Lancashire Redefining Family Time

Lancashire Visitor Magazine 2021

Lancashire defining family time

relive and create new memories

Brockholes Nature Reserve

Lancashire redefining family time It is time to dream of your next family holiday destination, and Lancashire is the perfect place.

Full to the brim with exciting things to see and do, you will enjoy adventures through the woods, splashing in the sea, or visiting one of the many attractions scattered around the county. With plenty of space to run about and explore, you will have a wonderful time redefining what family time means to you.

Throughout these unprecedented times, Lancashire has been working hard to ensure that when it is safe to do so, the county will provide a safe and welcoming place for all visitors.

Until then we invite you to delve into the pages of this guide and be inspired with all the things to see and do in the area. Why not make a list, bookmark webpages or print pictures and create a holiday inspiration board?

So, when the time is right, you can finally book that dream holiday to Lancashire.

For more inspiration and information on safe travel go to visitlancashire.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Let’s redefine Lancashire together.

The Visit Lancashire Team #RedefiningLancashire

Please check for local restrictions before planning or taking a trip to Lancashire.

Content within the guide is for inspiration purposes only until it is safe to travel as normal. Please check gov.uk/coronavirus for the most up to date travel guidance.

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Redefining

FAMILY TIME

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Wellies and wheels

Take it up a gear

28 five of the best…

Picnic Spots

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20 Preschool Adventures

Adrenaline Lancashire

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22 Take a walk on the wild side

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Take a Peek at Artistic Lancashire

five of the best…

Indoor Fun

62 Pitch perfect in Lancashire

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LOOK OUT FOR…

Have you heard the buzz?

The Bee Centre has a new location at Holmes Farm, home to Cuckoo Gin and Brindle Distillery.

You’ll find all the same award-winning Bee Experiences, a fully stocked shop, experts to give advice and a purpose-built observation hive.

BUT now you also have access to the amazing Cuckoos’ Nest Gin Bar and Coffee Stop.

Lambs a’ leaping During the spring months Lancashire’s farm parks are full of the sound of bleating lambs, jumping and running around in the sunshine, you’ll also find fluffy chicks, calves and piglets waiting to meet you.

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Summer spotting Take a walk on the wild side at one of Lancashire’s many nature reserves. There is always something to see throughout the seasons, but summer is extra special, as migrating birds return, birds of prey begin to hunt, and the marshes and woodland become full of spectacular insects and small mammals. What can you spot?

Unusual stays Ever fancied sleeping in a helicopter, tree house or under the stars in an area of natural beauty?

Lancashire offers a range of unusual places to rest your head after a day of exploring and adventure, whilst still offering you the comfort and amenities needed for a great short break.

Dark skies above The winter months, with longer nights and darker skies provide the perfect time to stargaze, and here in Lancashire you will find some of the darkest skies, with designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites located within The Forest of Bowland (AONB). You will find events throughout the year where you can marvel at the magical spectacle in the skies above.

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Rediscover Lancashire

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Williamson Park

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WELLIES AND WHEELS Lancashire is the perfect place to get outside and explore. Grab your rucksacks, pack a picnic and head into the vast countryside, where you will find hundreds of miles of footpaths, trails and cycling routes as well as stunning views and plenty of wildlife. Whether you like to roll, run, climb or jump – you’ll get a taste for adventure in Lancashire.

Ribby Hall Village

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A walking adventure Feeling cooped up? Get the family outdoors and into nature. Lancashire has some of the best walking routes in England, enjoy short, gentle rambles to long distance treks that take in some of the best views and vistas the county has to offer.

If you’re in need of some inspiration, you can download a whole range of walks at visitlancashire.com. Here you will find walks inspired by the Pendle Witches and renowned authors, heritage trails and industrial landmarks, even some themed around some of Lancashire’s most famous foods.

There’s also seven long distance walking routes that take in the spender of the 137 mile Lancashire coastline, perfect for turning into a short break with rest stops along the way.

We want to make sure that our Lancashire countryside stays enjoyable for everyone so please make sure to follow The Countryside Code; closing gates, leaving no trace and respecting residents.

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Forest of Bowland

St George’s Quay

Williamson Park

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Get on your bike!

Take the family for a spin around Lancashire, with many miles of quiet roads and tracks through stunning countryside, the landscape just cries out to be explored by bike.

There are various National Cycle Network signed routes to enjoy including the Lancashire Cycleway which boasts over 250 miles of the county’s most attractive scenery and where you are never too far from a welcoming pub and somewhere comfy to sleep. So whether you strap your bikes to the back of the car or hire when you arrive, you’ll soon be exploring some of the UK’s best cycling routes.

