Lancashire Visitor Guide - Issue Three

LANCASHIRE

Visitor Magazine 2019: Issue 3

Adventure, romance, relaxation. Find your next short break.

Ultimate guide to places to stay & things to do

Ribble Valley Š Jon Sparks 2 |

visitlancashire.com

A

short break at any time of the year, in Lancashire, is magical.

Spring is full of promise, with delicate snowdrops gracing forest floors, new leaves on trees and bouncing lambs

enjoying the early sun. Meander through grassy fields, stopping for a warm pot of tea in a country pub or put your feet up and enjoy a massage at one of Lancashire’s top luxury spas.

Summer is time for adventure. Break out your bike and feel the wind whisk through your hair as you whizz through some of the most breath-taking views in the country or spend your day at the coast, beach combing for shells and eating locally produced ice cream.

As the summer months come to a close, the autumn breeze brings a renewed energy making it the perfect time to learn something new and refresh your senses. Get involved with a conservation group and clean Lancashire beaches or spend time with some of the local producers and create your own gin or try your hand at beekeeping.

Later in the season when the first frosts start to appear, Lancashire comes alive with celebrations of light from dazzling firework displays, historic halls shrouded in colour and the breathtaking stars in the night skies.

Finally, as the festive season rolls round, you will find beautiful handmade gifts, sumptuous delicacies and heart-warming grub, available all around the county.

Whatever the season, enjoy a short break in Lancashire. visitlancashire.com

Published by: Marketing Lancashire, Old Docks House, 90 Watery Lane, Preston, PR2 1AU. Get in touch via info@visitlancashire.com Cover Image Credit: Matthew Savage

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of the information contained in this publication, Marketing Lancashire can take no responsibility for any errors or omissions.

It is advisable to check information on visitlancashire.com online before your travel. No recommendation by Marketing Lancashire is implied by the inclusion of any information and it is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to the whole county of Lancashire.

Download the previous Lancashire guides, full to the brim with ideas and inspiration for your next short break. Including; culture and heritage, coast and outdoor exploring, local Lancashire produce, experiences and skills, Events and attractions.

visitlancashire.com/guide

contents

8

Forest of Bowland AONB

Choose your Lancashire short break 8 New and noteworthy 12 Weekend

53

The Bee Centre

16 Walking 20 Cycling 25 Accessible 30 Adventurous 32 Dog-friendly 36 Thirst quenching 40 Relaxing 44 Eco-friendly 49 GolďŹ ng 50 Literary 53 Experiential 58 Events & festivals 66 Planning your trip

40

Samlesbury Hall 4 |

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25

Sandcastle Waterpark

30

20

Go Ape Rivington

Forest of Bowland AONB

12

Moor Hall Restaurant

Š Joe Mather

32

Williamson Park

The Luxury Lancashire Hotel & Michelin Star Restaurant

Take time out to indulge in a gourmet break Take your dining experience to another level with a Gourmet or Tasting Break.

These breaks are truly a night to remember, perfect for a celebration or a quick escape in the beautiful Ribble Valley. Relax in one of our stunning luxury rooms either in the Manor House or Garden Lodge.

Arrive at Northcote in the afternoon and relax in the cocktail bar or on our garden terrace. In the evening enjoy either Lisa’s 4 course gourmet menu or 6 course tasting menu, complemented if you wish by a carefully matched wine flight.

Retire to your stylish room or suite then rise and shine to Northcote’s delicious breakfast to set you up for your day ahead. This is the ultimate Northcote gourmet experience.

4 COURSE GOURMET BREAK From £310.00 per room* 6 COURSE TASTING BREAK From £350.00 per room* Based on two people sharing a room

*

ENJOY THE A LA CARTE MENU Bed and Breakfast from £255.00 Book your break now at northcote.com or call 01254 240555.

Northcote Road, Langho, Blackburn, Lancashire BB6 8BE Telephone: 01254 240 555 | www.northcote.com @NorthcoteUK | /NorthcoteUK | northcoteuk

Discover something new

Perfect instagram locations The Mount Pavilion, Fleetwood | Avenham and

Miller Parks, Preston | Jubilee Tower, Darwen | Comedy Carpet, Blackpool | The Singing Ringing Tree, Burnley | Hoghton Tower, Chorley | Lytham Hall | Morecambe Bay | Rufford Old Hall, Ormskirk

Singing Ringing Tree

© Stephen Taylor

Jubilee Tower, Darwen

Rufford Old Hall Comedy Carpet, Blackpool

Hoghton Tower

@StAnnesBeachHut

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NEW noteworthy TYING THE KNOT?

Lancashire’s picturesque

rural landscapes, windswept moors and breath-taking

coastal scenery make an ideal backdrop for your wedding.

What’s more, throughout the year venues and businesses pull together wedding events to make planning your day even easier – go to visitlancashire.com/weddings

BRITISH TEXTILE BIENNIAL 3 October – 3 November Throwing spotlight on the nation’s creation, innovation and expression in textiles against the backdrop of the impressive infrastructure of the cotton industry in Pennine Lancashire, the British Textile Biennial will look at fabric as a means of expression and a vehicle for protest and cultural identity.

Lytham

CREATING POSITIVE PLACES FOR ALL Access Fylde Coast are working hard to make the Fylde Coast an outstanding location for visitors with long term health conditions and disabilities. This autumn sees events from the British ParaOrchestra, Robert White from Britain’s Got Talent 2018 and deaf virtuoso solo percussionist Evelyn Glennie.

Thornton Hall Country Park

Forest of Bowland AONB FESTIVAL BOWLAND 2019 Celebrate this wonderful area of natural beauty with a festival of events, running throughout the year there is still time to take a beautiful guided walk, learn the skill of foraging or hunt for creepy crawlies, as well as many other activities.

Gawthorpe Hall, Burnley

LANCASHIRE’S UNEXPLORED PAST WITH HERITAGE OPEN DAYS 13-22 September Heritage Open Days celebrates its 25th birthday this year, and with almost fifty Lancashire sites getting involved with events and celebrations, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate this county’s rich history and culture. visitlancashire.com

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Following the huge success of Moor Hall, Mark Birchall has opened a casual dining restaurant The Barn at Moor Hall on the same site.

The restaurant, which has recently been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, is open for lunch, dinner and their popular Sunday roast, serving an array of dishes focusing on seasonality and locality.

From 35 day aged rib eye steaks to a full vegetarian menu, delicious side dishes and puddings galore, The Barn has something for everyone including a fantastic selection of hand crafted cocktails, international wines and bottled and draught beers.

If travelling from afar, Moor Hall has 7 luxurious bedrooms, each one stunningly unique and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.

LUNCH MENU 2 courses for £19 or 3 courses £23 Wednesday - Saturday only

The Barn menu prices: A la carte or lunch menu 2 courses for £19 or 3 courses £23 Barn Sunday lunch - 2 courses £31 or 3 courses £38

RESERVATIONS Call us on 01695 572 511 or book online at www.moorhall.com

Moor Hall menu prices: 4 course lunch menu £65 8 course dinner menu £125

Prescot Road, Aughton, Lancashire, L39 6RT Open Wednesday - Sunday

Bedroom prices: Range from £195 - £350 per night including breakfast

THE BEST WESTERN CARLTON HOTEL in a fantastic waterfront location overlooking the beautiful Fylde coast.

The Carlton is just minutes from the centre of Blackpool, and is ideally situated for guests to immerse themselves in the local culture and visit the multitude of attractions synonymous with one of the UK’s most popular seaside resorts, including the iconic Blackpool Tower. It simultaneously affords guests the opportunity to enjoy the

quieter setting of the North Promenade.

282 – 286 Promenade, Blackpool FY1 2EZ 01253 628966 www.bwblackpool.com reception@bwblackpool.com

The Best Western Carlton Hotel boasts a panoramic view of the Irish Sea, in addition to providing guests with a view of twelve miles of sandy beaches and the famous Golden Mile.

It is also within walking distance of several other prominent local landmarks.

