unique

This beautiful Lancashire walk offers breathtaking coastal views and unique wildlife, but visitors must beware of one thing before planning a visit.

The Lancashire countryside brims with spectacular walks, picturesque villages and awe-inspiring views, establishing it as a haven for travellers.

Among the county’s wealth of beautiful locations, one particular walk stands out as genuinely extraordinary, with visitors describing it as “magnificent”.

Nestled at the very fringe of Morecambe Bay, between the Irish Sea and the southern banks of the River Lune’s estuary, sits Sunderland Point – a secluded and hidden strip of land brimming with pristine natural splendour.

Encircled by marshland and waterways, Sunderland Point offers an encounter with nature in true seclusion.

Distinctive and fascinating, much of Sunderland Point falls within a conservation area, with numerous surrounding properties holding Grade II Listed designation.

Taking the brief stroll around this remarkable peninsula transports you back centuries to the 1700s, when Sunderland Point functioned as Lancaster’s first transatlantic harbour, reports Lancs Live.

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Lancashire is known for its wide open skies, stunning landscapes and lively coastal resorts. Sykes Cottages has a wide range of self catering accommodation across the county from £42 a night.

Walkers will encounter wind-swept panoramas of river and ocean, salt marshes, tidal flats, hillsides, and expansive skies whilst tackling this three and a half mile circular route along Lancashire’s magnificent coastline.

Gifted with ideal conditions for nurturing wildlife, bird watching devotees will find Sunderland Point particularly rewarding, as glimpses of the rapidly diminishing curlew, greenshank, redshank, and oystercatchers are commonly documented across the salt marsh bordering the bay.

Wading birds are frequently seen cavorting in the mudflats or performing captivating aerial displays, whilst salmon are known to populate the River Lune at this juncture, where they can be observed being caught mid-river through traditional haaf-net fishing.

Important warning for visitors

However, Sunderland Point isn’t all picturesque landscapes and charming wildlife. The small peninsula is severed from the mainland twice daily by high tide, and if you neglect to check the tide times before setting off on your stroll, you could find yourself marooned for hours without any provisions.

The tidal causeway that links the extremity of the point to the rest of the mainland is prone to being entirely submerged by water, with one visitor even warning that improperly parked cars could end up underwater during high tide.

Indeed, the residents of Sunderland village largely structure their lives around the tide’s schedule – heading to work and school early and returning late, depending on when the tidal causeway road is free from water and safe to traverse.

For those planning a visit, it’s absolutely crucial to refer to the tide table for Heysham and bear in mind that weather conditions can significantly impact the height and timing of the tide.

If you’re making your way from Overton village on foot or by car, it’s essential to consult the tide tables, as the Causeway to Overton is very likely to sit beneath several feet of water for at least an hour or two either side of high tide, meaning careful planning is crucial.

Dog owners are also urged to keep their pets on leads whilst exploring Sunderland Point, as the route passes through a heavily protected seascape that’s vital for wading birds, with Morecambe Bay acting as their feeding area. There’s also the possibility of encountering farm livestock and cattle, so keeping your own animals on a lead ensures everyone’s safety.

Stunning destination worth visiting

Sinister safety warnings notwithstanding, every corner of Sunderland Point is breathtaking and merits a visit for the spectacular views and distinctive wildlife alone.

One Tripadvisor review says: “For me Sunderland Point was magnificent, I had always wanted to ride on a motorbike on a tidal road, we took advice and arrived at the correct time with the tide out phew, make no mistake chancing it is not an option, however you do have a few hours window.

“We arrived at the parking space to visit Sambo’s grave, look it up, very interesting, we had a lovely walk around, met some interesting locals then walked to the grave. Fun morning then onwards to Scotland.”

Another visitor notes: “I have never seen or known a place like this in the UK. The tide comes in and closes off the road making it an island for a few hours and goes out to give access.

“A few people live on the point and they are all lovely. I have met a few. When you visit always check the tide times so you are not stuck. There are no cafes on the point.”

Whilst another visitor offers a gentle caution: “A great place to drive over to see Samba Grave and to walk around the peninsula. DO make sure you know the tide times as you can get stranded with no return and where you park your car can be under water very quickly.”

The route

Pott’s Corner: Start your journey at Pott’s Corner car park beside the shore near the public loos. You can either turn right along First Terrace towards The Lane following the green trail, or press on with the blue trail that runs along Second Terrace.

First and Second Terrace: Soak up the views from First Terrace. At Second Terrace you’ll notice the wooden poles that were once employed for airing out and drying fishing nets.

