Visit Lancashire short breaks guide 2016 17

heritage & culture • great outdoors • short breaks • food & drink • events

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short breaks guide to

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THE KEY TO A

GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP Don’t count sheep, stay under the stars in a Shepherd’s Hut at Samlesbury Hall…

FROM ONLY

£25 PER PERSON

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Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Lancashire PR5 0UP | 01254 812010 www.samlesburyhall.co.uk | helena@samlesburyhall.co.uk

Welcome to Lancashire

Historic houses • two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty • spectacular light shows • Lancashire Witches • seasonal menus • country pubs • five star accommodation • luxury spa breaks • sea view apartments • a Michelin starred restaurant • 137 miles of coastline • fantastic fireworks • top class theatre • steam railways • mill shops • award winning cheeses • canal cruises • cosy rural cottages • commanding castles • a heritage city • championship golf courses • museums and art galleries • live music • markets and fairs • walking trails • pretty teashops • scenic valleys • shepherd hut glamping • cookery schools • breweries • wetland landscapes • adrenaline fuelled cycle routes • rare wildlife

For your perfect autumn or winter short break, Lancashire has all the ingredients. This guide is just a taster of what you can enjoy when you visit or stay in Lancashire.

For more ideas and inspiration go to visitlancashire.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

WIN!

A two night break staying in Samlesbury Hall’s NEW Shepherds Hut Hamlet.

These hand crafted beauties offer luxury with a rural edge. Set within the grounds of the medieval hall each hut is furnished with two double beds and a cosy en suite complete with fluffy towels and luxury toiletries. There’s also free wifi, low wattage electricity and heating – so this is an all year camping experience.

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SPA BREAKS FROM

£99

Go online to see our Seasonal Special Offers

Enjoy an hour, a day or an overnight stay Autumn and Winter offers visitors to Lancashire a golden opportunity: namely to relax and recline in comfort at the award winning, Adults-Only Spa Hotel.

Be at one with nature and enjoy the Aqua Thermal Journey – our signature spa experience – which includes our outdoor Hot Tub and Zen Garden.

Curl up in one of our luxury rooms and enjoy food created using home grown produce.

Sit outside as the sun goes down in one of our luxurious robes and take in the changing colours that the seasons bring!

Why wait til Christmas to treat yourself?

To book or request a brochure, call us FREE on 0800 085 1717 or visit ribbyhall.co.uk/spa-hotel

Terms: Prices correct at the time of print. T’s & C’s apply. Offers subject to availability. Check in time from 2pm, includes unlimited use of the Aqua Thermal Journey, dinner, bed and breakfast (£25 dinner allocation per guest).

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STYLISH NEW BEACH A PA RTM ENTS 2 colour

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Walk through the Illuminations • savour a pint of real ale enjoy one last ice cream • have a picnic in a sculpture park send a postcard from the top of the tower • eat game pie sing-along to a live musical • browse an antique centre take a cookery course • collect shells on the beach

SEPTEMBER IN LANCASHIRE

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With views across the wide expansive beach the St Annes Beach Apartments is the perfect place for a coastal self-catering escape. Just five minutes walk from the town centre and a short drive from Blackpool.

Opt for a cosy, country break, at the Millstone at Mellor in the Ribble Valley (a short drive from Preston) and you’ll wake up to the aroma of a Lancashire breakfast made with the freshest local ingredients.

Event highlights

Stay

LIGHTPOOL Blackpool

2 Sept – 6 Nov Running alongside the Illuminations, look out for a brand new 3D projection show on The Blackpool Tower, which this year features an astronaut exploring new worlds. There will also be a Lightpool Village on the Comedy Carpet and a special Festival of Light running from 28 Oct - 2 November

LANCASHIRE ENCOUNTER

Preston 23-25 September Immerse yourself in a bold and imaginative spectacle of Lancashire’s music, street theatre and art and discover a world of creativity around Preston city centre. Be part of the magic, see amazing performances and the illuminated procession.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Blackpool’s Firework Championships Friday’s in September Heritage Open days Lancashire wide, 8-11 September Footloose Winter Gardens, Blackpool 19-24 September

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See event listings on page 31 for a full list of events 7

Explore Pick up a pair of headphones from The Harris Museum then walk over to the Cenotaph and experience Homing (till 13 November). A sound exhibition based on original letters from Preston soldiers serving in the front line trenches of World War I.

Discover

Relax

Shop

A completely unique theatrical experience at the Winter Gardens Blackpool this autumn. Absent takes you on a journey through a mysterious hotel incorporating film, architecture, live action and a haunting soundtrack. Runs until 29 September.

