Carnforth tourist guide (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Carnforth tourist guide

11:19am Tuesday 17th April 2007

• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

Carnforth is blessed with an ideal location close to the sands of Morecambe Bay and the fells of the Lake District so there is much scope for visitors to get out and about in the great outdoors.

With a surprisingly rich and fascinating history, this area is somewhere to have an encounter of your own.

For movie buffs, a visit to Carnforth's Railway Station, where Brief Encounter was filmed, is a must.

It's the spot where Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson embarked on their ill-fated love affair in David Lean’s romantic classic.

Enjoy light refreshments in the perfectly recreated restaurant or stand beneath the famous clock to pose for a timeless photograph.

For some high-octane action, enjoy a spot of water-skiing or wakeboarding at Pine Lake Watersports, which offers lessons to people of all abilities.

Enjoy an afternoon meandering down Lancaster Canal on the Millennium Swiftsure, a 60ft narrow boat, which runs trips to Lancaster during the summer.

The boat holds 36 and operates like a bus, calling at stops along the route. It is available for hire to groups. Call 01524 389410.

Carnforth Book Shop, on Market Street, is a superb second-hand store where some rare and collectable treasures can be found lurking on the stacked shelves.

Nestled among rolling hills close to Carnforth is Leighton Hall, the historic home of the world-renowned Gillow furniture making family.

Set in acres of beautiful gardens, the hall entices thousands of visitors a year and hosts a number of prestigious events.

Adventurous types can embrace the water and learn to scuba dive at nearby Capernwray Diving Centre, known locally as Jackdaw Quarry. Call 01524 735132.

Leighton Moss RSPB Nature Reserve, near Carnforth, is home to rare Bitterns.

For more information: The Heritage Centre at Carnforth Railway Station, 01524-720333.