Upsteps Cottage and The Lane: Upsteps Cottage, previously the brewhouse of the Ship Inn, is where Sambo the enslaved boy is thought to have sought refuge and died in 1736. Following The Lane as it winds past Mission Heritage Centre and continues along a hedge-bordered path, you’ll eventually reach the shore, passing the bird hide, Horizon Line Chamber and Sambo’s grave.

Bird hide: The perfect spot to observe curlews, redshanks, oystercatchers, and greenshanks on the mudflats and salt marsh – which serves as the feeding ground for nearly 40,000 waders including dunlin, knot, and bar-tailed godwit.

Horizon Line Chamber: This handcrafted stone sculpture is the work of Chris Drury, an artist of international renown.

Sambo’s Grave: The grave of Sambo, a young slave boy, is lovingly maintained by locals, volunteers and visitors alike – it’s certainly worth a visit to pay your respects.

Return to Second Terrace: Once you’ve finished exploring the Point, retrace your steps from the grave, heading back down The Lane from whence you came. Upon reaching Upsteps Cottage, take a right onto Second Terrace.

Alternatively, for a shorter return journey, turn left and follow the path along the shoreline, soaking up the stunning estuary views on your way back to Pott’s Corner car park, your starting point.

Old Sunderland Hall: If you opted for the right turn at Second Terrace, towards the tip of the land, you’ll pass Old Sunderland Hall. Across the water, you can enjoy spectacular views of Plover Scar Lighthouse and Cockersand Abbey.

Over the holiday period, I travelled to explore what this upcoming seaside town had to offer

Nestled along the British coastline, one “emerging” seaside destination is discreetly transforming itself into the perfect coastal getaway. Boasting over 50 independent retailers dotting its charming streets, it presents a welcome change from identical high streets dominated by familiar chain stores.

The town’s artistic flair complements its historical appeal. From mouth-watering bakeries, trendy bars and eateries to unusual boutiques, each street corner feels distinctly local and brimming with character. Here’s what I uncovered during my visit to the sandy coastal town of Folkestone in Kent.

The beach

Folkestone features six beaches, but the one that captivated me most was the sheltered Sunny Sands. This spot was utterly stunning and serene. My highlight was perched on the brick wall above, observing the freezing turquoise waves rolling in.

Numerous visitors had their amiable dogs wandering freely, bounding across the sand and along the shoreline, and it was such a liberating scene to observe. The temperature was bitterly cold, and the breeze was battering my face, but it was worthwhile spending every moment there in tranquillity.

There was something oddly meditative about the sea, particularly in Folkestone. Well-known seaside destinations like Brighton don’t quite deliver that same sense of calm and peacefulness.

High street full of Independent shops

I thoroughly enjoyed discovering the town, with its undulating hills offering views reminiscent of the South of France, complete with palm trees and vibrant buildings. Yet what truly captured my heart was witnessing what the locals had to offer.

Folkestone boasts a thriving high street packed with a variety of local independent businesses, from clothing boutiques and game shops to traditional pubs and cafés. This area is known as the Creative Quarter, “a true symbol of the regeneration of the town,” said Folkstone and Hythe.

The town is surprisingly artistic and wonderfully eccentric. The quarter is said to hold an “inspiring community of designers, filmmakers, musicians, web developers and artists around the 115 studios and offices and over 50 shops, as well as around 80 flats, making the area a playground for creative and digital businesses.”

I ended up departing with second-hand bags and jewellery, anime and comic book merchandise (who would have thought?), along with charming trinkets to adorn my room.

The unique railway

Sitting at the heart of the harbour is an elongated, disused railway station, which proved both intriguing and thoroughly enjoyable to stroll across. According to Folkestone Harbour Seafront, the station platforms form part of the restoration of the Harbour Arm and its heritage structures.

The former Folkestone Harbour station launched in 1850, with a steep branch line descending from the main station to the harbour, connecting trains with ferries to Boulogne and Calais.

Following the abolition of duty-free shopping in 1999, the ferry operation from Folkestone ceased in September 2000, eliminating the primary purpose for the harbour branch line’s existence.

The arrival of the nearby Channel Tunnel also diminished the requirement for the conventional ferry-to-train connection, resulting in the line being formally closed in 2014. The station was subsequently cordoned off and deteriorated.

Nevertheless, the station was later restored and reopened in spring 2018. The platforms, where passengers once waited for trains, are now sheltered areas to relax, sit, and enjoy the scenery.

Discussing the transformation of the station, a spokesperson for the company said: “When the Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company took possession of the harbour buildings, it was clear that very little of the original 1850 station structure remained.

