Yahoo News The quaint coastal town with an amazing tearoom 90 minutes from Greater Manchester perfect for a day out
There are some towns and villages you visit in the UK where it truly feels like you’ve stepped back in time. Grange-over-Sands is one such place.
The town is perched on the edge of Morecambe Bay, giving it a distinctive coastal feel despite not having a beach of its own. There is a stretch of sand separated by a section of marshland making it out of reach, yet there’s a whiff of salty sea air about the place.
Grange-over-Sands became known as a fashionable destination during the 19th century, thanks to the arrival of the rail line, and today the Victorian and Edwardian influences are very much visible. There is a lengthy seafront promenade, a charming train station, a neat row of cafes and shops; and ornamental gardens.
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Away from the tourist crowds of the hotspots in the nearby Lake District, Grange-over-Sands has a laid-back feel to it. There’s no rushing about here; you can take your time exploring its hidden gardens or walk the length of the promenade, which has views across the bay to Far Arnside and Silverdale.
Thanks to its sloping topography, the town’s areas sit like layers above the coastline with each level offering a different place to discover. It means you can walk along a path directly alongside the town’s railway line, while looking down at the sunken Ornamental Gardens on one side and the marshland on the other.
Among the town’s hidden gems is Hazelmere Cafe and Bakery, a tea room with an old-fashioned spirit yet without being too fuddy-duddy thanks to a contemporary interior. During my weekend visit it was full to the brim, with diners enjoying everything from cream teas to light lunches.
It has an extensive tea menu with any blend you can imagine (in fact upstairs is a shop dedicated to all things related to the drink - Dorothy’s Teas), I went for China Rose, which was refreshing with delicate rose flavour. Given the cafe’s location, one dish on the menu which needs to be tried is Potted Morecambe Bay Shrimps served on toast.
I’ve never tried potted shrimps before (I’ve always been put off by the appearance) but they were delicious. Afterwards we shared a vanilla slice, with crisp flaky pastry, smooth custard filling and topped with sweet icing - perfect washed down with the tea.
The café has an onsite bakery which is open Monday to Saturday, so unfortunately it was closed during our visit. But when it’s open it stocks a vast range of freshly baked breads and over thirty different cakes each day, from Caramel Shortbread to Yorkshire Curd Tart. It's perfect for picking up some treats to take home with you after your visit, or to have a nibble on as you explore Grange-over-Sands.
What you need to know
It takes around 90 minutes to drive from Greater Manchester to Grange-over-Sands. Alternatively you can catch a direct train which takes a similar amount of time. There are several parking options at Grange-over-Sands including Main Street car park by the promenade which charges starting from £1.90 for one hour. LA11 6DY.
Hazelmere Tea House and Restaurant is open everyday from 10am to 4pm (no bookings taken) while the bakery shop is open Monday - Saturday from 7.30am to 3pm.
Walking on the saltmarsh at Grange-over-Sands is strongly advised against due to dangerous quicksand, instead enjoy the views from the promenade.
