Things to do in the Arnside, Silverdale area

Levens Hall

Levens Hall dates back to the 1590s. Now it is one of the finest stately homes in south Cumbria, containing furniture, paintings, one of the best examples in Europe of Spanish leather wall coverings, the earliest English patchwork, Wellingtoniana, clocks and miniatures. A major attraction are the Topiary Gardens, which were laid out in 1694. The Hall is close to Milnthorpe and has a lovely tearoom.

Arnside

Arnside is part of the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which covers 75 sq km on the border of Cumbria and Lancashire. Arnside village is a picturesque seaside village overlooking Morecambe Bay. Arnside draws lovers of wildlife, walking and history. There are many lovely wooded walks around Arnside Knott, up to the "Pepper-Pot" at Silverdale or along the coastline with its cliff-top walks and sea views. One of the delights of Arnside is to stroll along the Arnside promenade on a summer evening and then sit outside the Albion or Fighting Cocks looking across the estuary and Morecambe Bay as the sun sets behind the Lake District peaks. It also boasts one of the finest Fish and Chip shops in the area. Eat in or out - perfect!

Heron Corn Mill

Worth visiting is the Heron Corn Mill at Beetham, a couple of miles away, just below the Beetham waterfalls in south Cumbria. Heron Corn Mill is a working museum on a site where corn has been ground since 1220. The existing structure dates back to the 18th century and it continues to operate with the traditional milling machinery. It is open to the public Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm. Guided tours for groups can also be arranged.

Lakeland Wildlife Oasis

Only 2 miles from Challan Hall is the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis - is a unique and exciting blend of exotic wildlife and interactive 'hands-on' displays, which take you through 3,000 million years of evolution and follow the development of life on Earth - from magic molecules to mischievous monkeys. Exhibits range from chameleons to computers, from fossils to fossas and include some of the world's most threatened species which are kept here as part of international breeding programmes.

Walking & Cycling

The Silverdale and Arnside Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has some of the highest concentrations of high quality woodland path walks in England. Silverdale also features in many established longer distance walks, for example, The Grassington to West Coast Walk. Without the steep gradients of the Lake District and Yorkshire Moors, the area provides a wide range of comfortable cycling opportunities with a wonderful view around every corner. (Click on the image for come cycling suggestions.) Silverdale is also at the confluence of the Lancashire and Cumbria cycleways.

Moths & Butterflies

The area is a magnet for lepidopterists and is one of the best known areas for butterflies in the country. More than half the species of butterfly in the UK can now be found in this small area. There are now 35 species of butterfly found in the Silverdale and Arnside area. The area is ecologically very rich and forms the southern range limit of many northern species and the northern limit of many southern species making it a unique place to observe these wonderful creatures.

Windermere Golf Club

Established in 1891, Windermere Golf Club is often referred to as a "miniature Gleneagles" by the golfing press. It offers golfing with spectacular views over Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells - perhaps one of the best locations for golf in the UK. The Club caters for all, and has both a bar and a restaurant with a friendly atmosphere.

Silvedale Golf Club

The Silverdale Golf Club has an outstanding and challenging 18-hole course. The course is a Par 70 - 5592 yards. From each hole there are wonderful views, abundant flora and birdlife. The early morning golfer may be joined by roe and fallow deer. The 13th Hole (The Plateau) is rated as number 24 in Britain's 100 Extraordinary Golf Holes.

Beckside Golf Club

The Beckside Golf Course is a fascinating 9-hole golf course made by Mike Jackson. The golfing farmer turned some of his most attractive pasture into a challenging golf course with interesting features and attractive views towards the Lakeland fells and over to Morecambe Bay. A good-value golf club that is popular both with locals and tourists.