Road Trip Arnside And Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Read Time: About 14 minutes
Arnside
This is the tenth and final stop on our campervan road trip of the Lake District and we head to the beautiful Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our comprehensive itinerary over the past nine editions guided you through a range of locations including Hadrian's Wall, Ullswater, Lake District National Park, St. Bees Head Heritage Coast and this final one sees us end our road trip of the Lake District at this beautiful area of outstanding natural beauty. See the link below to view our complete road trip itinerary for the Lake District and the ten stops on it.
- What is Special About The Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?
- Camping in and around the Arnside & Silverdale Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Best Arnside and Silverdale Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty Campsites
- Campervan Hire Towns in Arnside & Silverdale Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Where is The Best Place to See The Arnside Bore?
- What is Arnside Famous For?
- Can You Swim at Arnside?
- Things to Do and See at Arnside and Silverdale
- One Last Farewell to The Lake District
What is Special About The Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?
Arnside. Ian Livesey
So onto the Arnside and Silverdale Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A breathtaking area straddling the borders of Cumbria and Lancashire in northwest England. It is a nationally protected landscape brimming with beautiful limestone hills, remote meadows, quiet wetlands, ancient woodlands, welcoming coastlines, and some of the finest views in England. Find beautiful campsites in Cumbria and find camping spots from where you can enjoy this beautiful part of the UK
The Arnside and Silverdale AONB is a living landscape, with vibrant and welcoming communities like Arnside, Silverdale, and Warton. A whopping two-thirds of the area is protected by the Site of Special Scientific Interest, with plenty of wildlife packed spaces like The RSPB Leighton Moss Nature Reserve.
With over 100km of footpaths, byways, and narrow lanes, walking and cycling are extremely popular activities in the protected landscape. But the largest draws are the big skies, unrivalled tranquillity, and freedom to truly reconnect with nature as you adventure in your campervan.
South Lakeland Leisure Village is the perfect spot for guests who want to explore the scenic landscapes of the Lake District National Park. The site rests around a viewsome lake on 43-acres of stunning manicured grounds.
Camping in and around the Arnside & Silverdale Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty
For those traveling from the north, campsites in Keswick provide an excellent overnight stop before continuing to this stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Camping in the Arnside and Silverdale Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty is an exceptional way to make the most of your campervan road trip to this protected area. It is famous for its dramatic limestone pavements, verdant woodlands, and the vast tidal landscapes of Morecambe Bay. Wake up to panoramic views from your campsite of choice, and enjoy meals at cosy pubs in small villages accessed by quiet, winding country lanes. There’s plenty to explore and a blend of coastal and woodland scenery to admire. We recommend booking your campsite in Burton in Kendal, Witherslack, and Hale. These camping locations are 16 minutes or less from the protected landscape and blend convenience and scenery for a relaxing escape. Visit our campsites page for more campsites in UK.
The charming village of Burton-in-Kendal is a wonderful base for your camping holiday. Steeped in history and enclosed by the natural beauty of the Arnside and Silverdale AONB, this small yet beautiful location is a great place to base for exploring local attractions. Explore the settlement’s history by visiting St. James’ Church, a Grade I-listed building dating back to the 12th century, and wander through the streets to admire historic buildings, including traditional limestone cottages. Explore scenic walks and hikes, like Burton Fell and Dalton Crags climbs with panoramic views or quiet walks around the Lancaster Canal. Holme Park Quarry Nature Reserve is a fab spot for nature lovers and those who enjoy the sights and sounds of rare limestone flora and fauna. Take a peek at our campsites in Burton in Kendal, or find more campsites in Silverdale, campsites in Kirkby Lonsdale, campsites in Gatebeck and campsites in Wennington.
Swap the modern world for open views of Morecambe Bay and Lake District at Sandside Caravan and Campsite. Relax in a tranquil location just 100-yards from the shore, and soak in spectacular sunrises and sunsets from a spacious pitch.
