Visit Lancashire Magazine 2018 by Visit Lancashire

Visitor Magazine 2018

LANCASHIRE Accommodation that would suit a rock star â&#x20AC;&#x201C; THE CARTFORD INN NEW MICHELIN AWARD FOR THE COUNTY Immerse yourself in the cultural beauty of Lancashire

RURAL ESCAPES, CITY BREAKS & COASTAL ADVENTURES

Award-Winning

Events, Shows & Festivals

WORLD CLASS Food & Drink

GREAT DAYS OUT

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On 2018 THE CLASSIC ROCK SHOW 3 Feb 2018 THIS IS ELVIS 5 - 10 Feb 2018 BRENDAN COLE: ALL NIGHT LONG 1 March 2018 JAMES AND OLA 3 March 2018 FROM STAGE TO SCREEN 13 March 2018 REMEMBERING FRED 31 March 2018 CIRQUE DU HILARIOUS 2 April 2018 SHERIDAN SMITH 17 April 2018 BETH HART 26 April 2018 GARY BARLOW IN CONCERT SOLD OUT! 27 & 28 April 2018 SARAH MILICAN 2 May 2018 RUSSELL BRAND 10 May 2018 GRUMPY OLD WOMEN TO THE RESCUE 11 May 2018 SHREK THE MUSICAL 15 - 27 May 2018 BLACKPOOL DANCE FESTIVAL 24 May - 1 June 2018 FAT FRIENDS THE MUSICAL 29 May - 2 June 2018 JANE MCDONALD 9 June 2018 BLACKPOOL INTERNATIONAL SOUL FESTIVAL 3 15 - 17 June 2018 BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL 19 - 23 June 2018 ELVIS CELEBRATION 2018 29 June - 1 July 2018 TITANIC THE MUSICAL 9 - 14 July 2018 KEVIN & KAREN DANCE 20 July 2018 THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG 7 - 11 August 2018 MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE 11 - 15 September 2018

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he 2018 edition of the Lancashire magazine offers 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, coast and towns. Enjoy stunning views, quiet lanes, rare wildlife and our famous Lancashire coastline. There is the unique, wildlife rich Morecambe Bay in the north to the flat and fertile coastal plains around Ormskirk and the Ribble Estuary. The world-famous seaside town of Blackpool with its iconic Tower in the west to the undulating fells and moorland of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the famous Pendle Hill in the east, visitors to Lancashire are truly spoilt! Take your time exploring our fantastic county and enjoy a short break. You will find an amazing variety of quality accommodation from peaceful rural self-catering retreats to dazzling city centre hotels. There are seaside chic guest houses and B&Bs with amazing views of our countryside to activity packed holiday villages. Whether you are looking for a cosy farm stay or a fabulously decadent break at a boutique hotel you’re sure to find the perfect getaway. You can Taste Lancashire too from the unique variety of produce grown, caught, made or reared in the county - from the unique variety of produce, grown, caught, made or reared here in Lancashire, to the great choice of award winning cafes, restaurants, pubs and inns such as The Cartford Inn, originally a 17th century coaching inn located at the historic crossing of the River Wyre. There are few places in the UK that can match Lancashire’s abundance, quality and sheer passion for food. For a gourmet getaway treat then why not try Northcote a renowned small luxury hotel with a Michelin star restaurant situated in the heart of the county. Or head over to West Lancashire and enjoy a stay in the Grade II listed Moor Hall. In less than a year of opening with Chef Patron Mark Birchall at the helm, it has already earned a Michelin star and four AA Rosettes. We have a packed year-round events calendar here in Lancashire. Enjoy award-winning music and food festivals, concerts in castles or stately homes. Take part in one of the UK's biggest free walking festivals in Pendle, the UK’s largest walkabout theatre in England’s historic city of Lancaster, or ride the UK's first double launch coaster ICON opening at Blackpool Pleasure Beach this spring. You’ll find a whole lot more on visitlancashire.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest events, special offers and new developments. We hope we’ve inspired you to choose Lancashire for a short break or to welcome you back again to the county where life feels good!

#WhereLifeFeelsGood Published by: Marketing Lancashire, Farington House, Lancashire Enterprise Business Park, Leyland, PR26 6TW. Get in touch via info@visitlancashire.com Design by: Creative Council

creative-council.net

Front cover: Beacon Fell Country Park in the Forest of Bowland AONB Want to promote your business via Visit Lancashire? Contact: info@marketinglancashire.com New luxury studio cabins at The Cartford Inn

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.

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WELCOME

| 3

21 - 23 September 2018 Preston city centre

Preston PR1 2PP

LancsEncounter www.prestonguildcity.co.uk/LancsEncounter

CONTENT

A LUXURY

STAY

at the award-winning Cartford Inn Enter our latest prize draw and you could be lucky enough to win an overnight stay for two in one of The Cartford Inn’s new luxury studio cabins. Plus enjoy dinner for two at The Cartford Inn, winner of ‘best pub’ in the recent Lancashire Tourism Awards 2017. The Cartford Inn has become a leading establishment in making Lancashire one of the best food and drink destinations in the country. The latest addition to the business are two quirky, luxury cabins with striking views of the river and the surrounding Lancashire countryside. Architecturally interesting and very eco-friendly ‘Ziggy’ and ‘The Robin’s Nest’ each has a swish bathroom, luxurious beds with a sensuous oval, free-standing baths at the base, living rooms with a sofa, and packed with high-end electronic media.

ENTER NOW AT VISITLANCASHIRE.COM/WIN Closing date 31 Aug 2018, Full Terms & Conditions available on the website.

Lancashire, home to…

2018 Hightlights

The Cartford Inn

Lancashire’s Most Loved Landmarks

Go the Extra Mile

Dog Days

10 Walks

IN Pendle

IN Ribble Valley

Alison Ashworth - Holmes Mill Food hall

Just Passing Through

Kevin Berkins - My Lancashire

The Hall With it All

Discover Ormskirk

IN Ormskirk

Taste Lancashire

Patrick Beaume – My Lancahire

Join the Lancashire Gin Revolution

Soaring Higher and Higher

IN Rossendale

Super Sophie

IN Burnley

Where to Stay

Adrenaline Rush - Outdoor Adventure

The Show Goes On... and on

Explore Lancashire's Art Scene

Lancashire's Grand Tour

IN Chorley

Houses and Museums

Return of the Encounter

IN Preston

Monuments and Moments

IN Leyland

The Great Indoors

Samlesbury Hall Visit/Stay/Eat/Play

Out & About

Sharon Jones- My Lancashire

Places to Stay and Places to Go

IN Blackburn

Lancashire's Leading Lights

Coastal Road Trip

102

IN Lytham

104

Land of Open Glory

107

IN Wyre

110

IN Morecambe Bay

114

IN Lancaster

118

Blackpool Zoo’s Mammoth New Project!

123

New in Blackpool

126

Events and Festivals

133

Planning Your Trip

145

And the Winner is...

146

For more information on all the places featured in the guide and many more go to

visitlancashire.com

top class theatre

cookery schools

Award-winning country pubs

s r i a F & s t e k Mar

adrenaline fuelled cycle routes Canals & Waterways

FIVE STAR ✩✩✩✩✩ RARE WILDLIFE ACCOMMODATION

THEME PARKS

miles of bridleways

SPECTACULAR LIGHT SHOWS TOLKIEN TRAIL

Award-winning

BREWERIES

240

Lancashire cheese, hotpot & Goosnargh chicken cheeses SEA VIEW

e Bamyps MorecambShri CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES

Gast r o pubs HISTORIC HOUSES APARTMENTS

wetland landscapes

LANCASHIRE WITCHES

Michelin starred restaurants

BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS

cosy rural cottages

steam railways

seasonal menus

hut glamping

WALKING TRAILS shepherd

pretty tea shops FANTASTIC

2 d o Ffestiovals

FIREWORKS

food halls

AREAS OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

COMMANDING CASTLES

C I N S LIVE E SC LEYritage music e y L h t i c VA a

OUTDOOR THEATRE

Luxury Spa Breaks

MUSEUMS & ART GALLERIES

MILES OF

COASTLINE

visitlancashire.com

#wherelifefeelsgood

LANCASHIRE

| 7

Ecofriendly luxury

2 Ricoh Women’s British Open

Lancashire Tourism Award’s

The Ricoh Women’s British Open

2017 Pub/ Inn of the year, The

will take place at Royal Lytham

Cartford Inn, has recently unveiled

& St Annes Golf Club for a ﬁfth

two quirky, luxury cabins with

time this year. The course is one

striking views of the river and

of the most challenging of the

the surrounding Lancashire

Open and Ricoh Women’s British

countryside. Architecturally

Open venues with 169 bunkers

interesting and very eco-friendly

to challenge the players. The

‘Ziggy’ and ‘The Robin’s Nest’ have

Club has hosted eleven Open

a swish bathroom, luxurious bed

Championships, the most recent

with sensuous oval, free-standing

in 2012. The women’s competition

bath at the base, living room with

was last played there in 2009 when

a sofa and as much high-end

Catriona Matthew famously became

electronic media as you are ever

the ﬁrst Scottish woman to clinch a

likely to need.

major title.

An ICON is born

Thrill seekers can be among the ﬁrst to ride the UK’s ﬁrst double launch rollercoaster. Due to be unveiled to the public this spring at the world-famous Blackpool Pleasure Beach, ICON will propel riders to heights of 88.5ft, with drops of up to 82ft. It will reach the same levels of acceleration felt by the driver of a Formula 1 car and will feature 15 interactions with other rides.

Circus 250

250 years ago, Philip Astley drew out a circle in the ground and filled it with astounding physical acts. This spectacle was the world’s very first circus. Blackpool has been named as one of the UK’s six Cities of Circus. The resort will be included in a year-round programme of events in 2018 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the very first circus in this country. Dating back to 1894, The Blackpool Tower Circus is the oldest permanent circus arena in the world. Sitting at the base of the tower, within the giant legs, the 110 x 110-foot arena seats an audience of 1,300 people!

2018 HIGHLIGHTS 8 |

2018 HIGHLIGHTS

#wherelifefeelsgood

visitlancashire.com

Holmes Mill Spa

Shrek the Musical

Going the distance

Early summer will see the opening

Following the unprecedented

Go the extra mile when you hire

of a fabulous gym, pool and spa

success of the ﬁrst UK and Ireland

an electric bike from Morecambe

within the former Weaving Shed

tour, the original production team

Bay’s Electric Bike Network – the

at Holmes Mill, Clitheroe. The

reunites to bring the hit musical to

perfect way for you to explore the

new facility is the last piece in

the Winter Gardens Blackpool from

stunning landscape of Morecambe

the jigsaw of the two year-long

Tuesday 15 May 2018 – Sunday

Bay. On longer journeys, an electric

transformation of a redundant

27 May 2018. Based on the story

bike means you don’t tire as easily

textiles mill complex. This

and characters from the Oscar®-

so you’re able to explore more of

incredible leisure and lifestyle

winning DreamWorks Animation

this area and the Bay Cycle Way. An

destination is open to members and

ﬁlm, this hilarious and spectacular

Electric Bike Network on route NCN

non-members alike. The new gym,

production turns the world of

700 will allow you to unearth your

pool and spa promises to do for the

fairy tales upside down in an all-

adventurous side with the subtle

body and soul what the Beer Hall

singing, all-dancing, must-see

but powerful assistance of the

and Food Hall have done for eating

musical comedy.

electric bikes, with charge and hire

& drinking in the town. The state of

points along the Bay.

Stay in a Shepherd’s Hut

In the grounds of historic Samlesbury Hall sits a gathering of 28 colourful huts. The Shepherd’s Hut Hamlet is a rustic and carefree alternative to your traditional hotel room. Just as luxurious but with a rural edge, The Hamlet is home to a collection of beautiful shepherd’s huts including dog friendly options, so you don’t have to leave your furry friend behind. Hand crafted to keep you toasty in winter and cool in the summer. This is glamping on

the art gym is complemented by a

a whole new level with none of the

20m swimming pool and a bank of

luxuries left out!

studios. The Thermal Suite features a hydrotherapy pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and solarium, not to mention the ice room, Rasul and thermal relaxation benches. The gym, pool and spa promise to be the perfect complement to the Spinning Block Hotel.

visitlancashire.com

#wherelifefeelsgood

2018 HIGHLIGHTS

| 9

Tornado: 9 the 100mph steam engine Batten down the hatches, Peppercorn Class A1 60163 “Tornado” is returning to the East Lancashire Railway. The legendary locomotive, Britain’s newest steam engine built in 2008, will be celebrating her 10th Birthday. Despite her youth, Tornado has

Turner Prize 10 Festival of Winner 2017 Making The 2nd Festival of Making –

Following the huge success of

taking place in Blackburn from

Michelin-starred Moor Hall, Mark

exhibition of the work of 2017

12-13 May will celebrate the UK’s

Birchall’s casual dining restaurant

Turner Prize winner and Preston-

unrivalled making heritage and

The Barn at Moor Hall promises

based artist Professor Lubaina

its bright future. Manufacturers

great things! From 35-day aged

Himid MBE. The Harris has had

large and small will collaborate

rib eye steaks to a full vegetarian

a long relationship with Lubaina,

with artists on a series of

menu, delicious side dishes and

showing her work on many

new commissions, interlacing

puddings galore, The Barn has

occasion.

traditional techniques and

something for everyone. There

materials with contemporary ideas.

is also a fantastic selection of

Wayne Hemingway, joint founder

hand crafted cocktails, bottled

of the National Festival of Making

and draught beers, whisky, vodka

and of HemingwayDesign, added:

and wine. Children’s menu also

“We are here to have a celebration

available.

feature ﬁlm Paddington 2, as well as being the ﬁrst locomotive to reach 100MPH in 50 years!

so expect The Festival of Making’s

This year East Lancashire Railway

music to make you move your feet,

also has the rare opportunity to

its street food to tickle your taste

purchase the iconic engine City

buds, its craft beers to hit the spot

of Wells and have launched an

and its workshops to introduce you

appeal to raise the funds. Go to

to new skills.”

eastlancsrailway.org.uk for details.

Gallery are showing a large-scale

fame in Top Gear and 2017 family

2018 HIGHLIGHTS

Dine in The Barn

The Harris Museum & Art

already become an icon, ﬁnding

10 |

#wherelifefeelsgood

visitlancashire.com

Market Life

Chorley 14 Grand Prix

Woodland Lodges

Granted a Royal Charter in 1286 by

Watch the country’s elite cyclists

Adventure awaits families, walkers

The Great British Rhythm & Blues

King Edward I, Ormskirk Market is

compete in the 2018 HSBC Spring

and cyclists at award winning

Festival, Britain’s largest and

a well-loved, twice weekly event.

Cup series on Sunday 15 April as

Browsholme Hall. The woodland

longest running event of its kind,

Renowned for being one of the

they battle it out over a challenging

development of ten luxury mini

is back with a bang in Colne.

UK’s oldest traditional outdoor

ﬁve-lap route through the Chorley

lodges in 2018 will be ideal for

Unveiling an extraordinary line-up

markets, you’ll ﬁnd it on every

countryside, before racing to the

short breaks. Situated in the heart

of contemporary musicians at

Thursday and Saturday. Held in

ﬁnish line on Park Road in Chorley

of the Forest of Bowland AONB,

the top of their game this August

the pedestrianised streets around

town centre.

with magniﬁcent views across the

Bank Holiday.

Rhythm & Blues

the famous Clock Tower oﬀering

Hodder Valley, clear night skies

around 100 stalls it attracts

and the freshest air, these cosy well

hundreds of shoppers each market

equipped lodges will be a perfect

day with its friendly, informal

place to relax.

atmosphere. Special events take place throughout the year including a Gingerbread Festival and the fantastic MotorFest, putting Ormskirk on the map as a great visitor destination!

