Local area
What to do, where to eat and how to get here. Written by the family who've run the park since 2001.
Bolton le Sands is a small village on the Lancashire coast, between Morecambe and Carnforth. It sits on the edge of Morecambe Bay with the Lancaster Canal running through the middle, so you've got the sea on one side and miles of flat towpath on the other. Lancaster is 15 minutes away, the Lake District 15 miles, and the Yorkshire Dales not much further.
Most of our guests come for the peace and the views, then find there's far more to do nearby than they expected. Here's our pick.
Step out of the park and you're on the edge of Morecambe Bay. Head south along the shore to Hest Bank and on to Morecambe promenade, or north towards Carnforth. It's flat, easy walking with the Lakeland fells in front of you the whole way. Stay on firm ground near the shore, as the bay has fast tides and quicksand.
The canal runs right through the village. The towpath is level and traffic free, so it suits a gentle stroll, a dog walk or a bike ride. Go south and you reach the Hest Bank pub in about half an hour, go north towards Carnforth and Tewitfield.
A short drive north, this limestone hill gives one of the best views over the bay. It's a nature reserve with butterflies, wildflowers and peregrine falcons in spring.
The Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape is about 15 minutes away. Woodland paths, limestone pavement and quiet coves, with Arnside Knott and its views up the Kent estuary.
The largest reedbed in north west England, known for bitterns, marsh harriers and otters. Hides, trails and a café, around 15 minutes by car.
There are three pubs, a chippy and several restaurants within walking distance, so you don't need the car in the evening.
For everyday bits there's a Co-op, a post office and a butcher in the village.
Leave the M6 at junction 34 (Lancaster). Follow the A6 north through Slyne into Bolton le Sands, then turn towards the shore. About 10 minutes from the motorway. From Manchester allow around 1 hour 15 minutes, from Birmingham around 2 and a half hours.
Leave the M6 at junction 35 (Carnforth). Take the A6 south through Carnforth to Bolton le Sands, about 10 minutes. From Kendal and the Lakes it's roughly 25 minutes, from Glasgow around 3 hours.
Lancaster station is on the West Coast Main Line, with direct trains from London Euston, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow. Carnforth, about 2 miles away, has local trains from Lancaster, Leeds and Barrow. A taxi from either station takes 5 to 15 minutes.
Buses run along the A6 between Lancaster, Carnforth and Kendal and stop in the village. The nearest airports are Manchester and Liverpool, both about 1 hour 15 minutes by car.
Touring with a caravan or motorhome? Call us on 01524 822311 before you set off and we'll talk you through the best approach. Full address and map on our contact page.
Fancy staying longer? See our holiday homes for sale or seasonal touring pitch prices.
FAQs
Can't see your question? We're happy to help.
Office open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
On the shore at The Shore, Bolton le Sands, Carnforth, LA5 8JS. It's on the edge of Morecambe Bay, about 2 miles south of Carnforth, 4 miles north of Morecambe and 5 miles from Lancaster.
Carnforth is the closest, about 2 miles away, with trains from Lancaster, Leeds, Barrow and Manchester Airport. Lancaster, about 5 miles away, is on the West Coast Main Line with direct trains from London Euston, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.
Coming from the south, leave the M6 at junction 34 for Lancaster and follow the A6 north. Coming from the north, leave at junction 35 for Carnforth and follow the A6 south. Both take around 10 minutes from the motorway.
Yes. Buses run along the A6 between Lancaster, Carnforth and Kendal, stopping in the village a short walk from the park. Check the latest Stagecoach timetable before you travel.
Yes, the shore is about 100 yards from the park. Bear in mind Morecambe Bay has fast tides and quicksand, so stay near the shore and never walk out across the sands without the official guide.
Yes. The Royal Hotel and The Blue Anchor are both in the village, and The Hest Bank is a short walk along the canal towpath.
The southern Lakes start around 15 miles away. Kendal is about 25 minutes by car and Windermere about 40 minutes.
Limited pitches. Office open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