The Spa at The Dalmeny Hotel in St Annes has undergone a luxurious transformation and reopens this month. Spa breaks and packages available.

Go independent and pick up something that little bit different at Preston Antiques Centre

Taste

Indulge in a classic afternoon tea at the Walled Garden Bistro at Barton Grange Hotel, including a glass of champagne for only £25 for two.

Dine and relax at Ribby Hall Spa with their dinner and Aqua Thermal package. £49 pp includes two course dinner in the Orangery Restaurant.

Great Outdoors Enjoy a round on one of Lancashire’s four championship golf courses before it gets too windy, including host of the Open, Royal Lytham & St Annes.

Seasonal treats grouse • rabbit • mussels • apples • plums • tomatoes 8

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Enjoy a short break or holiday made to remember this Autumn/Winter and embrace the great outdoors at our 5* star destination, Ribby Hall Village, in the heart of Lancashire. You’ll find over 100 acres of beautiful countryside, fantastic self catering luxury accommodation, cafes, bars and restaurants and an award winning spa with outdoor hot tub and beautiful Zen Garden.

DOG FRIENDLY PROPERTIES ALSO AVAILABLE

We’ve also got activities a plenty – including indoor ones just in case the weather is not in our favour. Or wander through the woodland trail – it’s the perfect place, for kicking autumn leaves and releasing your inner child!

And just down the road, drive by Blackpool’s illuminations (on between SeptNov) and spend a day at the seaside at the picturesque Lytham St Anne’s.

To book or request a brochure call us FREE on 0800 107 1741 or visit ribbyhall.co.uk Terms & Conditions: Prices are subject to change and availability. Price point based on a midweek stay between 18 Nov-22 Dec in an Orchid cottage sleeping 2 people.

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Elegant, sophisticated and some of the finest food in the country.

Northcote is a luxury country house hotel and restaurant nestled in the heart of the picturesque Lancashire countryside. Renowned for its genuine hospitality and refined Michelin-starred cuisine, this elegant hotel is recognised as one of the UK’s leading gastronomic destinations.

Menus by Nigel Haworth and Lisa Allen

The Manor House and Garden Lodge comprises of 26 individually styled bedrooms including an opulent master suite

Overnight ‘Gourmet Getaways’

Elegant & stylish Michelin-starred restaurant Menus created by celebrated chef, Nigel Haworth Seasonal 3-course lunch menu inc. coffee - £33.50 Northcote Cookery School courses

Sunday 4-course lunch menu inc. coffee - £45.00

Louis Roederer private dining rooms

Afternoon Tea available to non-residents Monday to Friday - from £25.00 A la carte, gourmet and tasting menus available lunch and dinner Overnight Gourmet Breaks from £340 per room, based on two people sharing The perfect Afternoon Tea

Special occasions and celebrations

Northcote Road, Langho, Blackburn, Lancashire BB6 8BE www.northcote.com

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Telephone: 01254 240 555

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Take a stroll along the Leeds-Liverpool canal • go on a ghost walk climb to Pendle Hill’s 557 metre high summit • order apple pie for pudding • watch the migrating birds over Morecambe Bay • go stargazing at Beacon Fell Country Park • listen to live music in a country pub • catch the Pendle Witches bus tour

OCTOBER

IN LANCASHIRE

Stay

Right at the foot of Pendle Hill, the four star Barley Mow Inn in Barley is the perfect base for exploring the area with the

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added bonus of also having a great menu of hearty food and ales – great for refuelling on a crips autumnal day.

Event highlights

A RHAPSODY TO THE LEEDS LIVERPOOL CANAL King George’s Hall, Blackburn, 16 October

Composed and written

by Ian Stephens and Ian McMillan, performed by choral voices of all ages, accompanied by the Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band, soprano, Amanda Roocroft and cellist, Jonathan Aasgaard.

FLYING SCOTSMAN RETURNS East Lancashire Railway, Rawtenstall 13-16 October

See this world famous locomotive thunder down the tracks to Rawtenstall. You can take a ride on the Scotsman or watch it drive by throughout the weekend.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

A Tale of Two Cities The Grand Theatre Blackpool 11-15 Oct Lancaster Music Festival Locations across the city 13-17 Oct Ghost Hunt at Lancaster Castle 15-16 Oct Shout!

Blackpool Opera House & Winter Gardens 19 Oct – 3 Nov

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See event listings on page 33 for a full list of events 13

Seasonal treats this month butternut squash • aubergine • cabbage • lamb • wild duck mackerel • venison • plums • damsons

Explore

Led by Samlesbury Hall’s very own resident witch, take a free guided tour to gain an insight into the fascinating and often bloody history of this historic house. Tours run every Sunday.

