National Trust Days Out Near Moss Wood Caravan Park
7th April 2021
There are a wide range of National Trust properties and estates within easy reach of Moss Wood Caravan Park. Take the opportunity to explore some of the nearby stately homes, immaculate gardens and castles, during your stay at our award-winning Lancashire holiday park. Here we list some of our favourite National Trust days out to visit during your stay.
Heysham Coast
(Distance from Moss Wood 19 miles)
The Heysham Coast is situated south of Morecambe and less than 30 minutes’ drive from our 5-star caravan site. The area boasts a rich and interesting history that dates back thousands of years. On the headland you’ll find the remains of St Patrick’s chapel, alongside 8 body shaped graves that have been cut into the rock. The chapel is believed to have been built in the 8th century when St Patrick was shipwrecked in the area.
Today, visitors can take in the far-reaching views out to sea and along the coastline. If you fancy a walk, we highly recommend following the Heysham Trail – a 1.5-mile circular route beginning in the village. Tech savvy visitors can download the Heysham Head Interactive Guide to your mobile device. The app is voiced by local residents and provides a walking audio tour that delves deep into tales of Anglo Saxon and Viking Settlers. It also features a number of tools to help you identify flora, fauna and wildlife in the area.
Arnside and Silverdale
(Distance from Moss Wood 26 miles)
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of towns and cities and enjoy the great outdoors, then Arnside and Silverdale is certainly the place to go. This National Trust owned land has miles upon miles of footpaths to explore, allowing you to experience some of the best views the North West has to offer during a scenic hike. We highly recommend the circular walk at Arnside Knott. The route is a little under 2 miles and will take you along limestone paths to the highest point, where you can enjoy spectacular views over Morecambe Bay, Yorkshire Dales and the Lakeland Fells.
Arnside and Silverdale falls within an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty and Site of Special Scientific Interest. There is an abundance of habitats, including grassland, woodland and wild meadows, which attract a vast array of wildlife throughout the year. The area is great for dog walking and the ideal place for intrepid children to let off some steam. While away a couple of hours building dens in the forest, searching for butterflies and insects or stargazing late into the evening.
Rufford Old Hall
(Distance from Moss Wood 38 miles)
Step back in time at Rufford Old Hall, a Tudor building packed full of unique artefacts and antiquities. Take in the impressive collections as you explore the building, and look at body armour, intricate tapestries, beautiful furniture and a hand carved oak screen, dating back to the 1500s.
The house is also home to the Philip Ashcroft Collection – a small museum dedicated to local history and the industries that have sustained Lancashire through the ages. There is a range of agricultural equipment on display as well as books, furniture and ceramics.
After exploring the Great Hall, head out into the Edwardian gardens. Spring is our favourite time to visit, when the grounds are alive with birdsong and the plants and flowers begin to bloom. The North Woods are carpeted with wild bluebells from mid April, creating quite the spectacle for landscape photographers. There is also an orchard, courtyard and walled garden.
If you’re feeling peckish grab a bite to eat at the Victorian Tearooms. Treat yourself to a cup of tea and slice of cake at the end of a fun-filled day.
Sizergh Castle
(Distance from Moss Wood 27 miles)
Sizergh Castle is located in neighbouring Cumbria and well worth a visit during your stay at Moss Wood Caravan Park. The medieval castle has been home to the Strickland family for more than 800 years and boasts a 1600 acre estate. Horticulturists will enjoy walking around the impressive grounds, which include an orchard, kitchen garden, water gardens, woodland and two lakes. There is also an extensive rock garden (the largest of any home owned by the National Trust), which contains part of the National Collection of Hardy Ferns.
The castle was built in the middle ages and contains an impressive collection of elegant French furniture and fine art. Opulent décor can be viewed as you tour the properties interior and explore the different rooms that are open to the public.
There are a number of scenic walks throughout the estate, that offer beautiful vistas that change with the seasons. Children will enjoy the Wildplay Trail, which features a range of natural obstacles where they can climb and play. Nearby there are plenty of public footpaths to explore. These will take you into the fells and offer scenic views over Morecambe Bay.
Header image credit: Jeremy Atkinson, Flickr