An understandably sought-after place to live, Silverdale has the lot. It sits on the fringes of Morecambe Bay surrounded by glorious countryside with majestic mountain views, lush woodland and many rare plants, trees and wildlife. Silverdale offers plenty of opportunities for nature and culture lovers alike.
Poets, writers and comedians have all lived here, including novelist Willie Riley, who moved to the area in 1919, naming his house Windyridge the title of his first novel. Victorian novelist Elizabeth Gaskell spent holidays in Silverdale and is said to have written some of her works in the Lindeth Tower. The Gaskell Memorial Hall is named after her. More recently, comedian Victoria Wood was a resident of Silverdale.
Silverdale forms part of the Arnside and Silverdale area of Outstanding National Beauty, with the RSPB’s Leighton Moss nature reserve close to the village railway station renowned for its flora, fauna, and interesting geological features. The ever-changing coastline is rustic and rugged, with lots of caves, nooks, crannies and rock pools to explore.
The village earned some notoriety in 2011 with the discovery of the Silverdale hoard. Coins, jewellery, ingots and silver were unearthed close to the village. Since then, they have been featured in museums around Lancashire.
And there’s plenty more treasures around the village – there are 20 listed buildings in Silverdale including the Parish church, the lime kiln in Bottom’s Lane, the Silverdale Hotel, and the chimney at Jenny Brown’s Point which are all grade II* listed.
With natural beauty all around and excellent road and rail links, it’s no wonder house prices have risen faster here than the national rate. Houses here sell on average for around £470,000 – up by about seven per cent in the last year.
What the locals say
Nancy Bond is married to Terence Bond, the chair of the Parish Council and Silverdale Village Institute, and both belong to the National Trust and volunteer with outdoor conservation work parties. Nancy is also a member of the local WI. They moved to Silverdale 20 years ago, seeking a more rural life in a vibrant village community.
One of Nancy’s favourite things to do in Silverdale is to walk along the shore, followed by coffee and homemade cake at the Blossom Bird Café in the village.
‘We also enjoy a walk up to the Jubilee monument, especially on a clear day when the views are terrific,’ says Nancy who also volunteers at a community café in Silverdale and thrift shop, which runs most Friday mornings at the Silverdale Village Institute.
‘There is so much going on in Silverdale,’ she adds. ‘There is a variety of clubs and groups to join including social badminton, pilates, book groups and amateur dramatics. It’s such a diverse place to live, with walks on the coast and in the woodlands, and fabulous scenery on our doorstep. It’s just perfect.’
Jane Lyde has lived in Silverdale for 40 years, and now her boys have flown the nest, she has plenty of time to enjoy the things she loves. She is on the Silverdale Horticultural and Garden Society committee. They have two shows a year, trips to RHS gardens local gardens and talks once a month during winter. Jane also works with Silverdale School, planting sunflowers, marigolds and bulbs with the youngsters.
The village has excellent links by bus and train, making it easy to travel anywhere in the country. ‘You can be in central London in three hours,’ she says. ‘And there’s a variety of things to do in Silverdale too, including woodland walks, seashore walks, wonderful views to the Lakeland fells, which are stunning whatever the season.’
Jane and her family enjoy going to the Silverdale Hotel; it has a traditional pub feel but a varied and ever-changing menu which always includes fresh fish.