“Even though the physical structure lacked authenticity, we realised that the existence of a station on the Harbour Arm had been integral to the successful development of Folkestone. It was interlaced with layers of history, making it an important piece of the town’s story.”

London-inspired attractions

After we strolled along the platform, we followed the signpost, which directed us to the “Goods Yard.” There, we discovered what resembled a compact version of London’s Boxpark.

This came as a welcome discovery, as throughout most of our stay, we’d been mingling with locals who appeared to be pensioners, but the Goods Yard attracted predominantly younger people, teenagers and families.

Similar to London, the venue featured a large screen showing family-friendly films and was surrounded by numerous restaurants and drinking establishments.

The dining options include Little Rock and Rocksalt, which provide locally caught seafood alongside coastal panoramas. Fresh fish cuisine can also be found at Chummys.

According to FolkeLife, Plamil Foods manufactures plant-based milks and vegan chocolate, whilst El Cortador delivers Spanish tapas. For beverages, craft beer is available at Brewing Brothers, whereas the Potting Shed provides vibrant atmospheres.

My top dining recommendation

During my time there, the finest experience I had was undoubtedly the cuisine. Beyond the harbour area, my preferred dining destination is the Blackmarket on Tontine Street.

This neighbourhood establishment serves mouth-watering burgers, chicken wings and alcoholic drinks, occasionally hosting live musical performances.

The interior design was remarkable, showcasing an eclectic collection of photographs, art pieces, text, banners, and emblems. It’s incredibly contemporary, yet accommodates visitors of every age and character.

I selected a burger topped with blue cheese, chorizo and crispy onions, which I still fantasise about today. I polished off the soy honey garlic-glazed wings within moments.

While chatting with proprietor Nathan Roberts, he explained they source locally, partnering with one of the town’s few remaining butchers. The menu gets refreshed every couple of months, guaranteeing fresh offerings on each return trip.

Discussing Folkestone’s prospects, Nathan commented: “It’s definitely somewhere to watch, there’s a lot going on, a lot of moves being made. I’d say in the next 10 years, Folkestone will be on the map, especially for people in the city. It’s going to be somewhere to keep an eye on; it’s only going to get better around here.”

Nestled in Derbyshire, this charming village of fewer than 200 people boasts a stunning Jacobean manor house dating from 1609, traditional tearoom and a 13-mile scenic trail

This picturesque village has less than than 200 residents and has been carefully preserved to maintain its quintessentially English character and heritage.

Tissington stands out as the perfect postcard destination – a serene Derbyshire village offering visitors an incredibly tranquil escape. Dotted with charming cottages constructed around a magnificent Hall, complete with a duck pond and traditional tea rooms, the location exudes old-world appeal.

Its remarkable conservation is credited to the FitzHerbert family, who’ve maintained ownership for more than four centuries whilst remaining active members of the community. The affluent family resides at the Hall, which forms Tissington’s beating heart.

Their ancestral connection runs so profoundly through the area that the local church, St Mary’s, features numerous tributes to departed family members.

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Tissington Hall

Standing proud at the village centre is the stunning hall, originally constructed back in 1609 by Francis FitzHerbert as a Jacobean manor house. Sir Richard inherited the property in 1989 and currently lives there alongside his wife and their four children.

It holds distinction as one of merely 300 properties across Britain where direct descendants of the original builder still reside. Season after season, the family continues welcoming visitors to the estate, offering access to explore the magnificent interiors and spectacular flourishing gardens.

Entry currently costs £16 for adults, whilst children under five can access the grounds free of charge. The site welcomes visitors between 12pm and 3pm, with guided tours available every half hour by appointment.

Food and Drink

Tucked away in this charming village sits the beloved Herbert’s Tearoom, providing the perfect pit stop for ramblers and cyclists exploring the Peak District. The tearoom dishes up mouth-watering cakes alongside tea and coffee in a quintessentially British atmosphere, with seating available both inside and outdoors.

A satisfied visitor recently posted on TripAdvisor: “We love visiting this beautiful tea room for a light lunch, especially after a leisurely stroll around the peaceful and relaxing village. Excellent food, very pleasant and attentive staff, reasonable prices and consistently high standard of customer service.”

Though Tissington lacks a traditional countryside pub within its boundaries, several excellent spots can be found on the village outskirts. The Old Dog in nearby Thorpe prides itself on delivering ‘unfussy’ quality grub in a welcoming atmosphere, championing locally sourced produce.

