Grange-over-Sands
is a sleepy Edwardian resort set across the estuary from Lancaster
and Morecambe, and may (at some risk) still be crossed by an
ancient pathway when the tide is low.
It was
a firm favourite to Victorian and Edwardian holidaymakers, being
accessible by the Furness Railway, and, due to its protected
setting, enjoys more sunshine than any other place in the Lake
District.
It still
retains much of that charm and tranquility, with a long seaside
promenade walk with its attractively well-maintained ornamental
gardens and extensive collection of waterfowl, which parallel
the town's main street which bustles with charming and characterful
shops, and a profusion of high quality accommodation within
all price brackets.
It is a
leisurely mature town, and attracts an older clientele than
other more famous and developed seaside resorts across the bay
in Lancashire.
The town's
name derives from the fact that some 800 years ago it was the
site of a large mill or "granary", and it was originally called
the 'Granary-over-the-sands' by the people of Morecambe over
the estuary, who obtained most of their flour from Grange.
The granary
building also stored many other kinds of sea freight and goods,
and helped establish Grange as a one-time major sea port for
the region. Over the years the name has been condensed to its
present form.
Grange became
inextricably linked with the City of Lancaster by the Oversands
path, and a warden was appointed to guide walkers over the treacherously
shifting estuary for many years.
It was a
major thoroughfare until well into the late 19th century; before
the building of metalled roads and turnpikes, it was the only
reliable way into Lancashire, and saved a whole day's travel.
Walkers
may still tread the path, as it is recognised as a Public Right
of Way, though novices would be well advised to seek advice
and a tidal times manual from the Tourist Information Centre
in Grange town centre before attempting the walk.
The approach
to the modern day town is entirely Edwardian, with the quaint
railway station, and the arcaded shops of that period.
Also worth
seeing at the eastern town approach is the ornamental gardens,
with its large man-made lake, the probable site of the original
granary, a profusion of wildfowl and water birds, and its exotic
trees, of which a luxuriant 100 feet high Lawson Cypress is
the most dominant.
Curiously,
the Furness railway separates the town from its promenade, which
can be accessed at three points along its one mile length.
At the western
end of the town are seaside leisure facilities including tennis
courts and putting greens, swimming pool and children's entertainments.
