An Hour From Blackpool Is England's Charming Coastal Village With Beaches, Local Eateries, And Viking Roots

Located on the Lancashire coast overlooking Morecambe Bay, Heysham is a small picturesque village about an hour from Blackpool. The village's historic heart centers around Main Street, where some of the houses and buildings date back to the 1600s. From there, you can walk to historic churches, chapels, and trek along serene nature reserves. After a day of relaxing at the beach, you can try British classics at local pubs and restaurants.

Many flock here to attend the annual Viking Festival, but visitors can also find remnants of Heysham's Viking history throughout the village. One of the best examples sits inside St. Peter's Church. The church is home to a carved stone from the 900s that may have served as a grave marker. Nearby, you can also admire the rock-cut graves beside St. Patrick's Chapel, which also dates back to the 900s and falls within the Viking Age.

For more history before heading to the coast, stop at Heysham Heritage Centre on Main Street. The center occupies part of a historic home and features exhibits about the town's past. Exhibits and displays include maritime artifacts from local shipwrecks, including a ship's bell, along with photographs and prehistoric tools. The center is run by local volunteers who can also answer questions about the village's history. Opening hours can vary depending on volunteer availability, so email or call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.

To get acquainted with the village, start at Main Street and walk toward the coast. You'll pass historic sites, including St. Peter's Church and St. Patrick's Chapel. Parts of the church were built as early as the 700s, with much of the current structure dating to the late 960s. A short walk from the cemetery, you'll find a series of body-shaped graves carved directly into the rock.

Continue the walk towards the coastline to check out the beaches. While these beaches aren't suitable for swimming due to fast-moving tides, they do offer a scenic area for hiking, seashell hunting, and picnics. While it's possible to wade and stick your feet in, it's probably a good idea to use caution here, as there aren't any lifeguards around and the water levels can change dramatically. The Heysham Trail leads you to Half Moon Bay, where the lighthouse and a unique sculpture stand. Built in 2019, the boat-shaped sculpture was created by the artist Anna Gillespie. It features two silhouettes sitting on the opposite ends of the boat, looking off into the distance.

Finish your stroll at Heysham Nature Reserve, which spans across 51 acres.  Several hiking trails weave through the surrounding countryside, home to many migratory bird species, dragonflies, butterflies, and wildflowers. Besides birdwatching and hiking, the reserve hosts regular meet-ups and get-togethers for guided tours, wildlife watching, and photography groups. For another Lancashire coastal stop, Fleetwood is a coastal town with ocean views, fresh seafood, and award-winning beaches. Or, for more history, head south 20 miles to Garstang, a medieval town full of shops and walkable streets.

After the walk, head to the nearby Half Moon Bay Cafe. Indulge in a bacon roll, a full English breakfast, or tea and cake. If the weather is cooperating, sit outside for great views of the coastline and Morecambe Bay. For meals beyond breakfast, choose The Royal, closer to town on Main Street. Located in a historic inn from the 1500s, its menu includes classic pub grub dishes like beer-battered haddock and chips.

Plan ahead to visit the town during the Heysham Viking Festival that takes place on a weekend in mid-July. During the weekend, you can watch reenactors wearing period attire perform historical battles, participate in a Viking parade, and sample modern dishes at the food vendors. At the vendor booths, artists showcase their traditional crafts, including weapon-making, woodworking, leatherworking, and creating other costume-related accessories. The festival is held in the public fields near the village, within walking distance of the Half Moon Bay car park.

The easiest way to reach Heysham is to take a train from Manchester Airport to Lancaster, then continue by bus to Heysham. Manchester Airport has its own train station, so travelers can catch a train there to Lancaster. From Lancaster, the 2X bus goes straight to Heysham Village in about 20 minutes. Usually, only one train a day runs from Lancaster to Heysham Port, making it a less straightforward way to reach the city for travelers arriving via the airport. Or, rent a car at the airport for more flexibility to explore Morecambe Bay and the surrounding Lancashire coast. If you have extra time after your visit, you can also spend a day exploring Manchester, one of England's most underrated cities.