Further along, guests can enjoy a meal at the Sycamore Inn in Parwich or pop in for a pint at the Coach and Horses in Ashbourne. Despite its tranquil, remote character, the village sits within easy reach of numerous superb Derbyshire dining spots.

Tissington Trail

Stretching 13 miles across the Peak District, the Tissington Trail has become a firm favourite with ramblers, following the path of a former railway line. The route is largely level, making it highly accessible, while still delivering breathtaking views and the chance to explore the charming village of Tissington.

Originally part of the London and North Western Railway connecting Buxton and Ashbourne from 1899, the line was eventually shut down. Nearly seven decades later, the Peak District National Park acquired the land and transformed it into the beloved trail, creating a vehicle-free haven for walkers and cyclists alike.

One visitor wrote: “We all went out as a family and had a brill day. The routes are well maintained and are fairly flat apart from the odd big hill. The scenery and views are stunning, and it’s not too busy.”

Another claimed: “We walked from Ashbourne to Tissington, and the route was lovely, with some great scenery. We particularly liked the old Tissington railway station, where we stopped for a picnic before wandering around the village and walking back again.”

Their frustrating midseason slump was finally in the rear-view mirror, their season finally feeling back on the right track.

Any reservations about USC righting the ship after losing six of seven had largely been forgotten on the heels of a four-game winning streak. Victories over No. 8 Iowa, Rutgers, Northwestern and Illinois, two of which came on the road, had cemented its place on the right side of the NCAA tournament bubble.

But as the Trojans were reminded in a 79-73 win over Indiana at Galen Center, now is no time to get comfortable — even if Thursday’s victory had marked their longest winning streak of the season.

The Hoosiers certainly never let USC settle in, even as freshman Jazzy Davidson poured in another stat-stuffing performance that would have to carry a stagnant Trojan offense for much of the way. It would take an aggressive defensive effort, too, complete with 19 forced turnovers, to put Indiana away.

That it took such a hard-fought effort to escape a team that’s 3-11 in the Big Ten and was without the Big Ten’s leading scorer, Shay Ciezki, was not exactly reassuring, as USC (16-9 overall, 8-6 in the Big Ten) enters the final four games of their regular season slate. Two of those four are against top 10 teams, Ohio State and UCLA.

But where the Trojans might have slipped up earlier in the season, they held tight Thursday.

“We were tough where we needed to be when shots weren’t falling,” coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “Our confidence to get it done when it’s not always prettiest is something that we’re proud of.”

Outside of a stellar second quarter, Thursday’s win certainly would not be remembered for being aesthetically pleasing. Over the rest of the game, Trojans shot under 32% from the floor. Their issues from three-point range persisted, as they made just three of 19 from behind the arc. Over their last four games, they’ve knocked down just 11 of 68 (16%).

They wouldn’t need them Thursday, not with Davidson looking as dynamic as ever. The freshman sensation followed up a career-high, 27-point performance with 24 points, along with six rebounds, three assists and three steals. She did so while playing all 40 minutes.

“You talk about overdelivering,” Gottlieb said, “To be a freshman and carry the load for us and continue to grow, the numbers are really showing it … she’s just capable of doing almost anything on a basketball court.”

That much has been abundantly clear over the last seven games, with Davidson as she’s averaging 20 points, six assists, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks per night. She credited that outburst with being more comfortable down the final stretch of the season.

The Trojans will likely go as far as their dynamic freshman can take them as March approaches. But of late that’s been a pretty successful strategy.

“She’s unique,” Gottlieb said. “I know there are several good freshmen in the country. We know how good she is. We see it every day, and we think there’s no one better.”

USC didn’t look early on like a team that had found solid ground . The Trojans went six straight minutes in the first without a single field goal, then gave up an 8-0 run to Indiana in the final 1:22 of the quarter.

It was until Davidson turned it on in the second quarter that USC seized control. Fresh off her fifth Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors, Davidson tallied 10 points in the second alone, while the Hoosiers had just 13 total, USC’s defense clamping down after a sloppy start.

With Indiana’s attention on Davidson, Kara Dunn and Kennedy Smith would help the Trojans fire out front, as they combined for 20 points after half. But the Hoosiers tied the score just one possession into the fourth quarter.

An elbow to the face of guard Malia Samuels gave the Trojans free throws and a seven-point lead with just four minutes remaining in the game. Still, a foul from Dunn on a corner three-pointer by Indiana’s Maya Makalusky opened the door for the Hoosiers.

Makalusky, who led all scorers with 29, hit another three to once again cut the lead to a single possession.

