Under An Hour From Blackpool Is A Town With Nearby Idyllic Nature Areas, Tasty Eats, And Railroad History

Many travelers to England stick to exploring London, leaving the rest of the country overlooked. But if you enjoy discovering destinations a little more off the beaten path, then northern England is scattered with lesser-known gems, such as Carnforth in Lancashire. Tucked amidst a low valley framed by gentle slopes on the horizon, Carnforth is an idyllic market town with centuries of history. 

Outdoor enthusiasts can use Carnforth as a base for exploring its rural surroundings. Stroll along the Carnforth Loop for pleasant canal scenery, or hike amidst rugged limestone formations at the nearby Warton Crag. After a day's adventures, hungry travelers can pop into Carnforth's scattering of eateries. 

Carnforth is about 10 minutes on a Northern train from Lancaster and a 50-minute drive from Blackpool. It's also easily reached from Manchester, which is about 90 minutes away by train, making Carnforth an ideal day trip destination. However, for travelers wanting to extend their stay, there are a handful of accommodations in town.  

Carnforth was barely a speck on the map — boasting nothing more than farmers tilling the land — until the 1840s, when the Lancaster & Carlisle Railway laid tracks to Carnforth. Three passenger train lines were built. With the railroad came ironworks, turning Carnforth from a village into a modest metropolis. Spend the day at Carnforth Heritage Visitor Center next to the train station to delve into the town's locomotive past. Displays include old station signs, train dioramas, and black and white photographs, along with an exhibit dedicated to David Lean's 1945 romantic feature, "Brief Encounter," which was partly filmed there.

After spending time amidst Carnforth's railroad heritage, head out to the countryside. Warton Crag – barely 10 minutes away by car or a little longer on the No. 51 bus – is just north of town. A steep, limestone escarpment dotted with boulders towers above meadows, with walking trails leading hikers up slopes to a sprawling plateau. Find a spot to sit and gaze at the calming panoramas of fields dotted with buildings down below. Wildlife enthusiasts should also keep an eye out for birds such as peregrine falcons overhead.

Roughly a 15-minute drive from Carnforth, Dalton Crags is another rugged landscape speckled with limestone formations, where meadows merge into idyllic forests. Visitors can enjoy strolling along dirt tracks which meander through fields framed by leafy canopies. Rocky ledges rising between the trees add interest to the peaceful landscape. For more adventures nearby, hop on a bus for about 25 minutes to Morecambe, a charming coastal town with sea views, shops, and tasty restaurants.

After exploring the visitor center, Warton Crag, and Ribblehead Viaduct nearby, it's time to find something to eat. Head to the Brief Encounter Refreshment Room Bistro & Bar to enjoy "fabulous cakes and coffee," recommends a customer on Google Maps. Featuring old-timey, wooden interiors meant to recreate scenes from "Brief Encounter," it instantly takes you back to the World War II era. Head to the bar or grab a table and tuck into hearty lunches like bacon cheeseburgers; beer-battered fish and chips; or sausage, mash, and gravy.

Highly rated Café Edelweiss is across the street. "Can definitely recommend the cheese and onion pie," says one customer on Google Maps. With plank flooring and wooden tables, it has a rustic atmosphere inside and a stone courtyard. For a relaxed, waterfront atmosphere, head to the Canal Turn which serves chicken burgers and rump steak. If you're there on a Sunday, try the roast. The interior offers a cozy atmosphere, while the outdoor seating area has views of the canal. 

Once you've crossed Carnforth off your list, drive just 25 minutes or take a bus south to discover Garstang, a charming medieval town full of shops and walkable streets. Heysham, another coastal village with beaches, local eateries, and Viking roots, is also nearby.