Relax

Taste

Shop

Set within 100 acres of the most magnificent Lancashire countryside Woodland Spa near Burnley has been voted Global Spa of the Year 2015 and 2016.

Explore Blackburn’s new cathedral quarter and stop off for afternoon tea at Café Northcote in the heart of the city, then pop into the famous Blackburn Market Hall to pick up some seasonal treats.

Choose from a wide selection of contemporary art and craft in the beautiful village of Barrowford from 8-9 October. Higherford Mill and Pendle Heritage Centre will host the Pendle Art Fair and Open Studio where shoppers can meet over 40 artists selling the best of northern art and craft.

Discover Discover curios and wonderful Victorian natural history on display at The Whitaker in Rawtenstall, together with contemporary art and a delicious menu in the museum café which includes Sunday brunch and lunch.

Great Outdoors Go in search of the 1612 Pendle witches on a walk through the Pendle Sculpture Trail in Aitken Wood, Barley.

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WINTER GARDENS BLACKPOOL

Autumn/Winter 2016 Highlights

FOOTLOOSE THE MUSICAL Mon 19 - Sat 24 September

ROCKY HORROR SHOW Tues 26 September Sat 1 October

SHOUT! THE MOD MUSICAL Wed 19 October Thur 03 November

GREAT EXPECTATIONS THE MUSICAL Sat 10 Dec - Sunday 7 Jan 2017

GHOST THE MUSICAL Mon 3 - Sat 15 October

CHARLES DICKENS’

The Musical STARRING

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS PLEASE VISIT: BOOK BY PHONE:

0844 856 1111 (BOOKING FEES MAY APPLY)

BOOK BY PERSON:

WINTER GARDENS BOX OFFICE CHURCH STREET BLACKPOOL (OPENING HOURS VARY)

BOOK ONLINE: AS

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MISS HAVISHAM

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Watch the fireworks over Lancaster Castle • wrap up warm and take a walk down a pier • find a pub with a real fire and settle in for the afternoon • drive through the Trough of Bowland • wear a red rose for Lancashire Day (27 Nov) • take a ride on a steam train • watch a murder mystery • go to a Christmas lights switch on

NOVEMBER

IN LANCASHIRE Stay

Just outside the city centre, the four star Lancaster House Hotel is the perfect base to explore the area as well as being home to the excellent Foodworks Restaurant.

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Other places to stay in and around Lancashire include the newly refurbished Lancaster Holiday Inn and The Borough, the latter being right in the city centre.

Event highlights

LIGHT UP LANCASTER 4-5 November

Take to the streets afterdark for a magical citywide experience and lightart trail. Projections and installations illuminate the city’s handsome historic buildings, squares, parks and monuments. This year, amongst many highlights, Illuminos invite you to crack the code to Lock and Key at the Castle and in a surprise location, 1000s of balloons for Steve Messam’s countywide commission will rise in a tide of red – a twist on the familiar county emblem the red rose. The festival is topped off by a spectacular fireworks display on the Saturday evening

LANCASHIRE DAY 27 November

Join one of the many events across the county to celebrate Lancashire Day including Lancashire Day in Nelson on 26 November.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS Ellen Kent’s AIDA The Grand Theatre Blackpool, 10 Nov

Little Shop of Horrors The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 22-26 Nov Ghost Getters Tours, Defending Lancaster’s Future from the Past Lancaster Castle, 6 Nov

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See event listings on page 35 for a full list of events 17

Relax Treat yourself to a day spa package at the Midland Hotel and stay over at this beautiful 4 star Art Deco hotel with stunning views over Morecambe Bay.

Explore

Shop

Taste

Drive or cycle along the beautifully serene The Lune Valley – eulogised by poets and artists far and wide. Admire the views for yourself and then dine or stay over at The Royal in Kirkby Lonsdale, a Georgian town house hotel.

Start your Christmas shopping early with a trip to Barton Grange Garden Centre at Garstang, just off the A6.

Whilst Christmas decorations and gifts are aplenty, you’ll also be able to stock up on local produce and specialities from the farm shop.

Just outside the city on the moors near Dolphinholme you’ll find the recently refurbed and reinvented The Fleece Inn serving up craft ales and great tasting food which makes use of the great suppliers on their doorstep. And when your doorstep is the Forest of Bowland AONB you can expect the finest cheeses, ice creams, meats and vegetables, not to mention fantastic views.

