Imagine a quintessential coastal , complete with charming cottages, a golden sandy , and stunning sea views.

The village of Heysham, located just outside Lancaster, fits this description quite well - but with a few unexpected surprises.

Until 1904, Heysham was a peaceful farming and fishing community.

However, the inauguration of Heysham Port, offering ferry services to and the Isle of Man, transformed the village into a bustling travel hub.

Despite this, Heysham has managed to preserve many of its historical features - and today, its winding streets are still dotted with quaint cottages bearing names like 'Seagull' and 'Cockle'.

In the summer, these cottages are decked out with flowers, contributing to the village's numerous Britain in Bloom awards over the years.

But Heysham's picturesque charm doesn't stop there. A National Trust-run nature reserve borders the village, featuring woodland and coastal grassland that lead to rocky outcrops and sandy coves, reports .

From the coast, you can gaze out across Half Moon Bay, and on a clear day, the Lake District fells are visible.

It is even said that the artist William Turner found inspiration here during his visit in August 1816, sketching scenes that would later form the basis of his watercolour 'Heysham and Cumberland Mountains'.

Heysham, with its stunning seaside views, boasts intriguing features that reflect its rich history. Overlooking Half Moon Bay on the grassy headline lie the ruins of the ancient St Patrick's Chapel.

Adjacent to this are eight body-shaped graves hewn from rock, likely used for high-status burials dating back to the 11th century. The nearby cliffs, known as 'The Barrows', have yielded hundreds of Anglo Saxon and Viking artefacts during numerous archaeological digs over the years.

The village even hosts an annual Viking festival celebrating its heritage and offering a glimpse into the lives of these Scandinavian settlers.

However, Heysham doesn't solely focus on its past. Near Half Moon Bay stands an impressive modern sculpture, 'Ship' by Anna Gillespie, commissioned by the Morecambe Bay Partnership as part of their Headlands to Headspace project.

This artwork references the village's Viking heritage in a modern manner.

Unexpectedly, Heysham is also home to two nuclear power stations - not your typical feature of a traditional seaside village. These facilities provide significant employment in the area, and visitors can even tour the facility.

It has received glowing reviews, with 42 out of 47 Tripadvisor reviews awarding it five stars.

Heysham boasts several cafes where visitors can enjoy a meal, including the Half Moon Bay cafe, the Mad Hatter's tearoom (which only offers outdoor seating), and Curiosity Corner. For those seeking a hearty pub meal, The Royal, a 16th-century coaching inn, even features a covered and heated beer garden.

Pay and display car parks are conveniently located in the village centre on Barrows Lane and at the Half Moon Cafe.