What to See & Do

Warton Crag feels like one of those places you almost stumble upon by accident and then wonder how on earth it wasn't the first stop on your trip. It's not just the views – although, if you're lucky enough to be there on a clear day, you'll feel like you can see the whole of Morecambe Bay stretched out like a painting.

 No, what really gets you about Warton Crag is how alive it feels. Butterflies flutter past like something out of a forgotten summer, and if you're quiet – really quiet – you might just hear the swoosh of peregrine wings overhead. It's the sort of place where time stretches, and suddenly, a 'quick walk' turns into an afternoon.

There's something about wetlands that just feels... different. Leighton Moss is like that. The air here smells richer; the light reflects off the reeds in a way that makes everything seem golden, even on cloudy days. And the birds. Well, you don't need to be a birdwatcher to appreciate the sheer spectacle of a marsh harrier dipping low over the water or the thrill of spotting a bittern hiding in plain sight. 

It's a place for wandering, for watching, for feeling like you've tapped into a quieter, slower rhythm of life. Even the paths feel as though they were made for ambling rather than rushing.

You don't have to be a film buff to appreciate Carnforth Station, but if you've ever seen Brief Encounter (or even if you haven't), this place is a slice of pure nostalgia. You walk in, and there's that unmistakable sense that something has happened here. 

The old clock on the platform, the creak of the floorboards in the refreshment room – it's like stepping into a time capsule. The station wears its history proudly, but it's not just for show. Grab a tea, sit by the window, and try to imagine the world as it was when steam ruled the railways and fleeting glances across a station platform were enough to stir the heart.

Now, Borwick Hall might not make the top of everyone's list, but that's precisely its charm. Tucked away just enough to keep it a bit of a secret, this Elizabethan manor still looks as though it could tell you a few stories if the walls could talk.

The stone façade is weathered in just the right way – not too pristine, but still grand enough to make you stop and stare for a second. And sure, it's an outdoor education centre now, but that doesn't stop you from imagining what it must have been like to live there when the hallways echoed with the sounds of a household from centuries ago. Take a walk around the grounds, and suddenly, you're not in 2024 anymore.

There's something incredibly calming about canals. They aren't in a rush, and neither should you be. The Lancaster Canal is no different. It's not about grand vistas or adrenaline-pumping activities – it's about the slow, steady pace of the water, the trees gently bowing over the towpath as if offering a bit of shade just for you. 

Take a walk, take a bike ride, or – if you're feeling adventurous – hop on a boat and just be. It's perfect for those days when you want to feel like you're part of the countryside rather than just passing through it.

Now, here's a twist. Who would've thought that tucked away in a flooded quarry in Lancashire, you'd find a diver's dream? Capernwray is the sort of place that surprises you, even if you've been there before. The water's so clear, it feels like you're floating in mid-air, and then – boom – you come across something like a submerged plane or a cheeky gnome, and suddenly, it's a whole different kind of adventure. 

It doesn't matter if it's your first dive or your hundredth – Capernwray feels like a hidden world waiting for you to explore it.

Greenlands Farm Village isn't just for kids, although they'll love it, for sure. It's the kind of place where you can let the little ones run wild – bottle-feeding lambs, climbing in the play areas – while you sneak off to the farm shop and pretend you're buying local cheese and chutney for "dinner," but really, it's because it's too delicious to pass up.

 There's a buzz in the air that's infectious. It's less about ticking off activities and more about spending a day surrounded by animals, fresh air, and a slower pace of life.

There's something wonderfully old-school about Happy Mount Park. It's got that sense of simplicity you don't see much anymore – a splash park, an adventure playground, a little train for the kids. But it's not just for children; there's something undeniably relaxing about sitting under the trees, watching the world go by. 

It's the kind of park where you lose track of time, where you blink, and suddenly, the afternoon has drifted away in the best possible way.

The Canal Turn is a proper British pub, the kind that doesn't need to shout about itself to be noticed. It just is. 

You sit by the window, watch the canal boats putter by, and suddenly, the world outside slows down a bit. 

The food is simple, hearty, and just what you need after a day exploring – none of that fancy nonsense, just good, proper pub grub. And the views? Well, they don't hurt either.

If you're after something a bit more refined but still warm and welcoming, The Longlands Inn hits the spot. Nestled in Tewitfield, it's the kind of place where you can settle in for a long, leisurely Sunday roast or pop by for a casual drink and some fresh seafood. 

The atmosphere is relaxed, but there's an attention to detail that makes every meal feel a bit special. 

It's the sort of place where you take your time – and that's exactly how it should be.

Kirkby Lonsdale is what you picture when you think of the perfect market town. It's got those cobbled streets, the little independent shops that sell everything from antique toys to classic sweet treats, and a sense of history that seems to hover in the air. And then there's Ruskin's View – if you haven't stood there and looked out over the Lune Valley, well, you're missing something spectacular. 

There's something almost timeless about it, the way the landscape stretches out in front of you like a living painting. It's one of those places that sneaks up on you and stays with you long after you've left.

Ah, Kendal. It's more than just a gateway to the Lakes, though it's certainly that. But Kendal's charm lies in the way it blends the old with the new. You've got the ruins of Kendal Castle perched on a hill, looking out over the town like a silent guardian, and then there's the bustling high street below, filled with shops, galleries, and cafés. And, of course, there's Kendal Mint Cake – not just for hikers but for anyone who fancies a sweet bite of history. 

This is a town that knows how to hold on to its roots while still looking forward.