Discover Drive, walk or cycle through The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to experience the stunning autumnal colours across the moorland.

Stop off at Dunsop Bridge, the geographical centre of the British Isles, for well- earned refreshments (don’t forget to feed the ducks).

Great Outdoors

The wildlife of RSPB Leighton Moss comes into its own in autumn. Spot some of the stunning and unusual species resident in and around Morecambe Bay.

Seasonal treats this month cabbage • chestnuts • kale • parsnips • pheasant • quince • sea bass • scallops 18

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Advertising promotion

A Lune Valley

ESCAPE For more information royalhotelkirkbylonsdale.co.uk or call 01524 271966

Drive or cycle out of the historic city of Lancaster along the River Lune and you’ll find yourself in the much celebrated and very beautiful Lune Valley. From TMW Turner who painted this landscape, to the poet Thomas Gray and Victorian Art Patron John Ruskin, all honoured the wow factor of this part of Lancashire.

drink. Stay for longer in one of fourteen individually designed and decorated bedrooms for a truly luxurious break in a picture perfect location.

Stop at the market town of Kirkby Lonsdale with its famous view over the River Lune and you’ll be within a stone’s throw of three counties; Lancashire, Cumbria and Yorkshire. A must-visit for walkers seeking out tranquil and beautiful countryside. After a busy day head to The Royal Hotel, a lovingly restored Georgian townhouse hotel renowned for fabulous food and

S E I T N U O C E E R H T AUTUMN BREAK

Two nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast at The Royal for £130 per person plus 3rd night free* *Valid for bookings made in September for stays 1 November – 30 November 2016 based on two sharing a standard double room, three course dinner and breakfast.

3rd night bed and breakfast. Suite upgrades available. To book call 01524 271 966 quoting Visit Lancashire

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Character and charm TH E FLE ECE INN

Where a warm welcome awaits you.

Following significant investment and refurbishment, The Fleece Inn is back doing what it does best: providing delicious food, drink and beautiful accommodation in the heart of the breathtaking Lancashire countryside, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

With nine luxurious bedrooms and a menu of dishes created using locally sourced ingredients, The Fleece Inn is the perfect place to create special memories.

Morecambe LANCASTER J33

Cockerham

Dolphinholme

Skipton

Garstang

M6 M55

Contact us today to book your stay.

Forest of Bowland

M65

01524 791233

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The Fleece Inn, Dolphinholme, Lancaster, LA2 9AQ

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DECEMBER

IN LANCASHIRE

Go to the panto • see a historic house decorated for Christmas • listen to a choir • visit a Christmas market • take up ice skating • indulge in festive foods • make a wreath for your door • go beach combing on Fleetwood beach • join a guided walk • enjoy a quiet moment at a nature reserve • visit a craft fair 22

Enjoy crisp autumnal walks by day followed by cosy dining and real fires by night when you stay at the Shireburn Arms in Hurst Green in the Ribble Valley. This 17th Century Inn is dog friendly and you’ve got the Tolkien Walking Trail right on your doorstep.

Or for something completely different Samlesbury Hall’s hand crafted Shepherd Huts offer a luxurious glamping experience whatever the season with en suite, sumptuous mattresses, heating and Wi-Fi.

Event highlights

Stay

WHALLEY PICKWICK FESTIVAL 1 December A Dickensian evening festival with stalls, live music, a visit from Father Christmas and plenty of warming festive foods to try.

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR GALA CONCERT Blackburn Cathedral, 10 December

The choirs of Blackburn Cathedral join with an orchestra to present their ever popular gala concert.

GARSTANG VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS MARKET

12-13 December An annual festive treat with stalls, food, live music and entertainment with a Victorian theme.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS Pinocchio The Dukes, Lancaster, 25 Nov – 7 Jan

The Blackpool Tower Pantomime, Jack & the Beanstalk 26 Nov – 21 Jan Crafty Vintage Fair Brockholes 2-4 Dec Aladdin The Grand Theatre Blackpool, 9 Dec – 8 Jan Great Expectations Winter Gardens, Blackpool, 10 Dec – 7 Jan

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See event listings on page 37 for a full list of events 23

Sunset Park

Holiday Village

Peaceful Semi Rural Location - Well Stocked Fishing Lakes - Bar/Restaurant - Coffee Shop - Sports Bar

Luxury Holiday Lodges To Rent With Hot Tubs & Gas BBQs New For 2016 - Caravan Holiday Homes To Rent Book with confidence via

Book Online: www.sunsetpark.co.uk/holiday-rentals.html We also have fabulous Holiday Homes available to buy starting from ÂŁ20,000 Open 7 days a week for viewing (We are a Pet Friendly Park)

Tel: 01253 700222 www.sunsetpark.co.uk Sunset Park, Sower Carr Lane, Hambleton FY6 9EQ

Only 20 minutes from Blackpool, Lytham & 40 minutes from the Lakes 24

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Taste

Pick the perfect Christmas cheese board at the Dewlay Cheese Shop, Garstang. See these award winning cheesemakers in action from the viewing gallery.

