Visit Lancashire Summer Guide 2015

WIN

one of two family breaks in Lancashire

SUMMER #wherelifefeelsgood • Free days out • Family breaks • Outdoor fun • Historical adventures • Tasty treats • Summer shows ...and much more!

Including an 11 page Lancashire What’s on guide

WELCOME TO SUMMER IN LANCASHIRE

Afternoon picnics in the park, watching outdoor theatre, ice creams aplenty, cycle rides in the countryside with friends, the smell of BBQs wafting through the air, camping out and waking up to hear the dawn chorus – Life really does feel good in the summer! And where better to spend your summer than in Lancashire. From country escapes to seaside breaks; castles and museums to theme parks and animal attractions – all topped off with a great range of family friendly places to stay and eat, not to mention a huge variety of summer events.

We are also excited to announce that the award winning St Annes Beach Huts will be opening their stylish NEW Beach Apar tments this summer, giving us yet another an excuse to spend more time on the coast. And it wouldn’t be summer without a trip to The Blackpool Tower. With five attractions under one roof you’re guaranteed a fantastic day out for all the family – whatever the weather! See page 17 for details on the Blackpool BIG ticket.

WIN ONE OF TWO FAMILY BREAKS IN LANCASHIRE Win a 3 night break staying at Ribby Hall Village near Blackpool together with BIG tickets to 7 Blackpool attractions – for a family of 4.

OR

Win a 2 night break staying at the Beach Apar tments with annual Xplorer passes to 11 Lancashire Museums for a family of 4.

TOP 10 SUMMER EVENTS

QUICK QUIZ

Where can you get a 360 tour of the Blackpool skies and experience levels of 3 G-Force?

Click here to find out more

IN LANCASHIRE 1 Oliver Twist

Play in the Park 3 July – 15 August, Williamson Park, Lancaster

Show 5 Garstang 1 August Festival 6 Lytham 2-9 August

2 CATS 9 July – 5 Sept, Blackpool Opera 7 Royal Lancashire Show 7-9 August, Ribchester House & Winter Gardens

Tower Circus 3 Blackpool Until 1 Nov, Mooky & Mr Boo’s Big Day Out

4 Fleetwood Festival of Transport (FREE) 19 July

STAY IN TOUCH

For the latest updates on offers, events and things to do follow Visit Lancashire on Facebook and Twitter

8 Blackpool iFEST

Illumination Switch On (FREE), 4 Sept

9 Vintage by the Sea (FREE) 5-6 Sept, Morecambe

10 Blackburn Heritage Festival

(FREE) 12-13 Sept

PROD

ND DIRECTED BY THE ENDRESZ F UCED A A M I LY

26TH MAY TO 1ST NOVEMBER 2015 BOOK NOW: 0871 222 9929* www.theblackpooltower.com

*Calls cost 10p per minute, plus network charges.

• HISTORIC HOUSES • MUSIC FESTIVALS • SPORTS EVENTS • KITES

27-­28 June

28

25-­28 June

& Moorside Park, Bacup

28

WED

17

Scorton Steam Brass in the Park Scott Park, Burnley

21

20-­21 June

Shop till you drop Freeport, Fleetwood

Preston

25

25-­26 (schools) 27 Jun (public)

Whitworth Scarecrow Festival Venues throughout Whitworth

29

27 June5 July

26

FRI

25

Brockholes Nature Reserve

SUN

Lancashire Science Festival - UCLAN,

Bacup & Stackstead Leyland Society Carnival - Stubbyleed Gathering - Leyland

28

21

Ribchester Music & Art Festival Ribchester

Midweek Meander

A quest to discover hidden treasure -

Jungle Jims’ Play Centre, Blackpool Tower

30

TUES

27

Padiham

SUN

SAT

27

Promenade & Beach SAT

Lytham Hall & Centre

24

WED

Lytham Club Day

Catch the Wind Kite Brass in the Park Festival - Morecambe Memorial Park,

22-­28 June

SUN

MON

TUES

23

SUN

22

Watch the ride in action

20

SUN

Thrill filled journey Ride the new Red through 1000 yrs of Arrows Sky Force Lancashire’s history Blackpool Pleasure

Blackpool Tower Dungeon Beach

21

TUES

MON

20

Railway, Rawtenstall

THU

Various locations

Blackburn Centre

SAT

Blackpool Armed Forces Week

20

16

Family Fun Weekend Caribbean Carnival with Peppa Pig & Moor Park, Preston George - East Lancashire

THU

Open Air Theatre Emma - Brockholes

19

Countryside comes to town -

SUN

18-­21 June

50+ FREE Walking routes

Leyland Centre & Worden Park

15

SAT

THU

18

Witton Country Park, Blackburn Download

FRI

Birchwood Country Park, Lytham St Annes

Leyland Festival

SAT

Fylde Rock & Roots Pack a picnic and explore the trails Festival - Great

St Annes Beach Huts

Take a trip 380ft into the sky to the top Blackpool Tower

MON

JUNE

Hire a Beach Hut for the day -

• EXCITING RIDES • FAMILY FUN DAYS OUT • VINTAGE VEHICLES...