Looking to hire a bike whilst in Lancashire?

Why not try one of these places;

Lune Valley Aquaduct

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On Yer Bike Cycles

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Morecambe Bay Electric Bike Network

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Leisure Lakes Bikes

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Blackpool Bike and Go

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Cycle Adventure

Bay Cycle Way

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Cragg Quarry

GISBURN FOREST

Take it up a gear

has 18 km of adrenaline pumping

mountain bike trails, get to grips with the gnarly Whelpstone Crag and the roller coaster ride of Hully Gully – as close as you can get to dancing on a bike!

Are you a family of adrenaline seekers? Discover some of the finest

LEE QUARRY has a series of challenging mountain bike

mountain biking in the country.

trails with stunning views over Rossendale. Developed in an old quarry, discover rocky landscape with sudden drops, roller coaster

Lancashire has several top locations

ups and downs over 10km of red and black graded mountain

where designated mountain bike

bike trails, two pump trails and numerous cycle trail sections.

trails are available, including red and black runs, perfect for getting the

CRAGG QUARRY is the jewel in the crown of local trails.

heart pumping.

It feels more like a secret riding spot you have discovered than a purpose built trail. Here you find 6.5km of swooping, flowing singletrack which makes good use of the spoil heaps left up there by Rossendale’s quarrying heritage.

HEALEY NAB

offers two new and challenging

trails through mixed woodland: a red route (graded ‘difficult’) and a black route (graded ‘severe’)

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Gisburn Forest

Lee Quarry, Rossendale

Way of the Roses

Gisburn Forest

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La Locanda Ristorante Italiano

and more...

Many of Lancashire’s inns, self-catering cottages and hotels are walker and cycle friendly, meaning that you’ll find a place to securely store your bike as well as other helpful amenities such as packed lunches and a place to dry your cycle gear.

Brickhouse Farm Cottages

Places to eat •

The Cartford Inn, Poulton le Fylde

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Hipping Hall, Kirby Lonsdale

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The Shireburn Arms, Clitheroe

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The Sparrowhawk, Fence

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La Locanda Ristorante Italiano, Gisburn

Places to stay Stirk House Hotel & Restaurant

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Plato, Kirby Lonsdale

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Rossendale Holiday Cottages

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Brickhouse Farm Cottages, Poulton le Fylde

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The Bluebird Inn, Samlesbury

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Stirk House Hotel & Restaurant, Gisburn

FIND OUT MORE VisitLancashire.com

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Rediscover Lancashire

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Mrs Dowsons Farm

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250,000 birds spend winter on the Ribble Estuary

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TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE With 354 recorded bird species, native mammals such as red deer and otters, and millions of creepy crawlies that include tiger moths and common lizards, Lancashire’s wilder side offers up some great days out.

From the rugged moorlands of Bowland to the dramatic sands of Morecambe Bay, the county’s varied coast and countryside is home to world-famous breeding grounds and attracts birdwatchers from across the globe eager for a sight of its rare species. From the hen harrier in its

80% of Lancashire is rural

hillside home to the red throated diver on the shores of the Irish Sea, Lancashire is a mecca for bird lovers throughout the year.

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Grab your wellies and walking boots and head outdoors to explore Lancashire’s top nature reserves and wildlife hotspots and see what you can find. Can you spot a bird for each colour of the rainbow? Or make bird sounds like our feathered friends?

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Nr Ormskirk

Brockholes Nature Reserve, Nr Preston Owned by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, this

Take a full day to explore the centre, including hand feeding more than 100 types of rare and endangered water-birds, meeting the family of otters and walking around the inspirational eco-garden. Walks and talks are also available throughout the year.

In late September to the end of October, Martin Mere becomes home to up to thirty thousand pink-footed geese. These birds travel over from Iceland for the winter months and can be witnessed, along with other unique birds, from many of the hides dotted around the mere.

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250-acre reserve provides a network of trails and hides, woodland walks and a vast lake, all of which have been specially designed to attract all kinds of wildlife.

Throughout the autumn and winter months Brockholes host many great events, including their popular night walks and stargazing, where you get to explore and learn more about the reserve and night sky.

In the spring time, you will find the forest floor covered in a carpet of colour, as the flowers bloom and the wildlife comes out of hybernation.

