Oh I do love to be beside the seaside…
I have seen an increasing number of home movers selling up in Manchester and heading to the Lake District, seeking (and finding) fresher air, greener landscapes, easier access to outdoor pursuits and an altogether freer and more relaxed way of life for themselves and their children.
(Image credited to – A view across the Kent estuary at Arnside by Darkroom Daze © Creative Commons).
But where should you consider moving to? Let’s talk about why you should consider Arnside.
What’s great about living in Arnside?
Arnside is a charming, petite coastal village in the Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It sits on the estuary of the River Kent, giving residents stunning, ever-changing views across Morecambe Bay, with a backdrop of the beautiful landscapes of Cumbria behind.
(Image credited to – A view from Arnside Knott by Pat Neary).
Arnside was a popular seaside resort during the Victorian era, and as a result the village has many architectural reminders of this time, especially along the graceful promenade, which offers glorious views across Morecambe Bay and to the lakeland fells beyond.
If getting out in nature appeals (and why wouldn’t it?) Arnside is a bird spotter’s paradise, drawing wading birds and wildfowl to the estuary, and not far at all from the RSPB nature reserve at Leighton Moss, where as well as many species of bird, including Marsh Harriers, Red Kites and Whooper Swans, you may well spot otters and red deer. You are also just moments from glorious walks – Arnside Knot is a limestone hill giving incredible views across the coastline – and, of course, the Lake District.
(Image credited to -Marsh Harrier at Leighton Moss by Etienne Gosse).
Transport links
Arnside has its own train station on the Furness Line, and there are regular train services that connect Arnside with Lancaster and the West Coast Main Line, giving access to Manchester (including Manchester Piccadilly) in around 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 30 minutes. Arnside is also near to the M6 motorway, at junctions 35 or 36, should you prefer a car commute to a train journey. Though sitting on a train seems to me to always be preferable to sitting in a car!
Schools
There is a small Church of England primary school in Arnside, with just 125 children, ensuring close attention and care. There is no secondary school in Arnside, which is of course not unusual for small locations, and children travel to secondary school. Just a few miles away, in Milnthorpe, you will find Dallam School, which also offers some boarding facilities, including a limited number of state boarding places.
Amenities
Arnside is a small village and as such there is no big supermarket, which is actually part of its charm. There are several convenience stores, however, offering a wide selection of food and drink. Just four miles away, in Milnthorpe, there’s a Booths supermarket and just over 5 miles away, in Carnforth, you will find a Tesco Superstore, another Booths and an Aldi.
Arnside also offers a lovely selection of independently owned shops and boutiques, cafés, bakeries and pubs.
There are several very pretty little villages close to Arnside, too.
Storth
Storth faces the estuary of the River Kent and although its roots are ancient, most of the housing was built in the latter part of the 20th century. Storth includes a village church, a primary school, a post office, and a locally owned Co-operative shop.
Carr Bank
About a mile from Arnside lies the hamlet of Carr Bank, mainly residential but home to a well-known garden centre that draws visitors from the surrounding area.
Milnthorpe
Milnthorpe is a small market town on the A6 at Cumbria’s southern edge, seven miles south of Kendal. The Market Square is lined with pretty cottages on three sides, while the fourth opens onto lawns and trees in front of the Church of St Thomas. A popular market runs every Friday, and there is of course, a Booths supermarket, too. Plenty of pubs and cafes make Milnthorpe a lovely place to live or visit.
Heversham
Heversham offers a range of recreational facilities: an outdoor activities centre, tennis courts, bowling green, playgrounds, rugby, football, hockey fields, and a cricket ground with pavilion. There is also an award-winning primary school and association with Dallam School’s sixth form college, which draws students from across the region.
Beetham
Beetham is a picturesque village of grey limestone cottages and cobbled forecourts, just north of the Lancashire border and within the Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Sandside
Sandside looks out across the sands of the River Kent estuary, offering wide views toward the Cartmel peninsula and dramatic sunsets over Morecambe Bay.
Arnside Office
Sales: 01524 761806
Lettings: 01524 762330
Eddie – Friday 3rd October 2026. ( I’m working with Simon Leigh at Hackey & Leigh Estate Agents).
