Morecambe Bay is a classic sweeping stretch of coast with an extended shoreline incorporating towns from Fleetwood to Barrow-in-Furness, a road trip of about 70 miles. Both beautiful and dangerous, the landscape may look like the stuff of beach dreams on a hot sunny day, with its expansive golden sands and gleaming sea in the distance, but the erratic tidal patterns hold dangers.

One of the best places from which to enjoy the sands of Morecambe Bay at a safe distance is Gibraltar Farm Campsite, near Silverdale. The camping area lies at the back of the farm, with the access road leading you through a lovely field beyond the trees, to the tent field - a large grassy area set around a rocky protrusion.You can see the capricious curls of Morecambe Bay's waves just beyond the walled perimeter.

If Morecambe Bay tires you out, then you're less than a mile away from Jenny Brown's Point, a popular viewpoint and birdwatching spot overlooking the bay. And the nearby RSPB reserve at Leighton Moss offers access to coastal lagoons, nature trails, and a visitor centre.

COOL FACTOR Farm camping with bay views.

WHO'S IN? Tents, campervans, caravans, dogs (on leads) - yes. Large young groups of under-21s - by arrangement. Groups can hire the woods for £100 per night (10 tents).



ON SITE Fifty tent pitches; 18 caravan pitches with electric hook-ups. Showers (2W, 1M), toilets (4W, 3M), disabled facilities. Washing-up area, onsite shop with home-made ice cream. Onsite sea-fishing available. BBQs high off ground allowed, only if extinguished immediately after. No campfires.

OFF SITE Wolfhouse Gallery (01524 701405) displays paintings, ceramics, and jewellery, and has a cafe. The Lake District is only a short scenic drive away - perfect for a picnic.

FOOD AND DRINK March down to the Woodlands Hotel (01524 701655) for excellent real ales. For BBQ inspiration, have a butchers at F & W Burrow & Son's (01524 701209).

GETTING THERE From the A6, take the B5282 to Arnside, then follow signs to Silverdale. Go through the village, then follow Hollins Lane for less than a mile; as the road turns sharply to the left, Gibraltar Farm is on the right.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT Train to Silverdale then the Silverdale Shuttle Service (Line 2) to the site.

OPEN Easter-October.

THE DAMAGE Pitch plus 2 adults and 2 children £15-£20.