Lancaster City Museum’s latest exhibition, Morecambe the Naples of the North 1840-1940, opened last week, and takes visitors on a delightful trip back in time, exploring the resort’s fascinating history.
So how did Morecambe become known as ‘The Naples of the North?
Morecambe once attracted visitors from far and wide to take in the sea air and discover the array of entertainment that was on offer. Visitors flocked to the seaside town to enjoy cinemas, ice cream parlours, the super swimming stadium and illuminations.
‘Morecambe The Naples of the North’ was used on railway posters of the time and Morecambe does bare some passing resemblance to the Bay of Naples – with its curved sands, sheltered position in the bay and dramatic backdrop of the Lakeland Hills. Tourists came to Morecambe its beautiful walks and splendid views unmatched anywhere else in the country.
Morecambe also gained the nickname ‘Bradford-on-Sea’ – Morecambe was a favourite among tourists from Yorkshire attracting many mill workers from Bradford and further afield in West Yorkshire. They would holiday at Morecambe and some even retired there.
Morecambe’s motto ‘Beauty Surrounds Health Abounds’ was another phrase used to attract visitors to the area.
Morecambe the Naples of the North 1840-1940 runs until 14th June 2022. Lancaster City Museum is open 10.00am – 5.00pm, Tuesday to Sunday, so why not pop in an take a trip back in time….
Do you remember Morecambe’s heyday? Why not share your memories in the comments