Surrounding Holgates' Silverdale park there is a wide variety of scenery, from historic ruins to sandy beaches. The historic city of Lancaster and seaside Morecambe are a short drive away and within half an hour you can be in The Lake District with its stunning landscape of mountains, fells and lakes.

Gold Winner of the David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme.

Silverdale

Silverdale village is just a 20 minute walk away and is Britain’s smallest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Wander through the village and stock up at the local shops including a butcher, baker and greengrocer all stocking fresh produce that is grown locally.

Walk down to the sea at Jenny Brown’s Point for a panoramic view across the bay. Nearby Leighton Moss, run by the RSPB, is home to special birds such as breeding bitterns and bearded tits, as well as deer, and butterflies.

An easy walk through the trees at Woodwell can end at The Wolfhouse Gallery which features contemporary and traditional arts, crafts, gifts, jewellery, and tearooms with homemade cakes that are definitely worth stopping for.

Silverdale has 3 friendly pubs. The Woodlands is a 15 minute walk from the park and serves an ever-changing selection of local real ales and welcomes dogs and children. Children are also welcome at The Royal and The Silverdale Hotel in the village.  On the high street there is also Amico's, an extremely good Italian restaurant.

Arnside

Arnside Knott (522ft) dominates a rocky peninsula where the village of Arnside stands. In days gone by, small coasters, steamers and yachts called at landings in Arnside, but when the estuary began to silt up, Arnside lost its marine ties.

Today, Arnside's many visitors enjoy strolling through the bustling seaside village. Catch the remarkable sight of the tide as it sweeps up the bay and enjoy a supper of fish and chips on the beach, watching the salmon leap as the sun sets.

There are plenty of places to eat in Arnside, ranging from tearooms to restaurants and pubs.  Sit outside with a pint and enjoy the view.

Kendal

The 'Gateway to the Lakes' is a mere 15 miles away, and provides good shopping facilities, including a market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Kendal has a theatre and cinema, a 13th Century parish church, Abbot Hall Art Gallery, a museum offering a glimpse of Lakeland life throughout the ages – and mint cake – lots of it.

The Lake District

The beautiful landscapes of the Lakes are favourites among walkers, while the forests, fells and waterways provide the setting for many sporting activities. Visit historic villages and famous locations such as the former homes of Beatrix Potter, John Ruskin and the poet Wordsworth.

The History of Middlebarrow.

In the late 1700's up until 1950 Middlebarrow Plain was open rough grazing, forming part of Arnside Tower Farm. The Holgate family first rented the land from Dallam Tower Estate in 1956 and eventually bought it. The existing light scrub gradually formed woodland. After about 1980 when sheep grazing was completely excluded from the park, the woodland became thicker. Holgates also have a caravan park at Far Arnside, which is part of Arnside Knott.

Wildlife

For exploring nature Silverdale has it all. Watch Roe Deer and Brimstone Butterfly. Explore historic limestone grassland and native woodland.

Limestone Pavement and Grassland - a mosaic of colour

There is a very rich ground flora of herbs and relic limestone grassland in glades and the open woodland on the rocky hilltop. The abundance of spring flowers includes primroses, cowslips, early purple orchid and rare species typical of this limestone area. In the summer dropwort can be seen with its delicate flowers and pink buds and the yellow flowers of the common rock rose are abundant. Aromatic wild thyme is to be found scattered through the species rich turf.