Prosecco afternoon leaf tea | Accessible | Dog Friendly | Balcony Terrace | BBQ Evenings

VILLA

THE

WREA GREEN

H2 Photography

T H E

V I L L A

G R O U P

AWARD-WINNING LUXURY HOTELS NESTLING IN ACRES OF STUNNING PARKLANDS 4 Star Hotels Birthdays

2 AA Rosetted Restaurants

Anniversaries

Funerals

Unique Wedding Venues

Conference & Banqueting

Corporate & Special Events

Drinks

Afternoon Teas

Baby Showers Lounge Dining

Christenings Christmas & New Year

VILLA

THE

LEVENS

Ladybirds Photography

West Coast Drones

The Villa Wrea Green, Moss Side Lane,Preston, PR4 2PE | 01772 80 40 40 | www.thevilla.co.uk The Villa Levens, Brettargh Holt, Kendal, LA8 8EA | 01539 980 980 | www.thevillalevens.co.uk

75 modern en-suite rooms Perfect City Centre location Free Wi-fi throughout the hotel Restaurant serving all day Bar open till 2am Complimentary parking Three conference rooms for hire Fantastic rates Close to local attractions: Harris Museum, Ribble Steam Railway Museum, Guildhall, Preston North End FC and University of Central Lancashire

A weekend never seems enough in Lancashire, with so much to see, do and explore, but here you’ll ďŹ nd a few things to get you started.

Weekend in Moor Hall Restaurant

LANCASHIRE The Midland Hotel, Morecambe

Find amazing accommodation Lancashire has a fantastic range of quality accommodation from peaceful, rural self-catering retreats to dazzling city centre hotels, seaside chic guest houses and B&Bs to activity packed holiday villages.

Try these: The Midland Hotel, Lancaster | No. 10, Preston Ribby Hall Village, Preston | The Rookery, Pendle St Annes Beach Huts Apartments 12 |

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Eat something delicious Lancashire offers everything from Michelinstarred British cooking to a multitude of international cuisines embracing quality local and seasonal produce in their dishes.

Try these: Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms, Ormskirk Twelve Restaurant and Lounge Bar, Thornton Cartford Inn, Preston | La Locanda, Gisburn Quite Simply French, Lancaster

Cartford Inn Quite Simply French

Ribby Hall Village

St Annes Beach Huts Apartments

The Rookery, Pendle

Twelve Restaurant and Lounge Bar visitlancashire.com

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Do something exciting Events are considered one of Lancashires specialities; with world famous Illuminations, firework spectacular, tractor pulling and music festivals, there’s not much the county doesn’t offer.

Try these: Marsh Mill 225th Birthday, Wyre 19-20 Oct Blackpool Illuminations 30 Aug – 3 Nov British Textile Biennial 3 Oct – 3 Nov Light Up Lancaster 1-2 Nov Great British Food Festival, Stonyhurst College 14-15 Dec East Lancashire Railway Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library

Light Up Lancaster

Stonyhurst College

Blackpool

Discover something new

Try these: Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Whether you love exploring the countryside, delving into

Thornton Hall Country Park, Barnoldswick

history, seeing great entertainment, scaring yourself on

East Lancashire Railway | Astley Hall, Chorley

fast rides or simply relaxing with your family and friends,

Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library

Lancashire has something for you.

For more ideas and inspiration on how to spend a weekend in Lancashire, and another, and another go to visitlancashire.com 14 |

visitlancashire.com

Discover something new

Star gazing

Enjoy natures very own light displays in Lancashire.

Beacon Fell Country Park | Forest of Bowland AONB | Crook O’Lune Picnic Site | Slaidburn Village Car Park | Gisburn Forest Hub | Moor Park Observatory, Preston | St Annes Beach Huts | Cleveley Mere Lodges, Scorton | Watkinson Farm Glamping, Ormskirk

© Robert Ince

Forest of Bowland AONB

© Matthew Savage

@StAnnesBeachApt

Forest of Bowland AONB

16 |

These routes are made

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Walking Routes in Lancashire Lancashire has some of the best walking country in England, from short, gentle rambles to long distance treks allowing you to enjoy some of the best views and vistas the county has to offer.

for walking visitlancashire.com

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the rugged but beautiful Rivington Pike, stroll along the promenade in Morecambe and the Fylde Coast, enjoy the forest in Beacon Fell County Park or visit the accessible Wyre Estuary County Park. Here are five walks to get you started;

Guild Wheel, Preston

Wyre Way

Clog and Billycock

The Guild Wheel is a 21 mile

Following the course of

and Alum Scar, Blackburn

circular route that takes

the river Wyre from its

This 4.5 mile circular

you around the city of Preston.

estuary outlet into Morecambe

pub walk is the perfect way to

The route is suitable for walking,

Bay to the fells above Abbeystead

work up an appetite. The walk

cycling and mobility scooters,

where the river has its source.

performs a simple loop around

and is best enjoyed at a slow pace

This beautiful, 44.5 mile, long

the surrounding countryside

stopping off at attractions and

distance walk can be split into

of the Clog and Billycock, with

cafes along the way.

four manageable pieces.

rolling fields, woodland and one of Lancashire’s best viewpoints.

Walking with witches, Pendle

Wetlands and Waterways,

In the shadow of Pendle Hill

Ormskirk

lie pretty villages, which

The area around this

tell a story of intrigue and

walking route has some

witchcraft nearly 400 years old.

of the flattest land in West

Follow in the footsteps of the

Lancashire. Pretty cottages,

legendary Pendle Witches on this

nature reserves and quaint

seven and a half mile walk.

waterside pubs are just some of the things you can see along this 14.5 mile walk.

Pendle 18 |

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Over 70 free walking routes including these ďŹ ve can be downloaded from visitlancashire.com with many more to discover.

Guild Wheel, Preston

Wyre Estuary Country Park

walks for all

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Go spin the extra mile Glasson Dock Marina

Lancashire’s landscape is

fuelled, with accessible

and you’ll never be too far

perfect for exploring by bike,

routes available too.

from a welcoming pub or

with many miles of quiet

somewhere great to sleep.

For those who enjoy

roads, tracks and routes

around the centre of the

that pass through stunning

Great Britain at Dunsop

watching the professionals,

countryside, enchanting

Bridge, take a grand tour of

or even like to join in

forests, and daring quarries.

Pendle, or ride the Blackpool

themselves, a wide host

The routes difficulty ranges

Illuminations, you’ll see

of cycle events take place

from family friendly to

some of the country’s

including the Chorley and

challenging and adventure

most attractive scenery

Colne Grands Prix.

Colne Grand Prix 20 |

Whether you cycle

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Lune Valley Aquaduct ŠDiana Jarvis Forest of Bowland AONB

Lee Quarry

Hire a bike On Yer Bike Cycles Morecambe Bay Electric Bike Network Leisure Lakes Bikes Blackpool Bike and Go Cycle Adventure

Cycle routes The Lancashire Cycleway Lancashire Coastal Way Gisburn Forest Bike Trails Hyndburn Greenway Lee Quarry Mountain Bike Trail

Scorton Village

Places to stop for lunch The Cartford Inn, Poulton Le Fylde Hipping Hall, Kirkby Lonsdale The Assheton Arms, Clitheroe The Sparrowhawk, Fence The Butlers Arms, Blackburn

Where to stay Plato, Kirkby Lonsdale Rossendale Holiday Cottages Bank House Cottage, Lancaster Ribble Valley Holiday Homes, Ribchester Brickhouse Farm Cottages, Poulton le Fylde visitlancashire.com

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Love Leyland

Whether you’re visiting for walking in the Southern Lakes, sampling Manchester’s nightlife, or to explore the Northwest, you will receive the warmest of welcomes at Hallmark Hotel Preston Leyland.

Discover your exclusive one-night break from just £69 per couple including: • An overnight stay in a classic double or twin bedroom.

• A full cooked breakfast.

• A delicious evening meal in our Hallmark Grill.

• A FREE bottle of wine.

• FREE use of our health club facilities.

Book your exclusive break at www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk/LL19

Terms and conditions apply and offer subject to availability. From £69 per couple is a from price and rates may fluctuate depending upon day of week and month. 1 x bottle of wine per stay, over 18s only. For full terms and conditions visit www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk/LL19.

ACCOMMODATION HH666_LoveLeyland_Advert_138.5x97.5mm.indd 2

19/07/2019 10:58

in Lancashire

Lancashire has an amazing variety of quality accommodation from peaceful, rural self-catering retreats to dazzling city centre hotels, seaside chic guest houses and B&Bs to activity packed holiday villages.

