Lancashire for Groups

RARE WILDLIFE

Lancashire Group Travel Guide 2020 SCENIC VALLEYS

pretty teashops HISTORIC HOUSES AWARD-WINNING

COUNTRY PUBS

#LancashireforGroups

FOOD SEA VIEW HALLS APARTMENTS

WALKING TRAILS

MUSEUMS & ART GALLERIES

COMMANDING CASTLES OUTDOOR 240 miles

THEATRE of bridleways Championship Golf Courses

wetland landscapes FIVE STAR ✩✩✩✩✩ ACCOMMODATION

Lancashire offers lots of unique experiences and attractions suitable for groups to visit and explore; from historic halls with beautiful gardens to wildlife spotting across stunning wetland, learning about Lancashire’s witchy past or dancing to the sound of the Wurlitzer.

Leighton Hall

Add to this the range of accommodation available, including quirky, luxurious, boutique and branded, plus top places to eat, Lancashire has the right ingredients to create the perfect trip.

Experience peaceful, rural self-catering retreats or dazzling city centre hotels, fine dining and award-winning pubs and restaurants, the options are as diverse and unexpected as the county itself.

Only a short distance from Manchester airport and with great rail and motorway links, getting to and around Lancashire has never been easier.

Being the geographical centre of Great Britain makes Lancashire a great place to be based whilst your group visitors explore the surrounding areas of The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and beyond.

Within this guide you will find just the tip of the iceberg of what Lancashire has to offer, to find out more head to

visitlancashire.com/groups

Wherever you and your group visit you will be assured of a warm welcome to the county...

#LancashireforGroups

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

Enjoy intrigue, witchcraft and centuries of fascinating history throughout our archive rooms.

Have a coffee, a scone baked that morning or a delicious lunch in our highest quality award winning restaurant. Don't forget to treat yourself to freshly cooked waffles in Dottie's and a milkshake at the end of the day!

From the Victorian kitchen, schoolroom & the 1950s bedroom, there is plenty to see, along with changing exhibitions in the Long Gallery.

Find a hidden gem in our delightful gift shop, take home a Samlesbury memento, our home produced honey or that 'perfect gift'. Tour the grounds, feed the rescued hens, throw a penny into the fountain and make a wish, while away a sunny afternoon.

Samlesbury Hall is also home to a busy events and functions programme, where you can tour the Hall with our fabulous Tour Guides, enjoy a theatre production or murder mystery or experience an evening ghost hunt. Samlesbury

Hall is open to visitors all year round, Sunday - Friday, 10am - 4pm (Please check our opening times before traveling as we do close occasionally on a Friday for weddings).

From only £25 per person why not extend your stay in our Shepherd’s Hut Hamlet - a collection of 28 hand crafted colourful huts

– a rustic and carefree alternative to your traditional hotel room.

Complete with two double beds in European Oak, the huts boast all those little extras from memory foam mattresses as well as a cosy en-suite. Table and chairs can be taken outside to relax around the fire-pit.

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

Haworth Art Gallery Haworth Art Gallery is Lancashire’s finest Arts & Crafts house and garden. It was designed by the architect Walter Brierley, and is home to the largest public collection of Tiffany glass in Europe. In addition, there is The Gallery Kitchen which offers a full range of lunches and afternoon teas, plus the Stables and Motor House Artist Studios which are open to the public.

Entrance and parking is free to general visitors and pre-booked groups can take advantage of a short, 15 minute introductory talk at £1 per person, or a full 1 hour tour of the Tiffany glass collection at £5 per person. Contact the gallery for more details.

Tourism Business of the Year

Tues – Sunday 12.00 – 16.15 Haworth Park, Manchester Road, Accrington BB5 2JS | 01254 233 782 facebook.com/haworthartGalleryAccrington

Festival Market With more than 100 stalls selling an enormous selection of products, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for as part of a great day out combining shopping and sightseeing in Morecambe.

After visiting the markets onsite café, head to Morecambe’s stunning promenade and other attractions nearby.

Tues, Thurs, Sat - Sun, 09.00 - 17.00 (16.30 winter).

Spring and summer bank holidays.

Marine Road Central, Morecambe LA4 4DW | 01524 414251 markets@lancaster.gov.uk | lancaster.gov.uk/festivalmarket |

The Villa Based in idyllic countryside, The Villa’s historic charm, spacious restaurant/ bar and stylish rooms, ensure it is the perfect place to escape and relax for groups from 5 to 350.