The Bowland Bar Hall in Holmes Mill, Clitheroe, is possibly the largest bar in Britain. You’ll find all the fine ales brewed by Bowland Brewery on the menu, as well as a huge variety of beers from across the world. Cheers!

Seasonal treats pumpkin • kale • chestnuts • goose • turkey • clementine • cabbage

Relax

Explore

Shop

Stay at the luxurious 5 star Gold Breck Apartments in Poulton-leFylde and enjoy a swim, sauna and massage at Spa on the Breck.

Below the hilltop castle keep the market town of Clitheroe, in the Ribble Valley, is packed full of independent shops, a bustling market and great places to dine and drink. Call into the Platform Gallery for unique gifts and art.

Take the stress out of Christmas shopping with a trip to Freeport Fleetwood and then call into the traditional Fleetwood Market for an array of fresh seafood, fish, cheeses and other local produce and gifts.

Great Outdoors

Discover

Wrap up warm and head out to Gisburn Forest Hub for a walk through the forest and around Stocks Reservoir, situated in the heart of the Forest of Bowland AONB. Warm up in the café afterwards.

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Join one of the special Christmas tours of Browsholme Hall near Clitheroe during the festive season to learn how the hall was, and is, decorated for Christmas.

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JANUARY

IN LANCASHIRE

Treat yourself with a spa break • fly a kite on the beach • go bird spotting • visit an art gallery • drink hot chocolate • go to a traditional Lancashire market • see the ballet • have a weekend break • build a log fire • go dry slope skiing • face your fear and tackle an indoor climbing wall • build a snowman • take a taste of Lancashire cookery course at Northcote 26

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After a bracing walk find yourself a country Inn or pub with a roaring fire and settle in for the evening with a pint of real ale and some hearty food.

Try Guys Thatched Hamlet beside the Lancaster Canal at Bilsborrow (just north of Preston) or The Fenwick at Claughton in the tranquil Lune Valley.

Event highlights

Stay

OBSESSION

Northcote, Langho 20 Jan – 5 Feb 17 days of world class, award winning, Michelin starred gastronomic decadence featuring the very best chefs from around the world.

THE NUTCRACKER, Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 16 Jan Performed by the State Ballet of Siberia.

This fantastical ballet begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. Be swept away to a fairytale world for a magical evening at the Grand Theatre

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Bolshoi Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty, Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, 22 Jan See event listings on page 37 for a full list of events

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Great Outdoors

During the winter thousands of wild ducks, geese and swans visit WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre near Ormskirk so it’s a good time to head out with your binoculars, especially to see the award winning swan spectacular.

Explore more of the Ribble Estuary ( the most important site in the UK for wintering wildfowl) by visiting Longton Bankcroft Nature Reserve near Leyland. Look out for widgeon dabbling ducks and pink footed geese.

Relax

Taste

Discover

Book yourself into a suite at The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village for the ultimate luxury spa break. with delicious food served in the AA Rosette restaurant.

The Clog & Billycock near Blackburn has roaring fires, local food suppliers, regional cask ales and an award winning wine list; everything you need for a warming lunch in January.

“the stones of Lancaster do sometimes whisper”

If you’re going to the theatre at the Preston Guild Hall or just looking for brunch in the city then head to Preston’s newest restaurants SoLita famous for their burgers and show stopping grill dishes.

Shop One of the most popular markets in the county, Chorley Market (every Tuesday) has over 150 stalls including fresh local produce.

A brand new Literary Lancaster walking trail takes in the major city landmarks and explores the cities links with a raft of literary figures from Wordsworth (quoted above) to Carol Ann Duffy. The trail can be purchased from the Tourist Information Centre or downloaded from visitlancaster.co.uk

Explore

Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery is a treasure trove of unique collections including rare and stunning examples from William Morris’s Kelmscott Press. The wider print collection contains almost 800 pieces from the 13th to the 19th Centuries

Seasonal treats oranges • clams • rhubarb • parsnip • swede • venison 28

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Gisburn

Experience the the Leonid Meteor Show in Gisburn Forest on 18 November.

