Both Sandy Gap and and Biggar Bank were the first places on Walney Island to promote cars by installing car parks in 1937 in an attempt to make Walney's west shore into a seaside resort.
Just prior to WWII Sandy Gap became home to the Walney 'Play-beach'. It was described by many who used it as "an exciting area of flashing lights, mechanical shrieks, candy floss, hair-raising rides and side-shows" Today, all that remains is closed down cafe and a few swings.
With the coming of the war Walney's play park fell into a state of disrepair before it was converted into the island's prisoner of war camp.