Homes across north-west England were jolted awake on Wednesday night after a 3.3-magnitude earthquake rippled through Lancashire and the southern Lake District, sending shockwaves that many described as sudden, loud, and frightening.
According to the British Geological Survey (BGS), the tremor struck just after 11:23pm, catching many residents completely off guard as walls rattled, floors vibrated, and alarms blared in homes and businesses.

 A Sudden Tremor Felt for Miles

Preliminary seismic data shows the quake originated just off the coast of Silverdale, Lancashire, at a shallow depth of roughly 1.86 miles (3km)—shallow enough for the movement to be felt widely. Towns including Kendal, Ulverston, Carnforth, and even parts of the Fylde coast reported noticeable shaking.

One of the most startled residents was Katrina Simmons of Carnforth, who lives just under five miles from the epicentre.
“I shot out of bed immediately,” she said. “I honestly thought someone had crashed into the house. It was loud, the whole place shook, and for a second I didn’t know what was happening.”

Like many others, she learned only the next morning that the disturbance was an earthquake. Overnight, emergency services were reportedly on standby as people initially feared an explosion.

 Residents Describe the Moment

Reports poured into earthquake monitoring websites such as Volcano Discovery, with over 1,100 submissions from people who felt the tremor. Many described the seismic jolt as:

• “A deep rumble followed by a bang”

• “Like something collapsing in the attic”

  
  
  

• “The house shook — I thought the roof was coming down”

Others said the vibration set off house alarms, triggered dogs barking, and even caused some to run outside in confusion.

Emergency Services Flooded With Calls

Lancashire Police, Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service, and the North West Ambulance Service quickly received numerous calls reporting a “loud explosion,” “bang,” or “building impact.”
Authorities later confirmed it was simply a “minor earthquake” and reassured the public that:

• No injuries were reported

• No structural damage was found

  
  
  

• Emergency crews would continue patrolling the affected areas

Businesses also felt the effects. According to one worker in North Lancaster, the tremor was strong enough to trigger the shop’s alarm system, waking the general manager in the middle of the night.

How Common Are Earthquakes in the UK?

While the UK isn’t widely known for strong earthquakes, the BGS records 200–300 tremors every year. Only 20–30 are typically strong enough for people to feel.
The last earthquake larger than Wednesday’s 3.3 occurred in October in the Glen Lyon area of Scotland, measuring 3.7 magnitude.

Lancashire itself has experienced several quakes in the past, including those linked to 2019 fracking operations—one of which reached magnitude 2.1 and later contributed to England’s fracking ban.

 Tremors Felt Far Beyond the Epicentre

Unverified social media reports indicated residents as far as Blackpool, Fleetwood, and Poulton-le-Fylde also felt mild shaking—showing how far even a modest quake can travel in northern England.

For most, the tremor was brief and harmless, but for thousands who were jolted awake, it was a night they won’t forget.

FAQ

Was the earthquake dangerous?

No. Despite startling many residents, no damage or injuries were reported.

Where was the earthquake’s epicentre?

Just off the coast of Silverdale, Lancashire, at a depth of 1.86 miles.

How often does the UK experience earthquakes?

Around 200–300 per year, though most are too small to feel.

Why did it feel like an explosion?

Shallow earthquakes often produce sudden, sharp shocks that mimic the sound and vibration of an underground blast.

Can another quake happen soon?

Smaller aftershocks are always possible, but significant earthquakes in this area are rare.