LANCASHIRE
Visitor Magazine 2019: Issue 3
Adventure, romance, relaxation. Find your next short break.
Ultimate guide to places to stay & things to do
Ribble Valley Š Jon Sparks 2 |
visitlancashire.com
A
short break at any time of the year, in Lancashire, is magical. Spring is full of promise, with delicate snowdrops gracing forest floors, new leaves on trees and bouncing lambs
enjoying the early sun. Meander through grassy fields, stopping for a warm pot of tea in a country pub or put your feet up and enjoy a massage at one of Lancashire’s top luxury spas. Summer is time for adventure. Break out your bike and feel the wind whisk through your hair as you whizz through some of the most breath-taking views in the country or spend your day at the coast, beach combing for shells and eating locally produced ice cream. As the summer months come to a close, the autumn breeze brings a renewed energy making it the perfect time to learn something new and refresh your senses. Get involved with a conservation group and clean Lancashire beaches or spend time with some of the local producers and create your own gin or try your hand at beekeeping. Later in the season when the first frosts start to appear, Lancashire comes alive with celebrations of light from dazzling firework displays, historic halls shrouded in colour and the breathtaking stars in the night skies. Finally, as the festive season rolls round, you will find beautiful handmade gifts, sumptuous delicacies and heart-warming grub, available all around the county. Whatever the season, enjoy a short break in Lancashire. visitlancashire.com
Published by: Marketing Lancashire, Old Docks House, 90 Watery Lane, Preston, PR2 1AU. Get in touch via info@visitlancashire.com Cover Image Credit: Matthew Savage
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of the information contained in this publication, Marketing Lancashire can take no responsibility for any errors or omissions. It is advisable to check information on visitlancashire.com online before your travel. No recommendation by Marketing Lancashire is implied by the inclusion of any information and it is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to the whole county of Lancashire.
Download the previous Lancashire guides, full to the brim with ideas and inspiration for your next short break. Including; culture and heritage, coast and outdoor exploring, local Lancashire produce, experiences and skills, Events and attractions.
visitlancashire.com/guide
contents
8
Forest of Bowland AONB
Choose your Lancashire short break 8 New and noteworthy 12 Weekend
53
The Bee Centre
16 Walking 20 Cycling 25 Accessible 30 Adventurous 32 Dog-friendly 36 Thirst quenching 40 Relaxing 44 Eco-friendly 49 GolďŹ ng 50 Literary 53 Experiential 58 Events & festivals 66 Planning your trip
40
Samlesbury Hall 4 |
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25
Sandcastle Waterpark
30
20
Go Ape Rivington
Forest of Bowland AONB
12
Moor Hall Restaurant
Š Joe Mather
32
Williamson Park
The Luxury Lancashire Hotel & Michelin Star Restaurant
Take time out to indulge in a gourmet break Take your dining experience to another level with a Gourmet or Tasting Break. These breaks are truly a night to remember, perfect for a celebration or a quick escape in the beautiful Ribble Valley. Relax in one of our stunning luxury rooms either in the Manor House or Garden Lodge. Arrive at Northcote in the afternoon and relax in the cocktail bar or on our garden terrace. In the evening enjoy either Lisa’s 4 course gourmet menu or 6 course tasting menu, complemented if you wish by a carefully matched wine flight.
Retire to your stylish room or suite then rise and shine to Northcote’s delicious breakfast to set you up for your day ahead. This is the ultimate Northcote gourmet experience. 4 COURSE GOURMET BREAK From £310.00 per room* 6 COURSE TASTING BREAK From £350.00 per room* Based on two people sharing a room
*
ENJOY THE A LA CARTE MENU Bed and Breakfast from £255.00 Book your break now at northcote.com or call 01254 240555.
Northcote Road, Langho, Blackburn, Lancashire BB6 8BE Telephone: 01254 240 555 | www.northcote.com @NorthcoteUK | /NorthcoteUK | northcoteuk
Discover something new
Perfect instagram locations The Mount Pavilion, Fleetwood | Avenham and
Miller Parks, Preston | Jubilee Tower, Darwen | Comedy Carpet, Blackpool | The Singing Ringing Tree, Burnley | Hoghton Tower, Chorley | Lytham Hall | Morecambe Bay | Rufford Old Hall, Ormskirk
Singing Ringing Tree
© Stephen Taylor
Jubilee Tower, Darwen
Rufford Old Hall Comedy Carpet, Blackpool
Hoghton Tower
@StAnnesBeachHut
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NEW noteworthy TYING THE KNOT?
Lancashire’s picturesque
rural landscapes, windswept moors and breath-taking
coastal scenery make an ideal backdrop for your wedding. What’s more, throughout the year venues and businesses pull together wedding events to make planning your day even easier – go to visitlancashire.com/weddings
BRITISH TEXTILE BIENNIAL 3 October – 3 November Throwing spotlight on the nation’s creation, innovation and expression in textiles against the backdrop of the impressive infrastructure of the cotton industry in Pennine Lancashire, the British Textile Biennial will look at fabric as a means of expression and a vehicle for protest and cultural identity.
Lytham
CREATING POSITIVE PLACES FOR ALL Access Fylde Coast are working hard to make the Fylde Coast an outstanding location for visitors with long term health conditions and disabilities. This autumn sees events from the British ParaOrchestra, Robert White from Britain’s Got Talent 2018 and deaf virtuoso solo percussionist Evelyn Glennie.
Thornton Hall Country Park
Forest of Bowland AONB FESTIVAL BOWLAND 2019 Celebrate this wonderful area of natural beauty with a festival of events, running throughout the year there is still time to take a beautiful guided walk, learn the skill of foraging or hunt for creepy crawlies, as well as many other activities.
Gawthorpe Hall, Burnley
LANCASHIRE’S UNEXPLORED PAST WITH HERITAGE OPEN DAYS 13-22 September Heritage Open Days celebrates its 25th birthday this year, and with almost fifty Lancashire sites getting involved with events and celebrations, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate this county’s rich history and culture. visitlancashire.com
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Following the huge success of Moor Hall, Mark Birchall has opened a casual dining restaurant The Barn at Moor Hall on the same site. The restaurant, which has recently been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, is open for lunch, dinner and their popular Sunday roast, serving an array of dishes focusing on seasonality and locality. From 35 day aged rib eye steaks to a full vegetarian menu, delicious side dishes and puddings galore, The Barn has something for everyone including a fantastic selection of hand crafted cocktails, international wines and bottled and draught beers. If travelling from afar, Moor Hall has 7 luxurious bedrooms, each one stunningly unique and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
LUNCH MENU 2 courses for £19 or 3 courses £23 Wednesday - Saturday only
The Barn menu prices: A la carte or lunch menu 2 courses for £19 or 3 courses £23 Barn Sunday lunch - 2 courses £31 or 3 courses £38
RESERVATIONS Call us on 01695 572 511 or book online at www.moorhall.com
Moor Hall menu prices: 4 course lunch menu £65 8 course dinner menu £125
Prescot Road, Aughton, Lancashire, L39 6RT Open Wednesday - Sunday
Bedroom prices: Range from £195 - £350 per night including breakfast
THE BEST WESTERN CARLTON HOTEL in a fantastic waterfront location overlooking the beautiful Fylde coast. The Carlton is just minutes from the centre of Blackpool, and is ideally situated for guests to immerse themselves in the local culture and visit the multitude of attractions synonymous with one of the UK’s most popular seaside resorts, including the iconic Blackpool Tower. It simultaneously affords guests the opportunity to enjoy the
quieter setting of the North Promenade.
282 – 286 Promenade, Blackpool FY1 2EZ 01253 628966 www.bwblackpool.com reception@bwblackpool.com
The Best Western Carlton Hotel boasts a panoramic view of the Irish Sea, in addition to providing guests with a view of twelve miles of sandy beaches and the famous Golden Mile. It is also within walking distance of several other prominent local landmarks.
Prosecco afternoon leaf tea | Accessible | Dog Friendly | Balcony Terrace | BBQ Evenings
VILLA
THE
WREA GREEN
H2 Photography
T H E
V I L L A
G R O U P
AWARD-WINNING LUXURY HOTELS NESTLING IN ACRES OF STUNNING PARKLANDS 4 Star Hotels Birthdays
2 AA Rosetted Restaurants
Anniversaries
Funerals
Unique Wedding Venues
Conference & Banqueting
Corporate & Special Events
Drinks
Afternoon Teas
Baby Showers Lounge Dining
Christenings Christmas & New Year
VILLA
THE
LEVENS
Ladybirds Photography
West Coast Drones
The Villa Wrea Green, Moss Side Lane,Preston, PR4 2PE | 01772 80 40 40 | www.thevilla.co.uk The Villa Levens, Brettargh Holt, Kendal, LA8 8EA | 01539 980 980 | www.thevillalevens.co.uk
75 modern en-suite rooms Perfect City Centre location Free Wi-fi throughout the hotel Restaurant serving all day Bar open till 2am Complimentary parking Three conference rooms for hire Fantastic rates Close to local attractions: Harris Museum, Ribble Steam Railway Museum, Guildhall, Preston North End FC and University of Central Lancashire
A weekend never seems enough in Lancashire, with so much to see, do and explore, but here you’ll ďŹ nd a few things to get you started.
