Morecambe Bay is a classic sweeping stretch of coast, with an extended shoreline incorporating towns from Fleetwood to Barrow-in-Furness, a winding road trip of about 70 miles. Both beautiful and dangerous, the landscape may look like the stuff of beach dreams on a hot sunny day, with its expansive golden sands and gleaming sea in the distance, but the erratic tidal patterns and swampy sands can hold some hidden dangers, so it’s best not to venture out too far.
One of the best places from which to enjoy the sands of Morecambe Bay at a safe distance is the Gibraltar Farm Campsite, near Silverdale. Coming through the farm gates, you’re greeted with a panoramic view of the bay with the camping area lying down an access track through a lovely field beyond the trees. So you can pitch your tent in the large grassy area set around a rocky protrusion on the seaward side of the farm and enjoy the sight and sound of the capricious curls of Morecambe Bay’s waves just beyond the walled perimeter.
The waters of Morecambe Bay can be seen just beyond the low wall. Less than a mile away from the campsite is Jenny Brown’s Point, a popular viewpoint and bird-watching spot overlooking the bay. And the nearby RSPB reserve at Leighton Moss offers access to coastal lagoons, nature trials, hides and a Visitor Centre. Aside from the birds, Morecambe is famous for two other reasons. The first is Eric Morecambe, the comedian and one half of Morecambe and Wise. The second is cocklepicking. Anyone can pick cockles, just be sure to take advice about the tides. It pays to be wise in Morecambe.
