Grange-over-Sands

12:46pm Tuesday 10th June 2003

Overlooking Morecambe Bay, Grange developed as a Victorian resort and is today renowned for being a retirement haven.

The town's location ensures that it catches most of the day's sun and is sheltered from northern winds by sharply rising fells. It therefore has a very gentle climate and the rainfall is markedly less and the temperature higher than nearby Cartmel.

Grange was first recorded in 1490, but growth of the original village was slow. However, quite early in the 19th century, discriminating travellers were attracted by the beauty of its surroundings, its health-giving properties and its wonderful sea-bathing facilities.

In August 1857, the Furness Line opened and trains travelling via Grange and Kents Bank led to the building of more and larger hotels and hydros. Piers were built to serve sailing vessels and steamers from across the bay. Rich textile men from Lancashire and Yorkshire began to settle in the town, and the flow of day trippers and holidaymakers steadily increased.

The famous promenade stretches south-east from the rocks at Blawith Point for over a mile to the Victorian railway station, where original cast iron seats can still be seen. Just off the promenade, Grange's outdoor municipal bathing pool (recently closed down amidst much controversy) was opened in 1912.

On the outskirts of Grange is the spectacular hospice on Hampsfell which offers amazing views. The hospice was erected in 1834 by the Rev Thomas Remington who wanted to perpetuate his own feelings of gratitude during his ascents of this lovely fell. The viewfinder, on a clear day, affords views of Snowdon and the Isle of Man.

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