Morecambe

The town's most famous son John Eric Bartholomew (1926-1984) is depicted in characteristic skip-dance; he formed a comedy duo with Ernest Wiseman in 1940. They were going to name their act for their home towns but "Morecambe & Leeds" sounded like a cheap train excursion so "Morecambe & Wise" they became.

This expanse of water, or more often mud, stretches away across to Cartmel and the Furness peninsula, with impressive sunsets and views over the Lake District mountains. It's a haven for bird life, both resident and migratory. Historically the route north to Carlisle was to cross the sands at low tide then continue round the coast, with the "Queen's Guide" (first appointed in 1548) leading the way. He still does in summer, though nowadays the guided walks start from Arnside further north. Never venture out across the sands unless you are familiar with the area, the tide times, and the hidden gullies that will flood behind you and cut you off.

This is a theatre in a converted station which hosts live music and comedy, a 4-screen cinema, 20-lane bowling alley, and Megazone, a laser tag centre in a converted Music Hall.