Overnight at Lancaster or Morecambe

[Soltydog]

I'm planning a little solo tour next week, over to the west coast & back, and my 2nd night stay will be in either of these 2 towns. I'm thinking Lancaster might be a little livelier & more fun for a solo night, but would appreciate any views from a local TIA

 

[Starchivore]

I went to uni at Lancaster and lived in the town for two years. After graduation I went back for a temp job at the uni and lived in Morecambe for three months, so I've some experience of both.

Morecambe will be cheaper but Lancaster will probably be a nicer stay, particularly being off-season for the seaside. They are very close together so you could go down to Morecambe on the cycle path in the morning if you fancied seeing the sea, it doesn't take long at all.

Lancaster's a really nice place with a good town centre and there's plenty to do in the evenings, lots of nice eateries and bars and pubs to patronise. I like Morecambe a lot too though.

 

[Soltydog]

They are very close together so you could go down to Morecambe on the cycle path in the morning if you fancied seeing the sea, it doesn't take long at all.

Cheers the travelodge at Lancaster is quite reasonable & I'll probably ride onto Morecambe on the day before my stop over, just to make it a real coast to coast ride, or coast to coast to coast by the time I get home lol

 

[Blue Hills]

I like Morecambe a lot too though.

Can you elaborate? Am interested. I am from that neck of the woods and even from my long distant childhood memories, morecambe always seemed rather, er, challenged. I know it has a wonderful bay and distant views of the lake district, but ...

 

[Starchivore]

Can you elaborate? Am interested. I am from that neck of the woods and even from my long distant childhood memories, morecambe always seemed rather, er, challenged. I know it has a wonderful bay and distant views of the lake district, but ...

The council spent a lot of money on the front- not quite sure when but it wasn't too long ago I think. The front is now (in my opinion) a really nice place to spend a day and has a very wide shared use path which makes it great for walkers and cyclists (see image below). The path runs for quite a decent way. There are some nice cafes there and the Midland hotel which is a nice place for an evening drink. And there's a fantastic old bookshop which is crammed full of second hand books. There's a decent market not far off the front.

But yes, as you move in through the town and residential area it isn't quite as nice to look at. The town centre is pretty standard (a load of the usual shops, which isn't where I'd want to spend my time). The streets away from the front aren't likely to win too man prizes- a bit run down and bordered up shops. I lodged with someone in the west end which is the more run-down area of Morecambe. To me it was fine but that's more or less what I'm used to. I was there 3 months over winter and in the dark it wasn't the most jolly place to live but the seafront was still nice off season and I think it's a friendly place. I gather there are some trouble-makers in parts of the town sometimes but I never had any trouble or saw any.

I think there is some resentment that the council spent so much on the front to attract tourists while leaving the rest of the town to crumble a bit. But I think overall it is a place with great character, but like a lot of northern towns it has the signs of decline and lack of opportunities for residents unfortunately.

 

[Blue Hills]

Many thanks for the reply. Must get back there, through the Trough.

 

[clid61]

Have a ride up to silverdale and camp there , beautiful place , not far from Morecambe

 

[MontyVeda]

Does the travelodge provide secure bike storage?

 

[uphillstruggler]

Does the travelodge provide secure bike storage?

Take your bike to the room, I've never had issues in TL or PI.

 

[Soltydog]

Does the travelodge provide secure bike storage?

I've used a few TL & PI with my bike, I used to call & check re the bike, but now I just turn up with it & take it to my room. If I ever have a problem I'll just use the old 'Guy on the phone said it would be fine'

 

[MontyVeda]

I've used a few TL & PI with my bike, I used to call & check re the bike, but now I just turn up with it & take it to my room. If I ever have a problem I'll just use the old 'Guy on the phone said it would be fine'

Cool. I was asking because if not, I'd have offered it (live within 5mins of the travelodge).

 

[Soltydog]

Cool. I was asking because if not, I'd have offered it (live within 5mins of the travelodge).

Cheers, i'll bear it in mind if i do have a problem

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

Hope you're right...I've a friend cycling home from LEJOG and we have some good storms here, heading up his way. He's near Kendal, I've advised him to ditch his through the night plans and seek a shelter, prob around Morecambe or Lancaster

 

[Soltydog]

Update, just booked into travelodge at Lancaster & the receptionist never even mentioned the bike Just need to fine a good real ale pub now , as I'm not keen on the selection at spoons next door & I've certainly earned a few today

 

[Spinney]

If you do get to Morecambe sea front, keep your eye open for this:

(NB the bike isn't part of the statue!)

There are lovely views across the bay to the Lake District, esp in the winter with snow on the hills.
+1 for the Silverdale/Arnside area for cycling around if you have the time. Couple of tea shops in Arnside, and the cafe at RSPB Leighton Moss is good (but the queues can be a bit long sometimes). If you're not a member I think they let you use the cafe without having to pay to go onto the reserve (or you might get in free anyway if you turn up on a bike).