For more information go to visitlancashire.com @visitlancashire

VisitLancashire

For the latest information on events, special oﬀers and new openings follow Visit Lancashire. Please share photographs and posts using the hashtag #wherelifefeelsgood

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2018 HIGHLIGHTS

| 11

THE CARTFORD INN

“Accommodation that would suit any rock star” Roger Borell, Editor, Lancashire Life Magazine

ancashire hot spot - “To Describe The Cartford Inn as an undiscovered gem would merely be to shine a light on my own ignorance; it has won

plenty of Awards in recent years. It’s just that I hadn’t stumbled across it before. Having found it, I declare it a standard bearer for the Gravy Moderne movement. Long may it flourish.” -

Jay Rayner, The Observer Magazine, Nov 17 The Cartford Inn has become a leading establishment in making Lancashire one of the

French taught techniques and of course, owner

about people, people’s expectations and people’s

Patrick’s real French influence from Bordeaux,

satisfaction. Our mission is to exceed both”

his birth town, it has become a recipe for

confirm both Julie and Patrick.

success. The proof in the pudding is some more

The latest addition to the business - two

recent recognition such as winning ‘best pub’

quirky, luxury cabins with striking views of

in the Lancashire Awards 2017, a dream review

the river and the surrounding Lancashire

from Jay Rayner, food critic for the Observer

countryside. They are architecturally interesting

and a resident critic on TV program Masterchef

and very eco-friendly. On the subject of

the professionals, and finally a re-entry in the

sustainability Patrick adds, “As a rural located

TOP 50 gastropubs sponsored by Estrella Damm.

business, we feel we have extra responsibilities

(www.top50gastropubs.com).

to contribute to our environment. Our business

Over the years and with huge investment

is dependent on preserving and conserving it, its

best food and drink destinations in the country.

in both the staff and the development of

culture and community. It is a core component

Jay Rayner refers to the Inn as, a term he coined,

the property, Patrick and Julie Beaumé have

of the crafted experiences we also provide to

“The Gravy Moderne movement. It describes a

transformed The Cartford from a historic but

our guests through our food, our décor and our

kitchen anchored in French classical technique,

standard country pub into a hospitality business

people.

but one that puts all that knowledge and skill

with a national reputation. They have won

in the service of a recognisable British pub

many accolades, such as Lancashire Life pub

views of the Fylde countryside stands TOTI, the

repertoire.”

of the year, Best Inn at The Great British Pub

onsite delicatessen and shop. With rustic charm

Awards, Finalist at the Catey Awards in the best

the deli offers some of the best produce from

employer’s category and many more.

across Lancashire, which has been carefully

Lancashire born Chris Bury, head chef, is at the helm of this movement. Chris does not hide his passion for his home county, its ingredients and tradition. Mixed with classical

It is a family business - “people are at the heart of it, both guests and employees. It is all

Located next door, looking over stunning

selected by foodie and daughter of the business Jeanie Beaumé.

“Our life is on your plate, made in Lancashire”

“ECO-FRIENDLY LUXURY” Ted Walmsley, LIVE Magazine

TOTI is short for Taste Of The Inn, which stems from the idea that customers could taste food from the Inn and then buy it from TOTI to take home. The delicatessen offers a small menu, which can be eaten in or taken out. The menu is served all day where you can find French onion soup, varieties of platters and freshly made patisseries. “The next step for TOTI is to brand our own produce, I feel it’s time to take TOTI to the next level, and I am very excited,” said Jeanie. TOTI has recently worked alongside local chocolatier Bryan Townson, from BE Chocolate, to launch their own range of branded chocolates and they soon hope to expand in to other products. The shop also offers bespoke gift hampers for any occasion. Choose your selected foods, drinks & gifts and with impressive wrapping the hampers offer the ideal gift for your loved ones. If you’re searching for a special gift, foods for a dinner party or just cake and coffee you will not

The focus is all about where we are and who we are - a reflection of traditional Lancashire with a swirling mix of French, plenty of creativity and eccentricity. We design and build most things ourselves. Whatever it is, it’s us, and as our guests you’ll see it for yourselves.

be disappointed.

For more information go to: www.thecartfordinn.co.uk The Cartford Inn Cartford Lane Little Eccleston Lancashire, PR3 0YP Telephone: (01995) 670166 Email: info@thecartfordinn.co.uk

Photo: Paul Melling

LAKE DISTRICT

Arnside and Silverdale

Kirkb Lonsda

Warton Crag

Natural Beauty, is teeming with plants, birds

This limestone hill near Warton

and butterﬂies and is of national importance.

This striking landscape, a designated Area of

Village, Lancaster, is home to rare

As well as providing a diverse habitat for

butterﬂies and plants as well as being

the ﬂora and fauna, there are also ancient

a regular breeding site for peregrine

woodlands, orchards and meadows as

falcons. Warton Crag Quarry is also

well as an impressive coastline

popular with rock-climbers and

- perfect for strolls in any

there is also a fell race that

season.

takes place each year.

ARNSIDE & SILVERDALE Silverdale AONB

14 Warton

Arkholme

Carnforth

Morecambe Bay

Hornby

Bolton-le-Sands

Hest Bank

A place to enjoy wonderful sunsets and natural landscapes as well as the chance to

MORECAMBE

do a walk across the sands – always make

sure you’re with a guide. Stretching from

Caton

the south west coast of Cumbria down to Fleetwood, this area has some of the most beautiful coastline in

LANCASTER

Heysham

the country.

Ward’s Stone

Scotforth

Fe l

Sunderland Point

Located on a sometimes bleak but always

beautiful windswept peninsula, this village among

Abbeystead

the marshes, near Overton, was once a busy port used for slave and cotton ships, with only Bristol

Dolphinholme

and Liverpool surpassing the trade that went through Sunderland and Lancaster. Visit Sambo’s Grave on the Morecambe Bay shoreline. Sambo was a slave who

Forton

was left at Sunderland Point by his master while he travelled on to Lancaster. Sambo died in 1736 and his grave is still a tourist attraction today. It

Knott End

is also a wildlife watcher’s dream with

Scorton

Pilling

many bird species to spot.

FLEETWOOD Preesall 9

Fylde Sand Dunes

Garstang Cleveleys

You’ll often ﬁnd the fellside busy with

locals are working hard to protect. It is one of only

people on this popular walk on a clear Bilsborrow day.

Great Eccleston

a few sand dune systems that have survived – over

Starting in Scorton village, follow country

80 per cent of Lancashire sand dunes have been lost

Poultonlanes and footpaths to the summit where you le-Fylde Singleton

over the past 150 years. The 80 hectare stretch, a

BLACKPOOL

Long

Blackpool Tower, Morecambe Bay and the fells in the Lake District. On the way back

of butterﬂies and moths as

you can walk past Grizedale Reservoir

well as being home to

and peaceful woodland before

breeding birds.

arriving back in the village.

Walk, cycle or even paraglide in some of the county’s most beautiful landscapes. Whether you love panoramic views or are captivated by flora and fauna, Lancashire is the county with it all.

Inglewhite

will see gorgeous views of the Fylde Coast,

designated Site of Special Scientiﬁc Interest and Lancashire’s ﬁrst designated Local Nature

Claughton on Brock

Nicky Nook

This special part of the coastline is one that

Reserve, is home to more than 150 species

Thornton

Kirkham

LYTHAM ST. ANNES

St. Anne’son-Sea Lytham

Fulwood

PRESTON 8

Sam

Beacon Fell Freckleton Country Park Woodland, moorland and farmland await. The summit oﬀers spectacular views over the Forest of Bowland and Morecambe Bay – and the Isle of Man, on a clear day. Rabbits and hares are easily spotted along with stoats and weasels that might be spied

LEYLAND

clambering over dry stone walls. If

Tarleton

you’re patient, you may even see a roe deer.

SOUTHPORT

CHORLEY

by ale

Gragareth

lle

The highest point in Lancashire, this

summit lies near Kirkby Lonsdale, just a few hundred metres from the edge of

Lancashire’s border with North Yorkshire.

A hike to the is rewarded with views of Morecambe Bay, the Forest of

High Bentham

N3 O R T H Y O R Kof SHIRE Forest

Bowland and the Lake District.

Clapham

Crook O’Lune

It’s easy to see why The Queen would love to retire here. Another of Lancashire’s Area’s

Discover this unspoilt corner of the

of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Forest of

county, near Lancaster, which was

Bowland has dense pastures mixed with

immortalised in a Turner painting.

working farmland and forest. It’s an

You can gaze while you graze at this

area to escape the hustle and bustle

beautiful spot, where the River

as well as spotting some of the

Tatham Fells

otts

Kn Lune in a big curve andmeanders

l Bow

FOREST OF BOWLAND AONB

ell

Trough of Bowland

ke Sy

Bowland

Wray

county’s wildlife.

through tree-lined banks.

Gisburn Forest

Stocks Reservoir

Tosside

Wigglesworth

3 Knotts

Slaidburn

Dunsop Bridge

Newton Holden

West Bradford Waddington

5 Longridge Fell

than 400 years ago, is woven through the landscape and the hill made famous by witchcraft, mist and mystery, casts its spell

Barnoldswick Earby over the Ribble Valley. You can tackle the steep end of the hill from Barley, going through

Chatburn

4 Pendle Hill

Clitheroe

FOREST OF BOWLAND AONB

Hurst Green

gridge

The story of the witches trial, more

Sawley

Whitewell

Chipping

Pendle Hill

Bolton by Bowland

the Newchurch-in-Pendle village, which

is the home of the Demdike family,

Longridge Fell

one of the families accused of witchcraft.

Barley

of all walking abilities to explore. It’s

Colne

Barrowford

Nelson

Sabden Ribchester

Just a short drive from Longridge, this beautiful area is a great place for people also a popular place with gliders and

Trawden

paragliders, due to its steep drop oﬀ on one side, and has lovely views across the county and beyond.

Brierfield

Whalley Padiham

Holcombe Hill

Great Harwood

BURNLEY

While it’s not a walk for a simple afternoon stroll, your eﬀorts will be

mlesbury

rewarded when you reach Peel Monument,

Accrington

BLACKBURN

Oswaldtwistle

Hoghton

Limbrick

6 Haslingden

Darwen nine n e t P es

a memorial to former Prime Minister

Sir Robert Peel. If the ﬂag is ﬂying, the

Calf Hey Reservoir

monument is open to visitors, but you can also take in the views of the county as well as over to Manchester and North Wales.

A lovely spot, in Haslingden Grane, that oﬀers a peaceful setting and lovely walks for

RAWTENSTALL

all members of the family. It is one of three

Bacup

reservoirs in the area with interesting

Moor s

pools and small waterfalls to spot. It’s small with good walking paths,

10km

also suitable for wheelchairs and prams. visitlancashire.com

5 miles

0 |

#wherelifefeelsgood

GREAT OUTDOORS

| 15

THE PERFECT COUNTRY INN, IN THE PERFECT COUNTRY VILLAGE Originally a 17th Century inn set in the picturesque village of Hurst Green, the Shireburn Arms is the perfect country inn in the perfect country setting.

After a bracing day in the clean, fresh valley air, what better place to return to than the Shireburn Arms, where weary walkers can refuel, rehydrate and recuperate in one of the plush armchairs in front of the fire. Overnight guests can enjoy our cosy and comfortable bedrooms, a relaxing dinner and a hearty Lancashire breakfast the following morning, perfect fuel for the day ahead!

Whether you choose to meet here for a morning coffee before setting off on one of the many walks the area has to offer, join us for lunch, an evening meal or stay overnight our doors are open, the gardens looks amazing, yes even in winter, and we look forward to welcoming you in! There are a number of walks from our doorstep, the most famous of which is the 5 1/2 mile Tolkien Trail which meanders along the banks of both rivers before returning to the village via the opulent surroundings of Stonyhurst College, where the renowned author spent many months during the Second World War.

THE IDEAL SPOT FOR EXPLORING THE PICTURESQUE RIBBLE & H O D D E R VA L L E Y S ...

on foot!

T. 01254 826678 | www.shireburnarmshotel.co.uk The Shireburn Arms, Whalley Road, Hurst Green, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 9QJ

GO THE EXTRA MILE

he Lancashire landscape just cries out to be explored by bike and many miles of quiet roads and tracks that pass through stunning countryside. Put yours on the back of the car or hire when you arrive, and you’ll soon be exploring some of the UK’s best cycling routes. There are various

National Cycle Network signed routes to enjoy including the Lancashire Cycleway which boasts over 250 miles of the county’s most attractive scenery - and where you are never too far from a welcoming pub and somewhere great to sleep. For those who enjoy watching the professionals, there are a host of cycle events that take place including the Chorley Grand Prix and Colne Grand Prix as well as cycling festivals where you can bring your bike and join in the fun.

Discover some of the finest mountain biking in the country! Lancashire has ten locations where

Go the extra mile when you hire

designated mountain bike trails are

an electric bike from Morecambe Bay’s

available, including red and black runs.

Electric Bike Network – the perfect

Here are some of the highlights.

way for you to explore the stunning

GISBURN FOREST has 18 km of

landscape of Morecambe Bay. On longer

adrenaline pumping mountain bike trails, recently shown on BBC’s Countryfile. Get to grips with the gnarly Whelpstone Crag and the roller coaster ride of Hully Gully – as close as you can get to dancing on a bike! LEE QUARRY has a series of challenging mountain bike trails with stunning views over Rossendale. Developed in an old quarry, discover rocky landscape with sudden drops, roller coaster ups and downs over 10km of red and black graded mountain bike trails, two pump trails and numerous cycle trail sections. The quarry is also home to a number of championship events. HEALEY NAB offers two new and challenging trails through mixed woodland: a red route (graded ‘difficult’)

journeys, an electric bike means you don’t tire as easily so you’re able to explore more of the area and the Bay Cycle Way. An Electric Bike Network on route NCN 700 will allow you to unearth your adventurous side with the subtle but powerful assistance of the electric bikes, with charge and hire points along the Bay. Many of Lancashire’s inns, selfcatering cottages and hotels are cycle friendly, meaning that you’ll ﬁnd a place to securely store your bike as well as other helpful amenities such as packed lunches and a place to dry your cycle gear. Go to cyclelancashire.com to ﬁnd out more

and a black route (graded ‘severe’).

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GREAT OUTDOORS

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DOG DAYS An estimated 1.4 million people will stay in the UK for a holiday this year, so they can take their dog with them, according to a new study. With towering mountain ranges, rolling moorland, the wilderness of The Forest of Bowland AONB and the famous Lancashire coastline â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with a 137-mile footpath that takes in spectacular views of Morecambe Bay, the Bowland Fells and the Lake District - there is plenty to enjoy on a short break in Lancashire.

Stay with your canine companion in The Stables at Hipping Hall

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Dog Friendly...

Did you know... On average dog walkers cover a distance of over 548 miles a year with their faithful hounds and where better to rack up those miles than Lancashire.

Places to Stay

Places to Eat

Spread Eagle, Sawley

Waddington Arms, Whalley

Lancaster House Hotel, Ellel

Clog and Billycock, Pleasington

The Shireburn Arms Hotel, Hurst Green

Aspinall Arms, Whalley

Hipping Hall, near Kirby Lonsdale

The Highwayman, near Kirby Lonsdale

The Derby Arms, Longridge

The Mill at Conder Green, near Lancaster

MULTI-AWARD WINNING RETAILER Situated in the picturesque village of Whalley, award winning, family-run outdoor shop Whalley Warm & Dry attracts customers from across the country to visit.

heir hand-picked high quality brands and unrivalled customer service are reflected in their tally of fourteen national awards which include ‘Best Independent Outdoor Footwear Retailer’ at the Footwear Industry Awards 2017 and the award for ‘Retail Experience’ at the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2017.

THE BOOT FITTING SPECIALIST Whalley Warm & Dry remove the guesswork from buying walking boots or shoes – they help you to choose footwear that is the right size, width, volume & shape for your feet. Wearing the right footwear means you can enjoy walking even more, no more worrying about your feet. Happy feet = happy walker!

Their free specialist boot fitting service is renowned nationally, with thousands of customers travelling from across the country to visit each year. Specially trained fitters take ten detailed measurements to identify your foot length, volume and size, followed by analysis on the Podoscope to ascertain foot arch, height and pressure distribution, before recommending the right footwear and supportive insoles for your foot shape and chosen activity. With walking boots available in 5 width fittings from extra narrow to extra wide plus half sizes, this gives Whalley

I simply cannot rate Whalley Warm and Dry highly enough, or quite put into words just how excellent their service is. If you have any issues with your feet, however slight or significant, and struggle to get boots to fit comfortably then, however many miles away you live, a journey here will be thoroughly worthwhile, I assure you: Personal service like no other, friendly and very knowledgeable staff, nothing too much trouble, absolutely no pressure selling whatsoever and everything measured, shaped and tailored exactly to your own needs. Fantastic.

THE PÁRAMO CLOTHING SPECIALIST Whalley Warm & Dry can help to keep you warm and dry even in the most hostile of conditions with their range of Páramo outdoor clothing. As a Páramo Premier Retailer, they have a wide range of Páramo waterproof jackets, waterproof trousers, mid-layers, reversible baselayers, summer shirts and accessories available in store. Páramo is a British company who ethically manufacture award winning outdoor clothing. Páramo combines ingenious, rigorously fieldtested designs with innovative textile systems which are specified and tested by Nikwax. Which? magazine asked consumers to rate their outdoor gear. Results based on over 2,300 responses rated waterproof jackets brands for Water Resistance, Breathability, Comfort, Durability, Fit and Warmth. Páramo, achieved an overall score of 93%, ahead of all other brands surveyed. Knowledgeable staff at Whalley Warm & Dry are more than happy to take the time to answer any questions you may have about any of the products or specialist services they provide, so why not pop in and see how they can help you to enjoy the great outdoors even more!

