New Biggin

New Biggin is a small hamlet strung along the A5087 coast road on the edge of Morecambe Bay, in the civil parish of Aldingham. It sits within Furness, the peninsula that was historically part of Lancashire before boundary changes moved it into Cumbria, and that older identity still lingers in the way locals talk about the area. There is little more here than a scatter of houses and farms looking out over the bay, but that is precisely the appeal for anyone wanting a genuinely quiet corner of the coast rather than a resort.

The setting is classic Furness: flat green fields giving way to saltmarsh, tidal sands stretching out towards the Lake District fells on the far side of the bay, and a coast road that links a string of similarly small settlements including Aldingham itself and the hamlet of Roosebeck. Barrow-in-Furness, the nearest sizeable town, is a short drive south, while Ulverston, New Biggin's post town, lies to the north. It is a landscape of big skies and wide water rather than dramatic scenery, well suited to walkers, birdwatchers and anyone happy with a slower pace.

Top things to do near New Biggin

New Biggin itself has no attractions to speak of, but it is well placed for exploring the wider Furness peninsula and the shores of Morecambe Bay.

• Aldingham church and shoreline — St Cuthbert's Church sits almost on the beach in the neighbouring village of Aldingham, a reminder of how much land has been lost to the sea here over the centuries.
• Bardsea Country Park — a coastal park with woodland walks and views across the bay, a few miles north near Ulverston.
• Ulverston — a handsome market town with the Hoad Monument on its hill, plus museums and independent shops; also the birthplace of Stan Laurel.
• Furness Abbey — the substantial red sandstone ruins of a medieval Cistercian abbey near Barrow-in-Furness.
• Piel Island and Roa Island — reachable by boat or causeway, with a ruined castle and views out to the Irish Sea.
• South Lakes Safari Zoo — a large open zoo at Dalton-in-Furness, popular with families.

Getting to New Biggin

New Biggin lies on the A5087 coast road between Ulverston and Barrow-in-Furness, so it is easiest reached by car via the A590, which connects to the M6 further east. The nearest railway stations are at Ulverston and Barrow-in-Furness, both on the scenic Furness Line, with onward taxi or bus links along the coast road to the hamlet.

Best time to visit New Biggin

Spring and summer bring the best conditions for walking the coast road and watching birdlife on the bay's mudflats and saltmarsh, with long evening light over the water. Autumn and winter have their own appeal for those who enjoy an empty shoreline and dramatic skies, though conditions can be wet and windy given the exposed position.

Where to stay near New Biggin

Accommodation directly in New Biggin is limited to the odd farmhouse or holiday let, so most visitors base themselves in Ulverston or Barrow-in-Furness, both of which offer a wider choice of hotels, guest houses and B&Bs within easy reach of the coast.

Food and drink near New Biggin

There are no pubs or cafes in New Biggin itself. For food and drink, the nearby villages of Aldingham and Bardsea have a handful of options, while Ulverston offers a much fuller range of pubs, cafes and restaurants, including several long-standing local favourites.