The small village of Witherslack rests on the fringes of the Lake District National Park and offers a wealth of outdoor excursions for all ages and abilities. Book a campsite in Witherslack and explore the expansive Whitbarrow Scar (Hervey Memorial Nature Reserve), boasting panoramic views and a delightful selection of wildflowers, butterflies and birdlife. Visit the Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve, managed by the National Trust, another haven for wildlife, including rare ospreys, dragonflies, and lizards. Take a trip to the Levens Hall and Gardens, 10 minutes away, and spend a lovely afternoon exploring some of the oldest topiary gardens in England and the impressive interior of the historic house. Witherslack’s handy location also makes it a great base to explore the southern end of Lake Windermere, which is ideal for boating, paddleboarding, or relaxing by the water. Browse 461 campsites within 40 miles of Witherslack, or find more campsites in Grange over Sands, campsites in Flookburgh, campsites in Backbarrow and campsites in Newby Bridge.
Gibraltar Farm Campsite is a peaceful, family-run, traditional campsite on a working farm with extensive vistas over Morecambe Bay. Lush fields and thick woods adjoin the site, providing pet owners with a serene space to exercise cooped-up canines.
The quaint village of Hale is a quiet yet well-positioned location for a camping stay. When you stay at a campsite in Hale, you’re in a beautiful area for enjoying a delightful blend of peaceful countryside and quick access to nearby attractions. Start your camping escape by exploring the magical Fairy Steps staircase, accessible via footpaths in the settlement. The Arnside and Silverdale AONB is a quick drive away and boasts incredible walks, wildlife spotting, and gorgeous limestone pavements. Potter around the historic Leighton Hall, a great family-friendly spot with falconry displays and peaceful garden walks. Refuel at the charming villages of Arnside and Silverdale, perhaps stopping at one of several traditional pubs offering hearty meals and local ales. With 336 campsites within 30 miles of Hale, you’re spoilt for choice. Readers can also browse our campsites in Milnthorpe, campsites in Burton In Kendal, campsites in Carnforth and campsites in Cark In Cartmel.
Best Arnside and Silverdale Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty Campsites
Here are our three campsite recommendations for the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to help our readers plan where to stay on your campervan road trip to the Lakes. We recommend staying at Meathop Fell Caravan Club Site, a lovely space for Caravan and Motorhome Club members. Noble Wood Camping is another worthy consideration, especially if you enjoy camping in private woodland. At the same time, High Fell Gate Caravan and Camping is a quiet site where campers can pick any available pitch. Let's look at the facilities and attractions near each recommended campsite.
Meathop Fell Caravan Club Site in Grange over Sands
Meathop Fell Caravan Club Site, Grange over Sands
Meathop Fell Club Campsite is a picturesque campsite in Grange-over-Sands and an excellent base for exploring Arnside and Silverdale AONB, North Lancashire, and the southern section of the Lake District. The site welcomes campers throughout the year and has a blend of 117 hardstanding and grass pitches with 16 amp electric meters and access to standard amenities, including a single toilet block, a laundry room, a chemical disposal area, and a kid’s play area. Barbecues are allowed, and a dog walk is adjacent to the camping area, where you can exercise with your canine companions. The site is also well-placed for accessing the watersports opportunities on Lake Windermere.
Noble Wood Camping in Grange over Sands
Noble Wood Camping, Grange over Sands
Nobel Wood Camping is a wonderful base for our camping sorts, who enjoy waking up in lush wooded settings, speckled sunshine, and the trills of birds in the treetops. The 7-acre woodland campsite is tranquil and incredibly scenic, offering a picturesque location for pitching tents or parking a torturing vehicle. Despite its lush and seemingly remote settings, the campsite is just 12 minutes from the M6 and 15 minutes from popular locations like Lake Windermere and the lovely village of Cartmel. The owners do not accept children under 16 and offer just ten well-spaced pitches, creating a lovely camping space for all. Campers can enjoy a crackling fire, and the owner, Stan, is more than happy to deliver firewood to your plot. There is a fenced-off dog walking field, and the site offers standard amenities, like showers, toilets, freshwater taps, and a washing-up area.
High Fell Gate Caravan And Camping Park in Gosforth
High Fell Gate Caravan And Camping Park, Gosforth
Kick back at High Fell Gate Caravan and Camping, the oldest caravan park in the area, sandwiched between Cartmel and Grange-over-Sands, two beautiful locations to explore during your stay. The site has grassed pitches and hardstanding options, many with electric meters, and the owners welcome guests to pick a pitch from any available options. Facilities are clean and basic yet entirely adequate and include a toilet block, showers, a washing-up area, drinking water taps, and chemical disposal. Campers can also access the South Lakes, which are often less crowded than the Central Lakes areas. Dogs are welcome.