Warm & Dry over 170 ﬁtting options. Once you have chosen your footwear, Whalley Warm & Dry can use specialist machinery to gently steam and stretch them for a custom ﬁt. If you would like happy feet on your next walk, all you have to do is call 01254 822 220 to book your Specialist Boot Fitting appointment.

www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk King Street, Whalley, Lancashire, BB7 9SN 01254 822 220 | info@whalleywarmanddry.co.uk Open Tue- Sat 10 am until 5 pm, Sun 1 pm until 5pm, Closed Mondays

NICK O’ PENDLE & JEPPE THE KNAVE’S GRAVE FROM PENDLETON

Turn left out of car park and along road through village, past the old school house and church and out onto quiet lane heading NE towards Pendleton Hall. At junction with Pendle Road, cross with care onto bridleway, over the bridge and past farm buildings, heading NE on track. After half a mile, just before farm houses, look for wooden marker post on right and turn right uphill over stile next to red gate. Climb SE across the ﬁelds, following track up to a derelict barn. Head for the left side of the barn, then over ladder stile in corner of the ﬁeld. Follow grassy track through SW towards Howcroft Barn. Path becomes faint, but head SW towards the barn, cross the stream on the footbridge and take path left, climbing steeply beside wall then through wooden gate and out

Distance: 6 miles/9.7km Time: 3.5 hours Grading: Moderate to challenging. Requires good level of ﬁtness. Start/Parking: Pendleton village car park behind Swan with Two Necks (Grid reference SD755396).

onto open fellside. Path is faint, but continue just west of south to reach the road. Join road with care, climbing uphill for 250 yards, then opposite ski slope, take footpath left climbing steadily up to ridge then turning right along wide ridge track towards the Nick o’ Pendle. From the Nick, walk down road for 200 yards and take bridleway on right. Go through gate and take main track to left heading SW gently downhill. Continue past farm buildings on left,

THIS satisfying little hike explores the foothills of mighty Pendle and visits the grave of a highwaymen beheaded for his crimes in the middle ages then interred on the site of a much earlier Anglo-Saxon burial.

then follow the marker posts. After the third marker post (GR SD764376), take faint track oﬀ to right over Access Land. Cross boggy tussock grass and climba steep escarpment besidea dry stone wall. Follow the wall NW to the intersection with another wall.

Cross the stile andgo immediately left over the ladder stile. From here, descend SW for 250 yards to Jeppe’s Grave - just visible as a circular prominence among the tussock grass.This is the resting place of a highwayman beheaded in 1327 and buried on the site of a Bronze Age burial mound. Retrace your steps and return over the two stiles, then follow the wall NE to reach summit trig point. Follow the faint grassy track heading NE towards Pendle for three quarters of a mile, ignoring a ladder stile and minor sheep track on L.Go through gap in the drystone wall near the intersection and continue for 70 yards along another wall to reach the car park at the Nick. Follow the road north over the Nick and take the footpath left just after the highpoint. DescendNW for 500 yards then throughwhite gate on right and head downhill to tree with prominent white spot. Pass farmhouse, cross the beck and go though gate then over stile. Continue straight down ﬁeld along hedge then right through gate.Continue along hedge to a stile then left along hedgebefore crossing to a footbridge over the stream in bottom right corner of ﬁeld.Descend gently beside beck past quirky cottage into Pendleton and along the stream to the car park. For a more detail route description, go to www.whalleyoutdoor.co.uk/visit-us/local-walks/

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which occur in The Lord of the Rings are similar to those found locally.

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Walking With The Witches Trail, Pendle In the shadow of Pendle Hill lie pretty villages, which tell a story of intrigue and witchcraft nearly 400 years old. Follow in the footsteps of the legendary Pendle Witches on this seven and a half mile walk.

Lancaster Heritage Walking Trail, Lancaster

Darwen Tower Walk, Darwen

The beautiful city of Lancaster provides a fascinating backdrop for this walking tour of the city centre. Takes approx. one hour to complete.

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Trail 8 ts

BURNLEY

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surroundings that inspired him and a number of names

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Walk in the footsteps of author J.R.R. Tolkien who This ﬁve and a half mile walk explores the richly beautiful

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The Tolkien Trail in the Footsteps of JRR Tolkien, Ribble Valley regularly stayed at Stonyhurst College in the Ribble Valley.

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Lancashire has some of the best country walking 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.

Walking with Witches

A West Pennine Moors Trail circular walk takes in some fantastic views of the surrounding countryside from Darwen Moors. Darwen Tower was built to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

The Wayside Arts Trail, Burnley The Wayside Arts Trail leads up to Burnley’s Panopticon, Singing Ringing Tree, at Crown Point. This route gives two walks of eight and three miles.

Keep on walking! More t

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...

Indicative map visitlancashire.com visitlancashire.com |

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| HERITAGE GREAT & OUTDOORS CULTURE

| 23

LANCASTER FOREST OF BOWLAND AONB

BLACKPOOL

PRESTON

BLACKBURN

Conquering Pendle Hill

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FOOD AND DRINK

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Darwen Tower

The Lancashire Cheese Walk, North Preston

Gawthorpe Circular Walk, Padiham near Burnley

Blackpool Heritage Walking Trail, Blackpool

Pendle Hill Walk, Pendle

Explore the area just north of Preston, known as the Lancashire Milk ﬁelds, on this six mile circular walk starting and ﬁnishing in the village of Inglewhite.

Discover Padiham and the surrounding countryside on this four mile circular walk. The walk includes natural woodlands and views of Gawthorpe Hall.

Take a trip down memory lane and rediscover the art deco heritage of Blackpool on this walking tour of the town centre. Takes approx one hour to complete.

History and legend has woven a spell over Pendle. Pendle Hill rises above this ancient hunting ground, once the home of wolves and wild boar. To this day it is dotted with tiny hamlets and farms. Relish in the beautiful surroundings on this ﬁve mile walk and be rewarded with spectacular views at the top.

BURNLEY

Journey through the Centre of the Kingdom, Ribble Valley Dunsop Bridge in the Ribble Valley is cited as the geographic centre of Great Britain. You can take a forty-six mile route and walk through 1,000 years of history in the beautiful Ribble Valley.

Stonyhurst College

Gawthorpe Hall

For more information visit visitlancashire.com/lancashirewalks visitlancashire.com visitlancashire.com |

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| HERITAGE GREAT & OUTDOORS CULTURE

| 25

New Hotel Spotlight Fence Gate Lodge If you’re looking for a rural retreat that has all the conveniences of a high-end boutique stay, then you need to book a break at Fence Gate Lodge. The new country style hotel is a sympathetic £3.5million conversion and extension, complementing the distinct stone character of a former Grade II listed pub and adjacent dwellings. Located opposite the village church of St Anne, Fence Gate Lodge boasts 23 classic, deluxe, superior bedrooms and junior suites, each individually styled, with luxurious bathrooms and furnishings, over-looking the landscaped courtyard and beautiful Pendle countryside. The Linwood Suite, a master suite of over 60sq metres, is finished entirely with Linwood fabrics and wallpaper, with lounge area, large walk through shower, Hurlingham bath and twin basins. A separate apartment comprising bedroom, en-suite, separate lounge and private entrance is also available. Just 2 minutes’ walk from Fence Gate Lodge is The Fence Gate; an award-winning inn renowned for its commitment to locally sourced produce. This 18th Century Inn has a traditional bar serving real ales, wines and spirits alongside cosy log fires. Choose to dine in the bar or brasserie with menus offering the perfect combination of traditional classics and an eclectic mix of modern British dishes with influences from around the world. After a restful night’s sleep on super-king beds and feather pillows, guests are invited to enjoy breakfast in the light and spacious Breakfast Room, choosing from an extensive menu that includes continental or full English breakfast. With The Fence Gate Inn’s award-winning sausages and home cured gold medal smoked back bacon, home smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, cereals, fresh fruits and yoghurt – there’s a feast to match every taste, a Lancashire breakfast to really ‘set you up for the day’. Rooms at the new Fence Gate Lodge start at £125 for two people including breakfast - perfect for short breaks, gourmet weekends and special occasions. Ideally located for exploring Pendle Hill and Lancashire’s Witch country, the Forest of Bowland AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and a wealth of historic, outdoor and cultural attractions, with some of the UK’s very best walking and cycling available on the doorstep. For booking enquiries, please contact 01282 509555 enquiries@fencegatelodge.co.uk fencegate.co.uk Fence Gate Lodge Wheatley Lane Road, Fence BB12 9EP

Great rooms, great food, great service

Out and about

• Climb the magnificent Pendle Hill, Lancashire. Dominating the Forest of Bowland AONB, Pendle Hill is an iconic landmark that rises majestically to a fraction short of a mountain (557 metres). • Fantastic shopping available at Boundary Mill with big brand names at great prices. • Soak in the history of Gawthorpe Hall, a superb Jacobean historic house, walk through period Victorian rooms redesigned by Sir Charles Barry (architect of the Houses of Parliament). • Walk in the footsteps of the Towneley family at Towneley Hall, set in 445 acres of beautiful parkland, enjoy a variety of displays encompassing natural history, Egyptology and so much more!

Fact file

• Accommodation includes 17 luxury rooms, 5 junior suites, 1 master suite and 1 apartment • Prices start from £125 per room per night including breakfast • All rooms have a super king size bed, some can be converted into twin beds • Temple Spa toiletries, wi-fi, Nespresso coffee making facilities & hairdryers all included • Fully compliant accessible room available • Lift to first floor • Dog friendly rooms available • Local trades people and products used • Bike and boot washing facilities available along with bike storage • The Lodge is perfect for bespoke celebrations of up to 50 guests for a wedding breakfast and up to 100 evening guests. Selected dates still avilable for 2018, check availability now!

Did you know We hold the Guiness World Record for the most gins commercially available? Why not try one of the 70 selected for our bar when you visit.

IN PENDLE

A breath of fresh air

Vista to Pendle Hill

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Cycling the Tour of Britain Route - Pendle

Walk to the top of one of Lancashire’s most iconic

as they hide amongst the trees. And provided the

Northlight Mill (formerly known as Brierﬁeld

landmarks, Pendle Hill. On a clear day you can

kids don’t mind a bit of walking they’ll love it. If

Mill) to many top art exhibitions, displays

see right across to both coasts! Made famous by

you and your family prefer a diﬀerent pace why

and performances.

George Fox, who’s vision on its summit in 1652

not check out the many family events at Thornton

inspired him to found the Quakers, many have

Hall Country farm or go whizzing around one of

with so many great events throughout the year,

since followed in his footsteps.

the county’s best tracks at Prestige Karting.

including one of UK’s biggest free walking

If you like fresh country air, Pendle, as an

There’s never a dull moment in Pendle

festivals, major cycle events, like Colne Grand

For those seeking a bit of heritage why not

area, has countless walking and cycling trails,

visit the family home of Sir Roger Bannister, the

Prix, and the multi-award-winning Great British

from short 2 milers for families to the 45mile

Pendle Heritage Centre or one of Lancashire’s

Blues Festival. And if you want to refresh yourself

Pendle Way. Home of the famous Pendle Witches,

only remaining steam-driven mills at Bancroft

after all that activity then look no further than

whose 400 year old legacy lives on today…you

Mill, especially with its newly restored Bradley

the area’s quality food and drink venues, such

never know what you may come across along

Engine. There are steaming days throughout

as No62, Tubbs of Colne, The White Swan with

the way!

the year. Our other mills are serving diﬀerent

Guardian acclaimed chef, or the award-winning

purposes these days. Higherford Mill is home

Forest or the Fence Gate, and stay at exquisite

to many talented crafts people and artists and

new hotel, The Fence Gate Lodge.

If you step onto Pendle Sculpture Trail you’ll have the chance to discover who the witches were

For more information go to visitlancashire.com/pendle Thornton Hall Farm

Bancroft Mill

the famous Pendle Witches legacy lives on today...

Packhorse Bridge at Higherford Pendle

Falling under Pendle’s spell Beneath Pendle Hill lie the hamlets which played a part in the dramatic true story of the Pendle Witches of 1612. Find out more by exploring Pendle and start to piece together a mystery which is 400 years old. Follow their fateful journey on the long Pendle Witches Trail, the shorter Pendle Witches scenic road trail, or the 8 mile Pendle Witches Walking Trail. The walk includes the hamlet of Newchurch with its mysterious ‘eye of god’ on the church tower, as well as its witches emporium and café, called Witches Galore. Also on the route is the village of Roughlee, with its sculpture of accused witch, Alice Nutter. Nearby you can stay in a remarkable property called The Rookery. This converted barn has many unique design features, as well as a hot tub, and is set, on its own, overlooking stunning scenery. For a more guided experience take a tour with experienced guides, David Johns, Simon Entwistle, or Brenda Kean. The latter oﬀers minibus tours for families or groups and coach tours at Walpurgis and Hallowe’en. Pendle’s witches are the not the only famous people to fall under the area’s spell. The Bronte sisters, were frequent visitors to the beautiful

The Witches of Pendle

village of Wycoller. It’s hall was the model for Ferndean Manor in Jane Eyre. The Bronte Way and Pendle Way pass through here, along with shorter walking and cycling routes, including to the sculpture called The Atom, which sits on a bluﬀ with a magniﬁcent panoramic view. And once you’ve taken in the scenery pop into Wycoller’s Tea Rooms, to enjoy some real homemade food, made and served with love by Tony and Janet. For more details on the trails featured in this article please go to www.visitpendle.com

Wycoller Tea Rooms

The Atom at Wycoller

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Pendle Hill Summit

Discover Ribble Valley Inns Everything a good pub should be!

Is there such a thing as the perfect country pub? If there is, then we’d like to think it’s one of our Ribble Valley Inns. Our menus champion the freshest local, seasonal produce and they have to be packed with flavour... it’s the rule. The tempting dishes are served with a contemporary twist and then we add the finishing touches with a fantastic selection of wines and cask ales.

Mitton Road, Mitton, Near Whalley, Lancashire BB7 9PQ

01254 826 888

Billinge End Road, Pleasington, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 6QB

01254 201 163

Burrow, Kirkby Lonsdale, Lancashire LA6 2RJ

01524 273 338

Broughton, Near Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 3AE

01756 792 065

www.thethreefishes.com

www.theclogandbillycock.com

www.highwaymaninn.co.uk

www.thebullatbroughton.com

15 miles from J31 - M6 and 8 miles from J7 - M65

4 miles from J3 - M65 and 7 miles from J31 - M6

8 miles from J36 - M6

3 miles from Skipton on the A59

RIBBLE VALLEY

Ribble Valley is at the official centre of the Kingdom and is a place infused with history, holding a wonderfully rich heritage. Browsholme Hall

Sawley Abbey

Sr Hubertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church - Dunsop Bridge

The Engine - Holmes Mill

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Discovering Ribble Valley’s Fascinating Heritage An area of outstanding natural beauty, well-

gardens and lush woodland beside the River

as for the visitation of George Fox, who had a

known for its scenic countryside, delicious food

Calder. Just 8 miles from Whalley Abbey lays the

vision of a “great people to be gathered” waiting

and famous landmarks, Ribble Valley is at the

remains of a Cistercian Abbey in Sawley, founded

for him. Pendle Hill is an incredibly atmospheric

oﬃcial centre of the Kingdom and is a place

in 1148 and located on the banks of the River

place, bursting with fascinating history and has

infused with history, holding a wonderfully

Ribble. Here, you can explore the few signiﬁcant

the most stunning views to enjoy.

rich heritage.

structures of the buildings that remain, since

Award-winning Clitheroe Castle is a major must-see landmark in Ribble Valley, with a

Set in a beautiful and rural landscape in

Henry VIII’s dissolution of the Monasteries in

the Forest of Bowland, you will ﬁnd privately-

1536.

owned Elizabethan home, Browsholme Hall.

Located on the North bank of the River

After 14 generations, it is claimed to be the oldest

castle’s Keep is free to explore and you can also

Ribble, you will ﬁnd Lancashire’s only specialist

surviving family home in Lancashire. Visitors are

enjoy breath-taking panoramic views of the

Roman museum, in the picturesque Roman

invited in to the home to experience a guided tour

Valley from this historic location.

village of Ribchester. The museum was built

and explore its beautiful architecture, fabulous

Close-by to Clitheroe Castle, you will ﬁnd

above the remains of the headquarters building

interior and antique furnishings.

former textiles mill, Holmes Mill. Established

of the Roman fort and opened up to the public,

in 1823, Holmes Mill has oﬃcially been brought

back in 1914. Each year, the museum holds an

to collect information based on Longridge and

back to life and has now been developed into a

annual Roman re-enactment, where visitors

the surrounding area. Open to the public, you

beautifully designed leisure venue, with its very

can come along and watch exciting and realistic

are able to visit the centre and browse through

own beer hall, food hall and hotel. To complete

demonstrations, based on the everyday and

photographs or even experience one of the

such beautiful décor, you will ﬁnd some original

military life of the Romans.

frequently changing exhibitions. You can even

fascinating interactive museum and Keep. The

features to keep the Victorian Industrial theme

picturesque landscape, lays the historically

‘engine room’.

famous Pendle Hill. It is renowned for its

another famous visitor attraction, set in beautiful

attend talks on local heritage topics that are held

Dominating the skyline of the rural and

going, such as a large mill engine located in the The 14th Century Whalley Abbey is yet

Longridge Heritage Centre allows people

throughout the year. To ﬁnd out more about Ribble Valley’s heritage go to www.ribblevalley.co.uk

connection with the trials of the 17th century Pendle witches, which took place in 1612, as well

For more information go to visitlancashire.com/ribblevalley

Clitheroe Castle

Roman museum

Stonyhurst

an area of outstanding natural beauty...