Wyre Estuary Country Park Situated on the banks of the River Wyre, this award-winning Green Flag country park provides spectacular estuary and riverside views, where you will find a wide range of habitats and wildlife, including excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Rossall Point, Fleetwood Standing forty-two feet above the seafront, this modern observation tower has been built to look like it is leaning into the wind. Find information about the local area inside as well as two observation decks, perfect for bird watching or Wyre Estuary Country Park

137 miles of coastline in Lancashire

taking in the views over the beach to the Irish Sea and Morcambe Bay.

RSPB Leighton Moss

RSPB Leighton Moss and Morecambe Bay Nature Reserve, Silverdale This popular nature reserve is home to a variety of wonderful creatures – from birds and bugs to bats and otters. If you are lucky, you may even spot their largest resident, the red deer.

In the spring months you can watch marsh harriers skydancing high above the reedbeds or close your eyes and listen to the birdsong as resisdent birds and newly arrived migrants claim their breeding territory.

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Forest of Bowland AONB

WOODLAND ADVENTURES 24 |

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Beacon Fell Country Park

There are approximately 30 species of trees that are considered native to Lancashire. While that may seem like a daunting list, just getting to know a few common species can make a day out a more interesting experience.

Native trees are important because they have, over many thousands of years, adapted to our climate and thrive without much interference.

Birds and bugs adapt along with these trees and use them for food, shelter, territory and defence. Other plants, such as bluebells, also rely on native woods for the right soil and light conditions.

We’ve lost a lot of our woodland in the UK, but Lancashire is very lucky to have an abundance of green patches. Why not find your own little woodland oasis.

No matter the time of year, heading to a Lancashire woodland will be a rewarding experience. You can learn the various species, see how wildlife utilises each part of the different trees and make learning fun with a few games too. Or just take a few minutes to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and feel of our very special native woods.

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Forest of Bowland AONB

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LANCASTER FOREST OF BOWLAND AONB

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PENDLE HILL

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PRESTON

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6. Spring Wood, Clitheroe

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A favourite bluebell destination in the spring.

7. Stanley Park, Blackpool A woodland oasis stretching across

1. Beacon Country Park, Goosnargh

390 acres and just two miles

With over 300 acres of countryside, it’s a great destination for some tree spotting.

2. Cuerden Valley Park, Preston

from the bustling sea front.

8. Sunnyhurst Wood, Darwen With 7 miles of footpaths, there are

Woodland, parkland, lake

plenty of trees to get to know.

and 10 miles of trails.

9. Towneley Park, Burnley

3. Lytham Hall, Lytham

Parkland with nature trails, children’s

Georgian house surrounded by

play area, woodland and riverside walks.

78 acres of wooded parkland

10. Warton Crag, near Silverdale

4. Longton Brickcroft, Preston

Look for the Lancashire Whitebeam in this

Wetland Nature Reserve covering over 27 acres

5. Rivington Country Park, Chorley

area as well as many rare butterflies.

11. Witton Country Park, Blackburn

Several trails take you through the woods

480 acres of beautiful mixed woodland

and along the reservoirs for stunning views.

with plenty to do for all the family.

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The Oak We’ll start with one of our most common (the clue is in the name): Common Oak, sometimes called English Oak or Pedunculate Oak

OAK FACTS: •

Up to 40 metres tall, making them fantastic shade trees especially when in open areas

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Leaves are irregular with four or five ‘lobs’ on each side and rounded flaps at the bottom

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Come September, a healthy oak will be covered in acorns – a favourite food for squirrels and jays to store for the winter

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Look for grey, crisscrossed bark on older trees

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Winter twigs will be brownish with red/brown buds bunched at the end

White Willow Along streams, white willow is an attractive tree to seek out...

WHITE WILLOW FACTS: •

Not as tall as oak, growing up to 25 metres

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The bark is grey-brown and has deep ridges in older trees

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Loved by bees for early spring pollen and nectar

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Look for the silvery underside of the leaves that gives this willow its name

Lancashire Whitebeam Much harder to find but very special because it has Lancashire in the name.

WHITEBEAM FACTS: •

You can find whitebeam throughout the country, and they look quite similar to the Lancashire variety

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Lancashire whitebeam are some of our smallest trees, not often reaching more than 15 metres

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The rounded leaves have jagged edges that are covered in fine, white ‘hairs’ giving them a silvery look if you turn them over

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The twigs look brick red in the sun, but more grey-green in the shade.

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FIVE OF THE BEST…

PICNIC SPOTS There’s no better way to enjoy the outdoors than sharing a delicious picnic with friends and family. With miles of soft golden sand and luscious green countryside to explore, Lancashire is home to some of the best picnic spots in the country.