STANLEY VILLA FARM FISHING & CAMPING

Award winning glampin site, set just 15 minutes from Blackpool. Cosy camping pods and a beautiful fishing lake. A friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for families and couples. › Back Lane, Greenhalgh, Preston, PR4 3HN › 01253 804588 › www.campingbugs.co.uk › hello@campingbugs.co.uk

TEWITFIELD MARINA

(LAKE DISTRICT ESTATES) Located on the Lancaster Canal, with countryside walks and pubs on the doorstep. The Marina has a range of newly refurbished apartments/ townhouses. Just 10 minutes from The Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.

Dog friendly, short breaks available. › Chapel Lane, Tewitfield, Carnforth LA6 1GP › 01524 782092 › tewitfieldmarina.co.uk › info@tewitfieldmarina.co.uk /TewitfieldMarinaLDE

@LakeDistrictEst

WIGWAM HOLIDAYS KIDSNAPE FARM Set in the Lancashire hills lies wigwam holidays Kidsnape Farm. Whether it’s a relaxing weekend on our farm in one of our luxurious pods or walking or cycling around the lovely countryside Kidsnape farm has it all.

› Kidsnape Farm, Inglewhite Road, Goosnargh, Preston PR3 2EB › 07711 584 197 › wigwamholidays.com/kidsnape-farm

WIGWAM HOLIDAYS RIBBLE VALLEY Over the holidays why not get the kids in the great outdoors at Wigwam Holidays Ribble Valley there is lots to explore.

› Wigwam Holidays Ribble Valley, Dinckley, BB6 8AN › 07721 692466 › wigwamholidays.com/ribble-valley › ribblevalley@wigwamholidays.com visitlancashire.com

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Discover something new

Romance

Open fires

Love is in the air in Lancashire, enjoy of some

There’s nothing like enjoying a quiet drink or

quality time together at these places.

scrumptious meal by a roaring ďŹ re.

Lancashire Canal Cruises, Burscough | Blackpool

Butlers Arms, Pleasington | Pendle Inn,

Tower Ballroom | Avenham and Miller Park,

Burnley | Barley Mow, Pendle | The Fence

Preston| White Swan at Fence | Ribby Hall Spa

Gate, Fence | Parkers Arms, Clitheroe | The

Hotel, Preston | Williamson Park, Lancaster | The

Aspinall Arms, Whalley | Guys Thatched

Rookery, Roughlee | Freemasons at Wiswell

Hamlet, Preston | The Fenwick, Lancaster

24 |

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Sandcastle Waterpark

A destination for all Planning trips away from

coast, we opted for a stunning

With a fully stocked

home when you are catering

lakeside property at Brickhouse

fishing lake, recently opened

for someone who has limited

Farm Cottages. I cannot rate

hydrotherapy pool and the

mobility and uses a wheelchair,

these cottages highly enough.

Lakeside Bistro, we really didn’t

can be daunting; however, I was

Purpose built for families with

need to venture off site if we

wonderfully surprised by how

accessibility needs, they offer

didn’t want to, but with so much

easy and super fun our holiday to

level access throughout the

to explore why wouldn’t you?

Lancashire was.

ground floor, an accessible

We decided on a big family short break to the Lancashire

First on our hit list was the

balcony and ceiling track hoists,

Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool.

including one for the hot tub!

Widely regarded as one of the

visitlancashire.com

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Brickhouse Farm Cottages country’s most accessible visitor

until our fingers were wrinkly

boasting a stunning promenade,

attractions, and multi-award

and it was time to go.

Art Deco Theatre, and harbour yacht marina. On this occasion

winning to boot it is a must

Super hungry after spending

for families who love water

the day swimming and agreeing

we were visiting Farmer Parrs

and splashing about as much

a trip to Blackpool wouldn’t be

Animal World, a children’s

as we do.

complete without having fish

farm park.

Nothing was too much on our

and chips, we headed to the

Easy to navigate with the

visit, and we were happy to learn

world famous Harry Ramsden

wheelchair on the paved paths,

that they also offered support for

at The Blackpool Tower. We

we had a fantastic day handling

visitors with other accessibility

were surprised to learn that

chicks, feeding lambs and

needs such as hearing and vision

the menu was much more

meeting the ponies.

impairments and autism which

than the traditional fish and

is wonderful.

chips and enjoyed a whole

On the way back to the cottage we stopped into Notarianni’s for one of their

With full bellies we headed back to the cottage for some well deserved rest and relaxation.

delicious vanilla ice creams, using the same secret family recipe since 1928.

The next day after a final

menu of delights including

dip in the hot tub, we headed

room’ facility meant we were

burgers, salads and a giant filled

home feeling relaxed and full of

able to get changed with ease,

Yorkshire pudding!

wonderful memories from our

The Changing Places ‘wet

With full bellies we headed

short break in Lancashire. It is

us into the heart of the action

back to the cottage for some well

definitely somewhere I would

with a sloped entrance into the

deserved rest and relaxation.

recommend and we will be back,

and the water wheelchairs took

main pool. Whilst we splashed

A new day means a new

about in the pool, our other party

adventure, as we headed further

members jumped through waves

up the coast to Fleetwood, a

and whizzed around on slides

beautiful Victorian seaside resort

26 |

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as there is so much more we didn’t explore.

Fleetwood

Other accessible places to explore Accommodation The Fence Gate, Pendle Cross Farm Cottages, Ormskirk The Glendower Hotel, St Annes The Red Pump Inn, Clitheroe Lancaster House Things to do The Blackpool Tower Wyre Estuary Country Park Windmill Animal Farm, Ormskirk Blackpool Zoo The Palace Cinema, Longridge Find accessible Changing Places around Lancashire at changing-places.org

Why not try...

Clough Head Farm 01254 704758 cloughheadfarm.co.uk Farmer Parrs Animal World For a full list accessible places to stay and things to do go to visitlancashire.com visitlancashire.com

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Advertorial

With plenty of sea, sands and beautiful scenery, the Fylde Coast

Creating a positive place for all

is a beautiful place to visit for fun-filled, action-packed stays,

guides to enhance their shop,

people with autism to British

theatre trips, wonderful walks

accommodation, or attraction, as

Sign Language interpreters

along unspoilt coastlines or days

well as free disability awareness

for deaf people, they are also

on award-winning beaches.

training, ensuring the warmest

breaking down barriers of

of welcome to all visitors.

disability by hosting world-

And, for visitors with a

They are not just talking

renowned disabled performers

mental health or learning

about ramps for wheelchairs

from comedy, art and music at

difficulties, the Fylde Coast has

either (although there has been

brand new events.

plenty of accessible venues,

lots of work to enhance this over

attractions, changing rooms,

the past few years). Access Fylde

toilets, catering extremely well

Coast are helping businesses to

for people with disabilities,

truly understand the barriers

families, and the elderly alike.

faced by customers with physical,

physical or sensory disability,

And now thanks to Access

sensory, mental health and

•

The British Paraorchestra, September 7 2019, The Empress Ballroom, Blackpool

•

An evening of comedy,

Fylde Coast, Blackpool, Fylde

learning difficulties so they

September 8 2019,

and Wyre are fast becoming even

can adapt both their premises

Lytham Hall

more accessible destinations

and have a positive attitude to

for everyone to have amazing

disabled customers.

experiences and make unforgettable memories.

Access Fylde Coast helps businesses with free access

28 |

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As well as enhancing disability access to existing, popular events across the Fylde Coast including quiet spaces for

•

Evelyn Glennie, October 12, 2019, The Marine Hall, Fleetwood

Helping you get the best experience - Retailers, eateries, hoteliers and

- Use the enhanced

attractions who have taken part in

Blackpool Transport

Access Guides and Disability Awareness

App to provide

Training will be given a sticker to display

information in Easy

in their window and a certificate – so

Read and on-screen

you’ll know that they have done their

British Sign Language to

best to give you the warmest welcome.

make travelling around

- All businesses which have taken part

the Fylde Coast easier.

will be included in the AccessAble guide

- Friendly and caring

(www.accessable.co.uk) so you can

volunteers are on hand

search for accessible businesses,

to help you during your

including more than 50 cultural and

stay – whether visiting

heritage attractions, across the Fylde

for events, the theatre or

Coast to ensure that your planned trip

the cinema.

suits your accessibility needs.

For more information on all the services mentioned or how you can get involved visit accessfyldecoast.co.uk visitlancashire.com

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d e l p u Co p?

u

Want to book a romantic get away with a difference?

Create not just memories with your loved

Morecambe is run by RYA award-winning instructor John, choose from a 2-day course, or book a short taster Fun Sail.