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ALISON ASHWORTH Buyer at Holmes Mill Food Hall When Alison returned to the Ribble Valley, with her two young daughters, little did she know that the purchase of a new table from The Emporium in Clitheroe, delivered by a certain James Warburton would lead, several years later, to her new role as Buyer for the Bowland Food Hall at Holmes Mill.

there’s not another place on earth I’d rather live

Holmes Mill, which includes the Bowland Food

It’s not unusual to see our chefs scurrying round

Hall, Beer Hall, bistro, hotel and spa, is the latest

ﬁlling up a basket” Alison smiles, as this no

addition to James Warburton’s hospitality, leisure

doubt, must make her stock-taking a little bit of

and retail empire James’ Places, which grew from

a challenge.

the success of his ever-popular Emporium. Alison chose to settle in Clitheroe after a

Much of her time is spent looking for new delicious items to stock and producers to

rich and varied career in hotels which began,

champion but one of her early and enduring

when she and her sister were invited to be the

memories is meeting Adrian Rhodes at Carron

very ﬁrst Europeans to work at the Taj Mahal

Lodge in Inglewhite near Preston, where she came

Intercontinental hotel, in Mumbai. She then

face to face with a herd of buﬀalo “I had no idea

worked in hotels in the UK, learning all she could

we had buﬀalo in Lancashire or that Adrian had

about customer service excellence and even had

built a ‘cave’ so that he could ripen this creamy

a spell working on a shipping tycoon’s yacht in

Inglewhite Buﬀalo cheese naturally.”

Cannes. Her marriage and her husband’s job took her, with her growing family, to Singapore but when she and her husband parted ways it was back to Clitheroe and to a new life in a place she had always called home. As Alison says “there’s not another place on earth I’d rather live.” A new challenge saw her managing the coﬀee shop at The Emporium, just opposite Clitheroe Castle, where she contributed greatly to its early expansion and success. In time she remarried and added to her family, taking her on a new path. In 2016, when James’s Holmes Mill project

Which she describes as “Just delicious, a bit like Stilton but creamier.’ Her discoveries and

was really starting to take shape, Alison was

stories of traditional family-run businesses, farm

oﬀered the opportunity to help build his vision of

diversiﬁcations and artisan producers are plentiful

a destination celebrating food, drink and leisure;

and engaging but more than that, she’s invested

a perfect place to indulge, unwind and explore in

personally in bringing these to the attention of

the heart of Clitheroe. As buyer for the Food Hall

a much wider audience – which we can all be

she was charged with ﬁnding the best of Bowland

grateful for.

and beyond, to help create a retail experience like

“It’s not just a shop” says Alison as she looks

no other. As someone who had always appreciated

towards the beautifully dressed meat counter

the produce and provenance of Lancashire food

“There’s not one piece of meat here, for example,

and drink there was no-one better than Alison to

that we can’t tell you in detail how and where it

lead this quest and her passion and enthusiasm is

was reared. The producers feel like this food hall is

there for all to see, as she darts from one delicious

theirs and it’s helping keep family traditions alive.

counter to another, making sure everything is

“I don’t care if someone comes in to buy a

perfect for the customer and sharing her vast

single carrot or leek, they’re coming here because

knowledge of local producers with anyone willing

they know that it has been grown locally by

to listen.

someone who cares, and that really matters

The Food Hall is also a very handy larder for the Holmes Mill chefs, who know they can just

to people. “It’s all about sustainability, looking after

pop next door for anything they need “Everything

those who live and work their socks oﬀ to put

we use across the site is traceable and is available

great food on our tables.”

in the food hall, which is good for customers who want to take a little something to try at home.

And that’s where it all began with a table…

Good beer, good food, a good pub!

ocated beside the ancient babbling brook at the heart of the picture postcard village of Waddington, the Waddington Arms is the hub of this vibrant little community. The ideal start for a multitude of walks - from a gentle countryside amble, to pretty riverside walks or challenging hikes up into the fells to the north of the village. Fabulous food from well thought out menus is served for lunch and dinner seven days a week and we have plenty of events throughout the year too.

The time order is price you

www.waddingtonarms.co.uk

you the pay!

T. 01200 423262 | Waddington Arms, Waddington, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 3HP *Seasonal offer, see website for details.

The home of the Parker Family

Day Visitors

Every Wednesday May - September

Exclusive Group and Coach Tours By arrangement throughout the year

Garden Demonstrations and Workshops Decorated for Christmas

for groups, coach parties and day visitors and special Christmas events. Disabled access , tearoom, free parking, coach and group tours, school visits, dogs welcome, wedding receptions and special events. For full details and booking www.browsholme.com or 01254 827160 Forest of Bowland, Clitheroe BB7 3DE

INTRODUCING

ELEGANT, SOPHISTICATED AND SOME OF THE FINEST FOOD IN THE COUNTRY

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

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

Menus created by Executive Head Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen

Afternoon Tea available to non-residents Monday to Friday - from £27.00

Elegant & stylish Michelin-starred restaurant

Sunday 4-course lunch menu inc. coffee - £47.00

Seasonal 3-course lunch menu inc. coffee - £35.00

A la carte, gourmet and tasting menus available lunch and dinner Overnight Gourmet Breaks from £375 per room, based on two people sharing

Northcote Road, Langho, Blackburn, Lancashire BB6 8BE AA AND VISIT ENGLAND HOTEL OF THE YEAR ENGLAND 2016/2017 Telephone: 01254 240 555

www.northcote.com

events@northcote.com

JUST PASSING THROUGH?

Lancashire’s prime position, half way between London and Scotland, means it’s also a great place to take a break. Why stop at a boring service station when you can visit one of our great attractions just a short distance from the motorway?

M6 Stop oﬀs to try J33/34 - The historic city of Lancaster has a variety of things to see

J28 - Worden Park and The British Commercial Vehicle Museum (reopening Autumn 2018), Leyland are minutes from the M6. J31 - Brockholes Nature Reserve and Samlesbury Hall are great places for a lunch time stop-oﬀ, serving up delicious food and plenty of space to

and do if you want a longer break from the road including Lancaster Castle, Williamson Park and Lancaster Maritime Museum, as well as plenty of places to eat and shop. J35 - Carnforth Station Heritage Centre and Greenlands Farm Village

stretch your legs.

are just a short drive from the motorway, the latter being a good one for young families in need of a break.

Get more information on travel to and around Lancashire at visitlancashire.com

Moor Hall is a stunning grade II* listed building that is steeped in history dating back to the thirteenth century. Open since March 2017, Moor Hall has already been awarded a Michelin Star, 3 AA Rosettes, listed in the top 100 restaurants in the UK by Restaurant Magazine and the Good Food Guide UK Top 50 restaurants and most recently winning Restaurant of The Year at the Lancashire Life Food & Drink Awards 2017. Following the huge success of Moor Hall, Mark Birchall has also opened a casual dining restaurant The Barn

at Moor Hall on the same site and it promises great things! 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, bottled and draught beers. Moor Hall has 7 luxurious guest bedrooms, each one stunningly unique. 5 are located in the main Hall with a further 2 in the gatehouse by the lake. Each of the bedrooms within the Hall has a wonderful view of the lake or gardens.

“With a style all his own, Roux Scholarship winner Mark Birchall made Restaurant Moor Hall the opening of the year!” said Michelin on awarding Moor Hall its first Michelin Star in October.

Call us now on 01695 572511 or book online at www.moorhall.com Moor Hall, Prescot Road, Aughton, Lancashire, L39 6RT

Moor Hall menu prices: 3 course lunch for £40, 5 courses for £70 and 8 courses for £105. Wine pairings are also offered in addition. The Barn menu prices: À la carte or lunch menu 2 courses for £19, 3 courses £23. Bedroom prices range from: £195 - £350 per night including breakfast.

e r i h s a c n My La KEVIN BERKINS MASTER BUTCHER

From Master Butcher to Gin Master and much between! Restaurateur, Hotelier, Member of the Craft Guild of Chefs... as diverse as Lancashire itself. Q. What do you love about living in Lancashire? A. The diversity, a fantastic motorway network, close

Q. What is your favourite Lancashire Food? A. STARTER - Morecambe Bay Potted Shrimps

to international airports and railway mainlines makes Lancashire a fantastic base. An incredible wealth of quality

MAIN - Forest of Bowland Venison eg Individual

food producers including cheese, meat and micro breweries

Venison Wellington, accompanied with a slow gin jus

and of course being surrounded by spectacular countryside. A haven for gastronomic food from small country pubs

DESSERT - Lancashire Cheese Board, accompanied

to Michelin star dining. Lancashire is the gateway to the

by either Chorley Cake or Parkin

Dales, the Lake District, Peak District and the Coast.

As a Master Butcher I can’t miss out Lancashire’s famous

A privilege to live in this unique county.

Black Pudding. Having made sausage for over 50 years and twice National Supreme Sausage Champion one of our most popular sausages is ‘apples soaked in calvados with

Q. What do you tell guests they must see when

nuggets of black pudding & fresh thyme’.

in Lancashire?

A. There is so much to do and see in Lancashire but it’s easy to start with ourselves! Fence Gate is home of the

Q. What do you think makes Lancashire a great place to Visit & Stay?

Guinness World Record for the ‘Most Gins Commercially

A. A diverse playgound to explore, walk, cycle, shop,

Available’. The collection is now over 800 bottles! The witches trail and the history of the Pendle Witches is a popular tourist attraction along with Lancaster Castle and

wine and dine. The options are endless.

Towneley Hall - a historic Arts and Museum gallery. The Mile Tunnel is a wonder of Lancashire’s waterways and the sheer beauty of the Forest of Bowland is a must see. Europe’s largest Salt March stretches from Lancashire’s Morecambe Bay to the South of Scotland. The list could easily go on!

For more information on the Fence Gate Inn go to visitlancashire.com

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MY LANCASHIRE

| 39

THE HALL WITH IT ALL Passion, drive and dedication have driven Moor Hall forward with super chef Mark Birchall at the helm

ooking back three years ago and things have changed for chef patron Mark Birchall. Back then Moor Hall - a

beautiful Grade II listed gentry house that business partners Andy and Tracey Bell bought - was just a dream. The building was theirs but there was a lot of work to do. “It took us a few years to renovate the

building and there were times we didn’t feel we were getting anywhere,” admitted Mark, who lives nearby with wife, Jennifer and four-yearold son, James. “In fact, sometimes, it felt like we were going backwards. “But we knew it was worth it. We knew what we were aiming for.” Fast forward to now and the talented chef - former executive chef at the internationally renowned two Michelin star L’Enclume in Cartmel - is enjoying success far beyond what you might expect of a restaurant that’s been trading less than a year. Within six months of opening, Moor Hall was awarded a Michelin star - an accolade some chefs spend entire careers striving to achieve. It also doubled Lancashire’s number of Michelin star restaurants.

Moor Hall was recognised in The Estrella

Mark’s menus showcase his own

Damm National Restaurant Awards, too. It was

style of modern British cuisine. He uses

named number one in Lancashire and placed

produce grown on the ﬁve acre site as

70 in the UK. The Good Food Guide included

well as putting local producers ﬁrmly in

them in their Top 50 UK Restaurants. Moor

the spotlight - from vegetable growers

Hall, which was also named Lancashire Life’s

to farmers. Even the plates his food is

Restaurant of the Year 2017, was the only

served on are made in nearby Parbold.

new opening outside of London to make the prestigious guide. Mark also opened The Barn, a casual dining restaurant next to Moor Hall, late last year

Mark, who was born in Chorley and trained at Runshaw College, is a proud member of Taste Lancashire and loves to celebrate his local roots. “I want to use the best produce and

with further plans to open a dairy, butchers,

suppliers,” said Mark. “I’m so lucky that

charcuterie and brewery.

I have so many right on my doorstep who

“It has been a big start for us,’ said Mark,

are the best. I’m proud to be back home in

a former recipient of the prestigious Roux

Lancashire and giving it a second restaurant

Scholarship. “Obviously, we’re really pleased

with a Michelin star. We’ve got Northcote in

with how it’s gone. Now we 100 per cent want to

the Ribble Valley and now hopefully we’re

push on. You don’t want to ever feel like you’re

shining a light on this side of Lancashire.

not doing your best. You’ll get bored and your team will get bored and that’s no good. “I want to reﬁne what we’re doing. We do

“Taste Lancashire is a great things to be a part of. They have a huge reach across the county but it’s also about

want another Michelin star and four rosettes

visitors coming here. Their website would

and a higher score in the Good Food Guide.

be the ﬁrst place people will look.

Obviously we will always try and make today

“It’s great for us to be associated with

better than yesterday. I have a great core team

them and, as Lancastrians, it makes us

and fantastic support - We do want to have

very proud to have that connection.”

perfect scores all round”

My Lancashire When I get time away from the restaurant we love seeing lovely places in Lancashire. My little boy, James, loves Martin Mere. It’s always number one on the list. He loves spotting the ducks and flamingos. We’ve had lots of happy times there. We also love going walking on some of the beaches near to us as a family with our chocolate labrador, Reggie. It’s great to be back in Lancashire. Mark Birchall, chef patron, Moor Hall

visitlancashire.com

#wherelifefeelsgood

FOOD & DRINK

| 41

Hesketh Bank West Lancashire Light Railway is Lancashire’s only narrow gauge passenger railway. It runs around a fishing lake set in the rural Hesketh Bank.

ailway

ght R i L s ’ c n est La

A number of special events are held annually including; visiting engines, freight trains and live steam model railways.

LWT Mere Sands Wood

Holmeswood

Southport

Rufford Old Hall

Rufford

Martin Mere is a wetland nature reserved owned by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. There are more than 100 types of rare and endangered water-birds to hand feed plus a family of enchanting otters.

tin Mere

WWT Mar

Burscough

Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm offers a great family day on the farm to meet the animals.

Farmer Ted’s

Liverpool

During the Spring and Summer months, there are amazing Birds of Prey demonstrations and sheep racing too.

Leeds to Liverpool Canal

Wharf

Ruff Wood

Ormskirk Events

Preston

Rufford Old Hall is a fine Tudor building, home to 500 years of Hesketh family. See history come to life in the Tudor Great Hall featuring fantastic furniture tapestries and arms. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also reasonable evidence to suggest that Shakespeare spent time here in his teen years. Come and decide for yourself...

ORMSKIRK MARKET Granted a Royal Charter in 1286 by King Edward I, Ormskirk Market is a well-loved twice weekly event that has been held in Ormskirk ever since. Held every Thursday and Saturday in the pedestrianised streets of Ormskirk around the famous Clock Tower.

Parbold Located in the centre of Burscough, the Wharf is steeped in history and now boasts a variety of independent businesses including places to shop, eat and drink. Burscough Wharf is also a hub for creative industries and hosts regular outside events.

Chapel Gallery in Ormskirk is a wellregarded regional facility offering high quality art and craft exhibitions. It boasts a gift shop, welcoming cafe and creative activities for all to enjoy.

ery

Chapel Gall

INDEPENDENT RETAILERS Ormskirk is proud of its wonderful small independent businesses, having more independent retailers than the national and regional average. Famous for local produce. Discover intriguing shops, eateries and a wealth of wonderful people that make our town so friendly.

Beacon Country Park

Skelmersdale

@DiscoverOrmskirk

discoverormskirk.com

IN ORMSKIRK

Discover Ormskirk’s market town and surrounding attractions.

MORNING:

AFTERNOON:

Take the morning to explore Ormskirk’s town. If you’re lucky enough to be

If wildlife is your passion you can’t possibly miss a visit to WWT Martin Mere

visiting on Thursday or Saturday, meander through traditional market stalls,

Wetland Nature Reserve. See more than 100 types of rare and endangered

in a market that’s been operating since 1286. Purchase some historic Ormskirk

water-birds plus a family of enchanting otters. If you’re feeling adventurous

Gingerbread, explore the alleyways and heritage whilst uncovering some

take a canoe safari or boat tour experience through the wetland landscape or

of Ormskirk’s charming boutiques. Take a break in one of the many small

join a wardens talk.

independent cafes, watching the world go by while you enjoy a slice of cake and a delicious beverage.

For visitors who relish history take this chance to follow in Shakespeare’s footsteps in a visit to Ruﬀord Old Hall. Be wowed by the Tudor Great Hall, its

Escape the hustle and bustle and soak in some art in the latest exhibition or event in the towns very own Chapel Gallery.

beautiful furniture, suits of armour and the carved oak screen, a rare survivor from the 1500s. Explore the Hesketh family’s late-Victorian styled gardens, topiary, orchard and woodlands in a relaxing walk.

