The charming village of Carnforth sits on the border between Lancashire and Cumbria. It’s surrounded by picturesque AONB countryside and is close to the sweeping sands and breathtaking cliff paths of Morecambe Bay. Once an essential waterway for local industries, the Lancaster Canal, which runs through Carnforth on its way to the coast, is now a wildlife haven and a paradise for walkers, cyclists and pleasure cruisers. You can choose from a number of circular walks, such as the gentle path from Carnforth to Bolton-le-Sands along the towpath and returning through wildflower-rich lanes. There is an occasional waterbus service along the canal from Carnforth to Tewitfield Locks, a series of eight disused locks which once took boats up 75 feet. From here, it’s a pleasant, relaxed stroll back into town. Once you’ve worked up a thirst, there’s no reason not to enjoy a glass of beer or cup of tea at Canal Turn, a lovely pub overlooking the canal. Literary minded souls will be in seventh heaven browsing the huge collection of new and second-hand books at Carnforth Bookshop. Perhaps there’ll be a copy of Sir Noel Coward’s play Still Life, which inspired the famous film Brief Encounter, filmed at Carnforth Station.