Keeping with the water theme,

one but learn a new skill or go on an exciting

experience Blackpool Wake Park – a 10

adventure that brings you closer. Lancashire

acre lake offering a variety of water sport

offers many experiences that can be booked

activities including wake boarding, stand

as part of a day out or a short break, perfect

up paddle boarding, kayaking, open water

for spending quality time together.

swimming and an aqua park. Fancy learning

Receive expert tuition and top tips from the Head Tutor at Michelin starred Northcote

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Alternatively discover the thrill and freedom of the sea. Bay Sea School in

to Scuba Dive? Try Fins Scuba in Preston.

For a gentler water pastime, you could

Cookery School. Choose a culinary delight

try Lancashire Canal Cruises, take in the

to create and share; from Artisan Bread,

rolling scenery whilst enjoying afternoon

Chinese Cookery or High Tea to mention just

tea or a drink from the bar. There are a

a few and with half and full days available it

range of foodie cruises including traditional

is easy to slot into your itinerary.

Lancashire hot pot, cooked breakfast or tapas

visitlancashire.com

Inch Perfect Trials Bay Sea School, Morecambe

Northcote Cookery School

Go Ape Rivington – a date with a difference.

If staying dry is at the top of your list,

Glasson Dock to be a brilliant day filled with excitement.

Alternatively, Quadtrex, Quad Bike trekking

try your hand at monkeying around at Go

in Barnoldswick, offers an action packed

Ape Rivington, and help each other through

adventure through several terrains including

the tree top challenge or if you both prefer

woodland, a natural quarry and grass.

to have your feet firmly on the ground, The

The ultimate thrill could be waiting

Hill – home of Ski Rossendale, could be just

for you at Black Knights Parachute Centre

the ticket. The Northwest’s biggest and best

in Cockerham. Jump from an altitude of up

outdoor ski slope, with 3 slopes, Fun Tubes

to 15,000 ft at speeds of 120mph, before

and great scenic views. There is a bistro and

pulling the shoot and helping steer yourself

terrace bar for those all-important après-

to land, you can even capture it all on film

ski refreshments.

with a freefall camera flyer.

Do you both have a need for speed? Try Inch Perfect Trials, whether you are new

For more ideas and experiences go to visitlancashire.com

to motorcycle trials riding or a seasoned rider, you’ll be in safe hands. Set in 100 acres of fantastic trialling land in the stunning Forest of Bowland, it guarantees visitlancashire.com

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It’s a dog’s world ...

Williamson Park © Joe Mather

A while ago my humans decided to book a short break in Lancashire and guess what? I was invited along too!

32 |

visitlancashire.com

Laytham Holiday Lets Retreat

I must admit I was expecting to

so we had an early pit stop for

very handsome boy, well they’re

be put in the worst room with lots

lunch at Top Lock in Chorley so I

not wrong. I even had my picture

of waiting outside or being left in

could stretch my legs.

taken so paws crossed that I make

my bed while my humans ate out

No sitting outside for me!

it to dog of the month.

Continuing on towards

and did lots of fun things, but the

I was given a treat on arrival

folks in Lancashire are genuinely

and I even had my own ‘doggie’

Laythams Retreat we drove

lovely people and I was treated

menu to choose from and a cool

through the geographical centre

like a VIP (very important pet).

drink of dog ale, although I do

of Britain, Dunsop Bridge.

think it was plain water really.

Although the humans didn’t stop

hotel that would make me feel

The humans certainly seemed to

for one of the picturesque walks,

as welcome as the humans.

enjoy theirs too as there were no

something to do with me always

There were loads of fancy

leftovers for me.

having to chase the ducks.

First thing was to book a

En route to the Forest of

Finally we made it to our

luxury glamping at Ribble Valley

Bowland, for lots of sniffing,

Laytham’s cottage and it was

Wigwam to gorgeous boutique

exploring and running around, we

fabulous, great views over the

hotels or secluded self-catering,

passed through Whalley and took

Beatrice and Burn Fells, sheep

which would guarantee lots of

another stop so the humans could

in the next field to make friends

lovely new sniffing adventures.

buy some new walking boots at

with and chickens that I am

We decided on Laythams Holiday

Whalley Warm and Dry, it took

apparently not allowed to chase

Lets Retreat.

ages – so many measurements.

or bark at.

looking places to stay, from

It seemed like forever

All I heard was how comfy these

The humans unloaded the

waiting to pack up and head out

new boots were, humans are

essentials and my bed – not sure

on my adventures, when the

strange, I don’t need shoes!

why as I quickly discovered the

day eventually came I was that excited I couldn’t settle in the car,

I did however get lots of snuggles and was told I am a

comfy sofa! It was very peaceful and dark, the humans insisted on visitlancashire.com

| 33

Singing Ringing Tree

The Red Pump Inn

sitting outside staring up to the

the afternoon adventures it’s on a

sky – something about dark skies?

working farm so I was on a lead,

and my new sheep friends.

It was an early start the

but I didn’t mind as I was tired

following morning as the humans

comfy sofa only to discover it

from all the running and sniffing

wanted to make the most of our

had been made into a bed for my

around this morning. After a

last day and after packing up we

human’s friends, well I won’t be

quick BBQ for dinner back at the

headed out on our last adventure,

sleeping there, off to claim my

cottage, I left the humans star

picking up the witches trails from

humans’ bed.

gazing and headed to bed.

yesterday at Lancaster Castle.

I went off in search of the

After breakfast the following

The following day, we headed

We headed over to Pendle

morning, with new boots fastened

to the historic city of Lancaster,

Hill and a delicious lunch at

and snacks for me packed, we

strolling through the streets

Pendle Inn where once again I

set off to discover area of natural

popping into independent stores

was the centre of attention, with

beauty, the Forest of Bowland,

and galleries before heading to

a roaring fire to have snooze by –

and lots of new smells.

Lancaster Castle.

it wasn’t cold but who is going to

Stopping for lunch at The

With a history of excecuting

turn down a snooze by a real fire?

One final sniff and run

Red Pump Inn, we all sat inside

witches and even serving time

together in the Snug. Whilst I

as a prison, the Castle is very

around at the Singing Ringing

didn’t have my own menu this

impressive, even if we did just

Tree and it was homeward bound.

time, I did get a treat and my

have to stay in the grounds. No

There were lots of places that we

humans let me have some of

dogs allowed inside apparently,

just couldn’t fit in, so hopefully

theirs. I was told I was very lucky

do they not know who I am?

another trip to Lancashire will be

as it was very nice!

No time for snoozes we headed to Browsholme Hall for

We enjoyed a late lunch at heading back to the cosy cottage

I’ve walked so many miles these past few days maybe the humans have something with the boots after all.

34 |

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on the cards soon.

the Mill at Conder Green before

F O O O WWOOOF WOOOF!

Evelyn Glennie

Where to stay, play, eat and meet!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

This performance has been made possible through the support of the Coastal Communities Fund

Fleetwood • Thornton Cleveleys Poulton-le-Fylde • Wyre Villages Garstang • Forest of Bowland

Saturday 12 October

In Conversation with Evelyn Glennie – ‘Who’s Listening?’

11am - 12.30pm ‘Recital by Evelyn Glennie’ with pianist Philip Smith 7.30pm performance Box office and bar open from 6.30pm

Tickets £10

Photograph by Philipp Rathmer

01253 887693 | www.wyretheatres.co.uk Marine Hall, The Esplanade, Fleetwood, FY7 6HF

-Free admisson & on-site parking - Meet our horses & ponies - Paddock trails & picnic areas - Special events and fun days - NEWLY REFURBISHED COFFEE SHOP Main Stable block is undercover so it’s a great day out whatever the weather

A tour of the locally brewed tipples…

Ginterested?

Bowland Beer Hall

Take a break with a twist

(perhaps on the rocks too?) and go for a beer break in

Lancashire this Autumn. If beer’s not your thing, don’t worry, we also produce gin and cider here too! What better way to experience the local beverages than with a tour of the very brewery that makes them. See where our tasty drinks are produced, learn about the work that goes into making each one and then top it off with a little sample (or two).

East Lancashire Railway

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Brindle Distillery Lancaster Brewery

Brewery tours BOWLAND BREWERY

CUCKOO GIN

LANCASTER BREWERY

The brewery, based at Holmes

Nestled on their family farm

Set in over 2 acres, the working

Mill in Clitheroe and owned by

in the beautiful Lancashire

brewery offers guided tours,

James’ Places, offers visitors a

countryside, Cuckoo Gin’s

special events in the bar and

chance to see a fully operational

distillery tours offer visitors

entertaining area, as well as

brewery as well as an

a rare opportunity to see the

brewing their delicious beer,

opportunity to share enthusiasm

range of equipment they use

lager and cider on site.

for beer. Scheduled brewery

to make their spirits up close.