Campervan Hire Towns in Arnside & Silverdale Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty
We’ve dedicated this section to include a range of campervan hire options in and around the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Travelers considering campervan hire Keswick will find it's perfectly positioned for exploring both the Lake District and this beautiful southern Cumbrian landscape. If you are looking for a campervan hire Cumbria We recommend searching for campervans in Lindale, Milnthorpe, and Grange-over-Sands - three central locations with plenty of attractions to explore as soon as you hop into your campervan hire and rumble towards the Arnside and Silverdale AONB. Let’s explore the places you can visit and more campervan hire options at these recommended locations.
Limestone Pavement. Judith
When you hire a campervan in Lindale, a charming village in south Lakeland, you’re well-positioned to explore the nearby Lake District, the Arnside and Silverdale AONB, and the beautiful Morecambe Bay area. Lindale is a gateway to scenic destinations and a short drive from fab spots like Windermere, Coniston, and Grasmere, making it a fantastic point for your campervan escape. Embark on quiet coastal walks on limestone hills and rich wildlife. Lindale is a more peaceful alternative to the bustling tourist hubs nearby, and the surrounding countryside creates an enchanting natural playground for outdoor adventures and wildlife spotting. We recommend searching for campervans in Flookburgh, campervans in Newby Bridge, campervans in Silverdale and campervans in Hale if you want to book a campervan in the surrounding area.
Just seven minutes from the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Beauty, Milnthorpe is a charming market town with a fantastic array of options to explore nearby. Not only is it a great base for exploring the Lake District National Park, but it is also well-placed for visiting historical buildings like Levens Hall and Sizergh Castle. Nearby, beautiful villages like Cartmel, famed for its sticky toffee and priory, offer plenty to explore, plus excellent eateries ideal for enjoying a light snack. When you hire a campervan in Milnthorpe, you’re well-placed to enjoy coastal adventures on Morecambe Bay, too. The town itself has all the amenities required to start a campervan escape, including supermarkets, petrol stations, and more. We list 65 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Milnthorpe, and include a range of models, like T6’s and comfy T4s. For more options, search our campervans for hire in Burton In Kendal, campervans for hire in Gatebeck, campervans for hire in Kendal and campervans for hire in Kirkby Lonsdale.
Age: 25-70
Travel: Uk and Europe
Gearbox: Manual
Apache is a our lovely Mercedes sprinter lwb high roof, that is ideal for adventuring entirely off-grid. The van boasts a litre water tank, full central heating, a hot shower, and all the mod cons for a relaxing road trip.
Discover hidden gems in your Grange-over-Sands campervan hire. Surrounded by charming villages, nature reserves, and historic sites, this picturesque town is an excellent choice for adventuring sorts who want to explore both the coastline and the countryside. Park close to walking and cycling trails, and bring your bikes, boots and other knick knacks along in our roomy campervan models, many of which offer handy features like bike racks and storage space. Grange-over-Sands itself is a peaceful retreat with oodles of Edwardian charm, a lovely promenade, and ornamental gardens. We list 64 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Grange over Sands, and include models ranging from Mercedes sprinters with high roofing to converted T6 models. For more options, check out our campervans for hire in Cark In Cartmel, campervans for hire in Backbarrow and campervans for hire in Carnforth.
Age: 25-70
Travel: N/A
Gearbox: Automatic
Our beautiful VW DSG van for hire comes with everything you need to start your adventure. Look forward to comforts such as bedding.
As you voyage on your campervan road trip, here are some more questions that visitors to the area have about the Arnside and Silverdale area of outstanding natural beauty and some useful pointers for places to visit and things to see.
Where is The Best Place to See The Arnside Bore?
The Arnside Bore in Morecambe Bay is a unique and rare tidal phenomenon where a wave of water, driven by tides, rushes up the estuary of the River Kent in Morecambe Bay. It can be viewed in a certain number of places around the world, including the village of Arnside between March and September, approximately two hours before tide. Arnside Promenade is the best pace to see the Arnside Bore, with unobstructed views of the River Kent as the currents head backwards, creating an impressive rippling and swirling effect. There are cafes and benches for a relaxing viewing experience. Arnside Pier and Arnside Viaduct are also good spots to watch the bore.