Weekend in Moor Hall Restaurant
LANCASHIRE The Midland Hotel, Morecambe
Find amazing accommodation Lancashire has a fantastic range of quality accommodation from peaceful, rural self-catering retreats to dazzling city centre hotels, seaside chic guest houses and B&Bs to activity packed holiday villages.
Try these: The Midland Hotel, Lancaster | No. 10, Preston Ribby Hall Village, Preston | The Rookery, Pendle St Annes Beach Huts Apartments 12 |
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Eat something delicious Lancashire offers everything from Michelinstarred British cooking to a multitude of international cuisines embracing quality local and seasonal produce in their dishes.
Try these: Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms, Ormskirk Twelve Restaurant and Lounge Bar, Thornton Cartford Inn, Preston | La Locanda, Gisburn Quite Simply French, Lancaster
Cartford Inn Quite Simply French
Ribby Hall Village
St Annes Beach Huts Apartments
The Rookery, Pendle
Twelve Restaurant and Lounge Bar visitlancashire.com
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Do something exciting Events are considered one of Lancashires specialities; with world famous Illuminations, firework spectacular, tractor pulling and music festivals, there’s not much the county doesn’t offer.
Try these: Marsh Mill 225th Birthday, Wyre 19-20 Oct Blackpool Illuminations 30 Aug – 3 Nov British Textile Biennial 3 Oct – 3 Nov Light Up Lancaster 1-2 Nov Great British Food Festival, Stonyhurst College 14-15 Dec East Lancashire Railway Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library
Light Up Lancaster
Stonyhurst College
Blackpool
Discover something new
Try these: Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Whether you love exploring the countryside, delving into
Thornton Hall Country Park, Barnoldswick
history, seeing great entertainment, scaring yourself on
East Lancashire Railway | Astley Hall, Chorley
fast rides or simply relaxing with your family and friends,
Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library
Lancashire has something for you.
For more ideas and inspiration on how to spend a weekend in Lancashire, and another, and another go to visitlancashire.com 14 |
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Discover something new
Star gazing
Enjoy natures very own light displays in Lancashire. Beacon Fell Country Park | Forest of Bowland AONB | Crook O’Lune Picnic Site | Slaidburn Village Car Park | Gisburn Forest Hub | Moor Park Observatory, Preston | St Annes Beach Huts | Cleveley Mere Lodges, Scorton | Watkinson Farm Glamping, Ormskirk
© Robert Ince
Forest of Bowland AONB
© Matthew Savage
@StAnnesBeachApt
Forest of Bowland AONB
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These routes are made
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Walking Routes in Lancashire Lancashire has some of the best walking country in England, from short, gentle rambles to long distance treks allowing you to enjoy some of the best views and vistas the county has to offer.
for walking visitlancashire.com
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the rugged but beautiful Rivington Pike, stroll along the promenade in Morecambe and the Fylde Coast, enjoy the forest in Beacon Fell County Park or visit the accessible Wyre Estuary County Park. Here are five walks to get you started;
Guild Wheel, Preston
Wyre Way
Clog and Billycock
The Guild Wheel is a 21 mile
Following the course of
and Alum Scar, Blackburn
circular route that takes
the river Wyre from its
This 4.5 mile circular
you around the city of Preston.
estuary outlet into Morecambe
pub walk is the perfect way to
The route is suitable for walking,
Bay to the fells above Abbeystead
work up an appetite. The walk
cycling and mobility scooters,
where the river has its source.
performs a simple loop around
and is best enjoyed at a slow pace
This beautiful, 44.5 mile, long
the surrounding countryside
stopping off at attractions and
distance walk can be split into
of the Clog and Billycock, with
cafes along the way.
four manageable pieces.
rolling fields, woodland and one of Lancashire’s best viewpoints.
Walking with witches, Pendle
Wetlands and Waterways,
In the shadow of Pendle Hill
Ormskirk
lie pretty villages, which
The area around this
tell a story of intrigue and
walking route has some
witchcraft nearly 400 years old.
of the flattest land in West
Follow in the footsteps of the
Lancashire. Pretty cottages,
legendary Pendle Witches on this
nature reserves and quaint
seven and a half mile walk.
waterside pubs are just some of the things you can see along this 14.5 mile walk.
Pendle 18 |
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Over 70 free walking routes including these ďŹ ve can be downloaded from visitlancashire.com with many more to discover.
Guild Wheel, Preston
Wyre Estuary Country Park
walks for all
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Go spin the extra mile Glasson Dock Marina
Lancashire’s landscape is
fuelled, with accessible
and you’ll never be too far
perfect for exploring by bike,
routes available too.
from a welcoming pub or
with many miles of quiet
somewhere great to sleep. For those who enjoy
roads, tracks and routes
around the centre of the
that pass through stunning
Great Britain at Dunsop
watching the professionals,
countryside, enchanting
Bridge, take a grand tour of
or even like to join in
forests, and daring quarries.
Pendle, or ride the Blackpool
themselves, a wide host
The routes difficulty ranges
Illuminations, you’ll see
of cycle events take place
from family friendly to
some of the country’s
including the Chorley and
challenging and adventure
most attractive scenery
Colne Grands Prix.
Colne Grand Prix 20 |
Whether you cycle
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Lune Valley Aquaduct ŠDiana Jarvis Forest of Bowland AONB
Lee Quarry
Hire a bike On Yer Bike Cycles Morecambe Bay Electric Bike Network Leisure Lakes Bikes Blackpool Bike and Go Cycle Adventure
Cycle routes The Lancashire Cycleway Lancashire Coastal Way Gisburn Forest Bike Trails Hyndburn Greenway Lee Quarry Mountain Bike Trail
Scorton Village
Places to stop for lunch The Cartford Inn, Poulton Le Fylde Hipping Hall, Kirkby Lonsdale The Assheton Arms, Clitheroe The Sparrowhawk, Fence The Butlers Arms, Blackburn
Where to stay Plato, Kirkby Lonsdale Rossendale Holiday Cottages Bank House Cottage, Lancaster Ribble Valley Holiday Homes, Ribchester Brickhouse Farm Cottages, Poulton le Fylde visitlancashire.com
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Love Leyland
Whether you’re visiting for walking in the Southern Lakes, sampling Manchester’s nightlife, or to explore the Northwest, you will receive the warmest of welcomes at Hallmark Hotel Preston Leyland.
Discover your exclusive one-night break from just £69 per couple including: • An overnight stay in a classic double or twin bedroom. • A full cooked breakfast. • A delicious evening meal in our Hallmark Grill. • A FREE bottle of wine. • FREE use of our health club facilities. Book your exclusive break at www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk/LL19
Terms and conditions apply and offer subject to availability. From £69 per couple is a from price and rates may fluctuate depending upon day of week and month. 1 x bottle of wine per stay, over 18s only. For full terms and conditions visit www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk/LL19.
ACCOMMODATION HH666_LoveLeyland_Advert_138.5x97.5mm.indd 2
19/07/2019 10:58
in Lancashire
Lancashire has an amazing variety of quality accommodation from peaceful, rural self-catering retreats to dazzling city centre hotels, seaside chic guest houses and B&Bs to activity packed holiday villages.
STANLEY VILLA FARM FISHING & CAMPING
Award winning glampin site, set just 15 minutes from Blackpool. Cosy camping pods and a beautiful fishing lake. A friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for families and couples. › Back Lane, Greenhalgh, Preston, PR4 3HN › 01253 804588 › www.campingbugs.co.uk › hello@campingbugs.co.uk
TEWITFIELD MARINA
(LAKE DISTRICT ESTATES) Located on the Lancaster Canal, with countryside walks and pubs on the doorstep. The Marina has a range of newly refurbished apartments/ townhouses. Just 10 minutes from The Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. Dog friendly, short breaks available. › Chapel Lane, Tewitfield, Carnforth LA6 1GP › 01524 782092 › tewitfieldmarina.co.uk › info@tewitfieldmarina.co.uk /TewitfieldMarinaLDE
@LakeDistrictEst
WIGWAM HOLIDAYS KIDSNAPE FARM Set in the Lancashire hills lies wigwam holidays Kidsnape Farm. Whether it’s a relaxing weekend on our farm in one of our luxurious pods or walking or cycling around the lovely countryside Kidsnape farm has it all.
