Sandscale Haws — Land & Legacy

Sandscale Haws is a historic building in Cumbria, cared for by the National Trust. Read about its history and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.

About Sandscale Haws

Sandscale Haws is a sand dune nature reserve on the Duddon Estuary, just west of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, managed by the National Trust.

The site forms one of the best-preserved dune systems in north-west England.

Boardwalks lead from the dunes down to the beach, with views across the estuary to the Lakeland Fells.

Dogs are welcome on leads, and the site sits on the Cumbria Coastal Way.

History of Sandscale Haws

The dunes built up over centuries as sand blown from the estuary settled against the coastline, forming one of the more stable dune systems on this stretch of coast. The wider Furness peninsula has a significant medieval heritage. Sandscale Haws later gained recognition as a site of national conservation importance for its dune flora and fauna.

Worth knowing

Sandscale Haws holds one of Britain's largest breeding populations of natterjack toads, an amphibian now confined to only a handful of coastal sites nationally.

Gardens & grounds at Sandscale Haws

The dune slacks and grassland support an unusually rich mix of wildflowers, including several orchid species, at their best in early summer.

Plan your visit to Sandscale Haws

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Nearest station: Askam Rail Station (2.7 miles)

Places to visit near Sandscale Haws

Furness Abbey Museum

museum 3.0 miles

View Furness Abbey Museum on heritage map

Furness Abbey

historic building 3.1 miles

View Furness Abbey on heritage map

Bow Bridge

historic building 3.5 miles

View Bow Bridge on heritage map

Swarthmoor Hall

historic house 6.5 miles

View Swarthmoor Hall on heritage map

Piel Castle

castle 7.8 miles

View Piel Castle on heritage map

Historic places nearby

Within 5 miles of Sandscale Haws there are 3 historic properties, including 2 historic buildings.

3 English Heritage

2 Historic building

1 Museum

See these 3 sites on the heritage map

Within 10 miles of Sandscale Haws there are 5 historic properties, including 2 historic buildings, across English Heritage and Historic Houses sites.

4 English Heritage

1 Historic Houses

2 Historic building

1 Castle

1 Museum

1 Historic house

See these 5 sites on the heritage map

Within 20 miles of Sandscale Haws there are 20 historic properties, including 10 historic buildings, 4 historic houses and 2 castles, across English Heritage, National Trust and Historic Houses sites.

8 English Heritage

6 National Trust

5 Historic Houses

1 Churches Conservation Trust

10 Historic building

4 Historic house

2 Castle

2 Museum

1 Church

1 Archaeological site

See these 20 sites on the heritage map