The village by the sea with amazing sunsets near Greater Manchester

Nestled on the Lancashire coast between Morecambe and Carnforth is the sleepy village of Hest Bank. Set slightly away from the shoreline, it’s a place where pastoral canal walks meet salty sea air.

In the heart of the village old and new buildings sit harmoniously side by side, with the tranquil Lancaster Canal flowing southwards between them. The western edge of the village meets the sand flats of Morecambe Bay, with panoramic views across the water.

In the distance you can see as far as the Furness Peninsula and the Lake District fells, while it's also an excellent spot for watching the sunset when the sky is transformed with orange and red hues. At just over an hour’s drive from Greater Manchester, the village is the perfect place for a day trip this spring.

READ MORE: The charming village with an alpine feel two hours from Greater Manchester

Due to its location Hest Bank has historically been a stopping point for travellers. Centuries ago monks at Furness Abbey would visit the village when they crossed the bay and later in the 18th and 19th the village thrived off the coaching trade.

In fact the village’s pub, The Hest Bank, occupies a former coaching inn where weary travellers could spend the night. In the early 19th century the inn even constructed a lantern room to guide coaches, while its stable could hold up to 16 horses and four drivers.

Although visitors to the pub today are less likely to arrive by horse and carriage, they’re still treated to a warm welcome and excellent hospitality. The Hest Bank serves up tasty pub classics such as hand-made steak and ale pie, Hunter’s chicken and beer-battered fish and chips, as well as seasonal dishes.

It’s well worth a visit on a sunny day when you can relax with a