› Kidsnape Farm, Inglewhite Road, Goosnargh, Preston PR3 2EB › 07711 584 197 › wigwamholidays.com/kidsnape-farm
WIGWAM HOLIDAYS RIBBLE VALLEY Over the holidays why not get the kids in the great outdoors at Wigwam Holidays Ribble Valley there is lots to explore.
› Wigwam Holidays Ribble Valley, Dinckley, BB6 8AN › 07721 692466 › wigwamholidays.com/ribble-valley › ribblevalley@wigwamholidays.com visitlancashire.com
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Discover something new
Romance
Open fires
Love is in the air in Lancashire, enjoy of some
There’s nothing like enjoying a quiet drink or
quality time together at these places.
scrumptious meal by a roaring ďŹ re.
Lancashire Canal Cruises, Burscough | Blackpool
Butlers Arms, Pleasington | Pendle Inn,
Tower Ballroom | Avenham and Miller Park,
Burnley | Barley Mow, Pendle | The Fence
Preston| White Swan at Fence | Ribby Hall Spa
Gate, Fence | Parkers Arms, Clitheroe | The
Hotel, Preston | Williamson Park, Lancaster | The
Aspinall Arms, Whalley | Guys Thatched
Rookery, Roughlee | Freemasons at Wiswell
Hamlet, Preston | The Fenwick, Lancaster
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Sandcastle Waterpark
A destination for all Planning trips away from
coast, we opted for a stunning
With a fully stocked
home when you are catering
lakeside property at Brickhouse
fishing lake, recently opened
for someone who has limited
Farm Cottages. I cannot rate
hydrotherapy pool and the
mobility and uses a wheelchair,
these cottages highly enough.
Lakeside Bistro, we really didn’t
can be daunting; however, I was
Purpose built for families with
need to venture off site if we
wonderfully surprised by how
accessibility needs, they offer
didn’t want to, but with so much
easy and super fun our holiday to
level access throughout the
to explore why wouldn’t you?
Lancashire was.
ground floor, an accessible
We decided on a big family short break to the Lancashire
First on our hit list was the
balcony and ceiling track hoists,
Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool.
including one for the hot tub!
Widely regarded as one of the
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Brickhouse Farm Cottages country’s most accessible visitor
until our fingers were wrinkly
boasting a stunning promenade,
attractions, and multi-award
and it was time to go.
Art Deco Theatre, and harbour yacht marina. On this occasion
winning to boot it is a must
Super hungry after spending
for families who love water
the day swimming and agreeing
we were visiting Farmer Parrs
and splashing about as much
a trip to Blackpool wouldn’t be
Animal World, a children’s
as we do.
complete without having fish
farm park.
Nothing was too much on our
and chips, we headed to the
Easy to navigate with the
visit, and we were happy to learn
world famous Harry Ramsden
wheelchair on the paved paths,
that they also offered support for
at The Blackpool Tower. We
we had a fantastic day handling
visitors with other accessibility
were surprised to learn that
chicks, feeding lambs and
needs such as hearing and vision
the menu was much more
meeting the ponies.
impairments and autism which
than the traditional fish and
is wonderful.
chips and enjoyed a whole
On the way back to the cottage we stopped into Notarianni’s for one of their
With full bellies we headed back to the cottage for some well deserved rest and relaxation.
delicious vanilla ice creams, using the same secret family recipe since 1928. The next day after a final
menu of delights including
dip in the hot tub, we headed
room’ facility meant we were
burgers, salads and a giant filled
home feeling relaxed and full of
able to get changed with ease,
Yorkshire pudding!
wonderful memories from our
The Changing Places ‘wet
With full bellies we headed
short break in Lancashire. It is
us into the heart of the action
back to the cottage for some well
definitely somewhere I would
with a sloped entrance into the
deserved rest and relaxation.
recommend and we will be back,
and the water wheelchairs took
main pool. Whilst we splashed
A new day means a new
about in the pool, our other party
adventure, as we headed further
members jumped through waves
up the coast to Fleetwood, a
and whizzed around on slides
beautiful Victorian seaside resort
26 |
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as there is so much more we didn’t explore.
Fleetwood
Other accessible places to explore Accommodation The Fence Gate, Pendle Cross Farm Cottages, Ormskirk The Glendower Hotel, St Annes The Red Pump Inn, Clitheroe Lancaster House Things to do The Blackpool Tower Wyre Estuary Country Park Windmill Animal Farm, Ormskirk Blackpool Zoo The Palace Cinema, Longridge Find accessible Changing Places around Lancashire at changing-places.org
Why not try... Clough Head Farm 01254 704758 cloughheadfarm.co.uk Farmer Parrs Animal World For a full list accessible places to stay and things to do go to visitlancashire.com visitlancashire.com
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Advertorial
With plenty of sea, sands and beautiful scenery, the Fylde Coast
Creating a positive place for all
is a beautiful place to visit for fun-filled, action-packed stays,
guides to enhance their shop,
people with autism to British
theatre trips, wonderful walks
accommodation, or attraction, as
Sign Language interpreters
along unspoilt coastlines or days
well as free disability awareness
for deaf people, they are also
on award-winning beaches.
training, ensuring the warmest
breaking down barriers of
of welcome to all visitors.
disability by hosting world-
And, for visitors with a
They are not just talking
renowned disabled performers
mental health or learning
about ramps for wheelchairs
from comedy, art and music at
difficulties, the Fylde Coast has
either (although there has been
brand new events.
plenty of accessible venues,
lots of work to enhance this over
attractions, changing rooms,
the past few years). Access Fylde
toilets, catering extremely well
Coast are helping businesses to
for people with disabilities,
truly understand the barriers
families, and the elderly alike.
faced by customers with physical,
physical or sensory disability,
And now thanks to Access
sensory, mental health and
•
The British Paraorchestra, September 7 2019, The Empress Ballroom, Blackpool
•
An evening of comedy,
Fylde Coast, Blackpool, Fylde
learning difficulties so they
September 8 2019,
and Wyre are fast becoming even
can adapt both their premises
Lytham Hall
more accessible destinations
and have a positive attitude to
for everyone to have amazing
disabled customers.
experiences and make unforgettable memories. Access Fylde Coast helps businesses with free access
28 |
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As well as enhancing disability access to existing, popular events across the Fylde Coast including quiet spaces for
•
Evelyn Glennie, October 12, 2019, The Marine Hall, Fleetwood
Helping you get the best experience - Retailers, eateries, hoteliers and
- Use the enhanced
attractions who have taken part in
Blackpool Transport
Access Guides and Disability Awareness
App to provide
Training will be given a sticker to display
information in Easy
in their window and a certificate – so
Read and on-screen
you’ll know that they have done their
British Sign Language to
best to give you the warmest welcome.
make travelling around
- All businesses which have taken part
the Fylde Coast easier.
will be included in the AccessAble guide
- Friendly and caring
(www.accessable.co.uk) so you can
volunteers are on hand
search for accessible businesses,
to help you during your
including more than 50 cultural and
stay – whether visiting
heritage attractions, across the Fylde
for events, the theatre or
Coast to ensure that your planned trip
the cinema.
suits your accessibility needs.
For more information on all the services mentioned or how you can get involved visit accessfyldecoast.co.uk visitlancashire.com
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d e l p u Co p?
u
Want to book a romantic get away with a difference? Create not just memories with your loved
Morecambe is run by RYA award-winning instructor John, choose from a 2-day course, or book a short taster Fun Sail. Keeping with the water theme,
one but learn a new skill or go on an exciting
experience Blackpool Wake Park – a 10
adventure that brings you closer. Lancashire
acre lake offering a variety of water sport
offers many experiences that can be booked
activities including wake boarding, stand
as part of a day out or a short break, perfect
up paddle boarding, kayaking, open water
for spending quality time together.
swimming and an aqua park. Fancy learning
Receive expert tuition and top tips from the Head Tutor at Michelin starred Northcote
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Alternatively discover the thrill and freedom of the sea. Bay Sea School in
to Scuba Dive? Try Fins Scuba in Preston. For a gentler water pastime, you could
Cookery School. Choose a culinary delight
try Lancashire Canal Cruises, take in the
to create and share; from Artisan Bread,
rolling scenery whilst enjoying afternoon
Chinese Cookery or High Tea to mention just
tea or a drink from the bar. There are a
a few and with half and full days available it
range of foodie cruises including traditional
is easy to slot into your itinerary.