44 |

SHORT BREAK

#wherelifefeelsgood

visitlancashire.com

EVENING: Delight your taste buds with a tasting menu at West Lancashire’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Moor Hall, Aughton. Feast on the very best Lancashire produce, grown and reared within miles of the hall before being crafted by Chef Patron Mark Birchall and his award winning team. If you’re after a more traditional menu Moor Hall’s casual dining venue, The Barn (opened October 2017) is also outstanding, offering a noteworthy venue and experience for all. For visitors who dine in town, the numerous restaurants are well frequented and have the added bonus of being near Edge Hill University’s Arts Centre. Offering comedy, dance, drama, literature, music, film, live theatre screenings, and family-friendly shows throughout the year.

For more information go to visitlancashire.com/ormskirk

one of the UK’s oldest traditional outdoor markets...

The Lancashire landscape is integral to the food and drink grown and made here. The heather strewn moorland provides succulent meats, the salt deposits in the low lands around Garstang and Chipping have given us the Lancashire milk fields; an area famed for its cheeses including Beacon Fell Traditional Lancashire Cheese which carries the Protected Designator of Origin marquee and is home to nine cheese makers. Rich soil along the coastal plains are perfect for growing potatoes, root vegetables and salads, and our water, rich in minerals, perfect for making quality cask ales as the 23 Lancashire breweries will testify. The shallow depths of our coastal areas provide ideal conditions for our famous Morecambe Bay shrimps to thrive. Find your next food destination in Lancashire at visitlancashire.com/taste

SALT MARS LAM

Fleetwood

Blackpool

CABBAGE

Whatever your taste in food and drink you will find something to satisfy your taste buds. Lancashire’s award-winning restaurants and pubs are diverse and delicious offering everything from Michelin-starred British cooking to a multitude of international cuisines embracing quality local and seasonal produce in their dishes. You’ll find tasty pub grub and a warm Lancashire welcome alongside real ale and home cooked, seasonal delights, from homemade sausages; melt-in-the-mouth Lancashire hotpot or succulent seafood. Our teashops and cafés offer an indulgent pit stop for tea and cake, after all what could be more appealing than a pot of piping hot tea accompanied by a slab of cake, pile of fresh scones or a doorstop sandwich!

SHRIMP

KALE

Britain’s tastiest county!

TOMATOES

“The heart of Lancashire is home to impeccable produce, charming inns and rolling countryside.” Food and Travel Magazine (2017)

POTATOE

Ormskir

SALMON

SEA TROUT

Morecambe

LAMB

Lancaster

LT SH MB

BEEF GAME Slaidburn

HONEY

Whitewell

CHEESE

Clitheroe

DAMSONS Northcote

Burnley

Preston

LETTUCE

BEER

Accrington

Blackburn

SARSAPARILLA

CAULIFLOWER Chorley

CELERY

Kirkby Lonsdale

Visitlancashire.com/taste

e r i h s a c n a L yM

View over

River Wyre

Terry eating a Toti Choux Bun

River Lounge

Table 12

PATRICK BEAUME FOOD CHAMPION

In 2007 Patrick and Julie Beaume arrived at The Cartford Inn, determined to turn the property into an exceptional country inn. 10 years later with an impressive collection of accolades it’s safe to say they have achieved their goal. Q. What do you love about living in Lancashire? A. The people has to be my number one response.

Q. What has surprised you the most about the county?

Warm, welcoming and genuine. Next, The diversity of the

A. Although born far south of Lancashire, in Bordeaux

countryside; seaside, marshes, forest, farm land, small

France, I have known the area since 1989 and lived here

villages with character and historical small towns.

since 1994. I have run two successful businesses, with my Lancastrian wife Julie, in a period of 15 years and worked

Q. When you are not working at the Cartford Inn,

for a local big employer, Ribby Hall Village for 8 years as a Director. I have gone through two major recessions

what do you do to relax?

A. It might sound a bit sad for some, but I love to

but I can say that the amount of successful, “niche

get involved in the development of the property or the

Businesses that manage to sail through recessions and

improvement of the grounds at The Cartford. It might still

contribute to a successful local economy. It is a great asset

sound like work but for me it is a way to disconnect and get

for the hospitality sector in the region.

market businesses” I have come across is quite amazing.

away from the day to day running of the business. It is also

Q. What do you think makes Lancashire a great

our home, after all. If I am not at the Cartford, you might then ﬁnd me on the coast of Bordeaux where I come from,

place to visit and stay?

somewhere exotic or in a European city discovering its

A. It has a diverse range of attraction, beautiful

typical food – but unfortunately, this is not often enough.

countryside, a growing number of quality food, drink

Taste of the Inn Deli

Q. What’s your favourite Lancashire food? A. So much good produce to choose from. Marsh lamb

and accommodation venues, and it is very central to visit neighbouring county attractions such as Manchester, Liverpool, Lake District, York or Harrogate.

is deﬁnitely up there and creamy Lancashire cheese. I love the lemon cheese that we get from our local supplier in Hambleton – Ann Wilson, who has been making it in her kitchen for years! At the moment my favourite has to be the suckling pig we get from Thomas Hayton, an 11-year-old lad from St Michaels. I had to mention him has he is the

For more information on The Cartford Inn go to visitlancashire.com

future of Lancashire farming; young and passionate. If you are lucky enough to be at The Cartford Inn on a Sunday when one of his pig legs for two is on as special roast, you will know what I mean.

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MY LANCASHIRE

| 49

THE JOIN

LANCASHIRE

There is no doubt craft gins are on the rise. Last year alone, British drinkers consumed the equivalent of 1.12 billion G&Ts, according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association. And it’s not surprising, as craft gin is not only about the quality of the ingredients and production techniques, but also about the people creating these artisan spirits. Gin is an incredibly versatile drink that can be enjoyed neat, as well as turned into a fantastic array of diﬀerent cocktails. In Lancashire there’s no shortage of new producers creating handmade spirits each ﬂavoured with individual mixes of heady spices and fragrant botanicals inspired by the county’s rural landscape. One of the newest entries to the market is Cuckoo Gin, distilled on a Lancashire farm in Brindle, near Chorley, by the Singleton family who have owned the land for almost 100 years.

50 |

FOOD & DRINK

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visitlancashire.comhire.com

Take a bottle home and try a Cuckoo Cocktail. Cuckoo Gin is available to buy online at brindledistillery.co.uk or though selected stockists including Holmes Mill Food Hall, Samlesbury Hall, Barton Grange Farm Shop and Booths.

WHAT MAKES THEIR GIN STAND OUT AMONGST THE CROWD? Mark, who heads up Brindle Distillery at Holmes Farm says: “It was my father in law’s (Gerard Singleton) desire for the farm to be used to create a marketable product that used materials from the land, including growing barley to blend into our base spirit and using fresh water from the spring located on the farm in the distilling process. This is very rare in the busy gin market and really adds a unique provenance to our story. Gerard’s drive to have the family included in every step of the process has also ensured a real personal feel to the brand.” Botanicals are locally and ethically sourced to give Cuckoo its appealing taste, whilst sustainability is important. Nothing that comes out of the distillery is wasted. As Mark adds: “When we ﬁnish boiling the grains up the cows eat the waste grain and the chickens eat the waste botanicals, even the wash back is used as fertiliser.” And the name? Mark says: “According to legend villagers in Brindle tried to build a wall around a Cuckoo. The ﬁrst call of the bird means that spring season has arrived, and they wanted to keep it, believing it might bring them good farming all year round. But the Cuckoo escaped and ever since, anyone born and bred in Brindle, is known as a Brindle Cuckoo.”

Lancashire gins to try... Cuckoo Gin: piney juniper, citrus from orange, grapefruit and lemon with a lingering taste of cinnamon

Cuckoo Spiced Gin: Clove, ginger,

Batch Brew Premium Gin:

Batch Brew Whinberry Gin:

cinnamon, fennel and lemongrass are

Distilled using 12 botanicals

Cognac edition. A berry local to

followed by spicy Tellicherry black

including juniper, coriander and

Lancashire, the whinberry takes

pepper then mellowed with hints

lemongrass, with the most unusual

centre stage in this gin. Steeped in

of jasmine, ﬁg, rosehips and tonka

being frankincense and myrrh. A

Batch Gin with a minimum of sugar,

beans.

bold, unique gin with ﬂavours

aged in a former Cognac barrel.

to match.

spice and liquorice.

Look out for Cuckoo Gin in pubs and bars across Lancashire and beyond or visit Brindle Distillery’s very own bar,

Cocktail recipe

The Cuckoo’s Nest and enjoy a cocktail or two along with a great selection of real ale and lagers that are produced on site.

Cuckoo Fireside Kick {serves one} Ingredients •

50ml Cuckoo Spiced Gin

•

50ml Premium Ginger Beer • Sliver of fresh ginger

• Orange peel

• Couple of slices of fresh chilli

Method Begin by chilling a short glass or beaker with ice, then replace with fresh ice. Pour 50ml of Cuckoo Spiced Gin and 50ml of premium ginger beer. Stir with a cocktail stirrer and garnish with a twist of orange peel and a sliver of fresh ginger. The 50:50 ratio on the cocktail mix is to be sipped, ideally by the ﬁre after dinner!

For details of upcoming events go to brindledistillery.co.uk

SOARING HIGHER & HIGHER Winner of the UK Pub of the Year in the 2017 Great British Pub Awards, this handsome old stone pub on the edge of leafy Ramsbottom looks modest enough from the roadside, but step inside and find a stylish space featuring a fabulous light-filled bar and Orangery with terrific long views over the rooftops to Holcombe Moor and the iconic Peel Tower. 52 |

FOOD & DRINK

#wherelifefeelsgood

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andlord now for almost 6 years here, Glen Duckett has overseen the recent refurbishment and his eye for detail is ﬂawless; the spacious

bar has comfortably padded booths lit by huge glass globes and the airy dining area, with its ﬂoor to ceiling windows sports snazzy black & white harlequin ﬂoor tiles. But the look isn’t

Glen Duckett, who runs The Eagle and Child, said:

We pride ourselves in being a community pub and this redevelopment has given us even more motivation to be the best place in the area for our staff to work, and our guests to gather and enjoy a pint, a meal, and now a place to stay. We’re pleased to have such a good partnership with our local family brewer Thwaites of Blackburn.

entirely modern, the stone ﬂags and woodburning stoves giving a nod to the pub’s age, and the cosy ‘snug’ is a good spot to bag if you fancy a game of dominoes or Scrabble with your pint. It’s worth mentioning that Glen has a background in community regeneration, and has continued his commitment to employing

choose between Eagle, Barn, Long-eared and Little Owl; Tawny has a stunning wall, a riff on a local relief map, made by a local artist, a complete one-off. More bespoke work comes from Fran Giffard – in each room you’ll find her wonderful bird prints. Bathrooms are the last word in modern luxury, one with beautiful Moroccan tiles, another with an extraordinary back-lit panel, made exclusively for the room. There’s a classy espresso maker in each room, along with homemade cookies, playing cards and a selection of complimentary drinks and snacks including Thwaites award winning Thirteen Guns ale. Barn Owl has a rustic wooden headboard, an exposed stone chimney breast and

disadvantaged young folk – and service here is

a wood-burning stove – perfect in the winter.

faultless. There’s a distinctly Lancashire accent to

The rooms at the rear have Juliette balconies overlooking the green roof of the Orangery, with

the menu – Chef Ben Morris makes good use of

stunning views across the Rossendale Valley to

local growers and suppliers, so expect the likes

the graceful hills beyond. The Eagle and Child was the recent winner

of braised feather blade of Albert Matthews’ beef with chasseur sauce, buttered kale and beef

of UK Pub of the Year 2017 in the Great British

dripping chips, or Forest of Bowland hogget

Pub Awards due to its great oﬀer, food quality

with rosemary potato gallette. Pub classics are

and social enterprise credentials.

given a twist – the humble scotch egg morphs into a Manchester Egg here, made with Bury black pudding and a pickled quails egg, not forgetting the deeply satisfying ‘Double Bomber’ pie made with Lancashire Bomb cheese and curd, and Thwaites braised onions, served with a hazelnut salad. There are unexpectedly reﬁned plates too; venison carpaccio with pickled mouli, Morecambe Bay shrimps and mustard leaf is as pretty as a picture, and their ‘3 Little Pigs’ with delicacies of pork is bursting with ﬂavour. In the summer, head for the lovely walled garden with a salt beef and Lancashire cheese

The Eagle and Child is no secret to winning plaudits for its excellent service, food and helping young people from all backgrounds get started in their hospitality careers.

sarnie – not forgetting those wicked dripping chips! An outdoor bar and new outdoor heated Thwaites Director of Pubs and Brewing,

family dining space is planned for 2018 in their

Andrew Buchanan, said: “Glen and his team have

fabulous garden. Eagle and Child has won a host of plaudits

done a fantastic job with The Eagle and Child

for its Sunday Roast, with the likes of Sirloin

and the pub keeps on going from strength to

of Bowland beef, Yorkshire pudding, seasonal

strength. It really has found its place at the heart

vegetables, pan thickened juices; Loin of

of the community which is why it is so popular. We worked in partnership with Glen on

Gloucester old spot pork, smoked pork belly, garden greens, red wine sauce; Morecambe Bay

every aspect of the recent refurbishment. The

crab cake, pod vegetables, tomatoes. The team

detail Glen and his team have overlaid onto our

use seasonal and home grown produce so the

scheme to build the new orangery and guest

Sunday lunch menu is bespoke every week!

rooms has been amazing and guest reaction has

If you’re looking for a fabulous place to stay

been every bit as good. It all looks stunning and

in Ramsbottom, then Eagle and Child is really

it’s great that the work has been recognised by

special. Five fabulous, contemporary boutique

the Great British Pub awards.”

bedrooms are designed with owls in mind – so Eagle and Child, 3 Whalley Road, Ramsbottom, Bury, BL0 0DL Tel: 01706 557 181. eagle-and-child.com visitlancashire.com

#wherelifefeelsgood

FOOD & DRINK

| 53

IN ROSSENDALE

The North Westâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest outdoor ski and snowboard centre with a choice of slopes.

Ski Rossendale

The Water Ski Academy

The surrounding landscape of Rossendale is

recommend The Whitaker full breakfast brunch.

walls at Grip & Go at the Adrenaline Centre, in

a playground for adventure lovers and thrill

After lunch check out the latest art exhibition

Haslingden. Anyone aged four and up can go and

seekers, where you have the freedom to try

and the Victorian natural history collection which

attempt to scale the 18 diﬀerent walls and for

a huge variety of action adventure sports.

includes some very unique taxidermy.

those brave enough there is the very daunting

Before your day begins, immerse yourself

leap of faith challenge.

Now you’re fuelled you’ll be ready to head

After such a busy day you’ll have earned a

in Rossendale’s stunning landscapes with

out onto the slopes for an afternoon of skiing,

a pleasant stroll up to the iconic Halo on

tubing and snowboarding at Ski Rossendale.

steak at The Firepit in Rawtenstall but don’t be

Haslingden’s hill tops. Take your time to reﬂect

It’s the North West’s biggest outdoor ski and

fooled, this is no ordinary steak restaurant. Order

on and embrace the unique views of Lancashire

snowboard centre with a choice of slopes

Steak on a Stone and you’ll get your choice of

from this blissfull location.

depending on ability and lessons available. New

steak served on a slab of 350 degrees laval rock.

developments for 2018 will include a brand new

Finish the night in Rawtenstall with some live

not) at the Whitworth Water-Ski Academy with

café complex so you’ll be able to pop in for some

music at The Blind Tiger, Rawtenstall and then

a water-skiing lesson on the beautiful Crown

apres ski refreshments when you’re done.

sample some of the carefully crafted ales at some

Start the day with a splash (or hopefully

Reservoir. All abilities and ages are catered for

of Rawtenstall’s microbreweries, Hop, Northern

For those who prefer to experience the

Whipser, Casked and the Buﬀer Stop.

outdoors on wheels, Lee Quarry is the ideal

and equipment is provided. Once eveyone has dried oﬀ, drive over to

Round oﬀ a great day by staying in a

place. Ride along thrilling paths and experience

the Whitaker in Rawtenstall for lunch. This

exhilarating jump trails amongst the dramatic

Rossendale Holidays luxury glamping pod or

striking and stylish museum café is set in the

Rossendale scenery. Spend hours in the rugged

cottage, nestled in the hills above Rawtenstall.

peaceful grounds of Whitaker Park and they

and untouched surroundings and ﬁnish up with a

Each pod has its own elevated decking, perfect

pride themselves on using local suppliers in the

fresh cup of coﬀee in one of the local cafes.

for wildlife watching and star gazing after dark.

café. Choose from seasonal soups, tasty tapas style dishes and if you visit on a Sunday, we

Inside, curl up in cosy full size beds after an

If you’ve still got energy to burn then

adrenalising and incredibly fun day.

ﬁnish the day with a session on the climbing

For more information go to visitlancashire.com/rossendalevalley Grip & Go

thrilling paths and exhilarating jumps...

