Seaside town named one of UK’s worst to be revamped – with huge new attraction and reopening of abandoned theme park
A SEASIDE town in the north of England could be set to benefit from two huge investment projects.
Morecambe in Lancashire was named one of the worst coastal towns in the UK by the Telegraph.
The report, which was published last year, ranked Morecambe as the 5th worst seaside town in the country, saying it could be “so much more than it is”.
And that could very much be the case, with two huge development projects potentially on the horizon.
The Lancashire-based seaside town was already set to benefit from the arrival of the second incarnation of the Eden Project, which is due to open by 2028.
Developers hope Eden Project Morecambe will be able to replicate the success of the Eden Project in Cornwall.
The huge £100million attraction will feature a “hyper-real forest” with large installations and immersive theatre.
It will have three huge shell-shaped pavilions that will overlook Morecambe Bay and a “Bay Glade” with a well-being landscape and a Natural Observatory for research and education.
There will also be an exhibition area and meeting point for guests named the Bay Hall as well as play areas, restaurants, cafes and a gift shop.
Talks are also underway to regenerate Frontierland – an abandoned theme park in Morecambe that closed in 2000.
The site where Frontierland sits has been left bare for the last 24 years but the local council are hoping to bring it back to its former glory.
According to the BBC, the Frontierland site was discussed at the latest Eden community conversation event, which was hosted by the local authority.
City council officer, Jonathan Noad revealed that around “35 regional and national developers” were coming to the town to discuss the abandoned theme park.
However, Jonathan added that the developers would “need to up-their-gears and put their ideas to us” as they look to start the procurement process.
Lancaster City Council acquired the land in 2021 and invited interested parties to submit development plans for it.
The city council official added: “We’ve also got the rest of central Morecambe to look at.
“Work will also look at Morecambe environments and what the public realm needs to look like to attract visitors.”
The authority hopes a developer will propose an “exciting idea” which can transform the site in the next 18 months.
The Eden Project and the possible redevelopment of Frontierland isn’t the only thing that’s drawing tourists to Morecambe.
Last year, one of the town’s most famous residents, heavyweight boxing champ Tyson Fury, increased the number of visitors to the town, with his Netflix series At Home With the Furys.
In episode one of the series, Fury explains why he has never moved away from the town, saying the view of the bay, where he can often be seen running, is one of the main attractions.
He said: “I’ve often tampered with the idea of living abroad and living in Monaco and America, but there’s always something that keeps me here in Morecambe Bay.
“I believe it’s probably the sea air calling to me, ‘don’t go! Stay!’
“Every time I jog down the front, I look at the bay and the view and I think, ‘Wow, no matter where I go in the world, I will never get that anywhere else’.”
Before the regeneration takes place, visitors have plenty to see, with places like Happy Mount Park, the Eric Morecambe Statue and The Smugglers Den pub all rated highly on TripAdvisor.
The beach itself receives a lot of praise too, with one reviewer writing: “This bay is beautiful and very extensive so there is plenty of coastline to walk along.
“There were lots of people swimming out into the sea. The beach had large rocks then sand and was full of character. Well worth a visit on a nice day.”
What are the Sun team's favourite seaside towns?
THE Sun's travel team share some of their favourite English seaside towns
Folkestone, Kent
With views of France (on a very clear day), the main attraction is the Harbour Arm, sitting at the edge of the converted train tracks and selling hand-crafted goods and amazing food.
The multicoloured high street with shops and restaurants can’t be missed, my favourites being Burrito Buoy for some amazing margaritas and The Folkestone Bookshop for some novels.
You’ll need to pack your beach shoes as it has a stony beach over a sandy beach – but after a few drinks at the much loved pilot bar, you’ll hardly care.
Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Mousehole, Cornwall
The small sandy bay has retained it’s chocolate box charm, crammed with weathered fishing boats and backed by pokey cafes and airy art galleries where seaside-inspired works hang from the walls.
For impeccable views of a wild sea and homemade grub, head to Rock Pool Cafe which sits atop a craggy cliff and order a ‘make it yourself’ hot chocolate.
There are some impressive coastal walks – but be warned it can be hilly.
Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire
Accessible on a spit of sand when the tide is out, this quirky little community art project is made up of driftwood, flags and mementoes from those who have visited to admire the huge swathes of golden sands and sparkling waters.
Sadly the original was destroyed in a fire in 2023 but an enthusiastic band of local volunteers are slowly re-building the landmark.
Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Meanwhile, this seaside town in England – with sandy beaches, donkey rides & the best B&B in the world.
And this other holiday location is getting a huge new tourist attraction.