Lancashire hot pot, cooked breakfast or tapas
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Inch Perfect Trials Bay Sea School, Morecambe
Northcote Cookery School
Go Ape Rivington – a date with a difference. If staying dry is at the top of your list,
Glasson Dock to be a brilliant day filled with excitement. Alternatively, Quadtrex, Quad Bike trekking
try your hand at monkeying around at Go
in Barnoldswick, offers an action packed
Ape Rivington, and help each other through
adventure through several terrains including
the tree top challenge or if you both prefer
woodland, a natural quarry and grass.
to have your feet firmly on the ground, The
The ultimate thrill could be waiting
Hill – home of Ski Rossendale, could be just
for you at Black Knights Parachute Centre
the ticket. The Northwest’s biggest and best
in Cockerham. Jump from an altitude of up
outdoor ski slope, with 3 slopes, Fun Tubes
to 15,000 ft at speeds of 120mph, before
and great scenic views. There is a bistro and
pulling the shoot and helping steer yourself
terrace bar for those all-important après-
to land, you can even capture it all on film
ski refreshments.
with a freefall camera flyer.
Do you both have a need for speed? Try Inch Perfect Trials, whether you are new
For more ideas and experiences go to visitlancashire.com
to motorcycle trials riding or a seasoned rider, you’ll be in safe hands. Set in 100 acres of fantastic trialling land in the stunning Forest of Bowland, it guarantees visitlancashire.com
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It’s a dog’s world ... Williamson Park © Joe Mather
A while ago my humans decided to book a short break in Lancashire and guess what? I was invited along too! 32 |
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Laytham Holiday Lets Retreat
I must admit I was expecting to
so we had an early pit stop for
very handsome boy, well they’re
be put in the worst room with lots
lunch at Top Lock in Chorley so I
not wrong. I even had my picture
of waiting outside or being left in
could stretch my legs.
taken so paws crossed that I make
my bed while my humans ate out
No sitting outside for me!
it to dog of the month. Continuing on towards
and did lots of fun things, but the
I was given a treat on arrival
folks in Lancashire are genuinely
and I even had my own ‘doggie’
Laythams Retreat we drove
lovely people and I was treated
menu to choose from and a cool
through the geographical centre
like a VIP (very important pet).
drink of dog ale, although I do
of Britain, Dunsop Bridge.
think it was plain water really.
Although the humans didn’t stop
hotel that would make me feel
The humans certainly seemed to
for one of the picturesque walks,
as welcome as the humans.
enjoy theirs too as there were no
something to do with me always
There were loads of fancy
leftovers for me.
having to chase the ducks.
First thing was to book a
En route to the Forest of
Finally we made it to our
luxury glamping at Ribble Valley
Bowland, for lots of sniffing,
Laytham’s cottage and it was
Wigwam to gorgeous boutique
exploring and running around, we
fabulous, great views over the
hotels or secluded self-catering,
passed through Whalley and took
Beatrice and Burn Fells, sheep
which would guarantee lots of
another stop so the humans could
in the next field to make friends
lovely new sniffing adventures.
buy some new walking boots at
with and chickens that I am
We decided on Laythams Holiday
Whalley Warm and Dry, it took
apparently not allowed to chase
Lets Retreat.
ages – so many measurements.
or bark at.
looking places to stay, from
It seemed like forever
All I heard was how comfy these
The humans unloaded the
waiting to pack up and head out
new boots were, humans are
essentials and my bed – not sure
on my adventures, when the
strange, I don’t need shoes!
why as I quickly discovered the
day eventually came I was that excited I couldn’t settle in the car,
I did however get lots of snuggles and was told I am a
comfy sofa! It was very peaceful and dark, the humans insisted on visitlancashire.com
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Singing Ringing Tree
The Red Pump Inn
sitting outside staring up to the
the afternoon adventures it’s on a
sky – something about dark skies?
working farm so I was on a lead,
and my new sheep friends. It was an early start the
but I didn’t mind as I was tired
following morning as the humans
comfy sofa only to discover it
from all the running and sniffing
wanted to make the most of our
had been made into a bed for my
around this morning. After a
last day and after packing up we
human’s friends, well I won’t be
quick BBQ for dinner back at the
headed out on our last adventure,
sleeping there, off to claim my
cottage, I left the humans star
picking up the witches trails from
humans’ bed.
gazing and headed to bed.
yesterday at Lancaster Castle.
I went off in search of the
After breakfast the following
The following day, we headed
We headed over to Pendle
morning, with new boots fastened
to the historic city of Lancaster,
Hill and a delicious lunch at
and snacks for me packed, we
strolling through the streets
Pendle Inn where once again I
set off to discover area of natural
popping into independent stores
was the centre of attention, with
beauty, the Forest of Bowland,
and galleries before heading to
a roaring fire to have snooze by –
and lots of new smells.
Lancaster Castle.
it wasn’t cold but who is going to
Stopping for lunch at The
With a history of excecuting
turn down a snooze by a real fire? One final sniff and run
Red Pump Inn, we all sat inside
witches and even serving time
together in the Snug. Whilst I
as a prison, the Castle is very
around at the Singing Ringing
didn’t have my own menu this
impressive, even if we did just
Tree and it was homeward bound.
time, I did get a treat and my
have to stay in the grounds. No
There were lots of places that we
humans let me have some of
dogs allowed inside apparently,
just couldn’t fit in, so hopefully
theirs. I was told I was very lucky
do they not know who I am?
another trip to Lancashire will be
as it was very nice! No time for snoozes we headed to Browsholme Hall for
We enjoyed a late lunch at heading back to the cosy cottage
I’ve walked so many miles these past few days maybe the humans have something with the boots after all. 34 |
visitlancashire.com
on the cards soon.
the Mill at Conder Green before
F O O O WWOOOF WOOOF!
Evelyn Glennie
Where to stay, play, eat and meet!
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
This performance has been made possible through the support of the Coastal Communities Fund
Fleetwood • Thornton Cleveleys Poulton-le-Fylde • Wyre Villages Garstang • Forest of Bowland
Saturday 12 October
In Conversation with Evelyn Glennie – ‘Who’s Listening?’ 11am - 12.30pm ‘Recital by Evelyn Glennie’ with pianist Philip Smith 7.30pm performance Box office and bar open from 6.30pm
Tickets £10
Photograph by Philipp Rathmer
01253 887693 | www.wyretheatres.co.uk Marine Hall, The Esplanade, Fleetwood, FY7 6HF
-Free admisson & on-site parking - Meet our horses & ponies - Paddock trails & picnic areas - Special events and fun days - NEWLY REFURBISHED COFFEE SHOP Main Stable block is undercover so it’s a great day out whatever the weather
A tour of the locally brewed tipples…
Ginterested? Bowland Beer Hall
Take a break with a twist
(perhaps on the rocks too?) and go for a beer break in
Lancashire this Autumn. If beer’s not your thing, don’t worry, we also produce gin and cider here too! What better way to experience the local beverages than with a tour of the very brewery that makes them. See where our tasty drinks are produced, learn about the work that goes into making each one and then top it off with a little sample (or two).
East Lancashire Railway
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Brindle Distillery Lancaster Brewery
Brewery tours BOWLAND BREWERY
CUCKOO GIN
LANCASTER BREWERY
The brewery, based at Holmes
Nestled on their family farm
Set in over 2 acres, the working
Mill in Clitheroe and owned by
in the beautiful Lancashire
brewery offers guided tours,
James’ Places, offers visitors a
countryside, Cuckoo Gin’s
special events in the bar and
chance to see a fully operational
distillery tours offer visitors
entertaining area, as well as
brewery as well as an
a rare opportunity to see the
brewing their delicious beer,
opportunity to share enthusiasm
range of equipment they use
lager and cider on site.
for beer. Scheduled brewery
to make their spirits up close.
Starting in the impressive
tours run a few times a week
The guided tours around the
visitor centre, the history of
and you can then venture into
distillery’s production areas
the brewery and the brewing
Bowland Beer Hall afterwards
and warehouses give a detailed
process is explained. There’s
should you so wish. Tickets
account of how they craft their
an opportunity to see the hops
for a tour at Bowland Brewery
spirits, from growing the grain,
growing outside, as well as
start at just £10 and include a
producing alcohol, distilling
being able to purchase any
refreshing drink at the end.
gin and even heating their
of the beers to take home!
equipment. Tour tickets are £24
Tour tickets start from just
and include three G&Ts. Price
£12 and operate most days.
includes £5 discount on any 70cl Cuckoo Gin on the night.