Booking essential visitlancashire.com

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Š Matthew Savage

The wilder place to discover, explore and relax in the heart of the Forest of Bowland AONB

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Discover the Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library, one of the leading museums in the North West.

Enjoy a treasure trove of fantastic paintings, glass, ceramics and textiles, the astonishing history of the city and a delightful cafĂŠ, all in a truly spectacular 19th century architectural masterpiece.

Market Square, Preston, PR1 2PP 01772 258248 harris.museum@preston.gov.uk www.harrismuseum.org.uk

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EVENTS GUIDE SEPTEMBER Until 29 Sept

ABSENT

Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool 1-4 Sept

Guy’s 25th Oyster Festival

Guy’s Thatched Hamlet, Bilsborrow 2-4 Sept

Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On Weekend Tower Festival Headland, Blackpool 2 Sept - 6 Nov

Blackpool Illuminations & Lightpool Blackpool Promenade 3-4 Sept

Vintage by the Sea Festival

The Midland Hotel, Morecambe 4 Sept

Haslingden Street Fair Haslingden Town Centre 8-11 Sept

Heritage Open Days Across Lancashire 9, 16, 23, 30 Sept

Blackpool World Firework Championships 2016 Tower Festival Headland, Blackpool

24 Sept

Rural Rossendale Foodie Walking Festival Various locations across Rossendale 9-11 Sept

The Rossendale 60’s Festival 2016 Across Rossendale 10-11 Sept

Heritage Open Days at Marsh Mill Windmill Marsh Mill Village, Thornton 10 Sept

Spice Fest

Blackburn Market 11 Sept

Heritage and Woodland Day

Towneley Hall, Burnley

17 Sept

Pedal Pendle Bike Fest Pendle

17 Sept

Nelson Food and Drink Festival Nelson Town Centre

23- 25 Sept

The Ormskirk Beer, Food & Wine Festival Ormskirk Cricket Club 23-25 Sept

Lancashire Encounter Preston City Centre

17-18 Sept & 8-9 Oct

24-25 Sept & 29-30 Oct

Higherford Mill & Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford

Chapel Gallery, Ormskirk

Open Studios and Art Fair

18 Sept

The Autumn Transport Show

British Commercial Vehicle Museum, Leyland

Maker’s Market and Vintage Sunday Weekend 24-25 Sept

Autumn Diesel Gala East Lancashire Railway, Rawtenstall

18 Sept

Festival of the Horse Lytham Hall

© Matthew Savage

11 Sept - 30 Oct

18 September

24 Sept

Wycoller, near Colne

Gisburn Forest Hub, near Clitheroe

Bowland Visitor Centre, Beacon Fell Country Park

Pendle Bronte Festival 16-18 Sept

Lancaster Jazz Festival Various venues 17 Sept

Burnley Gin Festival

Burnley Mechanics Theatre 17 Sept

Guided Rail Ale Trail Pies and Pints East Lancashire Railway, Rawtenstall

Catch the Wind!

19-24 Sept

25 Sept

Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Preston Market

Footloose the Musical

20 Sept-9 Oct

Autumn Exhibition (monthly exhibitions throughout the year)

Lytham Heritage Centre 22 Sept

Autumn Colour in the Grizedale Valley Scorton, near Garstang

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Run Preston 26 Sept - 1 Oct

The Rocky Horror Show Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool 30 Sept

McMillan Coffee Morning

Potting Shed Cafe, Bay View Garden Centre, Bolton-le-Sands Blackpool 31

Advertising promotion

EXPLORE

the Shire

From the picturesque village of Hurst Green you are well placed to explore Lancashire’s Ribble Valley including the famous Tolkien Trail. Follow the trail to see the magnificent Stonyhurst College, walk beside the River Ribble, and through woods and undulating fells, all of which are said to have influenced Tolkien when he created the Shire. We’ll let you decide!

After a bracing day exploring the surrounding Ribble Valley and Forest of

For more information: shireburnarmshotel.co.uk or call 01254 826678

AUTUMN OFFER

Two night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at the Shireburn Arms just £198 per couple* *Valid for bookings made in September for stays Sunday - Thursday 1 Nov - 30 Nov 2016. Based on two sharing a standard double room, two course dinner and English breakfast. Superior room upgrades available. Call 01254 826678 quoting Visit Lancashire to book.

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Bowland what better place to return to than the Shireburn Arms a 17th Century country inn in the heart of the village.

Weary walkers can refuel and recuperate in front of a roaring fire. Those staying overnight will relax in cosy, comfortable bedrooms, enjoy a delicious dinner and a hearty Lancashire breakfast the following morning. Dogs are welcome so bring them along too.