The Whitaker

Rossendale Holidays Glamping Pod visitlancashire.com

#wherelifefeelsgood

SHORT BREAK

| 55

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SUPER SOPHIE

With a Commonwealth Games medal in her sights and a wedding in September, 2018 is a big year for Burnley hammer thrower Sophie Hitchon. lan Tomlinson always knew his granddaughter was destined for great things. Turns out he was right – his granddaughter is hammer thrower Sophie Hitchon. Not only is she the current senior British record holder, she was also a bronze medallist in the 2016 Rio Olympics – a feat that sealed her place in history as Great Britain’s first Olympic medallist in the event. “My grandad always said I would be good at the hammer,’ said Sophie. “He saw what I was capable of long before I realised. He’s very proud of what I’ve done, as are all my family, but he’s just absolutely thrilled.” It is during her childhood, growing up in Burnley, where she discovered and nurtured her love for sport. Parents Michael – a former competitive sprinter turned athletics coach – and Wendy who got involved with club events, used to take Sophie and her younger sister, Emma, to sessions at Pendle Athletic Club in Nelson. Sophie was hooked. She then moved on to Blackburn Harriers – as did her parents. It was during her time spent at these clubs that her love for hammer throwing was sparked. “Having family focussed on sports really had a good impact,’ said Sophie, a former Ivy Bank High School pupil. “Athletics has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I tried all sorts of different sports, going down to the club nights Pendle AC. That continued at the Harriers – it was there I took up the hammer. “I had a really quick progression which motivated me to carry on. My dad still coaches at Blackburn and I try to go back as much as I can. There are people there who are doing well and I’m just Sophie when I go back which is really nice. I feel a part of the group.” Things moved fast, and it was taking part in the World Young competition that sealed Sophie’s commitment to the sport. Since then she has blazed a trail in her field, including that British record and Olympic medal. In April, Sophie will be setting her sights on glory at the Commonwealth Games, being held 58 |

SUPER SOPHIE

#wherelifefeelsgood

visitlancashire.com

I expect a lot of myself, but I think that’s something athletes have to do. in Australia. She has been training hard since

but I felt I was capable of a lot better and I

October last year – splitting her time between

wanted more. It wasn’t a nice feeling.

the UK and California - with dreams of bringing home another medal for her country. “I deﬁnitely get nerves but I’ve put in a lot of training over the winter,’ said Sophie. “April

“I came out of it. You have to carry on and then it starts to feel better and if you feel you can do better, that’s what pushes you forward.” Her Lancashire roots have formed a huge

is about all of that coming together. I know I

part of Sophie’s character as well as giving her

have done the best I can over the year and it’s

many treasured memories. From family walks in

about remembering that training.

Towneley Park every Sunday to trips to Boundary

“Setting records is added pressure but it does give me conﬁdence. I expect a lot of myself, but I think that’s something athletes have to do.

Mill with her grandparents, Lancashire is the place that will always feel like home. “My mum and dad worked full time so me

If I didn’t I wouldn’t compete. I’m really excited

and my sister did a lot with my grandparents.

about the Games, I’m feeling good about it.”

We used to get up to all sorts of things. We loved

It hasn’t all been plain sailing for the 26-year-old. As well as celebrating the highs, the talented sportswoman has also had to

going walking up Pendle Hill. It’s a place that has so many amazing memories for me. “Lancashire – and Burnley – will always be

weather the tough times. But it is these

home for me, no matter where I go. Whenever

challenging times that have moulded her into a

I go back my grandad always takes me and my

woman determined to succeed.

sister out for lunch – it’s all about having family

“It was the last Commonwealth Games, and that year, that was a real low point,’ admitted Sophie. “On paper I came away with a bronze,

time when I come back. I love that feeling of being home. You can’t beat it.” Sophie is working at breaking down barriers

As well as preparing for the Commonwealth

in women’s sport. She has also been a part of Burnley Leisure’s Girls Up and Active project

Games – and studying for a degree in Business

- an initiative aimed at getting young women

and Sports Management - Sophie is also due to

more active and harbouring a passion for sport

marry American ﬁancé Damien Drulick. The pair,

at an early age.

who met through sport, will get married in the US in September.

“My sport is changing,” said Sophie.

“The proposal was very romantic,” recalled

“People assume you have to be really big – or like Mrs Trunchbull in Matilda - to be able to

Sophie. “We always go to Disneyland and we

do it but that’s just not the case. The sport is

were at the one in California. My favourite thing

evolving and it’s becoming much more technical

is the big light show with water, he’d booked us

and about precision.

a private table and asked me there. I just wasn’t expecting it.

“The Girls Up and Active project is a really great programme that’s good for women and I’m

“He is so supportive of me. But I am so

proud to be able to support it. I went to a HIIT

lucky because all of my family are. My sister

class and I was really put through my paces – it

always knows what I’m up to – we’re both so

was intense.

proud of each other. She’s a fantastic singer and is studying performing arts at Edge Hill

“For me, being involved in that was also about providing positive inﬂuence too. There

University. Neither of us have chosen easy career

weren’t lots of women who were role models

paths – I think seeing what I went through

when I was growing up. Dame Kelly Holmes was

totally put her oﬀ sport. I am so lucky to have

doing big things, she was amazing and opened

such a wonderful family around me who are

up the way for women in sport. It’s important

proud of me. It’s made it easier to do what I do.

for young girls and women to see other women

It’s wonderful.”

achieving great things.”

60 |

SUPER SOPHIE

#wherelifefeelsgood

visitlancashire.com

There will be Commonwealth celebrations taking place across Lancashire in 2018 to keep up to date with details of events go to visitlancashire.com/commonwealth

IN BURNLEY

Burnley is a thriving market town surrounded on all sides by breath-taking Pennine countryside.

Canal Festival 62 |

SHORT BREAK

#wherelifefeelsgood

visitlancashire.com

Isn’t it time you took another look? Whether you like hiking, cycling, windsurﬁng,

parkland with woodland walks, formal gardens,

features; The Lawrence Hotel for design led

kayaking, horse riding, golf or sailing, it’s all

sculpture and nature trails.

boutique accommodation; or Crow Wood, with the

available right here. The Prairie Sports Village

fabulous Woodland Spa and Bertrams Restaurant

There are fabulous places to eat and drink,

has a 16-bay ﬂoodlit driving range, academy and

from luxurious Italian at The Palazzo, the

on site. With regular cultural events including

nine-hole mini golf course. Hire a rowing boat or

Mechanics Theatre, Loom Makers Bistro, and

Burnley Literary Festival, Canal Festival and a

kayak at Thompson Park, or windsurf and sail at

many more. Burnley has a thriving café culture

varied programme at the Mechanics Theatre

Clowbridge Reservoir.

with many independent outlets, and for sweet

and Burnley Youth Theatre in addition to many

treats you could try Ellis’s Milkshake Bar or

live music events across town, there’s always

Chocstop Dessert Café.

something to see and do.

Visit one of our two historic houses for a trip back in time - Towneley Hall, and Gawthorpe Hall - often referred to as the Downton of the North. Towneley Hall sits in extensive historic

For more information, visit burnley.co.uk/

If you would like to stay, try Hurstwood

lifestyle

Hall, built in 1759 and retaining many original

Towneley Hall

For more information go to visitlancashire.com/burnley Literary Festival

Regular cultural events...

Sailing at Clowbridge Reservoir

Mitton Hall

WHERE TO

STAY WIN Go to visitlancashire.com/win and enter our great selection of prize draws including a huge choice of short break packages that are up for grabs!

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 village.

Lancashire also offers an extensive range of accessible accommodation to suit your particular needs. All of the accessible accommodation listed on the website has been inspected by the National Accessible Scheme, so you can feel 100% confident that you’ll find accessible accommodation to suit you.

Cartford Inn

Shepherd Hut Hamlet

Shireburn Arms

HOTELS

SELF CATERING

Whether you want a base to rest your sleepy head or

Taking a self catering holiday in Lancashire gives you the

the luxury of beautiful interiors with mouth-watering

ultimate freedom and independence to come and go as you

food, Lancashire’s hotels combine a diverse range of

please, eat breakfast whenever you want and sleep late

accommodation. From luxury boutique hotels to simple,

without interruption. It is perfect for a romantic weekend

comfortable places for those on a budget, contemporary city

or family getaway. There are a vast array of Lancashire

centre spots or a cosy rural retreat, you’ll ﬁnd the perfect

self catering units and holiday cottages so you’ll be able to

place. Enjoy a stay at Northcote, the Visit England Hotel

choose exactly where to stay for your ideal break.

of the Year 2017, with individually decorated boudoirs and Michelin-starred dining.

GLAMPING

B&B

If you’re the sort of person that loves the great outdoors If you want to experience all Lancashire has to oﬀer then a

without compromising on comfort and quality glamping is

B&B or guest house is for you. Your accommodation hosts

for you. Whether you choose to stay in a luxury canvas tent,

will have excellent knowledge that they’ll be happy to share

camping pod or quirky shepherd’s hut, you and all| the family will be happy glampers. Imagine yourself sat

with you over a tasty breakfast. Get unrivalled local tips to help you explore the surrounding scenery, whether you

outside on a summer evening, the smell of the BBQ wafting

stay in a B&B in one of Lancashire’s historic towns, spend

through the air as you watch the sun setting. Caravan

time exploring the busy streets, getting lost in independent

holiday parks, camping and caravan touring sites also

galleries or wandering through quirky boutiques. It could be

oﬀer a fun and cost-eﬀective way to holiday. Toast

a guest house in the heart of the countryside where you can

marshmallows by the campﬁre as dusk falls and the stars

roam through idyllic ﬁelds whilst admiring the outstanding

begin to shine.

views the county has to oﬀer.

HOLIDAY VILLAGE

NARROWBOATS

Do you have little ones to keep entertained? With fantastic

Aye Aye Captain. If you’re a water baby at heart and have

on-site leisure facilities, shops, eateries and day and

always wanted to go on your own voyage, then drifting

evening entertainment for families and adults a holiday

along a tranquil canal on a narrowboat is for you. Watch the

village is a great option. Spacious chalet-style cottages, or

rolling ﬁelds and wildlife as you pass by, before mooring up

hotel rooms on a generous sized complex, allow you to relax

next to a quaint pub by the side of the water. What better

after a day full of activities.

way could there be to spend a Lancashire holiday?

visitlancashire.com

#wherelifefeelsgood

WHERE TO STAY

| 65

SCANDINAVIAN-STYLE SELF CATERING

SELF CATERING IN HISTORIC GROUNDS

PINE LAKE RESORT

THURNHAM HALL

BY DIAMOND RESORTS

Situated on the edge of charming Carnforth, Pine Lake Resort oﬀers guests

This historic country estate near Lancaster oﬀers guests the opportunity

the opportunity to relax in unique self-catering Scandinavian-style lodges

to unwind in well-equipped modern self-catering apartments. Set in 30

and cosy studio apartments. Onsite, guests can enjoy the indoor swimming

acres of grounds, the resort also oﬀers an indoor pool, spa, ﬁtness centre

pool, spa, ﬁtness centre, water sports, tennis and restaurant.

and restaurant.

› Dock Acres, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA6 1JZ

› Thurnham, Nr Lancaster, Lancashire, LA2 0DT

› 0800 358 6991

› EuHotels@DiamondResorts.com

› DiamondResortsandHotels.com

HISTORIC GEORGIAN HOUSE

SEA VIEW VICTORIAN APARTMENTS

EDEN VALE HOLIDAY FLATS

MERLEWOOD

HOLIDAY APARTMENTS

Eden Vale is a large Georgian property of historic interest, converted

High quality, self-catering accommodation with sea views. The

into seven self-catering ﬂats. Situated on an elevated private road on

magniﬁcent Victorian apartments are close to the promenade, shops,

Morecambe’s promenade, commanding unspoilt views of the sea, the

restaurants, four Championship golf courses and the thrills of Blackpool -

Lakeland Hills and stunning sunsets over the bay.

it’s all here on the doorstep. Apartments come with free Wi-Fi, private car parking and are non-smoking.

66 |

› 338 Marine Road, Central Promenade, Morecambe, LA4 5AB

› 383 Clifton Drive North, St. Annes-on-Sea, Lancashire FY8 2PA

› 07739 008 301 and 07946 021 669

› 01253 726082

› jicoombs@talktalk.net

› info@merlewoodapartments.co.uk

› edenvalemorecambe.co.uk

› merlewoodapartments.co.uk

WHERE TO STAY

#wherelifefeelsgood

visitlancashire.com

CARAVANS & CAMPING PODS

A WELCOME STOP ON THE FYLDE

KNEPS FARM HOLIDAY CARAVAN PARK

PIPERS HEIGHT

TOURING CARAVAN PARK

Kneps Farm is your ideal place for exploring Lancashire’s popular coastal

Pipers Height Touring Caravan Park welcomes touring caravans and

resorts. Only seven miles from Blackpool’s ‘world famous’ tower and

motorhomes whether you choose to stay with us for the weekend, or for

attractions. Quiet Family Park with luxury amenities. Children and pets

the full season, we can guarantee you a warm friendly welcome and a

welcome. Hardstanding nightly and seasonal Touring Pitches with electricity

relaxing stay. Pipers Height Touring Caravan Park is the ideal base for

hook up. Camping Pods and luxury Caravan Holiday Homes for sale or hire.

exploring the Fylde Coast.

› River Road, Stanah, Thornton-Cleveleys, FY5 5LR

› Pipers Height & Clifton Fields Caravan Park, Peel Road, Blackpool, Lancashire FY4 5JT

› 01253 823632 › enquiries@knepsfarm.co.uk

› 01253 763767

› knepsfarm.co.uk

AWARD WINNING HOTEL AND SPA

HOLIDAY AND CARAVAN TOURING PARK

STANLEY HOUSE HOTEL & SPA

WESTGATE CARAVAN PARK

Stanley House Hotel & Spa is a stunning, award winning hotel, set in 54

Situated within easy reach of local attractions. Facilities include, onsite

acres of Ribble Valley countryside in Mellor, Lancashire. With 30 ﬁrst-class

shop, laundrette and children’s play area. Fully equipped six berth holiday

bedrooms, unrivalled wedding and conference facilities, the stylish Grill

homes for weekly hire. Touring pitches with electric hook-up and facilities.

on the Hill restaurant, the hugely popular Mr Fred’s bar and lounge and a

No tents or awnings. Season March to October.

world-class spa, Stanley House is truly a hotel like no other. › Further Lane, Mellor, Lancashire BB2 7NP › 01254 769200

GOLD

› Westgate Caravan Park, Westgate, Morecambe LA3 3DE › 01524 411448

› info@stanleyhouse.co.uk

› info@westgatecaravanpark.co.uk

› stanleyhouse.co.uk

› westgatecaravanpark.co.uk visitlancashire.com

#wherelifefeelsgood

WHERE TO STAY

| 67

AWARD-WINNING CANAL HOLIDAYS

CANAL BOAT CRUISES OF RILEY GREEN The fun, unique, award winning family business in the heart of beautiful Lancashire country side. Luxury Holidays hire canal boats. Short Breaks, full weeks or longer. Full tuition, beginners and novices welcome.

www.thecartfordinn.co.uk (01995) 670166 Cartford Lane, Little Eccleston, PR3 0YP

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

3 F

Millstones Inn Waddington Road, Clitheroe BB7 4SX | 01200 443339

amily-run business, the 3 Millstones is a small but perfectly formed restaurant which offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. They pride themselves on providing a full dining experience, beautifully cooked and presented food and an excellent selection of beers, ales, and wines.

68 |

WHERE TO STAY

#wherelifefeelsgood

All of the food at the restaurant is locally sourced and prepared using local ingredients from local suppliers. The 3 Millstones is also available for small functions up to 60 people. You can enjoy having the whole restaurant to yourselves for christenings, birthdays or even an intimate wedding breakfast and with the added bonus of having 5 luxury rooms for you and your guests to stay. visitlancashire.com

3millstones.co.uk millstonesinn@live.com

Clitheroe

Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between!

HALF COFFEE SHOP, WINE BAR & BRASSERIE; HALF INTERIOR DESIGN SUPERSTORE... The Emporium is genuinely unlike anywhere you have seen or been before and its Parisian Grand Cafe style appeals to everyone. Housed in an old Methodist Chapel, lavishly and lovingly converted to create three huge floors of eating, drinking and shopping. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal and that’s the way we like it. All three floors offer hidden gems you’ll just have to have, both on and off the menu!

www.theemporiumclitheroe.co.uk

01200 444174 | Moor Lane, Clitheroe. BB7 1BE

ADRENALINE RUSH Top 5

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

70 |

Quadtrex Quad Biking Trekking, Thornton Hall Country Park

Ski Rossendale

Impact Outdoor Activity Centre, Blackpool

Go Ape Rivington

Inch Perfect Trials, Whitewell

Indoor Climbing Centre, Haslingden

FAMILY FRIENDLY

#wherelifefeelsgood

visitlancashire.com

a lovingly restored

Georgian Townhouse Hotel...

onveniently located on the market square right at the heart of the ancient old town of Kirkby Lonsdale, the Royal Hotel offers a superb location to explore the best of town and country.

inLKiornksbdyale

Despite sitting just outside the Lake District National Park, Kirkby Lonsdale’s elegant stone buildings, higgledy-piggledy streets and profusion of independent shops, cafés and pubs lend it a timeless appeal that some of Cumbria’s more famous tourist destinations have lost. John Ruskin’s famous view up the Lune Valley towards the Howgill Fells – immortalised in watercolours by JMW Turner – is just a five-minute walk from the hotel’s front door and from here a number of riverside walks wind their way across the fields beside the river.

