will find plenty of spaces available. On sunny weekend, these spaces can fill quickly, so consider arriving early or consider leaving the car behind entirely.
Be warned: The main beach car park is one of the best spots to park on a sunny day. However, the car park is prone to becoming very muddy after a period of heavy rain. If the weather isn’t great, we suggest trying to park further along the promenade.
The best time to visit
Truth be told, Arnside is beautiful at any time of year. We’ve visited during all four seasons, and there’s merit to each of them.
Spring and early autumn bring mild weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal seasons for woodland walks, birdwatching at nearby RSPB Leighton Moss and scenic drives through the countryside. If you visit during autumn, you’ll also find the trees alive with vibrant colours – perfect for leaf peeping.
Summer is, unsurprisingly, the busiest time to visit – the village comes to life with families and holidaymakers enjoying the best of the warm weather. Arnside is at its liveliest during these months, which may suit those looking for a place with a bit of a buzz.
Winter, meanwhile, offers the opportunity for a tranquil retreat for hardy walkers. You may strike lucky and get a crisp, sunny winter day – the best conditions for enjoying wonderful views across Morecambe Bay and to the distant mountains of the Lake District. Occasionally, you may even get a dusting of snow – making your winter experience a little more magical.