EVENTS GUIDE OCTOBER 1-31 Oct

11- 15 Oct

19 Oct - 3 Nov

29 Oct

Farmer Ted’s, Ormskirk

Grand Theatre, Blackpool

Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Stacksteads

Farmaggedon 1-2 Oct

Day Out with Thomas™

East Lancashire Railway, Rawtenstall 3-15 Oct

Ghost the Musical

Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool 7-8 Oct

Chorley Live

Various venues around Chorley 8 Oct

The Sixteen: Choral Pilgrimage 2016 - The Deer’s Cry Blackburn Cathedral 9 Oct

Steam Sunday

Town Hall Square, Blackburn 9 Oct

Sky Ride - Lancaster Biking, Byways & the Boom of the Bittern 25 Miler

Leighton Moss Nature Reserve 13-16 Oct

Flying Scotsman Returns

East Lancashire Railway, Rawtenstall

A Tale of Two Cities 13- 17 Oct

Lancaster Music Festival 2016 Across Lancaster 14 Oct

Fascinating Stocks Dam and Reservoir Slaidburn, nr Clitheroe 14 Oct

Blackburn Classics: The Hallé

King George’s Hall, Blackburn 15-16 Oct

Ghost Hunt at Lancaster Castle

Shout!

24 Oct - 1 Nov

Halloween by Day Thornton Hall Farm, Nr Barnoldswick 26-29 Oct

Light Up the Valley – Lantern Parade 29 Oct - 7 Nov

Burnley Literary Festival

Various venues around Burnley Town Centre

Halloween at the Hall Samlesbury Hall, Nr Preston 27-30 Oct

Halloween Ghost Trains East Lancashire Railway, Rawtenstall 27 Oct

Christmas Preview Evening

Lancaster Castle

Bay View Garden Centre, Bolton-le-Sands

15-16 Oct

28 Oct

Pendle Witch Halloween Experience

Clitheroe Castle

Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green

31 Oct

Clitheroe Castle Ghost Hunt 16 Oct

Super Slow Way: A Rhapsody to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Halloween Special Murder Mystery Night 28 Oct

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

King George’s Hall, Blackburn

Lowther Pavilion, Lytham St Annes

16 Oct

28 Oct - 2 Nov

City Walking Tour Preston Remembers WWI Project Meet at the Museum of Lancashire

Festival of Light Blackpool 29 Oct

Vampire Pleasure Beach

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

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30 Oct

Stirk House Hotel, Gisburn

Halloween extravaganza in Coronation Park Ormskirk 31 Oct

Janey’s Witchy Walk Through

Samlesbury Hall, Nr Preston 31 Oct - 3 Dec

Exhibition: A Walk on the Wildside WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, near Burscough

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Mill Lane, Bolton-le-Sands, Carnforth. LA5 8ET 01524 733 780

North Lancashire’s hidden Gem.

Enjoy the views from the Potting Shed Café….

Stop for breakfast, lunch or homemade cakes, relax then a potter round to pick the perfect plants for your plot.

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EVENTS GUIDE NOVEMBER 1 Nov - 30 Nov

19-20 Nov

Awesome Autumn Family Trail

Hopeful & Glorious Winter Art and Craft Fair

RSPB Leighton Moss and Morecambe Bay Nature Reserve

Lytham Hall 6 Nov

Reserve Walk

Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston

19 Nov

Christmas Lights Switch-On Market Street, Chorley 20 Nov

Marine Hall Christmas Market Marine Hall, Fleetwood 4-5 Nov

Light Up Lancaster and Firework Spectacular Venues across Lancaster 4 Nov

Bonfire & Fireworks at Astley Park

22-26 Nov 10 & 17 Nov

The Game Larder with Nigel Haworth Northcote Cookery School, Langho

Astley Park, Chorley

From 12 Nov

5 Nov

Flag Market, Preston Market, The Harris and Guild Hall

Bonfire Night

Across Lancashire 5 Nov

Cottam Hall Bonfire, Fireworks and Live Music Cottam Hall Playing Fields, Poulton-le-Fylde 5-6 Nov

Final Weekend of Blackpool Illuminations 2016 Blackpool Promenade

Christmas in Preston

Until 13 Nov

Little Shop of Horrors Grand Theatre, Blackpool 25 Nov

Ormskirk Christmas Lights Switch-on

King George’s Hall, Blackburn

18 Nov

Bowland Meteors Gisburn Forest Hub

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26- 27 Nov

Astley Illuminated Astley Hall, Chorley 26- 27 Nov

Crafty Vintage

Hoghton Tower, Preston 26- 27 Nov

Christmas Weekend: Maker’s Market and Vintage Sunday Chapel Gallery, Ormskirk 26 Nov - End of Dec

