Things to do in Morecambe

Polly Checkland Harding

The town of Morecambe is a natural amphitheatre for astonishing sunsets, with views across Morecambe Bay that have been a draw for visitors since the Victorian era. Formerly an escape from the industrial mills and mines inland, with leisure-oriented buildings such as the Winter Gardens built along the waterfront, a visit to Morecambe wouldn’t be complete without a walk along the promenade – and afternoon tea in the iconic setting of The Midland hotel.

This is a town that wears its heritage well: each year, Morecambe plays host to two hugely popular events, Vintage by the Sea and Catch the Wind Kite Festival, both reinventing the destination’s retro appeal for modern audiences. Perhaps the most exciting next leap forwards here is the planned opening of the Eden Project North, but this is a place that continues to evolve into the 21st century – and to reward the ready explorer. It’s also worth noting that Morecambe is situated less than four miles from the historic city of Lancaster, connected by a nine-minute train ride.

Our top picks

Winter Gardens Theatre

Winter Gardens Theatre, 209 Marine Road Central, Morecambe, Lancashire, LA4 4BU - Visit now

Formerly the Victoria Pavillion Concert Hall and Variety Theatre, opened in 1897, the Winter Gardens theatre’s stage has hosted the likes of Dame Julie Andrews and The Who. The stunning interior is being slowly restored.

Winter Gardens Theatre Morecambe
Courtesy of Lancaster City Council

Midland Hotel, Morecambe

Midland Hotel, Morecambe, Marine Rd W, Morecambe, Lancashire, LA4 4BU - Visit now

One of the most recognisable buildings on Morecambe’s shorefront, the Midland Hotel is famous for its beautiful curved Art Deco shape.

The Midland Hotel Morecambe

SHIP at Half Moon Bay

SHIP at Half Moon Bay, DECO PUBLIQUE, 3 Northumberland Street, Morecambe, Lancashire, LA4 4AU - Visit now

A striking Corten steel sculpture by artist Anna Gillespie celebrating Morecambe’s maritime heritage. Outdoors, and perfect for walkers.

Image courtesy of Keith Stanley/ Anna Gillespie.

Bay Cycle Way

Bay Cycle Way, Morecambe, Lancashire, LA44BU - Visit now

The Bay Cycle Way is a perfect introduction to long-distance cycling, and passes through some of the UK’s most beautiful coastline.

The Bay Cycle Way is a perfect introduction to long-distance cycling. Morecambe Bay is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the UK.
Bay Cycle Way

The Old Pier Bookshop

The Old Pier Bookshop, 287 Marine Road Central, Morecambe, Lancashire, LA4 5BY - Visit now

A family- run, independent, disorganised, second-hand bookshop, situated on the Morecambe sea front.

The Old Pier Bookshop, Morecmabe
Courtesy of The Old Pier Bookshop

Where to go in Lancashire

Blackpool South Pier courtesy of Visit Blackpool.
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Blackpool South Pier

Offering something of a mini theme park to visitors, Blackpool South Pier has a ton of white-knuckle rides to get stuck into.

The Lawton Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Lawton

Thanks to its lime green-painted brick frontage, this family-friendly guest house certainly stands out from the crowd in the centre of Blackpool.

woman lighting candles in a church
Blackburn
Place of worship
Blackburn Cathedral

Blackburn Cathedral is one of England’s newest Cathedrals, yet it is one of the country’s oldest places of Christian worship.

Winckley Square
Lancashire
Park
Winckley Square

Hosting a variety of year-round events, from guided walks to jazz evenings, Winckley Square is a Georgian square packed with history in Preston city centre.

Friargate
Lancashire
Shop
Friargate

With an array of independent shops and places to eat and drink, including a number of contemporary pubs and bars, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Avenham and Miller Parks
Lancashire
Park
Avenham and Miller Parks

Located in the heart of Preston, Avenham and Miller Parks are among the finest examples of traditional Victorian parkland in the North West.

Blackburn
Music venue
The Exchange, Blackburn

Dating back to 1865 when it opened as one of four exchange halls in the country, The Exchange is an iconic Blackburn venue

Lancashire
Music venue
The Platform

Music, comedy, dance, drama and children’s shows in an Edwardian railway station, opposite The Midland Hotel.

Lancashire
Gallery
The Crescent Gallery

Morecambe gallery which showcases and sells contemporary works, often by artists from the area, which are varied and beautiful.

Lancashire Visitor Guides

Records and Relics frontage
Shopping in Lancashire

Our guide to the best shops in Lancashire, including independents and markets in Blackpool, Lancaster, Morecambe, Burnley and Blackburn.

Northcote
Food and Drink in Lancashire

Our guide to food and drink in Lancashire, featuring restaurants and bars in Lancaster, Morecambe, Blackburn, Burnley and Blackpool.

Castle View
Hotels in Lancashire

Our guide to the best hotels in Lancashire, including Lancaster, Morecambe, Blackburn, Burnley and Blackpool.

Walks in Blackpool
Walks in Blackpool

A round-up of the best walks in Blackpool, including the sights of the promenade and nearby country walks.

Walks in Blackburn & Burnley
Walks in Blackburn & Burnley

An inspired array of walks and cultural spaces to hike, saunter or work your way through, featuring wild landscape and stately halls alike.

Spotlight on

Things to do in Blackpool

Fancy a festive day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Music in the North

Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.

A sculpture of a dark brown dog looks to the right, hanging out of its middle and the back are what appears to be its insides (in cream) spilling out.
Exhibitions in the North

From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.

A man is dressed as an Elf in a decorated department store.
Cinema in the North

Get ready for animated classics, Muppet mayhem and a whole host of New York movies -- it's Christmas time in the cinema.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.

Raver Tots at Escape to Freight Island
Family things to do in the North

As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.