The Royal Hotel, Main Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria LA6 2AE 01524 271966 | www.royalhotelkirkbylonsdale.co.uk

The Grand Theatre

The show goes on... and on Known as Lancashire’s entertainment capital, Blackpool has long held a reputation for putting on a good show, from Strictly Come Dancing in the Tower Ballroom and international dance performances at the Grand Theatre to West End musical hits at the Winter Gardens, there’s a show for everyone. When you take your seat at one of these stunning venues its worth remembering that this isn’t a new phenomenon, especially when you consider the how long some venues have been welcoming visitors, 124 years for The Grand Theatre and 124 years for the Blackpool Tower and 140 years for the Winter Gardens. Just imagine the millions of people who’ve laughed, cried and been entertained over the years by stars of screen and stage, never mind the buildings themselves that have survived two world wars and changing holidays trends. The architectural history and behind the scenes stories at these great Blackpool institutions, are often as interesting as the shows themselves and you can ﬁnd out more by joining a heritage tour at any one of these venues. Not only will you learn about the resort’s ﬂamboyant architects and the famous people who’ve ‘trod the boards’, but you’ll also get to explore areas not normally open to the public.

Most viewed theatres on VisitLancashire.com Blackpool Opera House and

•

Dukes Theatre, Lancaster

Winter Gardens

•

Burnley Mechanics Theatre

•

The Grand Theatre, Blackpool

•

King George’s Hall, Blackburn

•

The Grand Theatre, Clitheroe

•

Preston Guild Hall

•

Horse and Bamboo Theatre,

•

The Platform, Morecambe

Rossendale

•

Lancaster Grand Theatre

•

For a full list of shows and heritage tours go to visitlancashire.com 72 |

HERITAGE & CULTURE

#wherelifefeelsgood

visitlancashire.com

The Winter Gardens

EXPLORE LANCASHIRE’S

ART SCENE magine a gallery with no walls but hills, a place where art and craft traditions thrive with new ideas and innovation, where inspiration comes from everywhere and amazing quality art and craft is created and shown. This place is Lancashire, and the tour starts here! Astley Hall Museum and Art Gallery, Chorley houses over 330 artworks at the Hall including family portraits, studies of local dignitaries and north-western landscapes. Artists include Paul Nash and Graham Sutherland with engravings by JMW Turner. Booths must be the only supermarket in the country to incorporate an art gallery in their building and the Fylde Gallery, Lytham is well worth a visit. Exhibitions take place ↑ Chapel Gallery

throughout the year including a biannual selection from the Lytham St Annes Art Collection. Chapel Gallery, Ormskirk, brings together some of the

← Astley Hall ↓ Haworth Art Gallery

most inventive contemporary fine art and craft from across the UK, while also supporting locally based artists. The contemporary craft shop, children’s workshops and café make this a great day out for families. Cedar Farm Galleries in Ormskirk offers an unrivalled selection of beautiful handmade objects, original art, unusual bags, jewellery and gifts. Regular art and craft workshops and children’s activities keep us going back for more. The Haworth Art Gallery is an Edwardian arts and crafts house set in 9 acres of its own parkland. This stunning mansion is the perfect setting for the internationally renowned collection of Tiffany Glass, reputed to be the largest public collection outside of the USA. Seeing Master Glass Blower John Ditchfield and his team at Glasform is an experience you will never forget. Visitors watch from a safe viewing area while the master craftsmen use tools and techniques developed over hundreds of years. The studio specialises in decorating glass while in its liquid state and applying an array of different colours and patterns. See them ‘gather’ the molten glass from the roaring furnace and transform this liquid material into stunning pieces of art. visitlancashire.com

#wherelifefeelsgood

HERITAGE & CULTURE

| 73

LANCASHIRE’S

GRAND TOUR For more than a century the Grand Tour was an essential rite of passage for young, wealthy gentlemen, keen to immerse themselves in European culture. Usually taken over two to three years study and the acquisition of art were the linchpins of any tour. More than a mere holiday, this was a trip that helped shaped the identity of the country and our great houses and historic properties. It was a pursuit that transported back to Lancashire too. Many of our county’s heritage buildings are bursting with special items that have been collected during these important trips or are Grand Tour worthy. Here is our guide to some of those pieces that are a must see.

Murano Glass Chandelier - Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham The Kay-Shuttleworth family, who used to call this beautiful hall home, loved travelling in Europe and brought back many things from Italy, a main destination for a Grand Tour. One of the best is this delicate, beautiful Murano glass chandelier that you can spot in the Drawing Room. Murano glass has been made on the island of the same name, just oﬀ Venice, for centuries. This striking piece is made of pink and pale blue ﬂowers and is one of two bought in the 1870s by Lady Blanche Shuttleworth, the wife of Liberal MP Ughtred Kay-Shuttleworth. Both chandeliers hung in the Drawing Room originally, as shown in pictures from that period. Today, there is just one and it’s well worth a look. So precious is it than when, a few years ago, one of the arms broke away, it was sent back to Venice for repair as this is the only place Murano glass can be found. 74 |

HERITAGE & CULTURE

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visitlancashire.com

From rare Murano glass chandeliers to paintings of some of our county’s most influential people, you can immerse yourself in the cultural beauty of Lancashire

Ginger Jars -

Rufford Old Hall, Rufford Take a peek inside the Entrance Hall at Rufford Old Hall and you will spot two special ginger jars. They were acquired by wealthy landowner Sir Thomas George Fermor-Hesketh in Japan in 1870 and brought back to Rufford upon his return. It was in 1876, following the death of his brother, he became the 7th Baronet. To celebrate his inheritance, he commissioned his own yacht, the Lancashire Witch, and set sail for over two years around the world. Whilst on his world cruise, he collected many objects and developed a passion for oriental ceramics. It’s believed Sir Thomas collected this pair of blue and white ginger jars, that date back to the early 18th century and the time on Chinese emperor K’ang Hsi, during this time.

Broadwood Piano - Astley Hall, Chorley Astley Hall in Chorley is home to a special

improvements in ﬂyers for preparing cottons,

Second Oﬃcer aboard the Titanic. He played an

piano with an interesting tale. It was two days

and other ﬁbrous materials for spinning. Both

important role in evacuating passengers from

after Christmas Day in 1965 that this beautiful

brothers were church organists at St George’s

the ship and was the last survivor to be taken on

grand piano left the Broadwork workshop in

Church, Chorley.

board the RMS Carpathia. He was the highest-

Westminster. Carefully wrapped and loaded onto

ranking oﬃcer to survive.

When George died in 1875, his brother

In the 1970s, Astley Hall was gifted the family’s

a horse and cart it was taken to Camden Town

Richard and family moved into Yarrow House.

Goods Depot where it would travel north by

By 1881 Richard’s son Frederick and his family,

Broadwood piano by Chorley Parish Council. It

‘Chaplin and Horn’s Rail’. The piano was sold to

including his son Charles Herbert Lightoller,

has been on permanent display ever since. Recent

George Henry Lightoller of Yarrow House, Chorley.

were living at Yarrow House.

research from Astley Hall, Chorley Family History

George - a member of the Lightoller family

and Heraldry Society, Chorley Heritage Group and

Charles took on an apprenticeship aged

of mill owners in the town - was along with

13 and began his career at sea. On April 14th,

Chorley’s Historical and Archaeological Society has

his brother Richard responsible for a patent for

1912, Charles began his four-hour shift as

brought this story to light.

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HERITAGE & CULTURE

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Charles Townley and Friends in the Park Street Gallery Westminster, Towneley Hall Art Gallery and Museum, Burnley

Antiquarian Charles Townley was known for his vast collection of sculpture, vases, coins, Old Master drawings and manuscripts collected on several Grand Tours to Italy. This characterful painting of the wealthy English gentleman, born at Towneley Hall, is one of the country’s most important art works. Produced by the German artist, Johann Zoﬀany, it shows Charles inspecting his collection of sculptures with his friends including the paleographer Charles Astle, the Honorable Charles Frances Greville and Pierre-François Hugues D’Hancarville. The piece, initially painted in 1782, was added to by Zoﬀany after the discovery of the Discobolus, a Roman copy of a lost bronze original made in the 5th century BC by the sculptor Myron. Charles bought it to add to his collection. Much of this is now in the British Museum’s Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities but this beautiful painting can still be enjoyed at Towneley Hall.

Prospetto dell’alma citta di Roma visto dal Monte Gianicolo by Guiseppi Vasi, 1765 This view of Rome was printed at a time when the

room. These qualities make it an ideal piece for

after inheriting his title, and probably purchased

very idea of the Grand Tour was at its height, and

the educated tourist to purchase and display.

this print whilst in Rome.

This copy was donated to Stonyhurst College

many tourists bought copies of this vista to bring

Vasi’s view is displayed in a gallery at

back with them to England to place on their walls

in the 1830s by James Everard, 10th Baron

Stonyhurst with a set of prints by one of his

with pride. It gives an idealised view of Rome,

Arundell of Wardour. Lord Arundell donated

pupils, Giovanni Battista Piranesi. Piranesi’s

and at the bottom includes a key listing the main

much of his family’s library to his former school,

series of prints shows the most famous

landmarks shown. Also, being nearly 3 metres by

along with a signiﬁcant collection of prints. The

landmarks in Rome and was also a popular

1 ½ metres, it is suitable for hanging in a large

8th Lord Arundell travelled on the Grand Tour

purchase for those on the Grand Tour.

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HERITAGE & CULTURE

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Mrs Jane Vigor’s Bust -

Browsholme Hall, near Clitheroe

In 1801 and 1802 Thomas Lister Parker made a Grand Tour of Italy, France and Russia, bought many works of art, collected furniture, and was elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 1801. A gentleman of great literary and historical taste, he was a patron of the English artists of his day – including Turner, Romney, Northcote - many of whose paintings are at Browsholme Hall. These include two portraits of Thomas Lister Parker by James Northcote RA, a pupil of Joshua Reynolds. Thomas Lister Parker was also a keen antiquarian, lover of ﬁne furniture, and had an elegant London house where he moved in high society. During his visit to St Petersburg in Russia he acquired two lead busts of Mrs Jane Vigor and her then husband Thomas Ward, Consul General to Russia in 1728. She was a well known author publishing Letters from a Lady in 1775 recounting her time in Russia. It is a marvel how these rare lead busts travelled to Browsholme Hall as their impressive weight demands two people to move them!

Daisy Table -

Leighton Hall, near Carnforth This house of treasures is renowned for its collection of Gillow furniture - a collection that has been passed down the generations since Robert Gillow first founded the famous furniture making firm Gillow and Company of Lancashire in the 18th century. As well as their reputation for being skilled furniture designers and craftsmen, Gillow were also well known for making unusual pieces, which were often one-offs. At Leighton Hall you’ll find an exquisite example of this in the Daisy Table. It is thought it was probably made for gambling purposes because of its design. The table is shaped like a flower with eight leaves or petals which can be folded down, leaving a small octagonal table in its place. It’s believed it particularly suited gambling because if you’d lost all your money on a card game or just wanted to stop playing, you could fold your petal down and leave. Find out more about the Daisy Table, and Leighton Hall’s other treasures, in a House Tour held between May and September.

For more information and details on the venues mentioned go to visitlancashire.com visitlancashire.com

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HERITAGE & CULTURE

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IN CHORLEY With a bustling town centre, historic halls,

Check out Chorley for a great day out and

challenging routes on and oﬀ road by bike, we

be inspired by the area’s beauty and variety.

pleasant parks, carefree cycling, wonderful walks

encourage you to see Chorley from a diﬀerent

Discover rich heritage, historic houses, a wealth

and adventurous activities, there is something for

perspective, take in the rich wildlife, historical

of peaceful parkland, outdoor adventures on

everyone.

features and good pubs along the way.

Whether you want to spend time relaxing

foot or bike, family fun, wonderful waterways,

While away hours walking along tranquil

charming villages, lively leisure activities and

in peaceful countryside, explore one of the

woodland pathways in over 700 acres of land at

more. Let Chorley inspire your imagination to

traditional villages, discover the great outdoors,

Yarrow Valley Country Park. Get in touch with

create memorable days out for years to come.

shop at the famous Chorley Markets or make

your inner Tarzan and live life a little more

memories that will last a lifetime at one of the

adventurously by taking on an outdoor pursuit at

exciting events, Chorley is the place for you.

one of the many outdoor activity centres. Then

Chorley is a popular market town steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Journey through history at attractions such

ﬁnish your day oﬀ with a world famous ice cream

famous markets, splendidly tasting Chorley Cakes

as Astley Hall, Houghton Tower or Heskin Hall,

from Frederick’s Ice Cream Parlour – there’s over

or even the satirically portrayed Chorley FM. But

explore the great outdoors by hiking or cycling

100 delicious ﬂavours to choose from!

when you’ve been to visit you’ll realise there’s so

to the top of Rivington Pike. From hill walking

much to discover.

to leisurely rambles and family walks on foot to

You may have heard of Chorley because of the

Chorley Markets

Book Bench Trail

Rivington

Chorley Markets

Chorley’s picturesque villages

Houghton Tower

Chorley Flower Show

Astley Hall

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Leeds/Liverpool Canal through Chorley

Walks along the canal

Yarrow Valley Country Park

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Picnic in the Park

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Sunset over Chorley

Adventure Play Yarrow Valley Country Park

Check out Chorley events in 2018 including: Sunday 15 April: Chorley Grand Prix

Friday 5 – Saturday 6 October: Chorley Live

Watch the country’s elite cyclists compete in the 2018 HSBC Spring Cup

The entertainment event of the year is back for the sixth year and it promises

series as they battle-it-out over a challenging ﬁve-lap route through the

to be another fantastic weekend of live entertainment. If you’ve been before

Chorley countryside, before racing to the ﬁnish line on Park Road, in

the event needs no explanation but if you haven’t it is well worth a visit.

Chorley town centre.

Chorley Council organises the event alongside the Creative Network and will

Saturday 28 April: What’s Your Story, Chorley

be taking over 30 venues each night from 7pm with performances on the hour at 7pm, 8pm, 9pm and 10pm. Entry is via a wristband that costs £5 –

A fantastic festival of words and fun for all the family including reading,

that gets you in every venue over both nights (Friday and Saturday 5 and 6

writing and storytelling. Suitable for people of all ages. Back again for 2018,

October) – and under 12s are free. Wristbands will be on sale from the start

Chorley’s popular word festival returns between 11am and 4pm with the

of autumn.

fantastic book bench trail.

Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 July: Chorley Flower Show

Every weekend from Saturday 1 to Sunday 23 December: Chorley’s Santa Express

After the phenomenal success of the Chorley Flower Show, the event

Jump aboard Chorley’s Santa Express land train on Union Street, Chorley

returns in 2018 with all your favourite attractions a wider variety of

town centre and take a magical journey through Astley Park to meet Father

horticultural displays and trade stands.

Christmas at Astley Hall. Every child who meets Father Christmas will receive

Visit chorleyﬂowershow.com for the latest information.

a special Christmas gift and there will be festive face painting and arts and crafts at Astley too! Tickets go on sale at checkoutchorley.com at the beginning of October.

Chorley Grand Prix

Chorley Flower Show

For more information go to visitlancashire.com/chorley Check out Chorley and Astley Hall

Enjoy a famous Chorley Cake

Chorley cakes...

Go Ape, Rivington

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HOUSES & MUSEUMS

Top 5

HISTORIC HOUSES 1.

Astley Hall Museum and Art Gallery, Chorley

Hoghton Tower, near Chorley

Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham near Burnley

Browsholme Hall, near Clitheroe

Towneley Hall, Art Gallery and Museum, Burnley

Top 5

MUSEUMS

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HERITAGE & CULTURE

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Clitheroe Castle and Museum

The Whitaker, Rawtenstall

Towneley Hall, Art Gallery and Museum, Burnley

Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston

Astley Hall Museum and Art Gallery, Chorley

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RETURN OF THE ENCOUNTER Lancashire Encounter festival returns to Preston City Centre over the weekend of 21-23 September. A high quality arts festival celebrating the breadth of Lancashire’s diverse cultural offer with an authentic flavour of the county. Spread over three days, Encounter promises not to disappoint with each day offering something new. Check out the Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library filled with exciting workshops, performances and installations - all inspired by the Harris’ Lancashire collections and stories. Or why not visit the recently restored Winckley Square Gardens and take in one of the amazing outdoor performances? You can listen to the newly formed Lancashire community choir - made up of voices from across the county - performing new songs and those more recognisable. Enjoy a magical Lancashire procession bringing together different communities, or revel in Lancashire Revue: an evening of lively, fast-paced, warm-hearted performances that capture the authentic charms and voices of contemporary Lancashire. And why not cap off the whole weekend with a finale outdoor performance in Avenham Park on Sunday afternoon. To find out more and keep up to date with the latest festival news, visit prestonguildcity.co.uk/LancsEncounter Lancashire Encounter Festival is delivered by Preston City Council with support from UCLan, Without Walls, and Community Gateway Association.

