You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Arnside
Supported by
Located at the southernmost tip of the Lake District, the former fishing village of Arnside has developed into a popular resort town set in a designated National Landscape.
Seaside cafes, espresso bars and bakeries jostle for position along the historic promenade - all offering tempting snacks, hot drinks and pastries. When you’re by the sea, you’ve just got to have fish and chips at least once during your stay and the fish and chips at Arnside won’t disappoint!
There’s always plenty of fresh fish on the menu for restaurants in and around Arnside and nearby Sandside, but there’s lots of lovely, local meat too. If you’re lucky enough to be here on a warm day, sit back on a local beer garden and soak in the view over a pint of real ale, a craft lager or a glass of wine, while you enjoy some traditional tasty pub food.
Many of the cafes, pubs and restaurants have the advantage of stunning views across the bay, so what better way to enjoy your beautifully prepared meal, than watching the sun go down across the bay.
Arnside grew in popularity during the 19th century when pleasure boats sailing from Morecambe and Fleetwood would dock there. Visitors to Arnside can still enjoy a stroll along the Victorian promenade and nothing beats the spectacular sunsets gazing out across the Kent Estuary against the backdrop of the Lakeland fells.
The railway age also had a major impact on Arnside. The construction of the Arnside Viaduct to carry the Furness Railway over the estuary made the village even more accessible and led to a proliferation of grand guesthouses, many of which still line the promenade. Today, Arnside railway station is part of the Cumbrian Coast Line, providing train connections to Grange-over-Sands, Ulverston, Barrow-in-Furness and onwards up the Lake District coast.
The church at nearby Beetham dates back to Norman times and was once an important ecclesiastical centre, with a so-called ‘coffin route’ linking the village to Arnside. En-route is a narrow rock staircase known locally as the Fairy Steps. According to local legend, if you descend the natural stone steps without touching the sides, the fairies will grant your wishes!
If you’re looking for retail therapy, enjoy an eclectic mix of small, independent shops scattered along Arnside promenade. Look out for a quirky selection of local arts and crafts, antiques and ceramics, cards, toys and unusual mementos of your visit which stand out from the crowd. It’s the antithesis to mass produced gifts you might find elsewhere.
A haven for birds, rare butterflies and alpine plants, this special place is renowned for its spectacular limestone pavements, ancient woodlands, meadows and coastal scenery.
A fantastic network of footpaths make the National Landscape a great place for walking of all abilities. The National Trust’s 260-acre site at Arnside Knott is perfect for scenic wooded walks with stunning views across Morecambe Bay; walk up to the ‘Pepper Pot’ at nearby Silverdale or wind round the cliff tops along the coastline. This area is renowned for its butterflies in the summer months, including the rare Scotch Argus and High Brown Fritillary. In Arnside itself, visit Dobshall Wood and Grubbins Wood.
For two-wheeled adventures, the Bay Cycle Way (NCN 700) is a great mix of quiet lanes and traffic-free paths which winds its way through the National Landscape.
Discover more about Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape
Beetham – A little further inland, this attractive village on the banks of the River Bela can trace its lineage back to Anglo-Saxon times, with its ancient church, fortified farmhouse and historic corn mill.
Silverdale - A picturesque coastal village overlooking Morecambe Bay. Located around 8 miles north of Lancaster looking across Morecambe Bay to the Lake District, Silverdale stands within the National Landscape. It’s also home to Leighton Moss, the RSPB coastal nature reserve.
The Welcome Back to High Streets Project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and HM Government as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. More information here.
Fun facts and tantalising trivia about the village of Arnside. Click for more details.
