Arnside & Silverdale AONB

The historic villages of Arnside and Silverdale sit snugly on the coastline of Morecambe Bay in a spot that’s been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty thanks to its rich diversity of habitats and wildlife. Its deciduous woodlands, limestone grasslands and coastal salt marshes are enclosed by low limestone hills creating a perfect environment for rare butterflies and marshland birds. You can discover the rich birdlife on a visit to RSPB Leighton Moss in Silverdale, where the largest reed bed in the north-west attracts more than 100 species of bird, including breeding bitterns, bearded tits and marsh harriers. Spring is the best time of year to spot colourful butterflies flitting along the reserve trails. There’s a shop and cosy tea room serving delicious slabs of cake and home-cooked meals where you can warm up afterwards. Perhaps you'd like to stay for a longer visit? With plenty of self catering accommodation Silverdale has something to suit all tastes and budgets. The quaint village of Arnside is a tempting spot with a pretty Victorian parade of shops along the promenade and a choice of pubs from which to enjoy the spectacular sunset overlooking the Bay. There are plenty of easy walks in the surrounding woodland. Why not head up to Arnside Knott to enjoy the sweeping sea views?