Travelling by Train
Getting to and around Morecambe Bay by train is pretty easy – and not only that, you can experience arguably the most scenic section of railway route in the UK, by hopping on the Furness Line which travels between Lancaster all the way around the west coast of Cumbria up to Carlisle. The line hugs the coastline and provides a spectacular view of the Bay and the Lake District fells and is far prettier than the road route, taking in two fantastic viaducts over the Kent and Levens Estuaries. It’s a warm and comfortable way to spot the amazing bird life out on the sands.
If you’re travelling to the Bay, the West Coast Main Line stops at Lancaster with easy connections to Morecambe, Carnforth or the Furness Line for towns and villages dotted along the coast to Barrow-in-Furness.
You can easily start walks or bike rides from the stations – places like Arnside, Grange-over-Sands and Ulverston are fantastic spots with lots of facilities for eating and places to stay.
Visit Trainline to plan your journey to and around Morecambe Bay by train.
A note on bikes on the Furness Line
Currently, bikes are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be booked in advance. With two bike spaces available, it is advisable to have a plan if your wait at the station is longer than expected. You can check the latest situation with Northern Rail who are making efforts to better accommodate people on bikes. The good news is that there is no extra cost for you to bring your bike on board.
The Furness Line
Linking Lancaster and Barrow by train, the Furness Line travels around the Bay taking in historic sites, nature reserves and dramatic seascapes.
Today, the route still offers one of the most efficient ways to travel around and explore the Bay. As the route hugs the coastline, much of the journey offers spectacular seascape views of the Bay and its tidal sands. And you can even take your bike on this service.
Board the train, sit back and enjoy some of the most beautiful coastline in Britain!
Explore the Furness Line HERETravelling by bus
This is an affordable way to travel and a great way to enjoy the views from the top deck. Some bus services connect the coast with countryside meaning your trip can take in both Morecambe Bay and the Lake District fells. Use the bus timetables to plan your route.
Hop on a ferry
For a novel adventure in the Bay, there’s nothing more exciting than travelling on water so you can take in the vast expanse of water and sands and also enjoy the full panorama of the Lake District in it’s setting so close to the sea.
Take Piel Ferry, the passenger boat to magical Piel Island where you can also enjoy marine safari and sea bird trips. Operating daily from Roa Island, as long as the weather permits, it’s a fantastic day out. You might spot seals, explore the ruins of a 14th century castle, or visit the Ship Inn to say hello to the King of Piel (the pub landlord).
The Knott End – Fleetwood Ferry crosses the Wyre Estuary in the southern part of Morecambe Bay and provides a vital link for visitors and locals. It links up with walk and cycle routes towards Heysham and Morecambe and beyond.