While Blackpool, Morecambe, and Lytham draw the summer crowds, Heysham Village on Lancashire's coast is a quieter alternative with cobbled walkways, 17th-century cottages, and a seafront that appeals to all ages.
A Beach with Rock Pools and Heritage
The beach is mostly rocky, which keeps it less crowded than nearby Morecambe. When the tide goes out, a modest arc of golden sand appears, and the rocks create small pools where children can find crabs and seashells. Visitors should check tide times before venturing far out.
Above the beach, the coastal path is popular with cyclists, and a steeper path leads to an eco garden. The Grade 1-listed St Peter's Church overlooks the bay, and its graveyard slopes toward the cliff edge. Inside, the Hogback Stone, dating to around 950AD, is one of the most ornate Viking headstones in Britain.
Heysham Head and Viking Graves
A short walk from the church brings you to the National Trust site of Heysham Head, where the ruins of St Patrick's Chapel date to the 9th century. Nearby are six rock-cut graves, believed to be among the earliest Christian burials in the UK. These stones were used as the album cover for Black Sabbath's Greatest Hits in 2000.
The area has also hosted TV crews, including for ITV's The Bay. A few hundred yards from the beach, Radford's Pie Company, run by the Radford family of 22 Kids and Counting fame, serves freshly-made meat and potato pies for £3.85.
Quirky Cafes and Community Spirit
Heysham Village is home to the clifftop Mad Hatter's Cafe, which opens in good weather and offers views across the sea. Sue Morgan, 74, serving Victoria Sponge for £2.50 and tea for £1, said: "We've won gold at Britain in Bloom and are hoping to get it again this year. Everyone gets stuck in and it's a good community spirit."
At St Peter's Church Cafe, volunteers run the kitchen. Anne Esslemont, a volunteer who has lived in the village for 40 years, said: "Anything you ever read about Heysham they say Half Moon Bay is the one, but this beach is so beautiful. I had a friend who used to come and walk her dog regularly in the area and even she never even knew it was here." She added, "I love it, it's become a lot more popular since Covid because people had to find places to go to near by, but it's still very tranquil."
Getting There and Practical Information
Heysham Village is about 1 hour 20 minutes from Manchester, via M6 junction 34 and the A683. The main car park is pay and display, with a full day costing £3.50. There are two play areas, one next to the beach and one in the car park, where public toilets are located. The village has a Heysham Trail map for self-guided tours, and the historic Royal Inn hotel on Main Street offers accommodation. Heysham is a ten-minute drive from Morecambe, which has a mainline train station and connecting buses.
