The Cumbrian coastal town of Grange-over-Sands has long been one of my favourite Sunday afternoon destinations, its pretty promenade running alongside the salt marsh. It is beautifully kept by green-fingered volunteers and is just a nice place to unwind and walk and sit for a while at the end of a busy week, or to recharge for the next.
Between April and September, on the last Sunday of every month the prom hosts an artisan market. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few special objects for my home and gifts for friends, all hand-made and some unique. I promised a friend I would take her with me when I next visited, another reason to take advantage of a gorgeous Sunday. Her guide dog, Jim Bob, seemed to approve of his walk in the sea air and the compliments of stall holders and customers.
Inevitably, we made a few purchases and admired the efforts of the dedicated locals who tend the floral displays.
It was a wonderful bonus to discover a jazz trio has set up near the cafe, so we indulged in coffee and paninis and a musical interlude. Jim Bob enjoyed some treats and water.
We walked on, seeing in the flora the heralding of colder and darker times to come. The still resplendent foliage showed off its autumn colours.
Laden with our newly acquired treasures of house-plants, ceramics, glass decorations and candles, we strolled back to meet the homebound train, relishing the sea grasses as the wind moved through them, announcing the return of the tide.
Welcome to the Beautiful North 
I always think Grange-over Sands should be renamed Grange-over Marsh 🙂 It sounds like you had a good day and I love the photo of Jim Bob, he looks really handsome 🙂
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Thank you, Eunice. You make a good point and Jim Bob charms everybody he meets.
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Wonderful. It’s such a long time since I was there. You have inspired me to put that right.
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Thank you very much. I’ll look out for your post.
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I love Grange Over Sands and I have been to the artisan market there. I have a tartan bag I bought there a few years ago, which I have been using quite a bit recently. Glad you all enjoyed yourselves. Jim Bob is a beauty. I am quiet biased , but black Labradors are my favourite dogs. 🙂 X
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Thanks, Sharon. Black labs are my favourites too. Jim Bob was eager to be let off the harness for a run on the sand where he could see some other dogs enjoying themselves. We didn’t have time last week as the train was due, so we’ve promised him we’ll take him back soon. 😀
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