Beacon Fell Country Park

Crook O’Lune

A perfect place for picnic-lovers, the 271

A popular beauty spot settled on a horse

acres of woodland, moorland and farmland

shoe bend in the River Lune just north of

provides plenty of pitches for everyone.

Lancaster. With plenty of pleasant walks

Follow the woodland sculpture trail or

available alongside the river banks and

search for wildlife, from rabbits to deer

through the surrounding countryside, the

and even a spectacular array of dragonflies

Crook O’Lune Picnic Site provides a great

in the summer months!

base to explore the area further.

Williamson Park

Turton Tower

With 54 acres of beautiful parkland to

Evolving over the last 500 years, from the Medieval

explore, choosing your favourite picnic spot may take longer than you thought! Set above the city of Lancaster you’ll enjoy breathtaking views, as well as enchanting walks and play areas to enjoy after you’ve eaten.

stone tower to the distinctive Tudor building, the adapted house is now of national importance and unique in Northwest England. This distinctive English country house is surrounded by fantastic woodland gardens perfect for picnics.

St Annes Beach Miles of golden sand provides the perfect picnic spot and family day out. With a Victorian pier, children’s playgrounds and ice cream parlours there is plenty to do after the sandwiches are gone.

We want to make sure that our Lancashire countryside stays enjoyable for everyone so please make sure to follow The Countryside Code and take all litter home with you.

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Bowland Wild Boar Park

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TAKE A PEEK AT ARTISTIC LANCASHIRE For memories that don’t cost a penny (or thereabouts), get the family together, pack up your walking boots, and indulge your creative instincts on one of these invigorating sculpture trails.

Kids will love climbing, touching, and puzzling over the fascinating shapes and inspiring structures dotted throughout Lancashire’s spectacular countryside. Whether you have 3 minutes or 3 hours, make sure you pop on down to take a look, just don’t forget to bring the camera, you’re sure to snap some fabulous shots!

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Beacon Fell Country Park Not recommended for the faint hearted!

Crocodiles, lions, bears, snakes, and strange figures neither human nor animal lurk in this forest. Plus the Beacon Fell summit is 266 metres (873 feet) above sea level and offers spectacular views of the Forest of Bowland, Blackpool and Morecambe Bay. On a clear day it is even possible to see the Isle of Man.

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Irwell Valley Sculpture Trail This superb trail goes from Bacup to Salford Quays, and features over 70 artworks by locally, nationally, and internationally renowned artists.

Pendle Sculpture Trail Inspired by nature and the Pendle Witches, this new sculpture trail features 10 individual plaques representing the accused witches.

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Towneley Hall Sculpture Trail This relaxing walk will take you through a beautiful country estate, past the magnificent Towneley Hall, and through to a picnic area and playground.

Great Promenade Show, Blackpool This intriguing exhibition offers a unique interpretation of Blackpool’s natural and man-made environments. Stretching for two kilometres along the New South Promenade, these fascinating structures are amazing, inspiring and challenging.

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Cleveley’s Promenade Stroll along this futuristic promenade, and admire the new collection of contemporary artworks, iconic architecture, innovative lighting that’s triggered by the tide, and a striking pavilion.

Tern Project, Morecambe Bay Truly a bird lover’s haven, Morcambe Bay celebrates its vast array of birdlife by perching steel cormorants, gannets and razorbills in various locations throughout the seaside town.

Make sure you check out the Stone Jetty!

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SHIP, Half Moon Bay, Heysham Created by Anna Gillespie as part of the Morecambe Bay Partnership’s Headlands to Headspace project, the sculpture celebrates Morecambe Bay’s landscape and maritime heritage. The stunning artwork features two figures sitting on the bow and stern of a Viking-style longboat.

Horizon Line Chamber, Sunderland Point, Morecambe Bay Another Headlands to Headspace commission, this dry stone structure is shaped like an upturned boat and contains a small lens that projects an upside down view of the ever changing horizon onto the inside wall.

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Ribble Valley Sculpture Trail, Clitheroe This beautiful trail goes along the stunning River Ribble, revealing spectacular views over the Forest of Bowland AONB. Not only will you see some superb statues and unique artworks, you’re also likely to come across plenty of other little woodland critters!

Wyre Estuary Country Park, Thornton This award-winning Green Flag Country Park is well worth a visit! With picnic sites, a natural play area, and a range of habitats and wildlife, kids will be entertained all day long.

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SIX OF THE BEST…

INDOOR

FUN

Come rain or shine Lancashire is packed with exciting things to see and do. We have put together for you some great ideas and options of indoor things to do in Lancashire, when it is safe to do so.