There’s more online at visitlancashire.com

• SCARECROWS • ARTS FESTIVALS • CARNIVALS • TOWN FAIRS

JULY

Cross Bay Walks

Morecambe Bay, from Arnside to Kents Bank

April - Sept

Brass in the Park

Hire a Beach Hut

Ightenhill Park, Burnley for the day Rawtenstall Town Centre St. Annes Beach Huts

12

11-12 July

12

13

CATS opens

8

Pongo’s Party -

Marty MacDonald’s Farm, Grand Theatre, Blackpool

14

SUN

Experience the wonders of underwater life at SEALIFE - Blackpool

Blackpool Opera House and Winter Gardens

9

9 July - 5 Sept

Colne Grand Prix Colne

15

5

Horrible Histories

Grand Theatre, Blackpool

10

FRI

7-20 July

5

SUN

7

4

THU

7 July -­29 Aug

Astley Park, Chorley

Westholme School Theatre, Blackburn

16

• PICNICS • SYMPHONY CONCERTS • MUSICAL THEATRE...

There’s more online at visitlancashire.com

7-11 July

RV International Piano Festival -

THU

Rawtenstall Annual Fair

7

Picnic in the Park

Coronation Park, Ormskirk SAT

South Ribble Museum

Watch the trailer

Queen’s Park, Burnley

WED

SAT

4-11 July

Brass in the Park

WED

SAT

11-12 July

4

Ormskirk Dance Festival

TUES

Town Centre & Ashton Gardens, St Annes

11

Lancaster

6

St Annes Carnival Festival & Fun Day

4-5 July

TUES

5

4

Various locations in Lytham

Oliver Twist 3 July -­ The spade speaks Fleetwood The Dukes 15 August of Roman, Viking & Scarecrow Festival Williamson Park, Norman discoveries Fleetwood MON

SUN

The Crown Inn, Bacup

3-­4 July

Lytham Music & Arts Festival

MON

The Crown Affair Dance & Music Festival

3

SAT

July - Sept

TUES

THU

2

Blake & Lucy Kay (4th) with the Heart of England Orchestra, Hoghton Tower

SUN

Venues across Pendle

Symphony at the Rockprest Tower - Status Quo (3rd), Moor Park, Preston

FRI

Pendle Cycle Festival

SUN

WED

1

15-18 July

Merlin Advert

• OUTDOOR THEATRE • MUSIC FESTIVALS • PICNICS • CRAFTING

19

Pack a Picnic and Be a Nature Explorer St Annes Kite visit the Wyre Estuary at WWT Martin Mere Festival Country Park Wetland Centre St Annes Beach

This way

Weekday am 27 July - 28 Aug

Beacon Country Park, Upholland

21

25-26 July

25

29

9 July - 5 Sept

Preston Guild Hall

30

29-31 July

25

25-26 July

A Day in the Life, 1915 - Queen Street

Leighton Hall, Carnforth Mill Textile Museum, Burnley

31

31

• NATURE EXPLORING • COUNTRY FAIRS • FARMERS MARKETS...

There’s more online at visitlancashire.com

Tues/Thurs until the end of Aug

Lancashire County Fair - Samlesbury Hall

26

SUN

25

SAT

24 July 3 Sept

Helmshore Mills Textile Gardens Watch the Museum, Haslingden trailer

28

Green Fayre

Flag Market, Preston

9 July - 6 Oct

FRI

26-27 July

Familyfest

CATS - Blackpool Opera The Tiger who came Picnic Cinema House & Winter 0 The Shining to Tea

