Grange lies on the western coast of the Cartmel peninsular overlooking the Morcambe Bay. It began life as little more than a few fishermens’ cottages and a Grange or “Graunge”, French for granary, along with a small harbour and vineyard kept there by the Monks of Cartmel, hence the name. The combination of a mild climate, brought about by the Gulf Stream, and the arrival of the steam railway saw this small seaside village grow into a genteel and popular Victorian resort. Today the town remains largely unspoilt, protected within the lea of the hills and looking out to the sea. The centrepiece is the promenade, a gentle and relaxing place to stroll on a summers evening, and the band stand at Park Road gardens which still has brass bands playing each Sunday, throughout summer, reliving that genteel Victorian and Edwardian era. There are a number of parks and ornamental gardens and these in turn attract wildlife. In fact the area is renowned for its bird watching, both coastal and in the fells and woodland that rise above the town. The parks offer recreation including putting, tennis, bowls and an old fashioned boating pool, all making a delightful day out with children and place to picnic. When the tide is in it comes right up to the promenade wall, but as it recedes it leaves miles of flat sands across the bay. Now it must be firmly said that these sands are dangerous and you should on no account venture onto them by yourself, as they are notorious for their quicksands. However, there is a route across the bay which is still an official highway, with a guide appointed by the Duchy of Lancaster. The present Guide is Mr Cedric Robinson, official title ‘Queens Guide To The Sands’. Cedric knows the geography of the sands like the back of his own hand and, for his outstanding contribution to the life of the town, he was acknowledged with a civic award. The eight mile walk is fascinating and should not missed, especially by ornithologists. Details of times can be found at the TIC. One walk you can do on your own is down at Humphrey Head, about three miles south of the town. This limestone headland gives superb views across the bay and it is fun to explore the rockpools. For some height, take the Windermere Road and up onto Hampsfell, a massive wooded, limestone escarpment giving panoramic views of the lakeland fell and the bay. There are two golf clubs, Grange Fell Club, a nine hole on the hills course and the Grange - Over - Sands Club, an eighteen hole flat course requiring a handicap. Both clubs are set in beautiful scenery and I gather are highly regarded. December 2002 will see the opening of the long awaited Berners Swimming Pool. Designed to take advantage of the sea view, this 25 metre pool is part glass and overlooks the bay. In summer, huge doors can be drawn open leading out to the decked areas where you can picnic and sunbathe. There is a gym and toddlers pool, sauna and steam room and I am told a creche. The cafe-bar is proposed to be a proper restaurant, open both during the day and evening and a real place to gather and relax. The project has been organised and funded by the local community.They have succeeded in recreating the great lidos of the past, with all the facilities of modern design and the pool will make a grand day out whatever the weather. Perhaps because the sands are not the traditional bucket and spade number, Grange has not become a Cumbrian Blackpool and as such retains a strong local community servicing local needs. There are lots of traditional shops including butchers, bakers, a fantastic grocer with a deli next door along with jewellers, craft shops, florist and fine vintners. If the success of a place can be measured by the number of cafes, restaurants and inns that operate, then Grange with, at the last count of some twenty six various places to try, must be doing alright. On Yewbarrow Terrace, a charming Edwardian row of shops, with an ornate canopy, is the Hazelmere cafe, using home produce and with it’s own bakery. For a bit of fine dining there is the Uplands Hotel on the fell Road between Grange and Cartmel. Run by Tom and Diana Peter, it is an off shoot from the now gone Miller Howe, John Tovey days, but far less pretentious and serving excellent evening meals. Finally, it is fair to say that to many their conception of Grange is firstly that it is not in the Lake District and second it is too quiet, a sort of forgotten place. I have to say that in researching and trying out the various attractions on offer, I was surprised myself by just how much this perfect little seaside town has to offer, and the wonderful buzz of folk enjoying themselves during holiday times.