With the cost of living crisis and many families trying to travel on a budget staycations – holidays within the UK – are an increasingly popular choice. And while it’s difficult to not to be seduced by a seaside holiday abroad, the recent heatwave proves it’s not always neccessary to hop on a plane to top up your tan.
One tiny town in the north of England which might not be on your radar has just been named as having one of the best beaches in Britain – and it could be about to get a whole lot busier. Morecambe, on the coast of Lancashire, is a classic British holiday resort that has its heyday in the post-war boom of the 1950s.
While things may have dropped off since then, the arrival of the £100m Eden Project Morecambe – due to open in winter 2028 – is expected to lead to a boom in visitor numbers. But if you want to beat the rush, Morecambe North beach has just been named one of Britain’s 20 Greatest Beaches by the Daily Telegraph, and there are two hidden gem landmarks to take in once you’ve dried off.
Looking out across the Irish Sea, Morecambe North is a mainly sandy beach that offers stunning views and a perfect family-friendly atmosphere. Nearby, there’s a charming promenade lined with ice cream parlours, gaming arcades, and, of course, fish and chip shops.
The Telegraph wrote: “Silting and changing currents mean tides rarely venture in, which is great for power kites and moody photos, less so for bathing.
“Morecambe is a different kettle of cockles, with the water coming up to the prom twice a day and then drawing back to the sea. This brings other benefits besides a quick dip close to where you left the car.”
There are art installations and games and puzzles to keep the kids entertained, while birdwatchers will get a thrill from the gulls, starlings and even oystercatchers that frequent the shoreline.
The whole area is overlooked by The Midland, a lovingly-restored art deco hotel that has dominated the shoreline since 1933.
Famous for its afternoon teas, the Grade II listed building is a favourite with film directors, featuring in Laurence Olivier’s The Entertainer and the TV series Agatha Christie’s Poirot.
Of course, no trip to Morecambe would be complete without a visit to the statue celebrating the town’s most famous son.
ric Morecambe – born John Eric Bartholomew – took his stage name from his home town and shot to fame as one of the country’s favourite comedy double acts with Ernie Wise. The bronze scuplture, just yards from the beach, is a huge hit with tourists keen to replicate the funnyman’s famous pose.
Other beaches named in the Telegraph’s list include Brancaster, in Norfolk, Clevedon, in Somerset, and Par, Isles of Scilly.