Great pubs/bars BOWLAND BEER HALL
BUFFER STOPS BAR
ALBERT’S ALE MICROBAR
The beer hall is not just a
Take a ride on the East
A friendly microbar on Albert
showcase for Bowland’s beers,
Lancashire Railway and stop off
Road, situated near Blackpool
it’s a showcase for beers of
for a drink on the way. Sited at
Winter Gardens, that specialises
all kinds, from all parts of the
Rawtenstall Station, Buffer Stops
in real ales, traditional local
country, continent and the rest of
offers five ales and one real cider
cider and a range of Belgian
the world too, whether in a cask
on handpump, a range of lagers,
bottled beers. CAMRA members
or keg, a bottle or can, whether
continental beers, traditional pub
and likeminded people will
dark or light, weak or strong.
snacks and locally sourced pies.
love this spot.
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| 37
FENCE GATE
Local products
The official Guiness World
BLACK POWDER GIN
BATCH BREW
With a long history in creating
As a family-based distillery
high quality produce, their
Record holders of the largest
passion has always been about
varieties of commercially available gins - a staggering 623!
harnessing the true and unique
FISHERMAN’S RETREAT
they believe creates a remarkably
The restaurant’s whisky shop has
different finish.
been around for over a quarter of a century, with more than 500 different Scottish single malt
flavours of our select crop, which
GOOSNARGH GIN Lovingly crafted by Richard and Rachel Trenchard and based on
whiskies in stock.
the edge of the Forest of Bowland
OLD SCHOOL BREWERY
AONB, they produce small batch
Founded in 2012 this micro
gin using organic botanicals.
brewery at the foot of Warton
Each bottle is hand finished and
Crag. Using top quality
includes handwritten details such
ingredients with patience they
as batch and bottle number.
they lovingly craft their spirits in the most intimate batches of captured perfection with no more than 25 litres at a time. Produced and bottled by hand they ensure quality, individuality and as honest an illustration of the distilling art that you’ll ever taste. Visit their shop Mon-Fri, 9:30am - 4:30pm. FOREST AT FENCE Enjoy two house gins Pendle Gin and Ribble Gin, distilled on site in their 30 litre still The Gin Spinner.
produce first class hand-crafted beers. They host an open evening on the second Friday of the month and are also available to hire for groups of 20+
Events
Prosecco Festival King Georges Hall – Blackburn 31st August Gin and Rum Festival – Blackpool 28th September Oktoberfest – Guys Thatched Hamlet 26 – 27 October For more fantastic events go to visitlancashire.com/whatson 38 |
visitlancashire.com
‌and breathe
We all know that sometimes life can be trying and when this happens it is important to make sure you take time off to nurture yourself and reboot. A short break to Lancashire is the perfect medicine, with its award-winning spas, rolling countryside, breath taking coast and wellness facilities, here are a few suggestions to help rebalance and rejuvenate.
Forest of Bowland AONB 40 |
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The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village
Spa retreat Slip into the comfort of a soft cotton robe and lose yourself in luxury at one of Lancashire’s spas, each one surrounded by stunning countryside and greenery, making it easy to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life and embrace the here and now. Opt for a traditional massage using fragrant oils or slip away to a place of true relaxation with new kid on the block, floatation therapy.
Try these: Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village Wrightington Hotel Health Club & Spa Inside Spa | Stanley House Hotel & Spa Spa on the Breck | The Woodland Spa | Shaw Hill Golf Resort and Spa | Rosscos Float Rooms.
The art of cosiness Wet days and dark evenings can be the perfect recipe for spending time with loved ones, think fairy lights, log fires, blankets and hot chocolate with your favourite individuals, or even a wonderful warming meal at a Lancashire pub with a glass of wine.
Try these: Samlesbury Hall Shepherd’s Huts | Lantern & Larks | The Shireburn Arms | The Cartford Inn Samlesbury Hall Shepherd’s Huts
Hare House & Barn Owl at Cobblestone Barn. visitlancashire.com
| 41
Pendle WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Singing Ringing Tree
Get back to nature Take off your shoes and walk barefoot in the cool grass or soft sand, inhale the fresh air and slowly release and let go. Research shows that being outdoors in nature relaxes the body, reduces feelings of stress and improves your mood. Connect with nature through a mindful walk around one of Lancashire’s many green spaces taking in the sights, sounds and smells, learn
Stretch it out
about the local wildlife at a nature reserve or simply
For a deeper sense of relaxation and wellbeing
take a few deep breaths of the fresh sea air.
why not try a meditation class, learn the art of
Try these:
yoga or indulge in a therapeutic sound bath. Classes and programmes are available across
Brockholes | Beacon Fell | WWT Martin Mere
the whole of Lancashire, providing respite from
Wetland Centre | Pendle Hill | Forest of Bowland
a busy schedule. However you choose to relax,
AONB | Lytham St Annes | Rivington Pike
Lancashire offers a fantastic range of options
Singing Ringing Tree – Panopticon
to create a soothing short break.
Belmont 42 |
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The magnificently medieval Samlesbury Hall is nearly 700 years old and one of the most magical old houses in Lancashire. Explore all the fascinating nooks and crannies of the Hall, or take
On sunny days, afternoon tea by the fountain is a must.
an entertaining tour with Janey the Witch or King Henry VIII, who bring the historic rooms to life. Stay for lunch in the award winning restaurant, or treat yourself to freshly baked waffles and ice-cream at Dottie’s (why not both?) All food is locally sourced and prepared daily for your enjoyment.
The Mayflower playground (complete with its own miniature Samlesbury Hall) is perfect for little ones, or follow the fairy door trail. Taste Samlesbury’s own honey and visit the bees that helped make it, it in the Hall’s own bee centre. Spend a cosy night by the
The gardens are awash with colour, from beautiful blooms in the rosarium, to an array of
fire pit in the shepherd’s hut hamlet, surrounded by gorgeous festoon-lit woodland – this is
flowers in the cobbled courtyard.
glamping at its very best!
OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND, ENTRY IS FREE FOR ALL AGES TO ENJOY. Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Lancashire PR5 0UP | 01254 812010 www.samlesburyhall.co.uk | info@samlesburyhall.co.uk please always check the website for opening times before you travel
A green getaway If you are looking for ways to make your short break to Lancashire more environmentally friendly, we have compiled some handy tips for going green. From where to stay and what to pack, you will not only feel better about your travels, but you will have a great time too.
Watkinsons Farm Glamping 44 |
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Hipping Hall
Watkinsons Farm Glamping
Bowland Food Hall
Stanley Villa Farm camping pods
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
White Swan at Fence
Accommodation
Eat Local
Things to do
There are lots of ways to have
Lancashire’s landscape makes
There’s a whole heap of things
a greener stay in Lancashire,
sourcing ingredients locally
to do for the environmentally
whether you want to go
a breeze, you’ll find many
conscious in Lancashire,
completely off-grid, spend a
restaurants, pubs and cafes
whether you want to spend
night on a working farm, or
boasting local seasonal produce
time in nature, learn more
enjoy small luxuries using
on their menus. Looking to
about wildlife conservation
green energy at a Green
cook for yourself? The county
or pick up a new skill.
Tourism accredited cottage.
is also home to some of the
Try these:
best farm shops, market
Try these:
stalls and foodie events.
Brockholes Nature Reserve | WWT Martin Mere Wetland
Cronkshaw Fold Farm | Watkinsons Farm Glamping |
Try these:
Centre | Kingfisher Cruises horse
Stanley Villa Farm camping pods |
The Cartford Inn | Freemasons at
drawn boats | Forest of Bowland
Lower Clougha Cottage | Malkin
Wiswell | Hipping Hall | Preston
AONB | Rossall Point Fleetwood
Tower Farm
Market | Bowland Food Hall |
Conservation Day – 8 Sept
Port of Lancaster Smokehouse |
Beach Craft Skills – 22 Sept
White Swan at Fence | Countrystyle Meats Farm Shop visitlancashire.com
| 45
Brockholes Nature Reserve
Travel
Volunteer
Handy Tips
Lancashire’s public transport
Want to help out in the area
•
network, walking routes
you’re visiting? There are
Fill reusable water bottles and thermos with drinks for trips out
and cycle ways offer a great
plenty of volunteer programmes
•
alternative to travelling around
available across Lancashire
the county by car, providing
for both locals and visitors
Take a picnic of local produce, and pack lunches in paper bags and beeswax wraps
more time to take in the
alike, whether it is for an
wonderful surroundings.
event, building a new dry
•
Take rubbish home, or find out where the nearest recycling centre is
•
Pack light with plastic free shampoo, soap and deodorant
•
Use a local guide, to learn the best places to visit, eat and drink and explore the area on foot
wall or a beach clean.