Starting in the impressive

tours run a few times a week

The guided tours around the

visitor centre, the history of

and you can then venture into

distillery’s production areas

the brewery and the brewing

Bowland Beer Hall afterwards

and warehouses give a detailed

process is explained. There’s

should you so wish. Tickets

account of how they craft their

an opportunity to see the hops

for a tour at Bowland Brewery

spirits, from growing the grain,

growing outside, as well as

start at just £10 and include a

producing alcohol, distilling

being able to purchase any

refreshing drink at the end.

gin and even heating their

of the beers to take home!

equipment. Tour tickets are £24

Tour tickets start from just

and include three G&Ts. Price

£12 and operate most days.

includes £5 discount on any 70cl Cuckoo Gin on the night.

Great pubs/bars BOWLAND BEER HALL

BUFFER STOPS BAR

ALBERT’S ALE MICROBAR

The beer hall is not just a

Take a ride on the East

A friendly microbar on Albert

showcase for Bowland’s beers,

Lancashire Railway and stop off

Road, situated near Blackpool

it’s a showcase for beers of

for a drink on the way. Sited at

Winter Gardens, that specialises

all kinds, from all parts of the

Rawtenstall Station, Buffer Stops

in real ales, traditional local

country, continent and the rest of

offers five ales and one real cider

cider and a range of Belgian

the world too, whether in a cask

on handpump, a range of lagers,

bottled beers. CAMRA members

or keg, a bottle or can, whether

continental beers, traditional pub

and likeminded people will

dark or light, weak or strong.

snacks and locally sourced pies.

love this spot.

visitlancashire.com

| 37

FENCE GATE

Local products

The official Guiness World

BLACK POWDER GIN

BATCH BREW

With a long history in creating

As a family-based distillery

high quality produce, their

Record holders of the largest

passion has always been about

varieties of commercially available gins - a staggering 623!

harnessing the true and unique

FISHERMAN’S RETREAT

they believe creates a remarkably

The restaurant’s whisky shop has

different finish.

been around for over a quarter of a century, with more than 500 different Scottish single malt

flavours of our select crop, which

GOOSNARGH GIN Lovingly crafted by Richard and Rachel Trenchard and based on

whiskies in stock.

the edge of the Forest of Bowland

OLD SCHOOL BREWERY

AONB, they produce small batch

Founded in 2012 this micro

gin using organic botanicals.

brewery at the foot of Warton

Each bottle is hand finished and

Crag. Using top quality

includes handwritten details such

ingredients with patience they

as batch and bottle number.

they lovingly craft their spirits in the most intimate batches of captured perfection with no more than 25 litres at a time.

Produced and bottled by hand they ensure quality, individuality and as honest an illustration of the distilling art that you’ll ever taste. Visit their shop Mon-Fri, 9:30am - 4:30pm.

FOREST AT FENCE Enjoy two house gins Pendle Gin and Ribble Gin, distilled on site in their 30 litre still The Gin Spinner.

produce first class hand-crafted beers. They host an open evening on the second Friday of the month and are also available to hire for groups of 20+

Events

Prosecco Festival King Georges Hall – Blackburn 31st August Gin and Rum Festival – Blackpool 28th September Oktoberfest – Guys Thatched Hamlet 26 – 27 October For more fantastic events go to visitlancashire.com/whatson 38 |

visitlancashire.com

‌and breathe

We all know that sometimes life can be trying and when this happens it is important to make sure you take time off to nurture yourself and reboot. A short break to Lancashire is the perfect medicine, with its award-winning spas, rolling countryside, breath taking coast and wellness facilities, here are a few suggestions to help rebalance and rejuvenate.

Forest of Bowland AONB 40 |

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The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village

Spa retreat Slip into the comfort of a soft cotton robe and lose yourself in luxury at one of Lancashire’s spas, each one surrounded by stunning countryside and greenery, making it easy to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life and embrace the here and now.

Opt for a traditional massage using fragrant oils or slip away to a place of true relaxation with new kid on the block, floatation therapy.

Try these: Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village Wrightington Hotel Health Club & Spa Inside Spa | Stanley House Hotel & Spa Spa on the Breck | The Woodland Spa | Shaw Hill Golf Resort and Spa | Rosscos Float Rooms.

The art of cosiness Wet days and dark evenings can be the perfect recipe for spending time with loved ones, think fairy lights, log fires, blankets and hot chocolate with your favourite individuals, or even a wonderful warming meal at a Lancashire pub with a glass of wine.

Try these: Samlesbury Hall Shepherd’s Huts | Lantern & Larks | The Shireburn Arms | The Cartford Inn Samlesbury Hall Shepherd’s Huts

Hare House & Barn Owl at Cobblestone Barn. visitlancashire.com

| 41

Pendle WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

Singing Ringing Tree

Get back to nature Take off your shoes and walk barefoot in the cool grass or soft sand, inhale the fresh air and slowly release and let go. Research shows that being outdoors in nature relaxes the body, reduces feelings of stress and improves your mood. Connect with nature through a mindful walk around one of Lancashire’s many green spaces taking in the sights, sounds and smells, learn

Stretch it out

about the local wildlife at a nature reserve or simply

For a deeper sense of relaxation and wellbeing

take a few deep breaths of the fresh sea air.

why not try a meditation class, learn the art of

Try these:

yoga or indulge in a therapeutic sound bath.

Classes and programmes are available across

Brockholes | Beacon Fell | WWT Martin Mere

the whole of Lancashire, providing respite from

Wetland Centre | Pendle Hill | Forest of Bowland

a busy schedule. However you choose to relax,

AONB | Lytham St Annes | Rivington Pike

Lancashire offers a fantastic range of options

Singing Ringing Tree – Panopticon

to create a soothing short break.

Belmont 42 |

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The magnificently medieval Samlesbury Hall is nearly 700 years old and one of the most magical old houses in Lancashire.

Explore all the fascinating nooks and crannies of the Hall, or take

On sunny days, afternoon tea by the fountain is a must.

an entertaining tour with Janey the Witch or King Henry VIII, who bring the historic rooms to life.

Stay for lunch in the award winning restaurant, or treat yourself to freshly baked waffles and ice-cream at Dottie’s (why not both?) All food is locally sourced and prepared daily for your enjoyment.

The Mayflower playground (complete with its own miniature Samlesbury Hall) is perfect for little ones, or follow the fairy door trail.

Taste Samlesbury’s own honey and visit the bees that helped make it, it in the Hall’s own bee centre.

Spend a cosy night by the

The gardens are awash with colour, from beautiful blooms in the rosarium, to an array of

fire pit in the shepherd’s hut hamlet, surrounded by gorgeous festoon-lit woodland – this is

flowers in the cobbled courtyard.

glamping at its very best!

OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND, ENTRY IS FREE FOR ALL AGES TO ENJOY. Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Lancashire PR5 0UP | 01254 812010 www.samlesburyhall.co.uk | info@samlesburyhall.co.uk please always check the website for opening times before you travel

A green getaway If you are looking for ways to make your short break to Lancashire more environmentally friendly, we have compiled some handy tips for going green. From where to stay and what to pack, you will not only feel better about your travels, but you will have a great time too.

Watkinsons Farm Glamping 44 |

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Hipping Hall

Watkinsons Farm Glamping

Bowland Food Hall

Stanley Villa Farm camping pods

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

White Swan at Fence

Accommodation

Eat Local

Things to do

There are lots of ways to have

Lancashire’s landscape makes

There’s a whole heap of things

a greener stay in Lancashire,

sourcing ingredients locally

to do for the environmentally

whether you want to go

a breeze, you’ll find many

conscious in Lancashire,

completely off-grid, spend a

restaurants, pubs and cafes

whether you want to spend

night on a working farm, or

boasting local seasonal produce

time in nature, learn more

enjoy small luxuries using

on their menus. Looking to

about wildlife conservation

green energy at a Green

cook for yourself? The county

or pick up a new skill.

Tourism accredited cottage.

is also home to some of the

Try these:

best farm shops, market

Try these:

stalls and foodie events.

