Morecambe Promenade

The sweep of sand and shale that makes up Morecambe Promenade stretches for miles along Lancashire's coast, and it's genuinely the kind of place that rewards a proper wander rather than a quick stroll. You get proper views across Morecambe Bay towards the Lake District fells on a clear day - the light's often better in late afternoon when the sand turns copper. The promenade itself is paved and easy underfoot, with the beach falling away to your left as you head north from the town centre.

It's a nature reserve, which means the mudflats and saltmarsh that flank the bay support vast numbers of wading birds and wildfowl. Bring binoculars if you're at all interested in birdwatching - winter brings huge congregations of knot, dunlin and curlew. Summer's quieter on that front but the light's lovelier and the walk less grim in February drizzle.

Really, this suits walkers and nature types more than families after an action-packed afternoon. Kids will manage an hour or so before the flat expanse loses its appeal. There's no charge to use the promenade, and you can walk as much or as little as suits you - from a quick 20-minute constitutional to a full afternoon ramble. Morecambe itself feels a bit tired these days, but the promenade itself remains genuinely worth the visit.

Stay at Parkdean Resorts Ocean Edge or Bay View Holiday Park and you're three to five miles south - both close enough for an easy evening stroll without feeling you're living in your car.