The Grand Theatre

Sandcastle Waterpark

Keep youngsters entertained with a show

The UK’s largest indoor waterpark with

at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre, with lots of

more than 18 slides and attractions in an

shows and events throughout the year to

84-degree tropical climate.

keep them busy.

Harris Museum and Art Gallery

Thornton Hall Country Park Come rain or shine, a fun filled, family day out beckons at Thornton Hall Farm.

Animal encounters, glorious countryside,

A great day out for all the family, this jewel

indoor and outdoor entertainment and

in Preston’s crown is a treasure trove of

much more.

fantastic art and fascinating objects.

Samlesbury Hall One of the stunning stately homes of Lancashire, a haven for history lovers, where the past meets the present - a fantastic, free family day out.

Towneley Hall Art Gallery and Museum Home of the Townley family for over 500 years, explore the rooms and art gallery learning all about the magnificent hall’s fascinating history.

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WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

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PRESCHOOL ADVENTURES

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It’s time for you to go on a Lancashire adventure with all the family. There are so many exciting things to do and places to visit. From flying a kite to camping under the stars, to jumping on board an old stream train.

There is no time to waste, see how many you can tick off!

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

1. Jump in muddy puddles in a forest There are lots of forests to explore in Lancashire.

Don’t miss out on visiting the fairy-tale woods of Gisburn Forest, an ideal place to get outdoors and put your wellies to the test. Get ready to make a splash at Beacon Fell Country Park, there are acres of woodland, moorland and farmland to run

Brockholes Nature Reserve

around. Whilst looking for puddles, you might also spot some rabbits and hares on your day out.

2. Spot Creepy Crawlies at a nature reserve At Brockholes Nature Reserve you can have lots of fun with all your family as you search high and low for creepy crawlies, there is also an adventure playground and a floating visitor centre. Don’t forget to treat yourself to an ice cream, after all, bug hunting is tiring work!

The best game to play at RSPB Leighton Moss and Morecambe Bay is ‘I Spy with my little eye’ with oodles of wonderful creatures to find. From birds and bugs, to bats and otters - the winner

Beacon Fell Country Park

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3. Surround yourself with flowers at a garden Let your imagination run wild in our

Leighton Hall

Lancashire gardens. There will be lots of things to see, smell and hear as you play hide and seek, run, jump and explore. If you go to Leighton Hall, you can hunt for the hidden tree faces or find your way through the caterpillar maze. In the middle of Worden Park you will find a Georgian Walled Garden. See how many types of vegetables, herbs and flowers you can name. You can also jump on board The Miniature Railway for free and enjoy a ride through the park’s wildflower meadows (ask mummy and daddy to check the website for opening times). Climb the biggest hill in Lancaster to reach the top of Williamson Park. Get your binoculars ready to look out to sea, then head to a tropical rain forest in The Butterfly House.

You will be surrounded by flowers, trees, vines and foliage and the most beautiful and colourful butterflies!

4. Go camping in the countryside Do you like spotting helicopters in the sky? Have you ever wanted to sleep in one? Guess what, you can at Ream Hills Holiday Park in one of their incredible Lynx Helicopters. Put your hands up if you love marshmallows… we thought so! Get ready to toast them on the fire (making sure you get some help from a grown-up) as you sing songs, The Hamlet at Samlesbury Hall

play games and enjoy the sunset before getting cosy in a magical Shepherd’s Hut at Samlesbury Hall.

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SEASIDE ADVENTURES 6. Enjoy an ice-cream on a pier Choose your favourite ice-cream from the kiosk and enjoy a walk along the Stony Jetty in Morecambe and explore the award-winning Tern Project. Look out for the amazing sculptures, have a go at the tongue twisters, hop skip and jump along the Magpie Hopscotch and try to find your way through the large pavement maze. Make sure you have your photo taken with Eric Morecambe but be prepared…the grown-ups will embarrass you trying to re-create his famous pose! It’s a great day out for all the family.

Morecambe

Fleetwood

5. Go paddling in the sea Don’t forget to pack your sun cream, towel, sunglasses, swimwear, hat and flipflops for a day on the beach. Lancashire has lots of beaches for you to choose from where you can dip your toes in the sea, splash around and build lots of sandcastles.

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Mythic Coast

7. Search for the sea creatures Follow the fairy tale of the Sea Swallow and explore the Mythic Coast on Cleveleys Seafront. The book is brought to life with a group of sculptures for you to discover, look closely to spot the Stone Ogre and when the tide is out you can stand in Mary’s Shell and take lots of pictures to remember your adventure.