Try these: On Yer Bike Cycles | Blackpool
Go to visitlancashire.com to
Bike and Go | Morecambe Bay
find out more.
Electric Bike Network | The Lancashire Cycleway | Lancashire Coastal Way
Fleetwood 46 |
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Nestling in the heart of Bowland, between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District
Laythams Holiday Lets Retreat
For the ultimate relaxation ask about our private hot tub and sauna.
Escape to our luxurious lakehouse as shown or gather with friends in our cosy multi-family cottages. Visit our website and explore Laythams!
Enjoy the tranquillity and natural beauty of the stars in this designated Dark Sky area.
info@laythams.co.uk | www.laythams.co.uk | 01200 44 66 77 or 07787 17 11 07 |
“a delightful rural location...” mowbreckpark.co.uk Mowbreck Holiday and Residential Park Mowbreck Lane, Wesham PR4 3HA
Situated just six miles away from Blackpool and Lytham St Annes, Mowbreck Park is set in the former grounds of the Earl of Derby’s estate, a delightful rural location in the heart of the Fylde countryside. Buy your own holiday home, to use whenever you choose, or just stay for a short break in one of our luxury holiday caravans available to hire. 01772 682494 info@mowbreckpark.co.uk
Beacon Fell View Holiday Park, Ribble Valley ort Sh aks Brefrom
Caravan Holiday Homes Forest of Bowland
9
£9
Heated Indoor Pool Lodges overlooking Ribble Valley FREE Owners Unlimited Wifi
Where every day is a good day. Nestled in the stunning Ribble Valley in the heart of Lancashire, Beacon fell View Holiday Park boasts breath-taking views as well as fun and adventure both on and off the park - explore the Forest of Bowland or spend the day enjoying the bright lights of Blackpool - the choice is yours! Pre-owned Caravan Holiday Homes start from £12,500, with new models from £22,995. Holidays no longer need to cost a fortune!
check availability and book online
hagansleisure.co.uk or call our ownership team on
01772 783 233
Book your holiday today! Visit
pure-leisure.co.uk
Luxury Lodge Holidays from £340 a week
Telephone
01524 952774
Spend idyllic days fishing Indulgence with a treatment at Pure Essence Spa Enjoy a delicious meal at Waters Edge Restaurant Relax with a swim Or just spend the days taking in the fantastic surroundings from your lodge
Just minutes from Junction 35 of the M6, South Lakeland Leisure Village is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of every day life and is just touching distance from The Lake District!
Tee off in
LANCASHIRE Lancashire is a golfer’s paradise, whether you are a beginner
learning the difference between a birdie and an albatross or a
seasoned pro looking to improve your handicap, from a range of globally famous courses along the coastline to courses in the beautiful Lancashire countryside. Royal Lytham and St Annes has a proud history of supporting golf at the top level. It has staged 11 Open Championships, four Women’s British Opens, two Ryder Cups, the Curtis Cup, four Amateur Championships and thee Ladies British Open Amateur Championships including its inaugural year in 1893. Others such as St Annes Old Links are where the professionals to qualify and several of these golf courses, and other less tricky ones, are open to the public, allowing you to practice your swing in style!
Lancashire Golf Courses Herons Reach Golf Club Rossendale Golf Club Best Western Garstang Country Hotel & Golf Club Bentham Golf Club Lytham Golf Academy Penwortham Golf Club Wrightington Hotel & Health Club Hurlston Hall Golf & Country Club Shaw Hill Golf & Spa Hotel Towneley Golf Club
Events To see what golfing events are coming up go to visitlancashire.com/whatson visitlancashire.com
| 49
Journey around MIDDLE EARTH
Mr Frodo Baggins and I have a couple of things
hobbit sized walking boots and popped into The
in common – we both have abnormally large feet
Shireburn Arms, in Hurst Green to grab a map and
for our size, and we are quite partial to the odd
to reserve a table for our return feast.
adventure around Middle Earth – to save the world and such. My Middle Earth journey is a teensy bit easier
Traipsing through the green I can see why J.R.R Tolkien may have been in love with this part of Lancashire. The walk takes you past Stonyhurst
than his though, as I am of course talking about
College, through shallow streams, across wooden
the Lancashire Tolkien Trail. The relatively flat,
bridges and along the meandering rivers of Ribble,
9km circular route that ventures through stunning
Calder and Hodder.
countryside and past Stonyhurst College, all said to
Although you can witness several similarities
have inspired the famous Lord of the Rings author.
between the books and local area, from street names,
Always keen to learn more about what influenced this legendary writer, I pulled on my
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rivers and views, it is the overall magic of the area that you can see inspiring Tolkien. You can truly
Forest of Bowland AONB
imagine the trees coming alive and trolls hiding under bridges, elves and hobbits could be real and you have somehow transported into the middle of it all. Still glowing from the rush you get from being outdoors, I head back to The Shireburn Arms, where a warm welcome and the kind of food that feeds your soul awaits for me. For more information on this walk and others go to visitlancashire.com
Shireburn Arms visitlancashire.com
| 51
Northcote Cookery School
Skills for life
There’s a kind of anxious excitement that you get stepping into a new learning environment. Bumping into others and asking ‘Are you here for..?’ ‘Yep, not sure what it’s going to be like!’ This could be something spectacular, a new
found love, hobby or even business venture. The great thing about learning a new skill is although a break in Lancashire might be over in a week, this will stay with your forever.
visitlancashire.com
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Lasting memories made in Lancashire Choc Amor
Pilling Pottery
Northcote Cookery School
A world award-winning
A real working potter, Pilling
One of the UK’s top culinary
Lancashire based manufacturer
Pottery has a range of classes
schools, this institution offers
of fiendishly good chocolate.
to help guide attendees through
a variety of culinary courses,
Courses provide an enthusiastic
the pottery process from start to
from skills and techniques,
introduction to the company,
finish, whether it is learning the
entertaining, themed classes, and
followed either by a
potters’ wheel or just painting an
premium master classes, with a
demonstration and the chance
already crafted creation.
choice of half days and full days.
Alternative Adventure & Outdoor Activities
Lancashire Wine School
Celebrating 26 years of outdoor
Lancashire Wine School offers
education, activities include;
a variety of tasting experiences
rock climbing, open canoeing,
and workshops throughout the
orienteering, abseiling, archery,
country, not just for wine but for
gorge walking, caving and
gin and beer too.
to make your own chocolate or a full tasting course, depending on the option chosen.
mountain biking as well as many more exciting choices.
Lightworks Stained Glass From their studio at the heart of the beautiful Ribble Valley, Lightworks Stained Glass offer an informal and highly enjoyable practical introduction to the ancient craft of stained glass. Learn all the principal techniques and take home your very own masterpiece.
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Fun and informative, the
Cuckoo Gin Workshops
British Textile Biennial
After a short tour and
3 October – 3 November 2019
introduction into the types of gin
Throwing a spotlight on the
Brindle Distillery produce, the
nation’s creativity, innovation
main event sees you pick your
and expression in textiles,
own botanicals and create a gin
the biennial will be a series of
recipe to distil in your very own mini pot still, once bottled and signed off by the Master Distiller the recipe is kept on file and can be reordered.
The Bee Centre Get a practical introduction to bee keeping with a one day workshop. You will get up close
installations, performances, artworks and workshops, taking a dynamic look at our relationship with cloth.
and personal with the bees in their purpose-built apiary and gain a good understanding of how to keep bees enjoyably and successfully.
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| 55
Advertorial
The politics of cloth
3rd October – 3rd November 2019 Various locations across Pennine Lancashire The first BRITISH TEXTILE BIENNIAL throws a spotlight on the nation’s creativity, innovation and expression in textiles against the backdrop of the impressive infrastructure of the cotton industry in Pennine Lancashire Throughout October 2019 the Biennial will look at fabric as a means of expression; exploring textiles as a vehicle for protest and cultural identity in installations, performances and art works that take a dynamic look at our relationship with that most basic and ancient of human creations, cloth.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE LIVE THE DREAM
BANNER CULTURE
Undertaking a residency in
New works by artist Jamie
From the traditional processional
Burnley, Reetu, an international
Holman celebrating a history
to contemporary D.I.Y messages
performance artist based
of radical gatherings where the
of protest, this mass presentation
in Dhaka, will explore the
working class youth of the North
of banners in the epic spaces of
histories and relationships
resisted, rejected, and finally
the iconic Brierfield Mill comes
between Bangladesh and
reclaimed the spaces that cotton
from heritage collections and
Lancashire through the prism
made and then abandoned.
campaigning groups across the UK.
of the cotton industry.
