In case you're thinking ahead to the school summer holidays, live here and are planning a 'staycation', or visiting this beautiful corner of the world on holiday, here are a few places perfect for families. We're spoilt for choice with Lancaster, Morecambe, tons of gorgeous villages and small towns to explore, and the South Lakes within easy reach too...
1. Go to the beach
I bet you didn't expect that to be the first thing on my list, but we have so many stunning little sandy beaches and coves. Try exploring the little beaches down from St Patrick's Chapel in Heysham (and check out the ancient stone tombs on the way down), or there's Half Moon Bay (also in Heysham) with its café and newly installed 'Ship' sculpture by Anna Gillespie, Silverdale is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and there is a gorgeous stretch
of sand near the Eric Morecambe statue in
Morecambe. And that's just a few...I didn't mention
the pebbly beach at Hest Bank near Archers Café
or having fish 'n' chips at Arnside...I could go on.
2. Williamson Park, Lancaster
When given a choice of places to go for a few hours, my 5-year old daughter almost always chooses Williamson Park. It has two playgrounds, loads of woodlandy bits to explore, a small lake, a café and for a few quid per person, you can see loads of minibeats, butterflies and even the best animal ever (in my opinon)... meerkats. Take a picnic and enjoy the stunning view across Lancaster and the bay.
3. Make My Day Festival, Morecambe - Sunday 4th August 12-5pm
I am obviously going to be drawn to anything described as a 'creative theme park' (my heaven), but it really does look like this will have something for everyone, regardless of how much of an artist you feel you are! Crafty workshops, music, and even a kids rave, and the festival is free. The team putting this together is doing so many amazing things for Morecambe and this is just one almighty celebration of the creativity and fun we have in the town.
4. Gresgarth Hall and Gardens, Caton
These gardens have mystical powers I am sure of it. As soon as I walk in, I feel super relaxed. It is visually stunning but only open once a month for some of the year. It's a hidden gem and such a special experience to visit. Although it may not be quite as hidden as it once was, as it's just appeared on a Channel 5 documentary called 'Great British Gardens'. Younger children will love the space to run around, and the fact that there is usually chocolate cake available too. Winner!
5. Ragtag Arts - Mealbank, Kendal
OK, so this suggestion is slighly leftfield and just outside of North Lancashire (but not far), but if you like getting creative you'll adore this place. You can attend one of Ragtag's regular crafty workshops or one of their summer events (to be announced). Alternatively, you can go and fill a basket for only £7 of crafty materials from their scrapstore (or a trolley for £30 if you're feeling more ambitious) and take it home to create something wonderful - ideal for a rainy
day. They even give you suggestions of things
to make to help inspire you and your kids.
Photographs to remember these awesome family times ...
Have you ever thought about arranging for a photographer to come along with you on a family day out, so that you create a beautiful record of family time together? What about booking a photo session for a few hours whilst you're holidaying in the area?
I can take the photos, whilst you focus on having fun and doing all the things you'd normally do. You will receive lots of lovely photographs in digital form. How fabulous would it be to be able to create your own photo book to give to the children when they're older, showing a fun family day out, something that you can hold, look through and talk about? I will go with the flow of the day and you'll soon forget I am even there to take photos. If you'd like a chat about booking a summer session like this, please get in touch.