Heritage Trams

8. Be dazzled by the largest free light show in the world Get in the car, ride your pushbike, jump on a tram, or walk along the sea front to see the magical Blackpool Illuminations (3 Sept 2021 – 3 Jan 2022). You will be completely amazed by the bright colourful lights, you won’t stop saying WOW! Don’t forget to stop for some fish and chips or some candy floss as an extra special treat!

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HISTORICAL ADVENTURES

British Commercial Vehicle Museum

9. Have a play day at a museum

10. Explore a castle At the top of a very big hill you will find Clitheroe

A day out at a museum is so

Castle, which is over 800 years old (which is even

much fun you will learn all

older than your grandparents). Grab an adventure

about the fascinating things

rucksack which is kitted out with a map and

that happened in the olden

magnifying glass for all you little explorers to start

days. Do you like drawing and

your adventures around the castle.

building different things? Then maybe you are a designer or

Clitheroe Castle

engineer in the making…if so, you will love a day at the British Commercial Vehicle Museum. The museum is packed with fascinating trucks, carriages, vehicles and engines set to inspire your imagination in this most magical setting.

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East Lancashire Railway

11. Drift along canals on a boating holiday

12. Go on a steam train journey Choo-Choo! Tickets please, get ready to jump aboard an old-fashioned steam train and enjoy the

Earn your sailing badge and be a captain of your

sights and sounds as you wave goodbye to people

own canal boat. Glide along the water, read your

on the platform. As the train goes clickety-clack,

favourite books, hop on and off to explore the local

clickety-clack sit back, relax and get ready to see

wildlife, pop into the pub for some yummy local

the pretty Lancashire countryside and coast. Watch

food and watch the sun go to bed. A canal boat

out for special events such as Teddy Bear’s Outing

holiday is an outdoor adventure for all the family,

at West Lancashire Light Railway, Day Out With

here are just a few of our favourites: Canal Boat

Thomas at East Lancashire Railway and don’t miss

Cruises, Foulridge Canal Cruises, Lancaster Canal

out on the Santa Specials at Ribble Steam and

Boat and Lancaster Canal Cruises.

Railway and Museum.

Canal Boat Cruises

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INDOOR ADVENTURES 13. Get crafty at an art gallery

Howarth Art Gallery

Look, touch, explore and get crafty on a day out at an art gallery. You can take part in Little Hands On singing, games and crafts to help you learn all about the fascinating things you can see at The Harris Art Gallery and Museum. At The Haworth Art Gallery you can see the largest Tiffany Glass Collection which is very shiny and colourful. Make sure you have some lunch and a delicious piece of cake at The Gallery Kitchen, they’re yummy!

15: Take a visit under the sea There are over 2,500 creatures waiting to be discovered at SEA LIFE Blackpool. Explore life beneath the waves as you get face-to-fin with lots of fishy friends, including a giant green sea turtle and his shark pals. Turn your visit into a game and see how many things you can count, from Octopus legs to jellyfish tentacles, or event shark teeth – eek!

14. Get competitive at crazy golf

Gator Golf Adventures

During your crazy golf adventure, you will have to watch out for the alligators at Escape Entertainment Venue, Gator Golf Adventures, travel back in time for some ROAR-SOME fun at Dino Mini Golf at The Blackpool Tower or find your way around water features and garden statues in The Secret Garden at The Flower Bowl.

All you need to do is swing your stick to get the little balls in the round holes in the ground. Who will be the first to get a hole in one!

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16. Bake a story Storytime and baking are two of our favourite things, are they yours?

At Flavours Cookery School take part in their Bake a Story class, where you get to spend time with your favourite grown up, share stories and learn to cook!

At the end you get to take your delicious goodies home with you, enjoy some play time and a craft activity plus there’s no washing up to do!

Flavours Cookery School

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PLAYTIME ADVENTURES 17. Paint something beautiful For all you budding artists get ready to splash, dab and splodge paint all over your very own piece of pottery. Whether it is a dinner plate, tile or maybe a cute bunny rabbit, you’ll find something to put your designer stamp on at one of our fantastic pottery painting venues, try Fired 4 U or Potters Barn for a great day out.

18. Splash about at a water park Put your hand up if you want to spend the day at the UK’s largest indoor waterpark! Fantastic, then playtime has just got bigger and wetter than ever at Sandcastle Waterpark. You will have the best time and even the grown-ups will love all the different rides too! From Typhoon Lagoon wave pool, Treetops water chutes, the Caribbean Storm Treehouse, Shimmerin Shallows, Ushi Gushi River Creek, HMS Thundersplash and Fort Riptide. Just keep splashing!