ALICE KETTLE: THREAD
CULT CULTURE SUBVERSION
FASHION FOOTBALL FAITH
BEARING WITNESS
T-shirts were the social media
In the 1980s young people
Thread Bearing Witness is a
of the 1980s - this large-
adopted the trainer as a symbol
body of three monumental
scale exhibition charts the
of their identity, nowhere more
textile pieces exploring the
influence of politics, art and
so than in the North West; this
refugee experience across
fashion on the most affordable
exhibition charts the evolution
land, sea and sky, capturing
and popular item of clothing
of the design of this cult item.
their stories in these
of the twentieth century.
beautifully wrought threads. Full programme details can be found on the website at WWW.BRITISHTEXTILEBIENNIAL.CO.UK /britishtextilebiennial 56 |
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@textilebiennial
What’s On
Aug to Dec 2019
August
November
WINTER GARDENS TOUR 13 August
SIXTIES GOLD 2 November
THE PROCLAIMERS: LIVE IN CONCERT 17 August
LENNY HENRY: WHO AM I AGAIN? 3 November
KING OF POP FEAT. NAVI 18 August
WORLD FAMOUS ELVIS TRIBUTE SHOW 9 November
MOTOWN THE MUSICAL 27 - 31 August
THE GIRL ON A TRAIN 19 - 23 November
ELMER THE ELEPHANT 30 - 31 August
December
THE CLONE ROSES 31 August
ONE NIGHT ONLY 14 December
September
HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS 13 - 29 December
THE BRITISH COUNRTY MUSIC FESTIVAL 13 - 15 September
NEW YEARS EVE FAMILY PARTY 31 December
ALED JONES & RUSSELL WATSON 18 Sepetmber
NEW YEARS EVE SOUL PARTY 31 December
WINTER GARDENS TOUR 19 September
2020
FOOD ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL 21 - 22 September
WE WILL ROCK YOU 6 - 11 January
FASTLOVE: A TRIBUTE TO GEORGE MICHAEL 27 September
THE KAISER CHIEFS WITH GUESTS RAZORLIGHT 24 January
DIVERSITY: BORN READY 28 September
CURTAINS THE MUSICAL 3 - 7 March
October
DAVID WALLIAMS’ BILLIONAIRE BOY 11 - 15 March
KINKY BOOTS 1 - 12 October
STRICTLY COME DANCING THE PROFESSIONALS 14 May
CALENDAR GRILS THE MUSICAL 15 - 19 October
TRIXIE MATTEL 15 May
PRISILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT 21 - 26 October
BLACKPOOL INTERNATIONAL SOUL FESTIVAL 5 12 - 14 June
WINTER GARDENS TOUR 28 October
JANE MCDONALD 26 - 27 June
WILL YOUNG 29 October
JIMMY CARR: TERRIBLY FUNNY 20 November
0844 856 1111* Online wintergardensblackpool.co.uk Box Office
*0844 calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. Booking fees may apply.
wgbpl
Samantha Womack stars in thriller, The Girl On A Train 19 - 23 November 2019
Here is a snapshot of some of the events taking place in Lancashire in 2019.
EVENTS &
FESTIVALS To see a full list and details of the
wonderful things to do in the area go to visitlancashire.com/events
All event details are correct to the best of our knowledge but may be subject to changes or cancellations. Please contact the organiser or check the event website before making a special journey to an event.
GRAND THEATRE
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5 – 28 Aug
10 Aug
17 Aug
Summer Fun with Betsy
Theatre On The Square
Outdoor Theatre - Gangsta
Bumblebee
Accrington
Granny
Samlesbury Hall, nr Preston
Brockholes Nature Reserve 10-11 Aug
6 – 28 Aug
Blackpool Air Show
Steve Royle’s Comedy Chaos For Kids Grand Theatre, Blackpool
17-18 Aug Lytham 1940s Wartime
10 – 11 Aug West Lancashire Light Railway
Weekend Lytham Green
Summer Gala 7 - 31 Aug Around The World In 80s Days
West Lancashire Light Railway, Hesketh Bank
Grand Theatre, Blackpool
17 – 18 Aug Sci-Fi on the Sidings East Lancashire Railway, Bury
10 – 18 Aug 8, 15, 22 Aug
Pendle Walking Festival
Pizza & Prosecco Night Samlesbury Hall, nr Preston
Fylde Coast Food and 11 Aug Trawden Show
8 - 26 Aug
18 Aug
Trawden Village
Drink Festival Marine Hall and Gardens, Fleetwood
Bubble & Bounce Guy’s Thatched Hamlet, Bilsborrow
13 Aug Theatre in the Park presents Romeo and Juliet
9 Aug
Wild Families: Gruffalo Brockholes Nature Reserve
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre 22 Aug
Band at the End of the World Flag Market, Preston
King George’s Hall, Blackburn 20 Aug
16 Aug Bat and Barn Owl Nights
10 Aug
Elmer the Patchwork Elephant
East Lancashire Railway, Bury
Clitheroe Food Festival Clitheroe Town Centre
Hoghton Tower, nr Preston 19 Aug
15 & 29 Aug Wizard Academy
10 Aug
Farmers Market
Astley Park, Chorley
Family Fitness Festival Lytham Hall, Lytham
18 Aug
16 Aug Lytham 40s on Friday Lytham Green 16 – 17 Aug Stonyhurst Literature and Film Festival
Theatre in the Park presents Wuthering Heights Astley Park, Chorley 22 Aug Dinky Dinosaur Adventure East Lancashire Railway, Bury
Stonyhurst College, nr Clitheroe 23-25 Aug 17 Aug Bohemian Rhapsody Stonyhurst Outdoor Cinema
Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival Colne
23 Aug - 1 Sep
30 Aug
Paw Patrol Brick Trail
Blackpool Illuminations
Blackburn Town Centre
Switch-On Blackpool Tower Festival Headland
23-25 Aug Great Eccleston Tractor
30 Aug – 3 Nov
Pulling Championships
Blackpool Illuminations
Great Eccleston Showfield
Blackpool
24 Aug
31 Aug
Pop Party on the Square
Amazing Accrington
Accrington Town Centre
Soapbox Challenge Accrington Town Centre
24 Aug Taste of Leyland Leyland Town Centre
31 Aug – 1 Sep Vintage by the Sea Festival 2019
24 – 26 Aug Great British Food Festival Stonyhurst College, Hurst Green 25 Aug Ormskirk Motorfest Town Centre and Corporation Park, Ormskirk 25-26 Aug Big Machines Weekend Thornton Hall Country Park 27 Aug Ride the Lights Blackpool Promenade 29 Aug - 31 Aug Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool 29 Aug – 1 Sep Fleetwood Folk and Blues Weekend 2019 Marine Hall and Gardens, Fleetwood
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Morecambe
SEP
1 Sept
1 Sep Outdoor Theatre Wuthering Heights Brockholes Nature Reserve 1 Sep Classic Cars Hoghton Tower, nr Preston 3-14 Sep Doctor Dolittle The Musical Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool 5 – 8 Sep Guy’s Oyster Festival Billsborrow, nr Garstang 6 – 7 Sep Nelson Food Festival Nelson Town Centre 6 - 8 Sep St Annes International Kite Festival St Annes Beach 6, 13, 20 & 27 Sep World Fireworks Championship Blackpool Blackpool Tower Festival Headland 7 Sep Wildlife Photography Workshop WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre 7 Sep British Paraorchestra Empress Ballroom, Winter Gardens, Blackpool
7 Sep Quest of Thrones Party Park Hall Hotel, Chorley 7 – 8 Sep In the Night Garden Live Grand Theatre, Blackpool 7-8 Sep Lancashire Game and Country Festival Scorton 8 Sep Drawing and Painting Workshop WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre 8 Sep
14 Sep
22 Sep
Lancaster Festa Italia
Heritage Open Day at
Islands In The Stream
Lancaster City Centre
Gawthorpe Hall
Grand Theatre, Blackpool
Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham 22 Sep
8 Sep An Evening Of Comedy Lytham Hall, Lytham
15 Sep Shrek™ visit to Thornton Hall
Rhod Gilbert King George’s Hall, Blackburn
Country Park 11-15 Sep Lancaster Jazz Festival Various locations
Thornton Hall Country Park
28 Sep Chocolate Festival
18 – 21 Sep
Accrington
The Addams Family 13-15 Sep The British Country Music Festival
Grand Theatre, Blackpool
28 - 29 Sep September Spectacular
21 – 22 Sep
Opera House & Winter
Animal Magic
Gardens, Blackpool
