The Northern seaside town getting a huge boost from top ITV show – and it’s one of the UK’s cheapest places to live
THE seaside of Morecambe is having a moment in the spotlight thanks to The Bay.
ITV is currently on its fifth series of the police drama and has thrust Morecambe into the limelight.
Last week, the hit ITV series starring Marsha Thompson and Barry Sloane returned to screens - as did the seaside town of Morecambe.
The show's writer, Daragh Carville, hoped to showcase Morecambe, describing it as "distinctly British" in an interview with RadioTimes.
Daragh included some recognisable places in the series, like The Midland Hotel.
You can stay at four-star hotel rom £94 per night, or pop into the bar after a walk from the beach on Hest Bank.
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In the drama, you often see the beach, which last year was named one of UK's most beautiful in a list of 37 by TimeOut.
Other filming locations include Sunderland Point, a village of 30 houses at the end of a tidal causeway.
You can visit for free, but have to get there two hours before or after low tide.
They also headed to the Stone Jetty, which is now all that remains of the original Victorian harbour.
Interestingly, Morecambe used to be a favourite holiday destination, particularly with working-class families in the 60s and 70s.
Morecambe used to have two piers, and a fairground, although these closed in the 1990s after its popularity declined.
Yet the seaside town is one of the most affordable places to live in the country.
House prices in the Lancashire town are well below average with house prices sitting around £195,953.
In 2024, the housing market in Morecambe experienced a 4 per cent increase - significantly lower than the national increase of 17.4 per cent.
It's also a popular filming location when it comes to ITV's The Bay who have based their show in Morecambe.
But there are lots of cheaper places to stay including The Craigwell Hotel. They offer bed and breakfast with sea view rooms from £30 per night.
Other tourist attractions is The Winter Gardens in Morecambe, a big concert party hall now considered one of a kind hosting concerts and events.
At the end of the promenade in Morecambe, you'll definitely spot slightly larger than life statue of Eric Morecambe.
The comedian, who was one half of Morecambe and Wise, took his stage name from Morecambe as it was where he grew up.
Morecambe is also having a makeover and new attractions put in - including their very own Eden Project.
The plan is for Eden Project Morecambe to replicate the success of the Eden Project in Cornwall.
The attraction, costing £100million, will feature a "hyper-real forest", large installation, and immersive theatre.
There will also be an exhibition area, a meeting point for guests named the Bay Hall, as well as play areas, restaurants, cafes, and a gift shop.
Another abandoned site in Morecambe was Frontierland. It closed 25 years ago, but could soon be getting an upgrade.
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Sun Travel Favourite Seaside Towns
Sun 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 rather than a sandy one, 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 its chocolate-box charm, crammed with weathered fishing boats and backed by quaint 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 rebuilding the landmark.
Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Plus, we've found that the city of Lancaster is best visited out of season.
And here's another small English village in Lancashire used to film British TV shows and movies.