Whilst camping in nearby Silverdale , we visited one of my favourite Seaside towns, the charming resort of Grange-Over-Sands. Grange is situated on the southern tip of the Cartmel peninsula and looks out over Morecambe Bay. Salt Marsh meadows reach out towards the sea and mountains rise majestically on the horizon. The town itself was built in 1894 and retains an Edwardian feel. It’s a quiet less touristy area of the Lake District, yet is only 7 miles from Windermere. Here are a few things I spotted on our visit. 🙂
Stripey Geese. Grange has some attractive Ornamental Gardens that feature a large pond , where quite an array of water birds from all over the world reside. My favourites are these Bar Headed Geese with their striking black and white markings. They are apparently one of the world’s highest flying birds , their winter migration from Central Asia to South Asia being one of the most arduous routes ever. But I think these handsome guys just enjoy hanging out in lovely Grange-Over-Sands.
Look! A Lido! The town has a Lido. Unfortunately it seems to have been abandoned . 😦 Obviously I couldn’t really get any great photographs without breaking and entering, so I just had to peer through the wire fence. The lido was built in the 1930s and has amazing views over the bay. Wouldn’t it be great if it could be restored to it’s former glory! Here’s an article I found with some better pictures. 12 Abandoned Lidos. I have ‘swimming in a Lido’ on my Bucket List . Maybe this could be the one.:)
Promenade Colours. Grange-over-sands pretty prom is charmingly colourful,due to its glorious promenade gardens. There’s nothing quite as lovely as eyeing beautiful blooms on one side of you and sea views on the other,as you amble along the Promenade. I especially liked the stunning pink flowers of the ‘Valerian’ a coastal garden escape,with a name straight from a ‘Game of Thrones episode’.;)
Wildlife House. We spotted this very elaborate home for wildlife just across from the train station in Grange. It seems to provide shelter for just about every insect and bug going and at the bottom there is even a room for a hedgehog. Not sure who was in residence. I liked the wooden butterfly. 🙂
Giant Plastic Windmills. I love love love colourful plastic windmills. So I was delighted in a jumping up and down kind of way, when I spied these beauties outside ‘the Curiosity Shop’ on the Main Street. Of course I had to buy one.I’ve planted the polka dot blue windmill in my garden.So much easier to look after than flowers.;)
Tea Tree. The Hazelmere cafe,shop & bakery on Yewbarrow Terrace is definitely worth a visit, if only to purchase some delicious homemade bread or maybe a tea related gift, of which there is an abundant selection. I loved this Tree of tea! I bought an elegant tea strainer and some rosebud tea from here for my June Foodie Penpal. Foodie Penpals has officially stopped now but if any readers ever fancy doing a food parcel swap, let me know. 🙂
Grange-over-sands , I’m sure has plenty more surprises up its genteel Edwardian sleeve. Why not visit next time you are on the Cumbrian coast….
sunshine and celandines 
Aww poor lido!
I know ,its really sad. I hope oneday they get funding to reopen it as its in such a beautiful position.I am sure it could be popular again.:)
It’s such a shame that so few lidos have survived. There used to be so many then we all got central heating and started to feel the cold more! What happened to foodie penpals? I used to enjoy seeing your parcels.
It’s a shame about the lidos isn’t it. Oh did you see, I’m going down to Cornwall in a couple of weeks. Spending five nights in a showman’s wagon at Spring Park near Launceston in the Tamar Valley. Have you been to that part? Foodie penpals has officially finished , the organizer was finding it all to much. However some of the participants are trying to carry it on now I think.
If you’re staying near Launceston, there is an amazing sea water pool at Bude. It could be your lido to swim in!
Oh great,thanks for letting me know.X
Oooooo lovely. We drive past that area but we always stay in St Ives so it’s in the far south. Looking forward to seeing photos of the showman’s wagon. I can imagine Foodie Penpals was a lot of work. Great idea though.