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Heritage Tram Tours, Blackpool 29 Sep Preston 10k
13-22 Sep
21 – 22 Sep
Heritage Open Days
Food, Arts and Music Festival
Across Lancashire
Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Market Street, Preston 30 Sep -12 Oct Kinky Boots The Musical Opera House & Winter
21 – 22 Sep
Gardens, Blackpool
Heritage Open Days at Marsh Mill Windmill Thornton
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OCT Throughout October Illuminations Tram Tours Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours 1 – 31 Oct Halloween and Pumpkin Picking Thornton Hall Farm Country Park, Pendle 2 Oct Driving Mr Morecambe The Grand at Clitheroe 3 Oct - 3 Nov British Textile Biennial Various locations across Pennine Lancashire 4 Oct Stick Man King George’s Hall, Blackburn 4 – 5 Oct Chorley Live Chorley Town Centre 5 – 6 Oct Day Out With Thomas East Lancashire Railway, Bury 5 Oct Imagination The Muni Theatre, Colne 6 Oct West Lancashire Light Railway Working Engines Gala West Lancashire Light Railway
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10 – 14 Oct
19-21 Oct
Lancaster Music Festival
Nickelodeon’s SLIMEFEST
Lancaster
Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
11 – 26 Oct
21- 26 Oct
Lightpool Festival 2019
Guy’s “Not So Scary”
Blackpool
Halloween Half Term Fun Guy’s Thatched Hamlet,
12 Oct
Billsborrow
The Gin Society Festival Lancaster Town Hall
21 – 26 Oct Priscilla Queen of the Desert
13 Oct Clitheroe Blues Festival
Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool
The Grand Theatre Clitheroe 24 Oct 15 Oct Russian National Ballet:
Illuminated Tram Parade The Promenade, Blackpool
The Nutcracker The Muni Theatre, Colne
26 – 27 Oct Halloween Witches Bus Tour
15 - 19 Oct
Pendle Witch Experience
Calendar Girls The Musical Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool
26 – 27 Oct Ghastley Astley Hall Astley Hall, Chorley
17 Oct Rock For Heroes King George’s Hall, Blackburn
31 Oct – 2 Nov Halloween Ghost Trains East Lancashire Railway, Bury
18 – 20 Oct Autumn Steam Gala East Lancashire Railway, Bury 19 – 20 Oct Marsh Mill – 225th Birthday Thornton – Cleveleys 19 Oct Rock and Roll Revolution Burnley Mechanics Theatre
NOV 1 Nov Astley Bonfire and Fireworks Astley Hall, Chorley 1 – 2 Nov Light Up Lancaster Lancaster City Centre 2 Nov Bonfire & Fireworks Extravaganza Thornton Hall Country Park, Pendle 5 Nov Fleetwood Firework Spectacular Marine Hall, Fleetwood 15 - 16 Nov Gin & Rum Festival Level at Preston Guild Hall 16 Nov Christmas Lights Switch On Barnoldswick 17 Nov Marine Hall Christmas Market 2019 Marine Hall and Gardens, Fleetwood 19 - 23 Nov Girl On The Train Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool 23 Nov Astley Illuminated Astley Hall Museum, Chorley
23 – 24 Nov
30 Nov – 22 Dec
Lancashire Weekend
Chorley’s Santa Express
East Lancashire Railway, Bury
Astley Hall Museum, Chorley
23 Nov
30 Nov – 24 Dec
The Lancashire Hotpots
Santa Specials
King George’s Hall, Blackburn
East Lancashire Railway, Bury
23 Nov - 5 Jan
30 Nov – 24 Dec
Lancaster On Ice
A Thornton Hall Christmas
Dalton Square, Lancaster
Adventure Thornton Hall Country
24 Nov
Park, Pendle
Mugenkvo Taiko Drummers Grand Theatre, Blackpool
30 Nov – 31 Dec Aladdin
27 Nov Lancashire Day Events across Lancashire
Blackburn Empire Theatre
DEC 1 Dec
8 Dec
13 Dec - 29 Dec
Crafty Vintage Christmas
Wyre Estuary Country Park
Horrible Christmas
Markets
Christmas Fayre
Opera House & Winter
Holmes Mill, Clitheroe
Wyre Estuary Country Park, Stanah
Gardens, Blackpool
1 Dec
8 – 31 Dec
14 Dec
Santa Barges Inn
Cinderella
Chorley Food and Craft Market
Guy’s Thatched Hamlet,
King George’s Hall, Blackburn
Chorley Town Centre
Bilsborrow 10 - 11 Dec 4 Dec – 5 Jan
14 - 15 Dec
Garstang Victorian Christmas
Great British Food Festival -
Peter Pan
Festival
Christmas Festival
Grand Theatre, Blackpool
Garstang Town Centre
Stonyhurst College, Hurst Green
7 Dec
12 Dec
14 Dec
A Victorian Christmas
G4 Christmas
Big Country
Gawthorpe Hall, Burnley
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
King George’s Hall, Blackburn
From breezy kite festivals and nostalgic 1940s events to firework spectaculars and music festivals, events are a Lancashire speciality.
Find out more at visitlancashire.com
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to learn more about the places featured in this guide and other Lancashire locations go to
visitlancashire.com
PLANNING YOUR TRIP By Road
By Rail
The M6 runs right through Lancashire connecting
Lancashire has excellent rail connections from all
to the M61, M65, M55 and several major A roads. In
over the country – just two hours from London on
less than an hour’s drive from Manchester, Liverpool
the West Coast Line with Virgin Trains with stations
and Leeds you could be exploring the vast Pennine
at Preston and Lancaster. Change at Preston to reach
Fells, beautiful Ribble Valley or driving along the
the towns of Clitheroe, Burnley, Blackburn, Colne
world famous Blackpool promenade.
and Ormskirk. There are also direct trains traveling from Manchester to most Lancashire towns
By Water
and cities.
If you’re lucky enough to travel by water then both the Lancaster canal and Leeds-Liverpool canal give you the chance to sail right into the heart of places
By Air
Both Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester
like Lancaster, Garstang and Burnley, whilst you’ll
Airport have frequent flights serving Europe and
also get amazing views of our stunning countryside
international airports including Beijing, Hong Kong
and wildlife on route.
and New York. Manchester Airport has direct trains to many Lancashire destinations every 30 minutes and it’s less than an hour’s drive from Manchester to Preston.
By Bike
Bring your bike to Lancashire (or hire one when you get here) and appreciate the variety of terrain
GLASGOW
and breath-taking views. You can pick up hire
2 HRS BY TRAIN
NEWCASTLE AIRPORT 2.5 HRS BY CAR
LIVERPOOL AIRPORT & CRUISE TERMINAL
LESS THAN AN HOUR BY CAR
LEEDS 1.5 HRS BY CAR HULL PORT
2.5 HRS BY CAR
MANCHESTER AIRPORT
LESS THAN AN HOUR BY CAR
BIRMINGHAM
bikes from a number of railway stations including Morecambe, Blackburn, Preston and Ormskirk, all at reasonable prices. Leisure Lakes Bikes in Lancaster city centre has a range of hire bikes including electric and hybrid, and Blackpool hire scheme has comfortable yellow bikes from the Palatine Leisure Centre. See cyclelancashire.com for a full list of cycle hire venues.
2.5 HOURS BY CAR
LONDON
2 HOURS BY TRAIN
For more information on travelling to and around Lancashire go to visitlancashire.com
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LAKE DISTRICT KIRKBY LONSDALE
ARNSIDE & SILVERDALE AONB
YORKSHIRE DALES
CARNFORTH
M6 A683
A6
MORECAMBE
LANCASTER
HEYSHAM
A65
FOREST OF BOWLAND AONB A587
FLEETWOOD
A585
A6068
SCORTON
A588
SAWLEY
WHITEWELL GARSTANG
CLEVELEYS
A682
CHIPPING
A586
THORNTON
CLITHEROE
POULTON LE FYLDE
A59
BLACKPOOL
A6
WHALLEY
M55 KIRKHAM
A584
PRESTON
A583 A59
A565
M65
LEYLAND
RUFFORD
A675
A581
A570 A5209
A5147
BURSCOUGH
ORMSKIRK
A59 A570
A577
A49
M6
A6
A6177
ACCRINGTON
A682
A671
HASLINGDEN
DARWEN RAWTENSTALL
M66 GREATER MANCHESTER
M61
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Stargazing in the Forest of Bowland Š Matthew Savage