Brockholes Nature Reserve | WWT Martin Mere Wetland

Cronkshaw Fold Farm | Watkinsons Farm Glamping |

Try these:

Centre | Kingfisher Cruises horse

Stanley Villa Farm camping pods |

The Cartford Inn | Freemasons at

drawn boats | Forest of Bowland

Lower Clougha Cottage | Malkin

Wiswell | Hipping Hall | Preston

AONB | Rossall Point Fleetwood

Tower Farm

Market | Bowland Food Hall |

Conservation Day – 8 Sept

Port of Lancaster Smokehouse |

Beach Craft Skills – 22 Sept

White Swan at Fence | Countrystyle Meats Farm Shop visitlancashire.com

| 45

Brockholes Nature Reserve

Travel

Volunteer

Handy Tips

Lancashire’s public transport

Want to help out in the area

•

network, walking routes

you’re visiting? There are

Fill reusable water bottles and thermos with drinks for trips out

and cycle ways offer a great

plenty of volunteer programmes

•

alternative to travelling around

available across Lancashire

the county by car, providing

for both locals and visitors

Take a picnic of local produce, and pack lunches in paper bags and beeswax wraps

more time to take in the

alike, whether it is for an

wonderful surroundings.

event, building a new dry

•

Take rubbish home, or find out where the nearest recycling centre is

•

Pack light with plastic free shampoo, soap and deodorant

•

Use a local guide, to learn the best places to visit, eat and drink and explore the area on foot

wall or a beach clean.

Try these: On Yer Bike Cycles | Blackpool

Go to visitlancashire.com to

Bike and Go | Morecambe Bay

find out more.

Electric Bike Network | The Lancashire Cycleway | Lancashire Coastal Way

Fleetwood 46 |

visitlancashire.com

Nestling in the heart of Bowland, between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District

Laythams Holiday Lets Retreat

For the ultimate relaxation ask about our private hot tub and sauna.

Escape to our luxurious lakehouse as shown or gather with friends in our cosy multi-family cottages.

Visit our website and explore Laythams!

Enjoy the tranquillity and natural beauty of the stars in this designated Dark Sky area.

info@laythams.co.uk | www.laythams.co.uk | 01200 44 66 77 or 07787 17 11 07 |

“a delightful rural location...” mowbreckpark.co.uk Mowbreck Holiday and Residential Park Mowbreck Lane, Wesham PR4 3HA

Situated just six miles away from Blackpool and Lytham St Annes, Mowbreck Park is set in the former grounds of the Earl of Derby’s estate, a delightful rural location in the heart of the Fylde countryside. Buy your own holiday home, to use whenever you choose, or just stay for a short break in one of our luxury holiday caravans available to hire.

01772 682494 info@mowbreckpark.co.uk

Beacon Fell View Holiday Park, Ribble Valley ort Sh aks Brefrom

Caravan Holiday Homes Forest of Bowland

9

£9

Heated Indoor Pool Lodges overlooking Ribble Valley FREE Owners Unlimited Wifi

Where every day is a good day.

Nestled in the stunning Ribble Valley in the heart of Lancashire, Beacon fell View Holiday Park boasts breath-taking views as well as fun and adventure both on and off the park - explore the Forest of Bowland or spend the day enjoying the bright lights of Blackpool - the choice is yours!

Pre-owned Caravan Holiday Homes start from £12,500, with new models from £22,995. Holidays no longer need to cost a fortune!

check availability and book online

hagansleisure.co.uk or call our ownership team on

01772 783 233

Book your holiday today!

Visit

pure-leisure.co.uk

Luxury Lodge Holidays from £340 a week

Telephone

01524 952774

Spend idyllic days fishing Indulgence with a treatment at Pure Essence Spa Enjoy a delicious meal at Waters Edge Restaurant Relax with a swim Or just spend the days taking in the fantastic surroundings from your lodge

Just minutes from Junction 35 of the M6, South Lakeland Leisure Village is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of every day life and is just touching distance from The Lake District!

Tee off in

LANCASHIRE Lancashire is a golfer’s paradise, whether you are a beginner

learning the difference between a birdie and an albatross or a

seasoned pro looking to improve your handicap, from a range of globally famous courses along the coastline to courses in the beautiful Lancashire countryside.

Royal Lytham and St Annes has a proud history of supporting golf at the top level. It has staged 11 Open Championships, four Women’s British Opens, two Ryder Cups, the Curtis Cup, four Amateur Championships and thee Ladies British Open Amateur Championships including its inaugural year in 1893.

Others such as St Annes Old Links are where the professionals to qualify and several of these golf courses, and other less tricky ones, are open to the public, allowing you to practice your swing in style!

Lancashire Golf Courses Herons Reach Golf Club Rossendale Golf Club Best Western Garstang Country Hotel & Golf Club Bentham Golf Club Lytham Golf Academy Penwortham Golf Club Wrightington Hotel & Health Club Hurlston Hall Golf & Country Club Shaw Hill Golf & Spa Hotel Towneley Golf Club

Events To see what golfing events are coming up go to visitlancashire.com/whatson visitlancashire.com

| 49

Journey around MIDDLE EARTH

Mr Frodo Baggins and I have a couple of things

hobbit sized walking boots and popped into The

in common – we both have abnormally large feet

Shireburn Arms, in Hurst Green to grab a map and

for our size, and we are quite partial to the odd

to reserve a table for our return feast.

adventure around Middle Earth – to save the world and such.

My Middle Earth journey is a teensy bit easier

Traipsing through the green I can see why J.R.R Tolkien may have been in love with this part of Lancashire. The walk takes you past Stonyhurst

than his though, as I am of course talking about

College, through shallow streams, across wooden

the Lancashire Tolkien Trail. The relatively flat,

bridges and along the meandering rivers of Ribble,

9km circular route that ventures through stunning

Calder and Hodder.

countryside and past Stonyhurst College, all said to

Although you can witness several similarities

have inspired the famous Lord of the Rings author.

between the books and local area, from street names,

Always keen to learn more about what influenced this legendary writer, I pulled on my

50 |

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rivers and views, it is the overall magic of the area that you can see inspiring Tolkien. You can truly

Forest of Bowland AONB

imagine the trees coming alive and trolls hiding under bridges, elves and hobbits could be real and you have somehow transported into the middle of it all.

Still glowing from the rush you get from being outdoors, I head back to The Shireburn Arms, where a warm welcome and the kind of food that feeds your soul awaits for me.

For more information on this walk and others go to visitlancashire.com

Shireburn Arms visitlancashire.com

| 51

Northcote Cookery School

Skills for life

There’s a kind of anxious excitement that you get stepping into a new learning environment. Bumping into others and asking ‘Are you here for..?’ ‘Yep, not sure what it’s going to be like!’

This could be something spectacular, a new

found love, hobby or even business venture. The great thing about learning a new skill is although a break in Lancashire might be over in a week, this will stay with your forever.

visitlancashire.com

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Lasting memories made in Lancashire Choc Amor

Pilling Pottery

Northcote Cookery School

A world award-winning

A real working potter, Pilling

One of the UK’s top culinary

Lancashire based manufacturer

Pottery has a range of classes

schools, this institution offers

of fiendishly good chocolate.

to help guide attendees through

a variety of culinary courses,

Courses provide an enthusiastic

the pottery process from start to

from skills and techniques,

introduction to the company,

finish, whether it is learning the

entertaining, themed classes, and

followed either by a

potters’ wheel or just painting an

premium master classes, with a

demonstration and the chance

already crafted creation.

choice of half days and full days.

Alternative Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Lancashire Wine School

Celebrating 26 years of outdoor

Lancashire Wine School offers

education, activities include;

a variety of tasting experiences

rock climbing, open canoeing,

and workshops throughout the

orienteering, abseiling, archery,

country, not just for wine but for

gorge walking, caving and

gin and beer too.

to make your own chocolate or a full tasting course, depending on the option chosen.

mountain biking as well as many more exciting choices.

Lightworks Stained Glass From their studio at the heart of the beautiful Ribble Valley, Lightworks Stained Glass offer an informal and highly enjoyable practical introduction to the ancient craft of stained glass.

Learn all the principal techniques and take home your very own masterpiece.

54 |

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Fun and informative, the

Cuckoo Gin Workshops

British Textile Biennial

After a short tour and

3 October – 3 November 2019

introduction into the types of gin

Throwing a spotlight on the

Brindle Distillery produce, the

nation’s creativity, innovation

main event sees you pick your

and expression in textiles,

own botanicals and create a gin

the biennial will be a series of

recipe to distil in your very own mini pot still, once bottled and signed off by the Master Distiller the recipe is kept on file and can be reordered.

