Aldingham Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Aldingham Hot Tub Cottage Break

I've always thought Aldingham is one of those hidden gems that doesn't get the attention it deserves. This coastal parish sits right on Morecambe Bay with knockout views across the water. Your hot tub cottage here puts you in prime position for exploring both the Lake District and the Furness Peninsula.

The village itself is tiny but packed with character. St Cuthbert's Church dates back to Norman times and the whole area has that peaceful vibe that's getting harder to find these days. We recommend bringing binoculars for spotting wading birds along the shore - the variety here is impressive year-round.

Most cottages in Aldingham come with fully equipped kitchens but do stock up on supplies before arriving as the nearest proper supermarkets are in Ulverston or Barrow. The Ship Inn at nearby Baycliff serves excellent food if you don't fancy cooking.

Sightseeing

Aldingham's location makes it brilliant for sightseeing across South Cumbria. Furness Abbey (LA13 0PJ, open 10am-5pm Apr-Oct) is just 6 miles away and offers fascinating ruins of what was once one of England's wealthiest monasteries. TripAdvisor gives it 4.5/5 with visitors particularly praising the peaceful setting.

Conishead Priory and Buddhist Temple (LA12 9QQ) makes for an unusual day out. The grand Gothic revival building now houses a Buddhist community and the grounds are lovely for walking. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and entry to the gardens is free.

Swarthmoor Hall (LA12 0JQ) is worth visiting for history fans. This 16th-century country house was the centre of the early Quaker movement. Open Tuesday-Sunday, it scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor for its well-preserved interiors and beautiful gardens.

Pet Friendly

Many Aldingham cottages welcome dogs and the area is perfect for four-legged friends. The beach access points near the village allow dogs year-round, unlike some more restricted beaches in the region. The extensive shore at low tide gives dogs plenty of space to run.

The Farmer's Arms in Baycliff (LA12 9RQ) is dog-friendly throughout and even offers treats at the bar. Their beer garden has stunning bay views - perfect for summer evenings with your pooch after a day exploring.

For rainy days, the Lakeland Motor Museum (LA12 8TA) allows well-behaved dogs on leads and has covered areas. We always recommend bringing towels specifically for your dog as the coastal paths can get muddy after rain.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Aldingham

Piel Island and Castle tops our list. This tiny island with its own pub and 14th-century castle ruins is accessible by ferry from Roa Island (April-September) or at low tide via a guided walk. The Ship Inn pub claims to be the only pub in Britain that can crown you king or queen of your own island! Visitors rate it 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor for its uniqueness and stunning views.

Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre at Conishead Priory offers a completely different experience. The gold-roofed temple sits incongruously but beautifully in the English countryside. They run drop-in meditation classes suitable for beginners and the café serves excellent vegetarian food. One visitor called it "an unexpected treasure" in their 5-star review.

South Lakes Safari Zoo (LA12 0LU) makes a great day out especially with kids. About 15 minutes' drive from Aldingham, it houses over 1,000 animals including big cats, giraffes and monkeys. The walking safari format means animals aren't in traditional enclosures. It scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor with particular praise for the feeding experiences.

Is Aldingham suitable for families with young children?

Absolutely. The quiet roads and beach access make it great for families. Most cottages provide high chairs and travel cots if requested. The Dock Museum in Barrow (free entry) has interactive exhibits kids love and South Lakes Safari Zoo is brilliant for animal-mad youngsters. Just be aware the beach has no lifeguard coverage.

How accessible is Aldingham without a car?

It's challenging. The X6 bus runs through nearby Baycliff but services are limited. We strongly recommend bringing a car as taxis from Ulverston station can be expensive. Some cottage owners offer collection services from stations - worth asking when booking.

What's the best time of year to visit?

May to September offers the best weather for enjoying your hot tub and exploring. Winter visits have their charm with fewer tourists and dramatic stormy seas, plus many cottages offer reduced rates. The Lake District is famously rainy year-round so pack waterproofs regardless!

Are there any good restaurants nearby?

The Farmer's Arms and Ship Inn in Baycliff both serve excellent food focusing on local produce. For something special, L'Enclume in Cartmel (25 minutes' drive) has three Michelin stars. Gillam's in Ulverston is great for vegetarians and vegans.

Can you swim at Aldingham beach?

Swimming isn't recommended due to strong currents and quick-changing tides in Morecambe Bay. For safe swimming, head to Windermere's designated swimming areas or the beaches at Walney Island which have better monitoring.

Is there good walking directly from Aldingham?

Yes! The Cumbria Coastal Way passes through the parish offering stunning shoreline walks. Inland, footpaths connect to Birkrigg Common with its stone circle. Most cottages provide OS maps and walking guides for guests.

Helpful links for your Aldingham stay:

1. Visit Cumbria's Aldingham Guide
2. Morecambe Bay Cycle Way Information
3. South Lakes Safari Zoo Official Site
4. National Trust Lake District Properties
5. Morecambe Bay Tide Times