Sandcastle Waterpark

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19. See how high you can fly a kite

Bay View Caravan Holiday Park

Let’s go fly a kite! Somewhere like a park or beach is perfect with lots of open space for you to let your kite soar up in the sky. Oh, and we just need a bit of wind to help it fly! You can even go to a kite festival where the sky will be filled with lots of colours and different shapes performing a dance.

20. Visit a petting farm Do you love animals? Baa! Oink!

Moo! Neigh! These are just some of the sounds you will hear on a day at the farm. From tractor rides to feeding the animals and fun in the play barns, there is so much to do come rain or shine down on the farm.

Here are just some of our fabulous farms for you to visit on your holiday, Greenlands Farm Village, Mrs Dowsons Visitor Centre & Farm, Thornton Hall Country Park, Bowland Wild Boar Park, Wild Discovery at Ribby Hall Village and Windmill

Mrs Dowsons Farm

Animal Farm.

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WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

Rediscover Lancashire

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Inch Perfect Trials

ADRENALINE LANCASHIRE The activities on offer in Lancashire are as diverse as the landscape itself and what better way to get the heart pumping than trying out some of these suggestions!

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The Hill brings a slice of the Alps to Rossendale. Set in the picturesque valley, it is the premier outdoor ski and snowboarding centre in the UK. Experience the thrill of The Hill with its adrenaline packed activities, to suit all ages and abilities. Whether that be challenging yourself by skiing or snowboarding or just feeling the rush of wind as you tube down the slope. Enjoy a well-earned treat in their brand-new Alpine café, bar & bistro overlooking the slopes.

Inch Perfect Trials promise to put you through your paces with an action-packed day out like no other!

Perfect for adrenalin enthusiasts, this thrilling and challenging experience is delivered by professional trials riders in 100 acres of stunning and rugged countryside – perfect for exploring on bike. For the uninitiated full training and all the safety equipment needed is provided along with a hearty lunch.

Quadtrex at Thornton Hall Country Park has everything you need for an unforgettable day in the great outdoors including top-of-the-range quad bikes, experienced instructors and plenty of mud!

Negotiate a specially adapted quad bike trial where you will encounter all kinds of terrain including a natural quarry, whirl through the open woodland and accelerate through the muddy banks whilst contending with obstacles along the way.

Quadtrex at Thornton Hall Farm

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Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the world’s most ride intensive amusement park so if it’s adrenaline fuelled adventure you are looking for; there is no better place! Always ahead of the game when it comes to thrills, the park is home to the UK’s tallest rollercoaster, The Big One, the UK’s first looping coaster, Revolution, the UK’s first suspended looping coaster completely over water, Infusion and Icon, the UK’s first ever double launch rollercoaster where you will feel the same acceleration as a Formula 1 driver!

Get an adrenalin rush like no other with a tandem jump from 15000ft, the official highest Skydive in the UK today at the Black Knight Parachute Centre. From beginners through to experienced jumpers there is something for everyone and if the thought of going solo through the air fills you with dread then Tandem Skydiving is always an option.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

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Black Knight Parachute Centre

get an adrenalin rush like no other with a tandem jump from 15,000 ft This is just a taster of what activities that can be found throughout Lancashire, search for your perfect adrenaline fuelled adventure on

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Wigwam Holidays

Rediscover Lancashire

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Stanley Villa Farm Fishing and Camping

PITCH PERFECT IN LANCASHIRE

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Imagine sitting in the middle of the rolling countryside, the smell of the open fire wafting through the air as the sun sets over the horizon.

Lancashire offers the perfect destination to get away into the great outdoors, from the stunning green hills and incredible vistas to the beautiful sandy coastline.

Take a deep breath of crisp, fresh air and enjoy a stay in one of the county’s fantastic camping and glamping options.

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Stanley Villa Farm Fishing and Camping

Stanley Villa Farm Fishing and Camping

Lots of fun for all the family Hiring a tent and getting outside can be the perfect way to bring the whole family together, with lots of activities for children of all ages often provided on the campsites themselves.

Outside the campsite you’ll find plenty of things to do from off-road cycling and walking routes, to worldfamous family attractions and beaches perfect for building sandcastles.

With all that space to run around and explore, it will

Stanley Villa Farm Fishing and Camping

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soon be time for bed but not before board games and melted marshmallows under the starry sky.

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Rossendale Holiday Cottages

and more...

If you love the great outdoors but don’t want to compromise on comfort and quality, glamping is for you. Whether you choose to stay in a luxury canvas tent, camping pod or quirky shepherd’s hut, you can be rest assured the family will be happy glampers.