Open All Year Round

H2 Photography

The Villa Wrea Green, Moss Side Lane, Wrea Green, Preston PR4 2PE | 01772 80 40 40

reception@thevillawreagreen.co.uk | thevilla.co.uk |

Martin Mere Wetland Centre Step into a wilder world where wilderness and family-friendliness combine. Come and enjoy each season, from ducklings to migrating swans - you’ll be amazed at how close you can get to fantastic wetland wildlife.

With a daily schedule of talks and feeds for some of our most popular residents (including our adorable otter sisters), 12 hides overlooking a variety of habitats, a canoe safari offering guided boat tours, accessible paths, an on-site café and a shop, we have everything you need for a wild day out.

There’s discounted admission for groups, plus a free familiarisation trip for the group organiser, coach driver refreshments and free coach parking.

Book your group visit today for a wild day out in our extraordinary wetland landscape – you won’t regret it!

Winter: Nov - Mar 09.30-16.30 Summer: Apr - Oct 09.30-18.00 Fish Lane, Burscough L40 0TA | info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk 01704 895181 | wwt.org.uk/martin-mere |

Brockholes Nature Reserve Explore our stunning nature reserve with the UK’s first floating visitor village, bird hides, guided walks and a play area - there is something to fill everyone with wonder.

Winter : Wed - Sun 10.00 - 16.00 Summer : Mon - Sun 10.00 - 17.00 Junction 31 of the M6, Preston New Road, Preston PR5 0AG | 01772 872000 info@brockholes.org | brockholes.org |

Discover Wyre Discover breath taking coast and countryside, stunning attractions, fabulous events and great places to eat and shop!

Take a visit to Farmer Parrs Animal World, Fleetwood or Old Holly Farm, Forton to see farm animals, and enjoy home cooking in the restaurant. Discover historic Marsh Mill Windmill, during special events see the sails turn, take a tour, and then grab a bite to eat at Marsh Mill Village eateries.

Enjoy shopping at award winning Fleetwood Traditional Market, Poulton and Cleveleys Street Markets or Affinity Outlet Lancashire.

Andy Marshall

Delight in the Great Eccleston Tractor Pull or Garstang Ice Cream Festival, Cleveleys Classic Car Show or Fleetwood Festival of Transport (Tram Sunday). How about a show at our Art Deco Theatre, Marine Hall, Fleetwood or Thornton Little Theatre too?

Wyre is close to Blackpool, Lancaster and Preston and includes Fleetwood, Cleveleys, Garstang, Poulton-le-Fylde and Forest of Bowland, and is accessible from the M55 and M6 motorways.

Please check each venue/attraction for individual opening times Please check each venue/attraction for details 01253 887445 | discoverwyre.co.uk |

Merlin’s Blackpool Attractions Make your visit to Blackpool a memorable one and visit all of Merlin’s magical attractions...

Start your journey exploring the ocean depths at SEA LIFE Blackpool, coming face to fin with over 2,500 incredible creatures, before stepping into the famous fun world of Madame Tussauds Blackpool, where you are guaranteed to leave feeling more than a little star struck!

Travel down Blackpool’s promenade to brave The Blackpool Tower Dungeon, it’s so much fun it’s scary! Then enter the iconic Blackpool Tower with even more amazing attractions inside; The award-winning Blackpool Tower Circus, The Blackpool Tower Ballroom, The Fifth Floor and Dino Mini Golf!

Enjoy all of this for just £46!

Open all Year!

Promenade Blackpool FY1 1BJ | 01253 622242 | theblackpooltower.com guestservices.theblackpooltower@merlinentertainments.biz |

Elgin Hotel • 3 Star Hotel situated on Queen’s Promenade.

• Holidays for over 60s, top class entertainment, day excursions.

• Friendly family run hotel offering warm Lancashire hospitality.

• Taking pride in always going that extra mile.

Open 7 days a week 36-42 Queens Promenade, Blackpool FY2 9RW | 01253 353535 info@elginhotel.com | elginhotel.com |