WED

MON

27

24

SAT

THU

Lytham St Annes

Weekday Family Craft Activities -

TUES

St Annes Music Festival

20

Burscough

THU

23

WED

22

PICNIC SPOTS in Lancashire

FRI

Rufford Old Hall, Ormskirk Thornton The BEST

19

Summer Holiday family craft workshops

Towneley Hall, Burnley Queen Street Mill Textile Museum, Burnley MON

18

The Handlebards A Midsummer Night’s Dream

18-19 July

Commercial Vehicle Museum, Leyland

Generation Noise Exhibition

SUN

about canal holidays in Lancashire

The American Road Show - British

TUE

FRI

Eanam Wharf, Blackburn Fleetwood Town Centre & Seafront MORE

SAT

18

Blackburn 18-19 July Fleetwood Festival Canal Festival of Transport

SAT

The Show Ground, Great Eccleston

17-18 July

SAT

18

Great Eccleston Agricultural Show

17

FRI

Astley Park, Chorley

17-19 July

SUN

Animals in the Park

Flag Market, Preston

SAT

FRI

17

JULY

Food & Drink Festival

Beat Herder Festival - Sawley

• MUSICALS • FLOWER SHOWS • AGRICULTURAL SHOWS

13

Towneley Park, Burnley

14

14-15 Aug

Lytham Green

15

15-16 Aug

SUN

Alice in Wonderland Lancaster Castle

SAT

8

Hire a Beach Hut for the day

10

Robin Hood the Musical

16

1-2 Aug

Last chance to see Oliver Twist at the Play in the Park

Fylde Coast Food & Drink Festival

Marine Hall, Fleetwood

2

FRI

FRI

9

7

MON

Lytham 1940’s Wartime Festival -

9-10 Aug

SAT

SAT SUN

9

Drop the Beat Festival

THU

WED

5, 12, 19 & 26 Aug

9

British Commercial Vehicle Museum, Leyland

WW1 Workshops & Craft Activities Lancaster Castle

12

Blackpool Air Show The Classic Car Show Blackpool

3-31 Aug

SUN

Lancaster Castle

7

Wyre Estuary Country Park Open Day - Thornton

FRI

Kids Activity Tour

6

Astley Park, Chorley

Until 15 Aug

St Annes Beach Huts

11

Walled Garden, Astley Park, Chorley

16

SUN

Preston Flag Market

5

BUY tickets online and SAVE!

Marine Hall, Fleetwood

SUN

Revival

Samlesbury Hall, Preston

Salesbury Hall Ribchester

SUN

1-14 Aug

8

SAT

8

4

Blackpool

1

Royal 7-9 Aug Basil Brush Lancashire Show The Full Fox Tour

THU

Clitheroe Food Festival - Clitheroe

Various locations in West Lancashire

Summer Holiday Crafts & Activities with Mistress Marjorie

SAT

2-9 Aug

Meet the horses & ponies at WHW Penny Farm

SAT

MON

3

West Lancashire Walking Festival

1

Read our BLOG about meeting Thomas

WED

Lytham Green and other venues in Lytham

TUES

Lytham Festival

East Lancashire Railway, Rawtenstall

Chorley Flower Show

TUES

AUGUST

1-2 Aug Garstang Show Day out with Thomas The Showfield, Garstang

• CLASSIC CARS • VINTAGE FESTIVALS • STEAM RAILWAYS...

There’s more online at visitlancashire.com

READ all about these award winning beach huts

• RHYTHM & BLUES • FAMILY FUN • GRAVY WRESTLING • TRACTORS

AUGUST Nature Tots

Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston

SUN

30

Greenlands Village, Carnforth

30

WED

Save 50% with the BIG ticket

Enjoy splash park fun at Happy Mount Park Morecambe

Breakfast with Theatre in the Peppa Pig & George Park - Mr Stink -

Wellies Cafe, Greenlands The Walled Garden, Farm, Carnforth Astley Park, Chorley 28-29 Aug

World Gravy Wrestling

Rose ‘N’ Bowl, Stacksteads

31

29

Burnley Canal Festival - The Inn on

East Lancashire Railway, Rawtenstall

29

the Wharf, Burnley

31

29-31 Aug

• MOTORFEST • OUTDOOR THEATRE • WALKING FESTIVALS...

There’s more online at visitlancashire.com

All Summer

Family Fun weekend with Peppa Pig & George SAT

28

25

TUES

MON

Until 1 Nov

SAT

FRI 30-31 Aug

28-31 Aug

Summer Festival fun day

SUN

Samlesbury Hall

30

28

24

MON

SAT

FRI

FRI

28

23

SUN

22

FRI

21

Ormskirk Motorfest Samlesbury Ormskirk Town Centre Skirmish

SUN

SAT

29

Taster of this unique sport

19

Mooky & Mr Boo’s Darwen 1940’s Day The Sorcerer’s Darwin Market Square Apprentice Outdoor Big Day Out Avenham & Miller Parks, Theatre - Lytham Hall Blackpool Tower Circus

FRI

THU

WED

Great Eccleston Showfield 29-30 Aug

18

Pinocchio Outdoor Theatre

THU

21

27

Great Eccleston Tractor Pull

15-23 Aug

TUES

MON

17

Pack a picnic and Marty Macdonald’s Great British explore Worden Park Farm - Pongo’s Party Rhythm & Blues Thornton Little Theatre Leyland Festival - Colne

26

Meet some of Britain’s best known celebrities - Madam

Tussauds, Blackpool

Lord Chamberlain’s Men perform Twelfth Night

Rufford Old Hall, Ormskirk

Unleash your inner ape - Go Ape Rivington

Preston

Lancaster City Museum

20

family-friendly walks

MON

Meet the Land Army Girl and join in family activities

Pendle Walking Festival - including

29-31 Aug

• BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS • CYCLING • HERITAGE • FOLK MUSIC

SEPTEMBER

Ride the Lights

Venues in Fleetwood

SUN

6

4-6 Sept

Burnley Beer Festival

Burnley Mechanics

Tour of Britain Stage 2

4-6 Sept

Mooky & Mr Bob’s Big Day Out

Ribble Valley & Pendle, Blackpool Tower Circus Clitheroe to Colne

7

8

World Fireworks Championships

Heritage Weekend & Woodland Festival

Blackpool Promenade

Until 1 Nov

4

5

SAT

4

FRI

3-6 Sept

5-6 Sept

Midweek Meander Heritage Open Days

Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston

9

Venues across Lancashire 10-13 Sept

10

List of all Heritage open days

THU

Fylde Folk ‘N’ Roots Festival

3

Best View from a tram

WED

Until 5 Sept

Blackpool Tower Festival Blackpool Headland

TUES

WED

2

Bilsborrow THU

starring Jane Mcdonald.

Blackpool Opera House & Winter Gardens

Guys Oyster Festival Blackpool iFest Blackpool 4 Sept - Vintage by the Sea Guy’s Thatched Hamlet, Switch-on Weekend Illuminations 8 Nov Morecambe

MON

Last chance to see CATS in Blackpool

FRI

1

TUES

CATS star READ why nald loves Jane Mcdokpool Blac

Blackpool Promenade

Blackburn Heritage Festival

Rossendale 1960s Festival - Rawtenstall

Blackburn Centre

Towneley Park, Burnley

11

11-13 Sept

12

12-13 Sept

13

SUN

11, 18, 25 Sept & 2 Oct

SAT

11

FRI

10-12 Sept

FRI

THU

10

11-13 Sept

•OYSTER FESTIVAL • VINTAGE SHOWS • AND MUCH, MUCH MORE. There’s more online at visitlancashire.com

Explore Brockholes this summer

Located straight off junction 31 of the M6 at Preston

Events throughout the summer

shop

eat play

Experience our floating Visitor Village within a 250 acre nature reserve Get in Touch 01772 872000 info@brockholes.org

www.brockholes.org

Brockholes

@visitbrockholes

FREE THINGS TO DO IN LANCASHIRE THIS SUMMER Brockholes Nature Reserve

Mythical Coastline Trail

Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery

Explore the natural world at the ‘unreserved’ Brockholes Nature Reserve near Preston.

Have your picture taken with an Ogre on Cleveleys Waterfront and discover the other sculptures on the Mythical Coastline Trail

Natural history, contemporary exhibitions and local ar tefacts await discovery at the Whitaker Museum & Ar t Gallery in Rawtenstall

St Annes Beach Build sandcastles, fly a kite or just sit back and enjoy the view across the open sands of St Annes Beach

Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery Get crafty with free craft sessions throughout the summer at Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery

Bay Cycle Way Cycle the stunning coastline of Morecambe Bay on the brand new Bay Cycle Way from Glasson Dock to Barrow

Singing Ringing Tree Walk up to the highly unique Singing Ringing Tree in Burnley for amazing views and stunning sounds

World Horse Welfare Penny Farm Meet the 70 horses and ponies at World Horse Welfare Penny Farm near Blackpool.

(The stables are undercover so it’s a good even if it’s a wet day)

Samlesbury Hall Discover the history of Samlesbury Hall and Gardens, complete with ghosts, Henry VIII and witches. (Small fees apply for tours and events)

Tolkien Trail Pack a picnic and follow the 5.5 mile trail from the village of Hurst Green in the beautiful and inspirational Ribble Valley - look out for Hobbits!

Pendle Sculpture Trail Follow the Pendle Sculpture Trail at Barley to find out which witches were involved in the famous 1612 Lancashire Witch Trials.

Rivington Pike Take a trek to the top of Rivington Pike near Chorley andenjoy the stunning scenery of the West Pennine Moors

Beacon Country Park With 300 acres of countryside to explore there’s plenty of space to let off steam For the latest special offers

CLICK HERE

ACCESS ALL AREAS XPLORER MULTIPASS gives unlimited access for two adults and two concessions to visit all 11 Lancashire museums for a whole year.

FOR JUST

£20

BIG SAVINGS IN BLACKPOOL

THE BLACKPOOL BIG TICKET

gives you access to 7 Blackpool attractions including the famous Tower, SEALIFE and Blackpool Dungeon for just £45 for adults and £32 for children aged 3-14. Saving you over £50 per person if you were to buy individual tickets.

A GREAT DEAL

FOR KITTENS Kids go Half Price on Tuesday - Thursday shows of the west end musical hit CATS at Blackpool’s Opera House from 6 July – 5 September

FIVE AMAZING ATTRACTIONS ONE INCREDIBLE PRICE BOOK NOW: 0871 222 9929* *Calls cost 10p per minute, plus network charges.

P R O M E N A D E ,

B L A C K P O O L

www.theblackpooltower.com

The luxury and comfort you would expect from a 5 star hotel with the space and personalised touches you can only find in a bespoke self-catering property.

NEW FOR SUMMER 2015!

*NEW* st annes beach apartments 6 SEA VIEW & 3 GARDEN VIEW FOR SHORT BREAKS & HOLIDAYS Ideally located Contemporary apartments

Fully equipped. Grear for families and groups of friends

Free day beach hut rental with every full week stay!

VISIT WWW.STANNESBEACHAPARTMENTS.CO.UK FOR INFO & TO BOOK 2 colour 119–125 South Promenade, Lytham St Annes FY8 1NP t:01253 789332 e: info@stannesbeachhuts.co.uk Twitter: @stannesbeachut Facebook: /StAnnesBeachHuts

black

THE UK’s NO.1 FOREST ADVENTURE at Rivington, Nr. Bolton

Book aortcagll 08oa45p64e3.c91o54.uqukote VLANGA *Offer valid until 31st August 2015, excluding Saturdays and Corporate Events. Discount code must be entered at time of booking. Only valid at Rivington. Participation and supervision ratios apply - please see our website.

15

% O F F PER PERSO

N*

GREAT OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Forest of Bowland Arnside & Silverdale

phs togra r pho lsgood u o y Share herelifefee #w using

Lancaster

Grab your ruck sack, pack a picnic and head out into Lancashire’s countryside. Fresh air, hundreds of miles of footpaths and trails, stunning views and more than our fair share of wildlife, life feels good when you’re exploring Lancashire’s great outdoors.

Start your adventure today!

The flat towpath along the Leeds – Liverpool Canal is perfect for walking and cycling taking you through a mix of urban and rural landscapes.

Monkey around for less at Go Ape Rivington with our great offer

Fleetwood

Star t of the Tour of Britain stage 2 on 7 Sep End of the Tour of Britain stage 2 on 7 Sept

Blackpool Preston

Blackburn Burnley

southport Chorley

QUICK QUIZt

Fores How big is the of of Bowland Area al Beauty? tur Na ing nd Outsta

Click here for the

answer

For more cycle routes go to cyclelancashire.com Download over 50 FREE walking routes Cycle the NEW Morecambe Bay cycle way Photo Oppor tunity at the Crook ‘o’ Lune

See the straight mile at Burnley, one of the Wonders of the British Waterways.

The Guild Wheel cycle route. A 21 mile, safe and mainly off-road way to explore the area along the River Ribble, past ancient woodland, historic city centre parks, the largest nineteenth century dock in Europe and Brockholes Nature Reserve.

Get a taste of rural life at one of Lancashire’s Agricultural Shows Picnic stop at Dunsop Bridge the geographical centre of Great Britain Make new friends at one Lancashire’s animal attractions and farm parks

Open all year round!

Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, 11am – 4pm

Summer Fun at

Penny Farm

FRE E ENT RY

Rescue and Rehoming Centre

• Family Fun Days every Wednesday in August • Dale’s Trail Activity Walk • Snacks, homemade cakes and afternoon tea in the coffee shop Medieval Fair Saturday 5th September 2015

Call 01253 766983 for more information www.worldhorsewelfare.org e: penny@worldhorsewelfare.org

The entrance to Penny Farm is situated on the A583, Preston New Road, near Peel Corner, Blackpool.

Registered charity no: 206658 and SC038384

NEW FOR 2015!

STINGRAY ADVENTURE

Booking/Info: 0871 423 2110 PROMENADE, BLACKPOOL www.sealife.co.uk/blackpool

wyretheatres.co.uk

01253 887693

theatres

Friday 7 August, 11am and 2.30pm Marine Hall, Fleetwood The Basil Brush Show - The Full on Fox Tour Adults £13, children £11, family of four ticket £38 Sunday 16 August, 10am – 4pm Marine Hall , Fleetwood The Fylde Coast Food and Drink Festival Free entry Friday 28 August, 2pm Thornton Little Theatre Marty Macdonald’s Farm – Pongo’s Party Great summer holiday fun for all the family £9

WELCOME TO LANCASHIRE ONLINE GUIDE

READ NOW

Check out the latest event listings on visitlancashire.com

SUMMER SHOW STOPPERS OUTDOOR EVENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

JANE MCDONALD’S

BLACKPOOL

Make the most of warm summer evenings and long sunny days with a visit to one of Lancashire’s outdoor theatre productions and concerts.

DON’T FORGET! MUSIC ON THE GREEN Deck chairs or a rug to sit on Picnic - Make sure its portable if you’re going to a Walkabout Theatre event.

Now 8 days long, Lytham Festival is packed full of live music including Faithless, Rae Morris, Elaine Paige and Marti Pellow, not forgetting picnic cinema and comedy nights. From 2-9 August. And don’t forget you can now stay at the NEW Beach Apar tments in St Annes.

Waterproofs, warm clothing and sun tan lotion - so you’re covered whatever the weather.

Experience the UKs BIGGEST walkabout theatre in Lancaster from 3 July - 15 August

Flags - especially if you’re going

OLIVER TWIST

to a proms concert. Singing Land of Hope and Glory without a flag just isn’t the same!

Camera or phone - to capture

those magical moments to share with friends.

Get a full list of outdoor theatre and festivals in Lancashire this summer... including Emma at Brockholes Nature Reserve near Preston and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Rufford Old Hall.

WATCH THE

PREVIEW NOW!

Don’t forget to share your images with Visit Lancashire on Facebook and Twitter

What do you love most about working in Blackpool?

So many reasons! The people are the main reason but the Opera House is one of the best venues in the UK to perform in without doubt.

What three words sum up Blackpool to you?

Vibrant, exciting and welcoming Have you ever been to the top of Tower or ridden the BIG One at the Pleasure Beach ?

I have done both! I have been to the top of Blackpool Tower several times and had a ride on the Big One Did you come to Blackpool as a child? Are there any particular ‘Memories’ you’d like to share?

I came to Blackpool as a child, teenager and adult.

I remember the first time I saw the Illuminations when I was a child, it was truly magical and something I will never forget. My mum and I always saw the shows in Blackpool, it was so exciting and spectacular. I remember ballroom dancing with my father in the Tower Ballroom, he was a lovely dancer. How lucky am I to have such wonderful memories.

CATS is at the Blackpool Winter Gardens from 9 July - 5 September. Tickets start from £20, with half price children’s tickets Tues-Wed. Watch the preview trailer HERE

amazing things to do

samlesbury hall lancashire’s historic home

Rufford Old Hall

Outdoor theatre tickets can be purchased online or at Rufford Old Hall 01704 821254 nationaltrust.org.uk/ruffordoldhall

© National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.

We're ticking off '50 things do before you're 11 ¾' and enjoying outdoor theatre in this stunning setting.

£3 per child

Luxury 5* caravans at competitive rates

Superb family run holiday park, only 15 minutes from Blackpool.

Small pets welcome.

www.mowbreckpark.co.uk or call 01772 682494

Throughout the School Holidays: Betsy Bumble Bee’s interactive talks for kids of all ages!

The Halcyon Day - Sunday 26th July Music and Songs from local artists - £4pp

Samlesbury Skirmish 30th & 31st August New for 2015: The Jacobite rebellion re-enactment

For more information visit www.samlesburyhall.co.uk

£5adult £3child

www.thedungeons.com/blackpool

Lancashire’s Museums A fantastic group of 11 exciting, family friendly museums across Lancashire.

Discover a variety of activities over the school holidays to keep the kids entertained, and exhibitions and events to commemorate the WW1 centenary….

Historic houses and castles

Lancaster Castle, Gawthorpe Hall*, Clitheroe Castle, Judges’ Lodgings Museum and The Cottage Museum *Gawthorpe Hall is closed due to essential building conservation work during 2015

www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums

Helmshore Mills Textile Museum, Queen Street Mill, Fleetwood Museum and Lancaster Maritime Museum

Fascinating rich social heritage and military collections Museum of Lancashire and Lancaster City Museum Kids go free at all venues (except Lancaster Castle) and for even better value why not buy an Xplorer ticket. comms: 4221

See www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums for details of all venues, opening times and events. Follow us on twitter @LMuseums

Textile and maritime heritage

DISCOVER HISTORY IN LANCASHIRE Did you know…

Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery

Lancaster Castle is owned by the Queen, and that in Lancashire she’s called the Duke of Lancaster? The court rooms are still is use today and it was still a working prison until 2011. Be on your best behaviour or you might get locked in a cell!

Samlesbury Hall is renowned as one of the most haunted locations in Britain.

Resident spirits include the legendary White Lady, Dorothy Southwor th who died of a broken heart and has been seen many times within the Hall and grounds. Join one of the tours to get the spooky lowdown.

Quick Quiz

Which famous playw right is reputed to have per for med at Ruf ford Old Hall near Or mskirk?

Click here to find out mo

re

is home to a unique and enthralling collection of Beetles and an Egyptian Mummy?

Plus it’s completely free to visit.

Helmshore Mills Textile Museum & Queen Street Mill Textile Museum The noise created by the spinning and weaving machines in Lancashire’s mills was so loud that workers had to use lip-reading to talk to one another. For the full effect visit Helmshore Mills Textile Museum nr Haslingden and Queen Street Mill Textile Museum in Burnley

Love Dressing Up? Morecambe’s Vintage by the Sea 5-6 September. Set around the uber-glamorous Midland Hotel this annual festival been has been likened to a big dressing up box of vintage fun!

DON’T MISS

QUICK QUIZ

BLACKBURN HERITAGE FESTIVAL, 12-13 SEPTEMBER

Click here for more info

Includes steam engines, a Victorian fairground, clog dancing, canal trips, history walks, vintage market traders, street theatre and a pop up bandstand.

ALL ABOARD Seeing Thomas the Tank Engine AND Peppa Pig on the EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY between Rawtenstall and Bury over the summer.

Ride steam engines, take par t in family activities and get all excited about meeting these much loved children’s characters.

KING OR QUEEN OF THE CASTLE? Kids activity days running throughout the summer at Lancaster Castle includes a special tour especially for the under 12s.

£6.50 PER CHILD

How tall is Blackpool Tower?

Royal Lancashire Show 7th - 9th August - Salesbury Hall - Ribchester

A great day out for all the family!

Equestrian events, displays, children’s entertainment, vintage vehicles, food & drink, country crafts and much much more

www.royallancsshow.com

TASTY LANCASHIRE Life really does taste better in Lancashire,

and this is never truer than during the summer months.

Tuck into homemade ice cream, freshly picked strawberries, picnics on the beach, and seasonal menus packed full of locally grown tomatoes, new potatoes, peas, beetroots and fresh fish.

Is your tummy rumbling yet?

NEW FOR 2015

QUICK QUIZ How many ar tisan Cheesemakers are there in Lancashire?

Click here to find out more

A stunning ar t nouveau feature of Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, dating back to 1896, was uncovered during recent work to the building and is now a feature of the new Gourmet Burger Restaurant which opened in the spring. The theatre inspired menu features a range of gourmet burgers and is the perfect pre-CATS place to dine this summer.

TOP TIPS

FOR SUMMER

PICNICS Forget soggy sandwiches – stop off at a Lancashire farm shop on route to pick up freshly made pies, quiches, pastries, artisan cheeses, home-made chutneys and fresh fruit for your perfect picnic.

A MOVEABLE FEAST Enjoy a first class fine dining aboard an historic steam engine whilst journeying through picturesque Lancashire countryside with the East Lancashire Railway. For a truly quintessentially British experience book in for afternoon tea and indulge in a selection of sandwiches, cakes, scones and of course, copious amounts of tea.

TASTE MORE OF LANCASHIRE WITH tastelancashire.co.uk

BUY LOCAL & FRESH Agricultural shows are a great way to discover new producers, pick up tasty treats to take home and generally reconnect with our rural heritage.

This year the Garstang Show celebrates its 200th anniversary and the Royal Lancashire Show returns to Ribchester with a variety of crafts, food stalls and demonstrations to make your mouth water.

World

Famous

Fun

Open daily from 10am Located on the Promenade opposite Central Pier

Booking/Info: 0871 282 9200 madametussauds.com/blackpool The images shown depict wax figures created and owned by Madame Tussauds

YOUR SEASIDE

BESIDE THE SEASIDE

C H E C K L IS T

Holidays and days out at the seaside are the stuff of childhood memories.

But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Think donkey rides, building sandcastles, fish & chips and you’re already there. Throw in a summer show or free event like the illuminations and you’ve got the makings of a great day out beside the sea.

Build a sandcastle, complete wit h flags and shell decorations

Try the beaches at St Annes, Blac kpool, Cleveleys, Fleetwood and Morecam be.

See a Summer Show or Circus

Our Lancashire seaside holiday

We set off really early in the morning on a really sunny day.

The first thing we did when we got to Blackpool was to walk up to the tower and we spent ages looking at the jokes that were on the ground in front of the tower. I didn’t understand them all but my Mum and Dad were laughing at them. Next we went all the way to the top of the tower. It was very high and it was a bit scary walking on the glass floor. We went to the tower circus, which was at the bottom of the tower. I had my face painted like Mooky the clown and liked the acrobats the best.

The next day we drove along the seafront to another beach at Cleveleys.

We had fun looking at the sculptures, my favourite was the Ogre.

Later we built sandcastles on the beach and had a picnic. In the afternoon we walked around the shops and then went into the Fleetwood Maritime Museum. I pretended to steer a boat and did a quiz. I liked having fish & chips sat watching the boats.

Oliver, aged 10

QUICK QUIZ

Blackpool Illuminations has been enthralling millions of people for over 100 years – but do you know when the illuminations were first introduced to the resor t?

Click here for the answer

Book to see CATS at the Winter Gardens and for younger audiences the Blackpoo l Tower Circus and Basil Brush at Mar ine Hall, Fleet wood would be perfec t.

Visit childhood favourites

Go to the top of Blackpool Towe r, eat ice cream walking along a pier or have your photo taken with a host of celebrities at Madame T ussauds, Blackpool.

Hire a Beach Hut

Wha tever the wea ther a Beach Hut is the perfect base for brews, general snoozing and summer par ties. Hire the award winning St Annes Beach Hut for the day or week.

SCREAM loudly at a Theme Pa

rk

For serious thrill seekers Blackpoo l Pleasure Beach is not to be missed AND this year there’s the NEW Sky Force Red arrows ride to try!

Summer Fun

in Fleetwood

There’s a lot happening for families in Wyre during summer 2015!

It’s a great place to be and why not be one of the first people to try out the new facilities! Discover Fleetwood’s picturesque waterfront, seafront splash zone and dine al fresco in the family dining area.

The ever popular beach playground also has an accessible play area for children with disabilities. These attractions coupled with some great family friendly events in the district make for a perfect short break.

Call 01253 887445 for more information or visit www.visitwyre.co.uk

J UMP F O

joy

R 4 NIGHT SUMMER HOLIDAY FROM ONLY

£24pp/pn

Just 10 minutes from the bright lights of Blackpool, our 5-star Holiday Village is the perfect place for your next holiday!

With over 100 acres of luxury self-catering accommodation, restaurants, cafés and bars, leisure facilities and an award-winning Spa, you’ll find Ribby Hall Village is the perfect place to enjoy a holiday with family and friends.

To book or request a brochure call us FREE on 0800 107 1933 or visit ribbyhall.co.uk (Lines open 8am – 8pm)

*Terms and conditions apply. Price based on 6 sharing a Poppy Cottage for 4 nights between the 29th May – 25th June. Subject to availability.

PLANNING YOUR VISIT TO LANCASHIRE Less than an hour’s drive from Manchester and Liverpool and two hours from London and Glasgow, a shor t break in Lancashire this summer is closer than you think

Catch the UK’s biggest Walkabout Theatre - Oliver Twist

See SpareParts Arts as part of the Fleetwood Festival of Transport

Enjoy the best of country life at the Royal Lancashire Show in August

Free Summer Kids Workshops at Freeport Fleetwood

Start your natural adventure this summer at Brockholes

Visit Merlin’s magical attractions including The Blackpool Tower See Jane MacDonald in CATS at the Winter Gardens Book a 5 Star family break at Ribby Hall Village Stay at the New Beach Apartments & get free beach hut hire for the day

Don’t miss the Blackburn Heritage Festival in September Monkey around for less at Go Ape Rivington

Stay in Touch

For the latest updates on events, offers and things to do @VisitLancashire VisitLancashire #wherelifefeelsgood

Share sn your ho Ins taagps on ouliday ram p r age

Don’t forget to enter our

SUMMER PRIZE DRAW

to win one of two fantastic family breaks in Lancashire