Tropicana Sun Salon

The Tropicana Sun Salon in Appleby-in-Westmorland is a proper throwback - a vintage sun tanning salon that feels like stepping back into the 1980s. It's the sort of place that shouldn't still exist, but somehow does, and that's precisely why it's worth seeking out if you're after something genuinely different from the usual Lake District tourist trail.

You won't spend more than twenty minutes here unless you're actually booking a session, but the exterior alone is worth the detour if you're passing through Appleby. It's garish, unapologetically dated, and absolutely charming in the way that only abandoned high street relics can be. The signage is vibrant and kitschy - exactly what you'd expect from a salon that's been trading since tans were considered the height of sophistication.

This isn't a destination in itself, but rather a brilliant little find for anyone doing a heritage tour of small market towns or just driving between attractions. History enthusiasts will appreciate it as a snapshot of 1980s leisure culture. Photographers will love the retro signage and faded grandeur.

If you're staying at Wild Rose Holiday Park just down the road, it's worth rolling into Appleby town centre for a proper look around anyway - the medieval castle and market square are genuinely excellent. The salon is free to view from outside, and while opening hours aren't listed online, it's clearly still operational. Ring ahead if you're thinking of visiting for an actual tan.