DISTRICT

KIR LO

ARNSIDE & SILVERDALE AONB 17 CARNFORTH M6

MORECAMBE

10

3

15

HEYSHAM

14 FLEETWOOD

7

18

CLEVELEYS

GARSTANG

THORNTON

A585

9

LANCASTER

SCORTON

A588

A587

A683

A6

A586

POULTON LE FYLDE BLACKPOOL 8

11

LONGRIDG

A6

M55 KIRKHAM

4

A584

PRESTO

A583

ST ANNES LYTHAM ON SEA

A67 A59

LEYLAND

A565

RUFFORD 5

A570

C

A A5209

A5147

BURSCOUGH

ORMSKIRK A59 A565

16

A581

A577 A570

M58

M6

A49

RKBY ONSDALE

1. Samlesbury Hall

10. Visit Lancaster

2. Haworth Art Gallery

11. Canal Boat Cruises

3. Festival Market

12. Hoghton Tower

4. The Villa

13. Browsholme Hall

5. Martin Mere Wetland Centre

14. FleetwoodYORKSHIRE Museum

7. Discover Wyre

DALES 15. The Play in the Park - The Dukes

8. Merlin’s Blackpool Attractions

16. Chorley Markets 17. Leighton Hall

9. Elgin Hotel

18. Affinity Lancashire

6. Brockholes

A65

FOREST OF BOWLAND AONB

A682 A6068

WHITEWELL CHIPPING

A56

A682

CLITHEROE

A6068

COLNE

A59

RIBCHESTER

WHALLEY

A6068 A671

A677

1 12

BURNLEY

M65 BLACKBURN

M65 A675

CHORLEY

NELSON

PADIHAM

A680

6

ON

A6

BARNOLDSWICK

PENDLE HILL

GE

75

SAWLEY

13

A6177

ACCRINGTON

2

A682

A646 A671

HASLINGDEN

DARWEN RAWTENSTALL

BACUP A681

A666

RIVINGTON

M66 M61

GREATER MANCHESTER Map points indicated are approximate. For detailed directions go to visitlancashire.com or contact the venues directly.

Jon Sparks

LANCASTER IS ONE OF ENGLAND’S MOST VIBRANT HISTORIC CITIES, WHERE CULTURE AND HERITAGE CAPTIVATE AND INSPIRE VISITORS. It boasts a rich portfolio of attractions stretching out across the stunning coastal landscape of Morecambe Bay and two areas of outstanding natural beauty, with unique historic landmarks such as Lancaster Castle, which is still in the possession of the Queen, as the Duke of Lancaster.

Lancaster’s history can be traced back thousands of years and that is no better displayed than by having a guided tour of Lancaster Castle, which dominates the Lancaster skyline. Lancaster also boasts a great mix of places to eat & drink, museums, impressive theatre and many fantastic events.

For views across the city, head up to the Ashton Memorial and Williamson Park which provides some the best panoramic views across Morecambe Bay. Morecambe Bay itself is bustling with Victorian towns and Art Deco glamour wherever you look. Uncover ancient sites and seafaring traditions. Marvel at spellbinding views and stunning skies of Morecambe Bay that seem to set the sea alight.

Arrange visits at popular attractions to hear the Bay’s wading birds calling, seals playing, and kite-sails flying or just sit back with your group and enjoy some freshly caught fish and chips.

For more information or a copy of our Group Guide, contact our friendly Visitor Information Centre: 01524 582394 lancastervic@lancaster.gov.uk visitlancaster.org.uk

Canal Boat Cruises Travel Lancashire’s stunning waterways in style. Let our captain steer the way while your group visitors sit back, relax and unwind. Taking in the glorious countryside from the comfort of our award winning restaurant and trip boat, Romance. Your guests can be served delicious homecooked food by our friendly crew, and there is a fully licensed bar onboard serving hot and cold drinks. The boat is light and airy with panoramic windows all around, offering each passenger an unrivalled view of the beautiful countryside, waterway and the wildlife who make their homes along the way.

Riley Green Marina, Bolton Road, Hoghton PR5 0SP | 01254 202967 info@canalboatcruises.co.uk | canalboatcruises.co.uk |

Hoghton Tower Take a Guided Tour of our 16th Century manor house. View the beautiful state rooms, ballroom and the magnificent Banqueting Hall. Hear from our guides about a thousand years of the history, including the knighting of Sir Loin.

Sun, Tues, Wed, Thurs & Bank Holidays 11.00 to 15.00 (some Mon and Fri possible for groups) Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SH | 01254 852986 mail@hoghtontower.co.uk | hoghtontower.co.uk |

Browsholme Hall Browsholme Hall has a fascinating story to tell, being one of the oldest family homes in England. It is an historic visitor attraction established in 1958, featuring a Grade I listed Tudor Hall, displaying a preeminent collection of artefacts of museum quality and the recent restoration of an 18thC building for functions and events.

Browsholme tells a social story of family and local history over 500 years; its origins within the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and its interaction with the local and regional community.

We aim to give visitors a great day out while demonstrating that history and wildlife sustainability matter in a serious yet entertaining way. We believe that traditional buildings and estates once reliant on ineďŹƒcient practice can be transformed, by the introduction of a sustainable business policy that can enhance the lives of visitors, employees and thereby build a stronger community.

Wednesdays from 15th April - 30th September & Bank holidays.