The Hamlet at Samlesbury Hall

Hedgerow Luxury Glamping

Wigwam Holidays

Places to try •

The Hamlet at Samlesbury Hall

•

Rossendale Holiday Cottages

•

Peaks and Pods, Ribble Valley

•

Hedgerow Luxury Glamping, Clitheroe

•

Hall Moor Holiday Park, Lancaster

•

Stanley Villa Farm Fishing and Camping

•

Wigwam Holidays Ribble Valley

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WORD SEARCH

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BLACKPOOL TOWER

WOODLAND

SCULPTURE TRAIL

SANDCASTLES

BEACH HUTS

ADVENTURE

BIKE RIDING

ROLLERCOASTER

CAMPING

WILDLIFE

WALKING

FISHING

SEASIDE

PICNIC

FARM ANIMALS

KITE

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COLOUR ME IN

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PLANNING YOUR TRIP

By Road

By Rail

The M6 runs right through Lancashire connecting

Lancashire has excellent rail connections from all

to the M61, M65, M55 and several major A roads. In

over the country – just two hours from London on the

less than an hour’s drive from Manchester, Liverpool

West Coast Line with Avanti West Coast with stations

and Leeds you could be exploring the vast Pennine

at Preston and Lancaster. Change at Preston to reach

Fells, beautiful Ribble Valley or driving along the

the towns of Clitheroe, Burnley, Blackburn, Colne and

world famous Blackpool promenade.

Ormskirk. There are also direct trains traveling from Manchester to most Lancashire towns and cities.

By Water

If you’re lucky enough to travel by water then both the Lancaster canal and Leeds-Liverpool canal give

By Air

Both Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester

you the chance to sail right into the heart of places

Airport have frequent flights serving Europe and

like Lancaster, Garstang and Burnley, whilst you’ll

international airports including Beijing, Hong Kong and

also get amazing views of our stunning countryside

New York. Manchester Airport has direct trains to many

and wildlife on route.

Lancashire destinations every 30 minutes and it’s less than an hour’s drive from Manchester to Preston.

By Bike

Bring your bike to Lancashire (or hire one when you get here) and appreciate the variety of terrain and breath-taking views. You can pick up hire bikes from a number of railway stations including Morecambe, Blackburn, Preston and Ormskirk, all at reasonable

GLASGOW

2 HRS BY TRAIN

prices. Leisure Lakes Bikes in Lancaster city centre

NEWCASTLE AIRPORT 2.5 HRS BY CAR

LIVERPOOL AIRPORT & CRUISE TERMINAL

LESS THAN AN HOUR BY CAR

LEEDS 1.5 HRS BY CAR HULL PORT

has a range of hire bikes including electric and hybrid, and Blackpool hire scheme has comfortable yellow bikes from the Palatine Leisure Centre. See cyclelancashire.com for a full list of cycle hire venues.

2.5 HRS BY CAR

MANCHESTER AIRPORT

LESS THAN AN HOUR BY CAR

Please check for local restrictions before planning or taking a trip to Lancashire.

BIRMINGHAM 2.5 HOURS BY CAR

LONDON

2 HOURS BY TRAIN

Content within the guide is for inspiration purposes only until it is safe to travel as normal. Please check gov.uk/coronavirus for the most up to date travel guidance.

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LAKE DISTRICT KIRKBY LONSDALE

ARNSIDE & SILVERDALE AONB

YORKSHIRE DALES

CARNFORTH

M6 A683

A6

MORECAMBE

LANCASTER

HEYSHAM

A65

FOREST OF BOWLAND AONB A587

FLEETWOOD

A585

A6068

SCORTON

A588

SAWLEY

WHITEWELL GARSTANG

CLEVELEYS

A682

CHIPPING

A586

THORNTON

CLITHEROE

POULTON LE FYLDE

A59

BLACKPOOL

A6

WHALLEY

M55 KIRKHAM

A584

PRESTON

A583 A59

A565

M65

LEYLAND

RUFFORD

A675

A581

CHORLEY

A570 A5209 BURSCOUGH

ORMSKIRK

A59 A570

A577

A49

M6

A6

A56 A6068

PENDLE HILL

COLNE

A6068 NELSON A671 PADIHAM A680 BURNLEY

M65 BLACKBURN

A675

ST ANNES LYTHAM ON SEA

A5147

A677

BARNOLDSWICK

A682

A6177

ACCRINGTON

A682

A671

HASLINGDEN

DARWEN RAWTENSTALL

A646

BACUP

A681

A666

RIVINGTON

M66 GREATER MANCHESTER

M61

M58

A565

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