Grange-over-Sands is a totally charming, Edwardian-era seaside town on the sandy edge of Morecambe Bay, just seven miles from Lake Windermere in the Lake District. It was the mild climate, reviving sea air, stunning views, wonderful wildlife, and proximity to the charms of the Lake District that lead to Grange-over-Sands’ popularity as a seaside resort in the early 1900s, which are the same things people love about Grange-over-Sands today. Our pick of the best places to stay in Grange-over-Sands — an intimate B&B and a wonderfully traditional seaside hotel — offer not only fab sea views but a relaxing atmosphere too.

The town part of Grange-over-Sands consists of a few rows of pretty shops offering olde world charm. And there are a surprisingly large number of very good pubs and restaurants nearby, including Michelin-starred L’Enclume, and Rogan’s Bistro, which is on the riverbank. The promenade is a magical place to walk off an evening — it's a mile long and lined with shops, gardens and even palm trees. Grange-over-Sands’ beautiful coastal gardens attract a tremendous range of birds, and there are several local nature reserves. 

The best places to stay in Grange-over-Sands also make an excellent base walkers, and for anyone exploring the region. You’re close to Cartmel — which the town argues is the home of sticky toffee pudding — reached by a wonderful meander of quaint country lanes passing between meadows, and to the edge of the fells, starting with 222m Hampsfield Fell.

The Best Places to Stay in Grange-over-Sands

For a Relaxing Escape

• The Grange Hotel is a genteel old hotel, built in the local Lake District stone in 1866 in a Victorian Italianate style. The overall impression, inside and out, is of old fashioned luxury, featuring good quality antiques, extra draped designs on the curtains and beds, and plush soft furnishings. There are 50 rooms and suites in all, and great facilities to match, including an indoor pool, hot tub, beauty salon, and a gym, as well as the bar and excellent restaurant. The welcome is warm and the view reviving.

For Romantics

• Bay Villa is a beautifully converted late-Georgian terrace property, with just three elegant, and huge, rooms. Intimate and impressive — with four-poster beds, grand fireplaces and wonderful views of the coastline — this is a romantic choice. Aside from the hallway there is no communal space, but plenty of room for a decadent breakfast to be served in your room. One room is wood panelled, and another has a roll-top bath in the bay window overlooking the bay.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• If you’re travelling to Grange-over-Sands by air you have several choices: Manchester Airport is closest by road, about an hour and a half away in the car, or an hour and three quarters by train; Newcastle International Airport may well be closer as the crow flies, but is about two hours drive away, or about four and a half hours on the train, via Lancaster. You can get all the way from London by train in about three and a half hours too — and it’s about the same from Edinburgh.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• It’s the mild climate, and probably the Morecambe Bay views and proximity to the Lake District, that drew people to holiday at Grange-over-Sands. It’s pleasant for much of the year, but usually sunniest between March and September. The passing showers are what keep the plants along the promenade looking lush. If you come during the autumn and winter there are enough indoor activities in the local area to hold off boredom — take a cruise on Lake Windermere, or visit one of the many local National Trust properties, or museums.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in Cumbria or the best hotels in the Lake District
• Refine by the kind of hotels you’re looking for and consider just the best country house hotels in the Lake District, the best spa hotels or the best family hotels in the Lake District
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.