The Bee Centre Get a practical introduction to bee keeping with a one day workshop. You will get up close

installations, performances, artworks and workshops, taking a dynamic look at our relationship with cloth.

and personal with the bees in their purpose-built apiary and gain a good understanding of how to keep bees enjoyably and successfully.

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| 55

Advertorial

The politics of cloth

3rd October – 3rd November 2019 Various locations across Pennine Lancashire The first BRITISH TEXTILE BIENNIAL throws a spotlight on the nation’s creativity, innovation and expression in textiles against the backdrop of the impressive infrastructure of the cotton industry in Pennine Lancashire Throughout October 2019 the Biennial will look at fabric as a means of expression; exploring textiles as a vehicle for protest and cultural identity in installations, performances and art works that take a dynamic look at our relationship with that most basic and ancient of human creations, cloth.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE LIVE THE DREAM

BANNER CULTURE

Undertaking a residency in

New works by artist Jamie

From the traditional processional

Burnley, Reetu, an international

Holman celebrating a history

to contemporary D.I.Y messages

performance artist based

of radical gatherings where the

of protest, this mass presentation

in Dhaka, will explore the

working class youth of the North

of banners in the epic spaces of

histories and relationships

resisted, rejected, and finally

the iconic Brierfield Mill comes

between Bangladesh and

reclaimed the spaces that cotton

from heritage collections and

Lancashire through the prism

made and then abandoned.

campaigning groups across the UK.

of the cotton industry.

ALICE KETTLE: THREAD

CULT CULTURE SUBVERSION

FASHION FOOTBALL FAITH

BEARING WITNESS

T-shirts were the social media

In the 1980s young people

Thread Bearing Witness is a

of the 1980s - this large-

adopted the trainer as a symbol

body of three monumental

scale exhibition charts the

of their identity, nowhere more

textile pieces exploring the

influence of politics, art and

so than in the North West; this

refugee experience across

fashion on the most affordable

exhibition charts the evolution

land, sea and sky, capturing

and popular item of clothing

of the design of this cult item.

their stories in these

of the twentieth century.

beautifully wrought threads.

Full programme details can be found on the website at WWW.BRITISHTEXTILEBIENNIAL.CO.UK /britishtextilebiennial 56 |

visitlancashire.com

@textilebiennial

What’s On

Aug to Dec 2019

August

November

WINTER GARDENS TOUR 13 August

SIXTIES GOLD 2 November

THE PROCLAIMERS: LIVE IN CONCERT 17 August

LENNY HENRY: WHO AM I AGAIN? 3 November

KING OF POP FEAT. NAVI 18 August

WORLD FAMOUS ELVIS TRIBUTE SHOW 9 November

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL 27 - 31 August

THE GIRL ON A TRAIN 19 - 23 November

ELMER THE ELEPHANT 30 - 31 August

December

THE CLONE ROSES 31 August

ONE NIGHT ONLY 14 December

September

HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS 13 - 29 December

THE BRITISH COUNRTY MUSIC FESTIVAL 13 - 15 September

NEW YEARS EVE FAMILY PARTY 31 December

ALED JONES & RUSSELL WATSON 18 Sepetmber

NEW YEARS EVE SOUL PARTY 31 December

WINTER GARDENS TOUR 19 September

2020

FOOD ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL 21 - 22 September

WE WILL ROCK YOU 6 - 11 January

FASTLOVE: A TRIBUTE TO GEORGE MICHAEL 27 September

THE KAISER CHIEFS WITH GUESTS RAZORLIGHT 24 January

DIVERSITY: BORN READY 28 September

CURTAINS THE MUSICAL 3 - 7 March

October

DAVID WALLIAMS’ BILLIONAIRE BOY 11 - 15 March

KINKY BOOTS 1 - 12 October

STRICTLY COME DANCING THE PROFESSIONALS 14 May

CALENDAR GRILS THE MUSICAL 15 - 19 October

TRIXIE MATTEL 15 May

PRISILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT 21 - 26 October

BLACKPOOL INTERNATIONAL SOUL FESTIVAL 5 12 - 14 June

WINTER GARDENS TOUR 28 October

JANE MCDONALD 26 - 27 June

WILL YOUNG 29 October

JIMMY CARR: TERRIBLY FUNNY 20 November

0844 856 1111* Online wintergardensblackpool.co.uk Box Office

*0844 calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. Booking fees may apply.

wgbpl

Samantha Womack stars in thriller, The Girl On A Train 19 - 23 November 2019

Here is a snapshot of some of the events taking place in Lancashire in 2019.

EVENTS &

FESTIVALS To see a full list and details of the

wonderful things to do in the area go to visitlancashire.com/events

All event details are correct to the best of our knowledge but may be subject to changes or cancellations. Please contact the organiser or check the event website before making a special journey to an event.

GRAND THEATRE

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5 – 28 Aug

10 Aug

17 Aug

Summer Fun with Betsy

Theatre On The Square

Outdoor Theatre - Gangsta

Bumblebee

Accrington

Granny

Samlesbury Hall, nr Preston

Brockholes Nature Reserve 10-11 Aug

6 – 28 Aug

Blackpool Air Show

Steve Royle’s Comedy Chaos For Kids Grand Theatre, Blackpool

17-18 Aug Lytham 1940s Wartime

10 – 11 Aug West Lancashire Light Railway

Weekend Lytham Green

Summer Gala 7 - 31 Aug Around The World In 80s Days

West Lancashire Light Railway, Hesketh Bank

Grand Theatre, Blackpool

17 – 18 Aug Sci-Fi on the Sidings East Lancashire Railway, Bury

10 – 18 Aug 8, 15, 22 Aug

Pendle Walking Festival

Pizza & Prosecco Night Samlesbury Hall, nr Preston

Fylde Coast Food and 11 Aug Trawden Show

8 - 26 Aug

18 Aug

Trawden Village

Drink Festival Marine Hall and Gardens, Fleetwood

Bubble & Bounce Guy’s Thatched Hamlet, Bilsborrow

13 Aug Theatre in the Park presents Romeo and Juliet

9 Aug

Wild Families: Gruffalo Brockholes Nature Reserve

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre 22 Aug

Band at the End of the World Flag Market, Preston

King George’s Hall, Blackburn 20 Aug

16 Aug Bat and Barn Owl Nights

10 Aug

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant

East Lancashire Railway, Bury

Clitheroe Food Festival Clitheroe Town Centre

Hoghton Tower, nr Preston 19 Aug

15 & 29 Aug Wizard Academy

10 Aug

Farmers Market

Astley Park, Chorley

Family Fitness Festival Lytham Hall, Lytham

18 Aug

16 Aug Lytham 40s on Friday Lytham Green 16 – 17 Aug Stonyhurst Literature and Film Festival

Theatre in the Park presents Wuthering Heights Astley Park, Chorley 22 Aug Dinky Dinosaur Adventure East Lancashire Railway, Bury

Stonyhurst College, nr Clitheroe 23-25 Aug 17 Aug Bohemian Rhapsody Stonyhurst Outdoor Cinema

Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival Colne

23 Aug - 1 Sep

30 Aug

Paw Patrol Brick Trail

Blackpool Illuminations

Blackburn Town Centre

Switch-On Blackpool Tower Festival Headland

23-25 Aug Great Eccleston Tractor

30 Aug – 3 Nov

Pulling Championships

Blackpool Illuminations

Great Eccleston Showfield

Blackpool

24 Aug

31 Aug

Pop Party on the Square

Amazing Accrington

Accrington Town Centre

Soapbox Challenge Accrington Town Centre

24 Aug Taste of Leyland Leyland Town Centre

31 Aug – 1 Sep Vintage by the Sea Festival 2019

24 – 26 Aug Great British Food Festival Stonyhurst College, Hurst Green 25 Aug Ormskirk Motorfest Town Centre and Corporation Park, Ormskirk 25-26 Aug Big Machines Weekend Thornton Hall Country Park 27 Aug Ride the Lights Blackpool Promenade 29 Aug - 31 Aug Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool 29 Aug – 1 Sep Fleetwood Folk and Blues Weekend 2019 Marine Hall and Gardens, Fleetwood

