Here at Old Hall Caravan Park, we are just a stone’s throw away from one of the most naturally beautiful areas in the country. If you’re looking for a day out activity with a minimal amount of walking, then a scenic drive could be the perfect solution.
In this blog, we’ll break down our top 5 scenic drives in Lancashire and Cumbria that encompass some stunning sights. These drives can be customised to include some of your desired locations and can include stops for photos, picnics, and short walks if you so desire.
Our caravan park in Lancashire is just a short drive away from some of the exquisite features of the Lake District. One of the closest lakes to our site is Windermere, and routes around the lake provide the perfect scenic drive. Start at Fell Foot Park, a National Trust property at the southern point of the lake, for a perfect picnic spot and swimming location in the summer. You’ll then want to drive up the lake, and after around 7 miles you will reach the popular town of Bowness-on-Windermere, where you can stop for some tea or coffee or peruse the local artisan shops.
You can then continue on to Ambleside and explore its rich history as a lakeside market town, before reaching the impressive Wray Castle on the other side of the lake. As you travel down the western side of Lake Windermere, you can take in the gorgeous scenery, and even stop off at Stott Park Bobbin Mill on your way down. This drive is more suited to those who want a full-day excursion with plenty to do, as it takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete – not including times for stopping.
For a drive that can be completed in an afternoon, then this Silverdale route is perfect. At roughly 47 minutes in total drive time, it includes some noteworthy stops along the way. Start off by heading to Leighton Hall Estate, a medieval estate that once belonged to the Gillow furniture family, and take a leisurely stroll around the grounds.
For those with a historical eye, this spot is definitely worth discovering. Continue on for just over 2.5 miles to the village of Silverdale where you can expect sea views and beach walks. On your way back to Old Hall, why not stop off at Carnforth Railway Heritage Centre for some Brief Encounter nostalgia? This drive is perfect for those who want to learn a bit more about the local area, as well as capture some photos of the seaside.
If you’re after a scenic drive that isn’t too complicated, then this route that hits two of our local favourite spots and only takes around 45 minutes total driving time. Begin by heading up through Beetham to the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis where you can meet snow leopards, meerkats, and all kinds of underwater creatures. This is a great place to take the grandkids, or even just to experience some nature.
Head on to Levens Hall afterwards, a 9,500-acre agricultural estate with stunning grounds and an exceptional café. This drives totals to around 23.5 miles, and is a great way to make the most of the fascinating locations we have close to our property.
For those extraordinary sea views, this 1 hour long drive gives you ample opportunity to get those snapshots of the North West coastline. Begin by heading up to the hamlet Sandside and experience some fresh sea air. Next, head to the former fishing port of Arnside for some great views of the Lake District and Grange-over-Sands. For those that enjoy a brisk seaside stroll, the walk from Sandside to Arnside takes around an hour each way and offers peaceful views of the ocean.
Alternatively, the drive takes around 6 minutes between the two, for those that prefer minimal walking. For an added destination on your way back to our caravan park, then head to Warton Crag Nature Reserve for some butterfly-watching and wandering.
The shortest drive on our list today is only a 20-minute round trip, so is ideal for those who want to escape for some lunch, with an accompanying scenic journey. This drive takes you to Borwick Hall, an Elizabethan manor that lies in the heart of Borwick village. This historic building is now an outdoor education centre but is a great place to take a walk around the grounds and soak up its heritage.
Afterwards, take a trip to one of our favourite local eateries, the Longlands Inn and Restaurant in Tewitfield. This cosy restaurant is rated 4* and provides high quality pub food, and we recommend arriving on a Sunday for their fantastic Sunday Lunch offerings.
We hope this guide has provided you with some ideas for scenic drives in Cumbria and Lancashire. A scenic drive can be a great way to relax and enjoy some local sights and can be adapted depending on your preferences. Our caravan park is situated in the perfect place for local exploration, whether you’re interested in the Lake District or some Lancashire towns and villages. Get in touch to learn more about things to do near our property and about our holiday homes in Lancashire.