The quaint coastal town with an amazing tearoom 90 minutes from Greater Manchester perfect for a day out

There are some towns and villages you visit in the UK where it truly feels like you’ve stepped back in time. Grange-over-Sands is one such place.

The town is perched on the edge of Morecambe Bay, giving it a distinctive coastal feel despite not having a beach of its own. There is a stretch of sand separated by a section of marshland making it out of reach, yet there’s a whiff of salty sea air about the place.

Grange-over-Sands became known as a fashionable destination during the 19th century, thanks to the arrival of the rail line, and today the Victorian and Edwardian influences are very much visible. There is a lengthy seafront promenade, a charming train station, a neat row of cafes and shops; and ornamental gardens.

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Away from the tourist crowds of the hotspots in the nearby Lake District, Grange-over-Sands has a laid-back feel to it. There’s no rushing about here; you can take your time exploring its hidden gardens or walk the length of the promenade, which has views across the bay to Far Arnside and Silverdale.

Thanks to its sloping topography, the town’s areas sit like layers above the coastline with each level offering a different place to discover. It means you can walk along a path directly alongside the town’s railway line, while looking down at the sunken Ornamental Gardens on one side and the marshland on the other.

Among the town’s hidden gems is Hazelmere Cafe and Bakery, a tea room with an old-fashioned spirit yet without being too fuddy-duddy thanks to a contemporary interior. During my weekend visit it was full to the brim, with diners enjoying everything from cream teas to light lunches.

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