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Heysham Village

Heysham in a nutshell

Follow in the footsteps of Vikings by taking a short walk down past through the snuggling old cottages (many dating back to the 17th Century) of Heysham Village. The Britain in Bloom past winner is just south of the seaside town of Morecambe.

Why it's so special.

Heysham is a hidden gem with one of the finest Anglo-Viking sites in the Northwest. It's history stretches back thousands of years, evidenced by the ruins of St Patrick's Chapel with graves hewn out of solid rock, upon the mysterious and magical headland hidden beyond St Peter's Church.

Where to take your picture postcard view.

The ruins of St Patrick's Chapel. The much-photographed chapel stands on a prominent rock, overlooking Morecambe Bay.

Where to stay in Heysham

Although not not in abundance, one place you can stay is the Ocean Edge Caravan Park, located close to the Village and overlooking the Irish Sea. Not far away in Overton, there is a 17th century Inn called The Globe Inn at Overton, from where a one-mile tidal road crosses the sands to nearby Sunderland point. There is however plenty of choice up the coastal road to Morecambe where you will find a variety of small B&B's and larger hotels.

Where to eat and drink in Heysham

The Royal Hotel is a wonderful pub boasting log fires, excellent cuisine, fine wines, spirits and a selection of cask-conditioned beers. With its large landscaped beer garden the Royal Hotel has all you need for relaxing and socialising. For the traditional seaside cafe in the heart of historic Heysham village, visit the Curiosity Corner Cafe where you can choose local specialities including Morecambe Bay shrimps and Brucciani's ice cream.

What to see and do in Heysham

If the sun is shining and you have brought the kids, head down onto the shore at Half Moon Bay; its little sandy beach makes a great place for a summer picnic.

If the weather is on the turn, head into Heysham Heritage Centre which portrays the village's fascinating history, with excellent displays and exhibitions, all housed in a converted 17th century listed barn in the heart of the village.

The tiny church of St Peter's in Heysham is dramatically perched on a cliffside. This Grade I Listed church must have one of the most picturesque settings in the country, looking out over Morecambe Bay to the panorama of the Lakeland hills. There remains some of the Anglo-Saxon building from around 800AD but most of the present building dates from the 14thC and from around 1500. Inside the church is a Norse hog-back stone from around 1000AD, which would originally have been a grave cover. During restoration work in 1864 a chalice was discovered in a stone coffin outside the church, and the chalice is now on display inside.

What to buy as souvenirs

There are a couple of good books on the village 'The Heysham Peninsula' by Eileen J Dent and 'The History of Heysham' by David Flaxington which both look to uncover history and heritage of this charming village.

Morecambe Visitor Information Centre also displays a fine selection of prints and postcards.

What's On in Heysham

In search of Turner's view - Guided Walks with Peter Wade.
Heysham Classic Car and Bike Show - 3 August
Morecambe and Heysham Golf Festival - September

Find out more

Morecambe Visitor Information Centre
Heysham Online