Things to do in Arnside

Arnside is a former fishing port and holiday resort on the estuary where the River Kent enters Morecambe Bay. It is an unspoilt village retaining beautiful features from its past such as quaint streets, buildings and the pier. In 1972, Arnside & Silverdale where designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status, attracting visitors to this beautiful part of the country.

  • Arnside Tower

Standing on the outskirts of the town, Arnside Tower is unique example of a historic Cumbrian pele tower. The oldest building in the parish, the tower was built in the late 14th century and was a free standing tower, which would have been five storeys tall in its prime. Today, the tower is a ruin although the turret staircase is still largely intact.

  • Leighton Hall

Less than 20 minutes away from Arnside, Leighton Hall is a medieval mansion home of the Gillow family, who still live there today. The ancestral home is rich with heritage displaying elegant rooms filled with the famous collection of Gillow furniture and Objects d’art. The house is free to explore and has no roped off sections. Once you’ve explored the house and the stunning chapel, head outside and discover spectacular views amongst the grounds, woodland and the 19th century Walled Garden. Birds of prey displays are also held here in the summer.

  • Heron Corn Mill

Less than 15 minutes outside of Arnside, Heron Corn Mill is a Grade II listed 18th century working watermill set on the banks of the River Bela. The picturesque mill is one of the few working mills left in Cumbria. Evidence shows that a mill has existed on the site since 1096. The neighbouring barn at the mill has been re-developed and is now used as an educational and arts resource centre. Visitors to the mill can enjoy tours, workshops, craft activities and more.

  • Arnside Beach Promenade

The coastal town has a small beach offering exceptional views over Morecambe Bay, with the hills and mountains of the Lake District in the background, and a picturesque viaduct crossing over the water. Arnside Beach is renowned for its stunning  sunsets and attracts visitors from near and far to watch the sun set over the bay. The best way to enjoy the beach is to walk along the Victorian promenade which is filled with shops, cafes, pubs and fish and chip shops. It is advisable to avoid the sand on the beach due dangerous quicksand and quick moving tides. Every few weeks, Arnside experiences a small tidal wave known as “The Bore”. An alarm will sound, and around 15 to 20 minutes later, the tide can be seen rapidly sweeping into the bay.

  • Lakeland Wildlife Oasis

For a great family day out no matter what the weather, The Lakeland Wildlife Oasis centre is home to over 100 animals, birds, reptiles and insects and is situated on the edge of Arnside and Silverdale. You can wonder the zoo, admiring animals such as lemurs, snow leopards, meerkats, monkeys and much more. Get close to the animals by booking an animal experience, which even involves meeting the carnivores! After a busy day doting on the animals, have a bite to eat in the Wild Café.