Arnside Inside&Out
Lancashire Life|October 2017

This has always been a beautiful place to visit but today its allure is stronger than ever - even the red squirrels can’t resist.

Martin Pilkington
Arnside Inside&Out

OVER RECENT YEARS Arnside has evolved. Its fine setting on the Kent estuary and the quiet Edwardian charm remain unchanged, but the shops, accommodation and eateries have definitely gone up in the world. The strategy has worked, judging by the numbers enjoying its river frontage, many of them from further afield than was once the case.

Some, it seems, are discovering Arnside as an escape from the holiday hordes encountered in Lakeland. ‘We’re seeing more European visitors now,’ says newsagent Ian Bullough, ‘Twenty years ago that wasn’t the case, but with the overbusy nature of the Lakes we’re getting many more nationalities coming here.’

Lesley Hornsby, of the Promenade’s highend B&B No 43, adds: ‘This year we’ve had more visitors from places like Israel, Turkey, China and Saudi.’ She too feels Arnside is benefitting from overcrowding elsewhere. ‘One person arrived here thinking they were staying in Ambleside, then went there and said “Thank goodness I’m not!”’

Lesley’s business has been at the cutting edge of Arnside’s upmarket evolution. ‘I bought it 11 years ago,’ she says, ‘and my first guest was a Visit England inspector! We were awarded Five Star Silver that year, and the following one we got Five Star Gold.

There wasn’t much like this in the B&B side in Cumbria then, let alone Arnside.’ Nowadays the coffee shops, foodie pubs and retail therapy along the Promenade are cut from similar cloth.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM LANCASHIRE LIFEView all
A Shopper's Paradise
Lancashire Life

A Shopper's Paradise

‘Anything is possible’ is the boast of a famous Knightsbridge shop and it could equally apply to Clitheroe, where shoppers come eager to pick up something just that little bit different, especially in the run-up to Christmas

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Back from the brink?
Lancashire Life

Back from the brink?

There are signs hedgehog numbers might be recovering, and we can all do our bit to help them, says Alan Wright of Lancashire Wildlife Trust

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
Lancashire Life

Memories of a LANCASHIRE CHILDHOOD

Blackburn-born Sara Foster has had a string of bestsellers on the other side of the world. With her latest novel now out, she reflects on her Lancashire roots

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
The tale of BEATRIX'S VALLEY
Lancashire Life

The tale of BEATRIX'S VALLEY

Land once owned by Beatrix Potter is at the heart of a noisy row over how we enjoy the Lake District

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Liverpool's pyramid scheme
Lancashire Life

Liverpool's pyramid scheme

We’ve seen the shape of things to come – and it’s a pyramid. But are you ready to spend the afterlife piled high with 34,591 other people in Toxteth?

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
Around the world in 2000 paintings
Lancashire Life

Around the world in 2000 paintings

Preston artist Martyn Hanks has spent 60 years globetrotting with his paints and brushes

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
WALKING THE BORDER
Lancashire Life

WALKING THE BORDER

This glorious walk in the hills around Earby takes a peek over the county line

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
We will remember them
Lancashire Life

We will remember them

For a hundred years the Cenotaph has been the focal point for a nation’s grief, but few know its connection to Kirkby Lonsdale

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
A pawfect day out
Lancashire Life

A pawfect day out

The grounds of Holker Hall at Cartmel are a favourite with human and canine visitors

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
A LEGACY of LOVE
Lancashire Life

A LEGACY of LOVE

An unusual war memorial in Lancaster is a haven for wildlife and young people from the city

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020