Fell End Caravan Park is a friendly, spacious, award-winning site enjoying a beautiful location in a lush woodland setting. The site rests in the southern Lake District’s Silverdale area and the picturesque village of Arnside.
We'll explore beautiful camping locations and campervan hire options, ranging from classic VW T2s to roomy two-berth Citroen models with fab onboard facilities, like a full kitchen, a shower, and a TV. With our guide, planning a campervan road trip to the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is as easy as pie.
What is Arnside Famous For?
Beside Arnside Bore, the pretty village is home to Arnside Knott, a beautiful limestone hill that is part of the National Trust. It boasts stunning vistas of Morecambe Bay, the Lakeland Fells, and the Yorkshire Dales, and famed for abundant wildlife, including rare butterflies. The historic Arnside Viaduct, a historic and engineering marvel spans the Kent estuary, and serves as a striking backdrop for the village. Walkers can explore routes like Fairy Steps and Warton Crag, or explore routes through the Leighton Moss Nature Reserve.
Can You Swim at Arnside?
Arnside
Swimming can be very dangerous in the area and high caution must be taken at all times. The sandy shores of Arnside and Silverdale are almost uninterrupted along the beautiful Morecambe Bay, and during low tide, the beaches can stretch a great distance into the bay. Again we advise our readers to exercise caution when swimming, as Morecambe Bay has strong tidal flows, rapidly changing water levels, and sinking sand, which is often a hazard. Due to the unpredictable estuarine conditions and mudflats, do not swim near the Arnside Promenade area. Beaches are tidal and the tide moves in surprisingly quickly.
Things to Do and See at Arnside and Silverdale
Despite spanning just 29 square miles and being one of the smallest AONBs in the UK, Arnside and Silverdale have plenty to keep you occupied during a campervan road trip to the Lakes. For breathtaking scenery and the chance to explore the area on foot, follow trails like the Silverdale and Arnside Art and Craft Trail. Locals band together to display their skills on a lovely art trail, allowing visitors to explore private homes, admire a range of artworks, explore family-friendly activities in quirky venues and experience a natural feel of community courtesy of the volunteers.
Other great walking routes include the 4-mile Silverdale and the Cove route, ambles through Leighton Moss and Trowbarrow Nature Reserve, and quiet nature strolls through Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve. Cyclists can hop on the 80-mile Bay Cycle Way, which stretches from Barrow-in-Furness to Glasson Dock. The relatively flat route boasts sea views and winds through sleepy villages. Visit landmarks like Leighton Hall and Estate, a beautiful stately home on acres of grounds with woodland walks and walled gardens. Heron Corn Mill brims with history, events, and mill tours, creating a wonderful space for exploring the area's heritage. The Three Towers of Arnside and Silverdale are impressive ruins and three of four important stone medieval remains in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
One Last Farewell to The Lake District
Silverdale. Andrew Hall
And just like that, we've reached the end of our A Campervan Road Trip Itinerary for the Lake District. We've outlined some of the best places to visit in the Lakes, with our road trip starting off at UNESCO World Heritage Hadrian's Wall and winding our way past Ullswater, one of the most striking lakes in England, to the absolutely unmissable Keswick. Our journey also includes stops at St. Bees Head Heritage Coast, the only Heritage Coast between Scotland and Wales, the picturesque village of Coniston, and Hawkshead - a prime spot for outdoor activities and water-based frolics on Lake Windermere. We hit the road again, driving into Grasmere, a location much-loved by William Wordsworth, before rumbling into the inimitable Ambleside. Our final two stops were at Bowness-on-Windermere and lastly, we are here at the enchanting Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There's always more to be found in the Lakes, and our guides provide a good base for finding and exploring more on your campervan road trip through the Lake District, so feel free to follow your heart and gambol under big skies.
If this is your first campervan road trip guide, please explore the ones above too and we hope they leave you filled with ideas. The Lakes are a wonderful spot to explore year-round, and the thrills of journeying in a lovely campervan bring the joy of this beautiful part of the country straight into your home on wheels.
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