Groups welcome by prior appointment throughout the year Cow Ark, Clitheroe BB7 3DE | 01254 827160 info@browsholme.com | browsholme.com |

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Fleetwood Museum Explore the history of Fleetwood – the building of a new seaside town and its unique maritime heritage. New for 2020 - a special exhibition about the famous company Fisherman’s Friend!

Tues – Saturday 10.30 – 16.00, from Tuesday 7th April to Sat 28th November 6-7 Queen’s Terrace, Fleetwood FY7 6BT | 01253 876621 info@fleetwoodmuseum.co.uk | fleetwoodmuseum.co.uk |

The Play in the Park -The Dukes

7 July - 22 August 2020 Take a dazzling trip down the rabbit hole with The Dukes for our summer 2020 play in the park, Alice in Wonderland.

See Lancaster’s beautiful Williamson Park become the madcap world of Wonderland as you follow our heroine on a series of extraordinary, magical adventures, full of curiouser and curiouser characters. From chasing the very late White Rabbit, to taking in a tea party like no other with the Mad Hatter and March Hare, you’ll be grinning like the Cheshire Cat as Lewis Carroll’s classic topsy-turvy tale is brought to life in this brand-new adaptation… but try not to lose your head when the Queen of Hearts is around!

Bursting with catchy songs from the team behind our Christmas show Peter Pan, gorgeous costumes and scenery, and the imaginative direction of Sarah Punshon, get ready for a wonderful summer treat for all the family to enjoy.

Moor Lane, Lancaster LA1 1QE | 01524 598500 tickets@dukes-lancaster.org | dukeslancaster.org |

Owned and managed by

Leighton Hall This beautiful historic house is the ancestral home of the world renowned Gillow Furniture family.

Leighton Hall is still lived in today and is no stuffy museum – there aren’t any roped off areas. The friendly and enthusiastic guides are happy to share with you the magic of Leighton Hall’s colourful heritage and unique “personality”.

• We welcome pre booked group parties all year round • 7 different group packages • Prices start from £8 per person • Minimum of 20 people per group • Free coach parking • Refreshments are provided for the coach driver • Simple booking procedure call the team on 01524 734474

Open all year round.

Leighton Hall, Carnforth, Lancashire LA5 9ST | 01524 734474 info@leightonhall.co.uk | leightonhall.co.uk |

JAK Hanson

shopping outlet Why not grab a great bargain at JAK Hanson Shopping Outlet, just off junction 27 of the M6. With everything under one roof, JAK Hanson is the perfect stop off. Why not speak to their group travel co-ordinator to combine a shopping visit with another one of Lancashire’s local attractions? Group incentives available for coach drivers including a meal voucher with the onsite Paddock restaurant along with a meet and greet service.

Derby House, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington WN6 9RE | 01257 786080 simon.beddowes@jakhanson.com | jakhanson.com |

TRAVELLING GLASGOW

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 2.5 HOURS BY CAR

LONDON

2 HOURS BY TRAIN

Lancashire can be easily reached from all over the UK and is well served by international airports, ferry ports and main line rail and road.

By Road

By Rail

The M6 motorway runs right through the heart of Lancashire, connecting the M61, M65, M55 and several major A roads.

In less than an hour from Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds you could be exploring the Pennine Fells, sitting down to a delicious meal in the Ribble Valley or strolling down Blackpool’s Promenade.

Lancashire has excellent rail connections from all over the country – just two hours from London on the West Coast Line, with stations at Preston and Lancaster. Change at Preston to reach the towns of Clitheroe, Burnley, Blackburn, Colne or Ormskirk. There are also direct trains travelling from Manchester to most Lancashire towns and cities. Group discounts are available with most train lines when tickets are booked in advance.

For those travelling by bus or coach, there are many parking and pick-up points located around the county, making it easy for groups and drivers to reach some of Lancashire’s top attractions and accommodation.

For a list of coach parking and drop-off/pick-up points go to visitlancashire.com/groups

By Air Lancashire is connected to global destinations via two major UK airports, Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon.

Handling millions of passengers yearly, these airports are only an hour away by road, with Manchester Airport also offering a direct rail service.

Produced by:

For more information:

VisitLancashire.com/Groups

a heritage AWARD WINNING

SCHOOLS

Lancashire

2 COOKERY AREAS OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

top class theatre

SPECTACULAR LIGHT SHOWS

live BREWERIES music markets & fairs Witches

BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS

city PRODUCERS ARTISAN

shepherd hut

glamping

cottages

cosy rural

3 Michelin starred restaurants

137 MILES OF COASTLINE

steam railways

Although efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of this publication at the time of going to print, changes can occur, and it is advisable to conďŹ rm information in advance.