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Morecambe

SEP

1 Sept

1 Sep Outdoor Theatre Wuthering Heights Brockholes Nature Reserve 1 Sep Classic Cars Hoghton Tower, nr Preston 3-14 Sep Doctor Dolittle The Musical Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool 5 – 8 Sep Guy’s Oyster Festival Billsborrow, nr Garstang 6 – 7 Sep Nelson Food Festival Nelson Town Centre 6 - 8 Sep St Annes International Kite Festival St Annes Beach 6, 13, 20 & 27 Sep World Fireworks Championship Blackpool Blackpool Tower Festival Headland 7 Sep Wildlife Photography Workshop WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre 7 Sep British Paraorchestra Empress Ballroom, Winter Gardens, Blackpool

7 Sep Quest of Thrones Party Park Hall Hotel, Chorley 7 – 8 Sep In the Night Garden Live Grand Theatre, Blackpool 7-8 Sep Lancashire Game and Country Festival Scorton 8 Sep Drawing and Painting Workshop WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre 8 Sep

14 Sep

22 Sep

Lancaster Festa Italia

Heritage Open Day at

Islands In The Stream

Lancaster City Centre

Gawthorpe Hall

Grand Theatre, Blackpool

Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham 22 Sep

8 Sep An Evening Of Comedy Lytham Hall, Lytham

15 Sep Shrek™ visit to Thornton Hall

Rhod Gilbert King George’s Hall, Blackburn

Country Park 11-15 Sep Lancaster Jazz Festival Various locations

Thornton Hall Country Park

28 Sep Chocolate Festival

18 – 21 Sep

Accrington

The Addams Family 13-15 Sep The British Country Music Festival

Grand Theatre, Blackpool

28 - 29 Sep September Spectacular

21 – 22 Sep

Opera House & Winter

Animal Magic

Gardens, Blackpool

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

Heritage Tram Tours, Blackpool 29 Sep Preston 10k

13-22 Sep

21 – 22 Sep

Heritage Open Days

Food, Arts and Music Festival

Across Lancashire

Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Market Street, Preston 30 Sep -12 Oct Kinky Boots The Musical Opera House & Winter

21 – 22 Sep

Gardens, Blackpool

Heritage Open Days at Marsh Mill Windmill Thornton

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OCT Throughout October Illuminations Tram Tours Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours 1 – 31 Oct Halloween and Pumpkin Picking Thornton Hall Farm Country Park, Pendle 2 Oct Driving Mr Morecambe The Grand at Clitheroe 3 Oct - 3 Nov British Textile Biennial Various locations across Pennine Lancashire 4 Oct Stick Man King George’s Hall, Blackburn 4 – 5 Oct Chorley Live Chorley Town Centre 5 – 6 Oct Day Out With Thomas East Lancashire Railway, Bury 5 Oct Imagination The Muni Theatre, Colne 6 Oct West Lancashire Light Railway Working Engines Gala West Lancashire Light Railway

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10 – 14 Oct

19-21 Oct

Lancaster Music Festival

Nickelodeon’s SLIMEFEST

Lancaster

Pleasure Beach, Blackpool

11 – 26 Oct

21- 26 Oct

Lightpool Festival 2019

Guy’s “Not So Scary”

Blackpool

Halloween Half Term Fun Guy’s Thatched Hamlet,

12 Oct

Billsborrow

The Gin Society Festival Lancaster Town Hall

21 – 26 Oct Priscilla Queen of the Desert

13 Oct Clitheroe Blues Festival

Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool

The Grand Theatre Clitheroe 24 Oct 15 Oct Russian National Ballet:

Illuminated Tram Parade The Promenade, Blackpool

The Nutcracker The Muni Theatre, Colne

26 – 27 Oct Halloween Witches Bus Tour

15 - 19 Oct

Pendle Witch Experience

Calendar Girls The Musical Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool

26 – 27 Oct Ghastley Astley Hall Astley Hall, Chorley

17 Oct Rock For Heroes King George’s Hall, Blackburn

31 Oct – 2 Nov Halloween Ghost Trains East Lancashire Railway, Bury

18 – 20 Oct Autumn Steam Gala East Lancashire Railway, Bury 19 – 20 Oct Marsh Mill – 225th Birthday Thornton – Cleveleys 19 Oct Rock and Roll Revolution Burnley Mechanics Theatre

NOV 1 Nov Astley Bonfire and Fireworks Astley Hall, Chorley 1 – 2 Nov Light Up Lancaster Lancaster City Centre 2 Nov Bonfire & Fireworks Extravaganza Thornton Hall Country Park, Pendle 5 Nov Fleetwood Firework Spectacular Marine Hall, Fleetwood 15 - 16 Nov Gin & Rum Festival Level at Preston Guild Hall 16 Nov Christmas Lights Switch On Barnoldswick 17 Nov Marine Hall Christmas Market 2019 Marine Hall and Gardens, Fleetwood 19 - 23 Nov Girl On The Train Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool 23 Nov Astley Illuminated Astley Hall Museum, Chorley

23 – 24 Nov

30 Nov – 22 Dec

Lancashire Weekend

Chorley’s Santa Express

East Lancashire Railway, Bury

Astley Hall Museum, Chorley

23 Nov

30 Nov – 24 Dec

The Lancashire Hotpots

Santa Specials

King George’s Hall, Blackburn

East Lancashire Railway, Bury

23 Nov - 5 Jan

30 Nov – 24 Dec

Lancaster On Ice

A Thornton Hall Christmas

Dalton Square, Lancaster

Adventure Thornton Hall Country

24 Nov

Park, Pendle

Mugenkvo Taiko Drummers Grand Theatre, Blackpool

30 Nov – 31 Dec Aladdin

27 Nov Lancashire Day Events across Lancashire

Blackburn Empire Theatre

DEC 1 Dec

8 Dec

13 Dec - 29 Dec

Crafty Vintage Christmas

Wyre Estuary Country Park

Horrible Christmas

Markets

Christmas Fayre

Opera House & Winter

Holmes Mill, Clitheroe

Wyre Estuary Country Park, Stanah

Gardens, Blackpool

1 Dec

8 – 31 Dec

14 Dec

Santa Barges Inn

Cinderella

Chorley Food and Craft Market

Guy’s Thatched Hamlet,

King George’s Hall, Blackburn

Chorley Town Centre

Bilsborrow 10 - 11 Dec 4 Dec – 5 Jan

14 - 15 Dec

Garstang Victorian Christmas

Great British Food Festival -

Peter Pan

Festival

Christmas Festival

Grand Theatre, Blackpool

Garstang Town Centre

Stonyhurst College, Hurst Green

7 Dec

12 Dec

14 Dec

A Victorian Christmas

G4 Christmas

Big Country

Gawthorpe Hall, Burnley

The Blackpool Tower Ballroom

King George’s Hall, Blackburn

From breezy kite festivals and nostalgic 1940s events to firework spectaculars and music festivals, events are a Lancashire speciality.

Find out more at visitlancashire.com

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to learn more about the places featured in this guide and other Lancashire locations go to

visitlancashire.com

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

less than an hour’s drive from Manchester, Liverpool

the West Coast Line with Virgin Trains 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

world famous Blackpool promenade.

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

By Water

and cities.

If you’re lucky enough to travel by water then both the Lancaster canal and Leeds-Liverpool canal give you the chance to sail right into the heart of places

By Air

Both Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester

like Lancaster, Garstang and Burnley, whilst you’ll

Airport have frequent flights serving Europe and

also get amazing views of our stunning countryside

international airports including Beijing, Hong Kong

and wildlife on route.

and New York. Manchester Airport has direct trains to many 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

GLASGOW

and breath-taking views. You can pick up hire

2 HRS BY TRAIN

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

2.5 HRS BY CAR

MANCHESTER AIRPORT

LESS THAN AN HOUR BY CAR

BIRMINGHAM

bikes from a number of railway stations including Morecambe, Blackburn, Preston and Ormskirk, all at reasonable prices. Leisure Lakes Bikes in Lancaster city centre 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 HOURS BY CAR

LONDON

2 HOURS BY TRAIN

For more information on travelling to and around Lancashire go to visitlancashire.com

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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

A570 A5209

A5147

BURSCOUGH

ORMSKIRK

A59 A570

A577

A49

M6

A6

A6177

ACCRINGTON

A682

A671

HASLINGDEN

DARWEN RAWTENSTALL

M66 GREATER MANCHESTER

M61

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Stargazing in the Forest of Bowland Š Matthew Savage