Christmas in Rossendale

Events across Rossendale

Shireburn Arms, Hurst Green

14 Nov

Preston Guild Hall & Charter Theatre

East Lancashire Railway, Rawtenstall

Intriguing Inns, Halls & Histories 25 Nov

Swan Lake - Russian State Ballet & Opera

Santa Specials

25 Nov

Homing

Harris Museum, Preston

26 Nov - 24 Dec

Blackburn Classics: BBC Philharmonic 25 Nov - 7 Jan

Pinocchio

The Dukes, Lancaster 26 Nov

Blackburn Christmas Light Switch-On

King William Street, Blackburn

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27 Nov

Christmas Craft Fair Towneley Hall, Burnley 27 Nov

Lancashire Day Across Lancashire 27 Nov

Farmers Market

The Barn, Cureden Valley Park, nr Preston 35

THE

BOROUGH

The Borough | 3 Dalton Square | Lancaster | LA1 1PP 01524 64170 | theboroughlancaster.co.uk

Fine Ale, Food, Wine & Rooms in Lancaster City Centre. Stay in one of 9 sumptuously decorated bedrooms and enjoy a delicious locally sourced breakfast. Microbrewery on site and a bar offering 8 cask ales and over 20 wines. Freshly prepared food served in the adjacent dining room, pub and courtyard garden.

THE LODGE

The Lodge | Main Road | Slyne-with-Hest | Lancaster | LA2 6AZ

01524 825035 | thelodgelancaster.co.uk

Situated in the beautiful village of Slyne with Hest, Lancaster. The Lodge is the ideal setting to relax and unwind with fine ale, wine and superb food. Traditional 19th Century Restaurant, Pub & Hotel with roaring open fire set in beautiful grounds.

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EVENTS GUIDE DECEMBER 1 Dec

4 Dec

17 Dec

Whalley Village

Browsholme Hall, nr Clitheroe

Blackburn Town Centre

Whalley Pickwick Festival 1 Dec

Gerry Marsden ‘Gerry Cross the Mersey’ Marine Hall, Fleetwood 2-3 Dec

Huntley’s Christmas Markets Huntley’s Country Stores, Samlesbury 3-4 Dec

Binocular & Telescope - Take A Closer Look Weekend

RSPB Discovery Centre, Lytham St Annes 3 Dec

Decorated for Christmas 8-31 Dec

Dick Whittington and his Cat

King George’s Hall, Blackburn 9 Dec-8 Jan

Aladdin

Grand Theatre, Blackpool 10-11 Dec

Lancashire Christmas Market Preston 10 Dec

Christmas Spectacular Gala Concert Blackburn Cathedral

Santa Saves Christmas

10 Dec - 7 Jan

3, 4 ,10, 17, 18 Dec

Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Burnley Mechanics Theatre

Chorley’s Santa Express

Blackburn Lantern Parade

Great Expectations

18 Dec

Farmers Market 12-13 Dec

Garstang Victorian Christmas Festival Garstang High Street 12 Dec - 5 Jan

Jack and the Beanstalk Preston Guild Hall & Charter Theatre 15 Dec

BLAKE at Christmas The Grand at Clitheroe 17-18 Dec

Makers Market

The Barn, Cureden Valley Park, nr Preston 18 Dec

The Snowman

Blackpool Tower Ballroom 21 Dec

Christmas Variety Show Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre, Accrington 22 Dec

Northcote’s Perfect Christmas Cookery Course

Harris Museum, Preston

Northcote Cookery School, Langho

17-18 Dec

31 Dec

Lancaster Castle

New Years Eve at The Restaurant

21 Jan

25 Jan

Grand Theatre, Blackpool

Grand Theatre, Blackpool

Christmas at the Castle

Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green

Astley Hall, Chorley

JANUARY

16 Jan

The Nutcracker

Grand Theatre, Blackpool 20 Jan - 5 Feb

Obsession

Northcote, Blackburn

Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music

Omid Djalili - Schmuck for a Night

22 Jan

Bolshoi Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty Dukes Theatre, Lancaster

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37

Planning your visit to Lancashire...

Less than an hour’s drive from Manchester and Liverpool and two hours from London and Glasgow by train – a short break in Lancashire is closer than you think.

WIN! 38

A SHORT BREAK IN LANCASHIRE