This year we will celebrating Christmas at Levens Hall by opening the House and part of the Topiary…
Celebrate Christmas at Levens Hall this December. Levens Hall are celebrating the festive season…
Originating as a 16th Century farmhouse, Crooklands has grown into a 31 bedroomed, fully accessible…
Located on the fringes of the Lake District, Westmorland County Show is a fantastic day out – voted…
Renowned for our warm welcome and nothing is too much attitude, Crooklands is proud of it's…
Kentwood is a tastefully renovated Victorian family home the property is 100 yds from the Promenade…
Legendary magician the Great Baldini (the emperor of illusion, the prince of prestidigitation, the…
St Peter’s, the oldest site of worship in the old county of Westmorland and the building we see…
Enjoy a quintessential English Afternoon Tea at Crooklands. A selection of sandwiches,…
From 5th – 8th December, Beetham Nurseries transforms into a wonderfully festive Christmas market…
Golf Lake District is a new Golf tourism business that is promoting Golf courses and Hotels in the…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
Located in the South Lakes, our hotel is furnished to 5-star standard with the Brettargh Suite for…
Cumbrian Coastal Route 200 - Section 1 - Morecambe Bay - The Foodie Peninsula: Discover the…
Now in its 17th year Country Fest will again be held at the Westmorland County Showground,…
Within easy reach of Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Morecambe Bay. The Lancaster Canal within…
Join us to learn about the night skies in Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape. The evening…
A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. …
This experience will take you into an area of Foulshaw Moss not open to the general public. It's…
Welcoming holidaymakers from far and wide, whether you’re looking for a fully serviced pitch for…
Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of
Number of results: 14
Milnthorpe, Near Kendal
Originating as a 16th Century farmhouse, Crooklands has grown into a 31 bedroomed, fully accessible hotel offering the latest technology. Family run by brothers Rob & Chris Vincent, they have created a unique atmosphere where locals, business and…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1172 reviewsMilnthorpe, Near Kendal
Renowned for our warm welcome and nothing is too much attitude, Crooklands is proud of it's reputation for excellent customer service and food. Choose to dine in one of our two restaurants, both offering unique ambiances or our cosy bar and snug…
Arnside
Kentwood is a tastefully renovated Victorian family home the property is 100 yds from the Promenade and Estuary in Amside. The bedrooms have views of the Estuary and Viaduct and the Lakeland Fells. Sit outside on our terraced garden taking in the…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
32 reviewsMILNTHORPE
St Peter’s, the oldest site of worship in the old county of Westmorland and the building we see today reflects its long and fascinating history.
Milnthorpe, Near Kendal
Enjoy a quintessential English Afternoon Tea at Crooklands. A selection of sandwiches, mouth-watering individual cakes and fruit scones with jam and cream, all served with a choice of Farrer's Speciality Tea or Coffee. For an extra indulgence, we…
Milnthorpe
Golf Lake District is a new Golf tourism business that is promoting Golf courses and Hotels in the Cumbria area. Tailor made packages will be put in place for all customers so they can enjoy Cumbria Golf to its full potential. Our knowledgeable…
Kendal
Located in the South Lakes, our hotel is furnished to 5-star standard with the Brettargh Suite for ceremonies and smaller functions, and a spectacular purpose-built marquee pavilion for all occasions.
Cumbrian Coastal Route 200 - Section 1 - Morecambe Bay - The Foodie Peninsula:
Discover the Cumbrian side of Morecambe Bay, taking in some of the foodie destinations that have made this area their home before ending in the colourful town of…
Milnthorpe, Kendal
Within easy reach of Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Morecambe Bay. The Lancaster Canal within walking distance. Various small villages and eatery's locally. Rail 6 miles.
Kendal
A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. Also home to the world's oldest topiary gardens, designed by Guillaume Beaumont, retain many original features. Cafe, Gift Shop and Plant Centre.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
731 reviewsGrange-over-Sands
This experience will take you into an area of Foulshaw Moss not open to the general public. It's ideal for those who love this special nature reserve and want to see something new, as well as those who haven't visited before and would like exclusive…
Silverdale
Welcoming holidaymakers from far and wide, whether you’re looking for a fully serviced pitch for your own touring caravan, motorhome or tent, planning a break in our holiday cottage on the park, or would like a stay in one of our quirky glamping…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
353 reviewsKendal
The castle is surrounded by formal gardens and estate grounds/parkland with footpaths and children’s adventure trail. The Tramper can be used to explore the formal gardens and the gravelled terrace surrounding the castle and overlooking the Mirror…
CARNFORTH
Free car parking spaces on the promenade offering excellent estuary views
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL