10 Things to do in Lancashire
Welcome to Lancashire, offering a tantalising glimpse into a county of contrasting landscapes, diverse heritage and plentiful food and drink, covering 3,075 km2 of England’s North West. There is something for everyone, with countryside, canals, coastlines and towns. Below, we have listed 10 of Lancashire's top attractions, perfect for a day out, weekend away, or a longer break.
The Pendle Witch Trail
In 1612, ten people were executed on the moors about Lancaster, having been found guilty of witchcraft at Lancaster Castle. The evidence given against the so called ‘Pendle Witches’ was based on memories, hearsay and superstition and would not be considered in a modern court. But life was very different 400 years ago; religious persecution was rife and people lived in wretched fear and poverty.
Over 400 years later you have the chance to follow the journey taken by the accused witches, to learn about their lives and the trial that made British history. From the untamed moorlands of Pendle Hill to the mighty court of Lancaster, take a journey of discovery through Lancashire’s dramatic and historic past by walking the famous Pendle Witch Trail.
Find out more about the Pendle Witch Trail
Singleton Maize Maze
Singleton Maize Maze is a 12-acre Wild Maze that provides fun for all the family. Follow the quiz trail, collect the answers to the clues and enter the end of season prize draw! With a large indoor and outdoor play area, pedal go-karts, a football net, basketball hoops, a trampoline, large sandpit including buckets, spades, pedal tractors and more!
The maze has a café with a selection of freshly made sandwiches, toasties, cakes and ice creams to enjoy in the large indoor and outdoor seating areas. It is the perfect place for a family day out.
Find out more about Singleton Maize Maze
Follow in the Footsteps of J.R.R Tolkien
Many areas in the UK claim to have inspired J.R.R Tolkien's creation of middle earth, but the author certainly spent a lot of his time at Stonyhurst College working on The Lord of the Rings during the Second World War. The 5.5-mile Tolkien Trail explores the Ribble Valley that almost certainly inspired him and many have also found connections to the landscape around the college.
A number of names which occur in The Lord of The Rings are similar to those found locally, including Shire Lane (in Hurst Green) and River Shirebourn (similar to the family name which built Stonyhurst).
Find out more about the Tolkien Trail
Towneley Hall Art Gallery and Museum
This 14th century grade 1 listed hall has a rich history with many stories to tell. With grand period rooms, decorated with oil paintings and sculptures that depict several centuries of life at the hall, it was the home of the Towneley family for over 600 years. Today, the hall hosts an eclectic collection, including an Egyptian mummy, the Whalley Abbey Vestments, Lancashire-made oak furniture, Pilkington pottery and Kashmir embroidery.
The art gallery boasts a spectacular collection of oil paintings including works by Tadema, John William Waterhouse and Zophany. A program of exhibitions in the galleries cover a wide range of subjects and there is always something new to see. Explore the amazing period rooms by stepping into the Victorian kitchens to see all the wonderful culinary gadgets of the past, or by visiting the family dining room and see how they would have eaten in the company of Lady O'Hagen.
Find out more about Towneley Hall
Rivington Pike
Rivington Pike is one of Northern England's best viewpoints. The historic tower is known to date back as far as 1138, and boasts breath-taking views of Rivington and the surrounding area.
The Rivington Reservoirs are manmade and were built between 1852 - 1857. Remains of old buildings that were covered by water can still be seen when water levels are low. Explore the area around the reservoir by foot or bike, or if you're feeling particularly adventurous, through the treetops at Go Ape: Rivington.
Find out more about Rivington Pike
Model Village & Gardens
Blackpool's award-winning attraction, the Blackpool Model Village & Gardens, established in 1972, has been inspiring the imaginations of families for decades. Hundreds of hand-crafted models and figures are set into more than 2.5-acres of stunningly beautiful landscaped gardens, with paved pathways providing access for all.
Marvel at the many hand-crafted models and figures that represent life’s rich tapestry, and step back in time to those bygone days when life seemed to move at a slower pace, from a Scottish Castle, protected by its ranks of guardsmen to a tranquil Cornish fishing village. Follow the quiz and don't miss any of them.
Find out more about the Model Village & Gardens
The Brontë Sisters Walk
The Brontë sisters actually spent much of their lives in Lancashire, walking from the family home at Haworth across the South Pennine Moors. Charlotte and Emily Brontë are thought to have frequently visited the picturesque hamlet of Wycoller near Colne and in particular the secluded ruins of Wycoller Hall. The Hall is said, by several experts, to be the model for Ferndean Manor in Charlotte Brontë’s novel Jane Eyre, and was used to illustrate the 1898 edition.
There is now a 4.5-mile (7km) Brontës in Pendle walk through the countryside visited by the literary sisters, starting in the village of Trawden. The walk includes the beauty spot of Lumb Spout before taking the old moorland pack horse trail to the village of Wycoller and the ruins of the hall.
Find out more about the Brontë Sisters Walk
British Commercial Vehicle Museum
Submerge yourself in a nostalgic environment, packed with sounds, smells and sights from a bygone era. Enjoy a sensory experience loved by both young and old. Hear the real people stories, from factory workers, drivers and the great inventors, whose innovations shape our everyday lives. The British Commercial Vehicle Museum charts British commercial vehicle history since the 1800’s, and gives you the opportunity to get up close to vintage vans, huge trucks, retro buses, glorious red fire engines and more.
Trace the story of energy and innovation through time, starting with the horse drawn cart, steam power, petrol, diesel and todays more energy efficient green hybrid vehicles. Enjoy the scale and splendor of fascinating trucks, carriages, vehicles and engines set to inspire your imagination in this most magical setting.
Find out more about the British Commercial Vehicle Museum
Wonderful Water Ways
If you find peace at heart gliding down a beautiful waterway, and have always wanted to go on your own voyage, then drifting along a tranquil canal on a narrowboat could be for you. Watch the rolling fields and wildlife as you pass by, before mooring up next to a quaint pub by the side of the water.
What better way to spend a day in Lancashire?
Find out more about Lancashire Day Canal Cruises
Samlesbury Hall
Built in 1325, Samlesbury Hall is steeped in fascinating history, retaining its original - and typical of the time - black and white exterior. Enjoy intrigue, witchcraft and centuries of enthralling times gone by throughout their archive rooms.
From the Tudor priest holes to the Victorian kitchen, the Hall has history from (and for) every age. With the turbulent tales of its Catholic families, witches and the haunting of Lady Dorothy (and other ghost stories), a captivating insight into life from the early 14th to the 21st century is all waiting to be discovered.
The Hall also boasts an award-winning restaurant, a shop brimming with top quality gifts, and Dottie’s - Britain’s first ever wafflery.
Find out more about Samlesbury Hall
The county of Lancashire has so much to offer, and is a truly beautiful area of the UK. Accessible by car, bus and train, it is the perfect area for a day out, weekend away, or longer break. Enjoy walks, historic buildings and attractions perfect for the whole family.