But USC held on, with Smith applying the punctuation mark, snagging a driving Indiana lay-in out of mid-air with just a minute remaining. It was the sort of play that reminded what USC might be capable of, with everything working in concert.

It’ll need that to be the case, if it hopes to make noise come March.

“We’re in position to do all the things we set out to do,” Gottlieb said. “We’re as good and set up as any team outside of maybe the top group to get a great seed.”

The picturesque village has one single road running through it and is home to a beloved country restaurant with rave reviews — ideal to spend a day in the countryside.

A charming Lancashire village featuring just one street and boasting a highly-rated country restaurant offers the perfect destination for your next family day out or catch-up with mates.

This distinctive linear village lies next to the renowned Pendle Hill, which provides a breathtaking backdrop to this peaceful hamlet.

Tucked away in the Ribble Valley district, east of the bustling market town of Clitheroe, this compact village serves as an ideal location for a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty.

Its solitary road runs through the settlement before narrowing to a single-track lane leading to neighbouring Downham.

Despite the conservation village of Worston being relatively under the radar, it provides plenty of attractions for a fulfilling day trip.

A serene haven away from urban hustle and bustle, Worston boasts a fascinating and layered past. Back in 1778, workmen broadening the village road to Chatburn discovered 1,000 Roman coins (Denarii) in this modest settlement.

There’s also a prehistoric burial site located on Worsaw Hill, reports Lancs Live.

Located a stone’s throw from the village, Worsaw Hill is a Bronze Age burial mound displaying faint earthworks at its peak, potentially revealing traces of an ancient community from bygone times.

A cavern near the hill’s base enhances its enigmatic appeal, whilst the rocky outcrops and gentler slopes of Worsaw Hill prove excellent territory for fossil enthusiasts.

This tranquil single-track hamlet boasts numerous historical connections, featuring three Grade II Listed structures: the 17th-century Crow Hill Cottage, the 19th-century Worston Old Hall, and the Wall surrounding Worston Old Hall.

Remarkably, Worston Old Hall contains pieces of the historic Sawley Abbey embedded within its construction.

Tucked away beyond the village’s solitary main thoroughfare lies the remarkably intact remnants of an old bull ring, hidden within a compact meadow.

The stone and bronze tethering ring used during the bull-baiting period remains perfectly preserved on the village green.

This bull ring is thought to have been the epicentre of village activity in bygone days.

After the bull-baiting tradition faded, legend has it that anyone seeking confrontation would approach the bronze ring and rattle it vigorously to provoke a duel on the village green.

Charming countryside restaurant worth a visit

At the centre of tranquil Worston sits a much-loved rural restaurant and pub, treasured by locals and tourists alike.

The Calf’s Head ranks as Worston’s premier venue, earning an impressive 4.1 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor. It stands as the village’s sole dining and drinking destination.

With stunning vistas across Pendle Hill, the Calf’s Head serves authentic ales and an impressive wine collection, alongside a comprehensive menu featuring freshly prepared dishes showcasing locally sourced ingredients. Its sprawling, well-kept gardens and outdoor dining space offer guests the opportunity to savour meals in the fresh air whilst taking in breathtaking views across the Lancashire countryside.

Diners have heaped praise on the food at Calf’s Head, with one guest sharing on Tripadvisor: “We were holidaying in the area and decided to try the Calf’s Head for an evening meal.

“We were not disappointed, the food was plentiful and tasty and it was so good to see some traditional meals on the menu. I loved the homely atmosphere in the restaurant, it was a dark November evening when we visited and it felt very cosy. We will return when we’re next in the area.”

Another glowing review says: “Just had the most amazing afternoon tea in celebration of family birthdays. Soup to start, unlimited tea, varied sandwiches, delicious cakes and scones with jam and cream.

“The staff were friendly, the views were stunning and we loved every part of it. Amazing value at £22.50 per person. Thank you so much.”

Meanwhile, another satisfied visitor said: “We stayed for two nights, having both breakfast and evening meal both days. Delicious food and great service on each occasion, despite the fact they were incredibly busy on Sunday. (Judging by the food, I’m not surprised – our lamb burgers with goat’s cheese and caramelised onions were superb, as was the lasagne.)

“The setting is perfect – in a lovely walled garden by a stream, in a pretty little village. Add in a comfy bed, tea and coffee-making facilities and piping hot water; we couldn’t have asked for more. Thank you!”

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Lancashire is known for its wide open skies, stunning landscapes and lively coastal resorts. Sykes Cottages has a wide range of self catering accommodation across the county from £42 a night.