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HERITAGE & CULTURE

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IN PRESTON

Preston, a city best known for its guild traditions, historic football team and iconic bus station, is bursting with personality and character.

The Harris 82 |

GREAT OUTDOORS SHORT BREAK |

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You could say Preston is the perfect sized city,

tour. Search for Preston Guild City - City Walks.

The glass and timber clad steel structure of

The newest development at Preston Guild

with everything at your ﬁngertips from the

the new Market Hall oﬀers views of the restored

stunning parkland on the doorstep of the eclectic

Victorian canopy it sits beneath. The Box Market

Hall ‘Level’ brings additional indoor activities to

shopping oﬀer to the ever-increasing list of

- which takes inspiration from markets in

the city centre including bowling, crazy golf and

places to eat and drink.

London - oﬀers something a little diﬀerent too.

an obstacle course. Another perfect place to spend

Welcoming trader’s old and new, customers can

time with family and friends.

Wander through Avenham & Miller Parks

Enjoy the diverse programme of Summer

to get a glimpse of the 500 hectares of green

experience buying traditional food and something

spaces, wildlife habitats and play areas in and

unique in a modern and contemporary shopping

events on the Flag Market which culminates

around the city centre. Explore Preston’s diverse

environment.

with Lancashire Encounter lighting up the city

oﬀer as Lancashire’s key shopping destination,

Preston’s about more than just shopping.

in September. This spectacular weekend includes

appreciating awe-inspiring architecture of iconic

Lose yourself in an array of art, culture and

an illuminated parade, giant projections and a

buildings such as the Victorian splendor of the

history in the iconic Harris – housing the city

packed programme of workshops. Search Preston

Miller Arcade.

centre’s museum, art gallery and library. Step

Guild City - Lancashire Encounter.

In addition to the familiar high-street

inside and while away a few blissful hours

And there’s no need to head oﬀ home at the

names and brands, Preston oﬀers a variety of

browsing through the fascinating displays of

end of day with the city’s restaurants and bars,

boutique and independent shops as well as fresh

art, local history and changing exhibitions. Or

theatre, dance, comedy and live music all a great

Lancashire produce in the brand new Market.

discover Preston’s unique histories out in the

way to spend your evening.

fresh air with a self-guided city centre walking Lancashire Encounter

TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT To get a completely diﬀerent perspective of the city, grab

so great for younger and less experienced cyclists.

your bike and explore the Guild Wheel. This 21 mile circular route takes you through Preston’s Docklands, Victorian parks

Visiting Preston soon? Find further information on things to

and along the banks of the River Ribble. It’s mainly oﬀ road,

do in our fantastic city www.prestonguildcity.co.uk/visit

For more information go to visitlancashire.com/preston

Pavilion - Avenham Park

more than just shopping, lose yourself in an array of art... Preston Mela

Miller Arcade

DISCOVER SOMETHING DIFFERENT

AT THE ALL NEW

www.prestonguildcity.co.uk/markets @prestonmarkets

MONUMENTS & MOMENTS Top 5

LANDMARKS 1.

Blackpool Tower

Ashton Memorial, Williamson Park, Lancaster

Singing Ringing Tree, Burnley

Lancaster Castle

Clitheroe Castle and Museum

Top 5

PHOTO SPOTS

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Beacon Fell Country Park

Pendle Hill

Forest of Bowland, AONB

Arnside and Silverdale AONB

Blackpool Tower and Ballroom

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GREAT OUTDOORS

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IN LEYLAND

Discover for yourself what makes South Ribble a great place to live - and visit!

Easily accessible from the motorway network*,

VIII guide you round Samlesbury Hall, a stunning

treats for you, oﬀering everything from farm

South Ribble oﬀers days out for all the family

stately home where younger visitors have their

shops such as Huntley’s and Leyland Market to

to enjoy - from country walks and independent

own miniature hall and Mayﬂower ship to explore

Happy Bunnys in Longton and The Folly Coﬀee

shopping to family friendly parks and local history.

in the grounds.

House in Worden Park.

Known for its engineering heritage, Leyland

If you enjoy a challenge, see how many of our

The borough’s parks and open spaces have

is home to South Ribble Museum, celebrating 40

heritage landmarks you can ﬁnd around South

been ranked among the top in the UK for two

years of bringing local history to life. The original

Ribble. They include a Centurion Tank, ‘Norma’,

decades, why not ﬁnd out why? Worden Park,

Tudor Grammar School building is a fascinating

a Leyland TL Fire Engine, ‘William’, a Leyland

Withy Grove and our newest, St Catherine’s Park

reminder of life in the past and in the present day

245 tractor and our newest resident, ‘Bobby the

in Lostock Hall are waiting for you. Where else

it oﬀers you a monthly programme of exhibitions,

Horse’. You’re bound to need a break and our local

talks and displays. Nearby, let Janey the (alleged) witch or Henry

can you ﬁnd a new Inglis Bridge? * (we have junctions on the M6, M61 and M65)

shops and characterful cafes are waiting with

For more information go to visitlancashire.com/leyland

Samlesbury Hall

SRBC Iron Horse

Worden Park 86 |

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Leyland Food Fayre |

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THE GREAT INDOORS

Top 5

SPAS 1.

Woodland Spa, Burnley

The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village

Stanley House Hotel

Mecure Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa

The Oaks Hotel, Leisure Club and Spa

Top 5

RAINY DAY IDEAS

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Madame Tussauds Blackpool

Old Holly Farm, Garstang

Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston

Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool

Grip & Go Indoor Climbing Centre, Haslingden

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FAMILY FRIENDLY

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VISIT / STAY EAT / PLAY

VISIT

STAY

EAT

old house in Lancashire. Stroll through historic

with en-suite shepherd’s huts and solid oak

taste award, you can be sure of a delicious meal

rooms with award winning guides who will

beds – camping with all the luxury of a hotel!

in the Samlesbury Hall restaurant. From a la

enthral you with tales of beheadings and

Spend the evening with loved ones, gathered

carte, to soup & a sandwich – you can be sure

betwitchings that have taken place at the Hall

around the barbeque and ﬁre pit, then toast

it’s all cooked to order and homemade. Why

over the centuries, or meander through the Hall

marshmallows under the stars while children

not have a cuppa and cake, or a morning baked

and grounds at your leisure.

sleep in the top bunks. A full English, or just

scone with clotted cream and jam? Afternoon

crumpets for breakfast – it’s up to you. Dogs

Tea? Treat your loved ones to high tea in

welcome in certain huts, just ask!

this historic hall. The restaurant is open at

Take a step back in time into the friendliest

The Hamlet is the perfect glamping retreat,

Awarded Visit Lancashire’s highest quality

lunchtimes only, but the Hall will open up in the evenings especially for bigger parties.

Waffles & ice-cream? Dottie’s is the only Wafflery in the UK. Made every day on their sizzling irons, enjoy your waffle with bananas, berries and your choice of ice-cream flavour. With sixty jars of sweeties, homemade milkshakes, ice-cream sundaes or even a takeaway waffle cone – you won’t leave hungry. Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Lancashire PR5 0UP | 01254 812010 www.samlesburyhall.co.uk | helena@samlesburyhall.co.uk

PLAY

Nestled in the woods is the Mayﬂower

playground, where you can climb through the windows of the miniature Hall and brave the rope bridge across to the Mayﬂower ship! There is also a wooden trail; with bridges, swings and lots of fun obstacles for the whole family to enjoy. Don’t miss

WHAT’S ON IN 2018? FREE ENTRY

OPENING TIMES Mon 10am – 4pm

Fun Dog Show – 7th May

Tues 10am – 4pm

with her stories, crafts and hunts around the

Betsy Bumblebee – School Holidays

Weds 10am – 4pm

Hall – at the Hall throughout the school holidays,

Witch Week – Halloween Half Term

Thurs 10am – 4pm

Betsy Bumblebee who will have you in stitches

perfect for keeping the kids entertained whatever the weather.

Meet the menagerie

Santa – Dates in December

Friday 10am – 4pm*

Sunday tours – Free tours every Sunday!

Saturday CLOSED

Check the Hall’s website for updated events.

Sunday 10am – 4pm

See pygmy goats, pigs, miniature sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs and rescued ex-battery hens, plus be fascinated by the working hives of honey bees at The Bee Centre (safely behind glass!)

*Closes occasionally on Fridays. Please do make sure to check the opening times on the Hall’s website before you travel.

OUT & ABOUT Top 5

FREE DAYS OUT 1.

Samlesbury Hall, near Preston

Brockholes, near Preston

World Horse Welfare Penny Farm, near Blackpool

Happy Mount Park, Morecambe

Rivington Pike, near Chorley

Top 5

EVENTS

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FAMILY FRIENDLY

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Blackpool Airshow 11 – 12 August 2018

Dukes Walkabout Theatre – The Three Musketeers 3 July – 18 August 2018

Blackpool Illuminations 31 Aug – 4 Nov

Easter Egg Rolling, Preston 2 April 2018

Wray Scarecrow Festival and Fair 28 April – 7 May 2018

visitlancashire.com

e r i h s a c n a yM L SHARON JONES HALL DIRECTOR

Samlesbury Hall continues to be a popular choice for a family day out: stroll through the 700 year old historic hall and gardens. Join a guided tour by Witchy Witch or catch up with Betsy Bumblebee. A visit to Dottie’s wafflery is a must, followed by fun in the Mayflower playground.

Q. What do you love about living and working in Lancashire?

A. Where do I start, for me a large part is the people. Whether it’s their honesty, humour or generosity, we Lancastrians know how to give a warm welcome! I also love that I can be in the hustle and bustle of the city one minute and 10 minutes later be in the middle of rolling countryside – its great to be able to get around the county so quickly!

Q. What do you do to relax when you’re not at Samlesbury Hall?

A. I’m very fortunate that I live on the doorstep of Hoghton Tower and spend a lot of time enjoying Lancashire’s fantastic countryside. I have 3 Labradors who thankfully enjoy walking as much as I do, so we’re out and about at least twice a day taking in the fantastic views. I also have great fun with my grandchildren who are my chief testers at Samlesbury Hall, whether its sampling the milkshakes at Dottie’s Waﬄery or scaling the heights of the Mayﬂower playground.

Q. What do you tell visitors they must also see when in Lancashire?

By July 2018, all 28 Shepherd’s Huts on the Hamlet will be complete! With enough accommodation for all your family and friends (including the four legged members of your family!) It’s also the perfect accommodation for your wedding guests after your wedding celebrations at the Hall.

A. The choices are endless, Samlesbury Hall is one of many amazing historic houses within Lancashire each with their own quirky stories, a favourite of mine is Hoghton Tower and the legend of the Sir Loin. For fans of the Lancashire waterways there are the canal boats where you can while away an afternoon listening to the bird and watching the changing scenery. I’m a huge champion of Lancashire’s food and drink, our coast and countryside supplies us with an amazing bounty that can be sampled in so many of the county’s award winning pubs and restaurants.

For more information on Samlesbury Hall go to visitlancashire.com visitlancashire.com

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MY LANCASHIRE

| 91

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PLACES TO STAY & PLACES TO GO

Top 5

ACCESSIBLE PLACES TO GO AND STAY 1.

Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool

Browsholme Hall, near Clitheroe

Brickhouse Farm Cottages, Hambleton

Barnacre Cottages, Garstang

Top 5

FAMILY DAYS OUT

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East Lancashire Railway, Rossendale

Farmer Teds Farm Park, near Ormskirk

Blackpool Zoo

Brockholes, near Preston

Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool

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FAMILY FRIENDLY

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IN BLACKBURN

Blackburn with Darwen is changing! If you haven’t visited for a while then you’re going to notice a real difference! No matter what your taste –you’re going to be pleasantly surprised with what these former mill towns have to offer. Gioia

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Since the development of Blackburn’s Cathedral

Live Sports playing on two giant screens. As well as some great places to eat & drink,

Quarter, there has been a surge in new businesses opening to take advantage of visitors to the town.

& high rise aerial dance by the Ice Fairy before wowing everyone with a ﬁrework ﬁnale. More fantastic events like these are planned

Blackburn was put on the map when the ﬁrst National Festival of Making was held in May 2017.

for 2018 and will be promoted on

customers for cocktails & Caribbean style food.

The Festival took over the streets with music,

www.visitblackburn.co.uk.

They have been so successful that they are adding

markets, street food, art, performance, tours,

an outdoor eating area with retractable roof.

talks and above all, an eclectic mix of making

great new public space being created in the town

2017 saw Turtle Bay open its doors & welcome

Darwen is also undergoing change with a

experiences for everyone. More than 30,000

centre for holding their popular events - such as

has opened in One Cathedral Square opposite

visitors ﬂooded the town centre from far & wide

Darwen Live & the 1940s Day. Darwen Market

Turtle Bay & alongside a new Starbucks Coﬀee

to enjoy this free, family orientated celebration

remains at the heart of this historic town. The

Shop. Café Northcote, tucked under Blackburn

of making and manufacturing. The Festival will

Market Hall opens 5 days a week with traders

Cathedral, continues to be popular with its

return to Blackburn in May 2018.

oﬀering a great range of fresh food & produce.

A Mano, Italian restaurant and cocktail bar,

Blackburn Bid (Business Improvement

modern menu full of delicious homemade treats

Two other great additions to Darwen’s food oﬀer

District) organised their ﬁrst series of Street Fairs

are Artisan Cafe & Wine Bar oﬀering freshly

with craft stalls, street food & music adding to the

roasted Italian coﬀee, cocktails and world beers

Arms, has quickly become a popular spot for locals

shopping experience for locals & visitors. They

and Bohemian and The Vaults, new all day

& visitors with a taste for local ales. So much so

also made a decision to “ﬁre” up Christmas with a

restaurant and cocktail bar opening in the

that the owners have taken over another public

new twist on the Christmas Light Switch On event.

New Year.

house opposite King Georges Hall – The Lemon

They turned Blackburn Cathedral Grounds into a

Tree, serving burritos and spicy curries.

Fire Garden, amazing crowds with a Lightshow

to eat in or take away. Blackburn’s ﬁrst Micro Pub, The Drummer’s

New cafes such at Mad Hatters & Mee Maws have appeared on the high street oﬀering a warm welcome alongside their homemade cakes & fresh coﬀee. Great places for a catch up with friends old & new!

Blackburn with Darwen Events 2018 23rd March – 8th April: Easter Fair, Witton Country Park, Blackburn

Gioia, Italian Restaurant, Wine Bar and Deli has opened on Church Street, oﬀering an authentic Italian experience, with a wine bar and uniquely, a deli counter.

12th & 13th May: 2018 National Festival of Making, Blackburn town centre 27th -28th May: Darwen Live, Darwen town centre 16th June: Sarah Millican, King Georges Hall 20th – 28th June: Children’s Reading Festival, Blackburn Cathedral

If gin’s your thing - seek out the new speakeasy on Northgate. Complete with crystal

18th -21st July: Ribble Valley International Piano Week, Westholme School, Blackburn

chandeliers & a grand piano! Shh Bar gives a new

15th Sept: Festival of Heritage/ Heritage Open Days, Blackburn

sparkle to Blackburn’s night life! And look out

6th Oct: The Sixteen Choral Pilgrimage “Sacred & Profane”, Blackburn Cathedral

for the Beez Kneez a new bar on Lord Street, with

3rd Nov: Witton Park Bonﬁre, Witton Country Park, Blackburn

For more information go to visitlancashire.com/blackburn Cathedral Quarter

Festival of Making

Cafe Northcote - Cake

Street Fairs and craft stalls... A Mano

Festival of Making

Lancashire’s Leading Lights When Emmeline Pankhurst set out on her journey to lead the charge of the British suﬀragette

From those who led the way in the suffrage movement 100 years ago to the modernday heroines, meet the formidable Lancashire women who are making a big impression.

movement, it started a chain reaction that meant better conditions for women. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Representation of the People Act and the centenary of the first British women to get the vote. It was a battle hard fought and continued on until 1928 when women were finally granted the vote on equal terms to men. It was Lancastrian Emmeline, other members of her family, and other women from the county who were at the heart of this crusade. Emmeline, who came from a prosperous family steeped in radical causes, spearheaded the Votes for Women campaign for many years and was not only an ideal leader but a noble role model for young women. Her daughters, Christabel and Sylvia, were members of Manchester Women’s Suffrage, and, along with their mum, were credited with revitalising women’s suffrage at a time when it was struggling. A contemporary of the Pankhurst family was another woman who flew the flag for women’s rights. Edith Rigby, who lived in Winckley Square in Preston, was so dedicated to her cause not only was she jailed seven times, she also went on hunger strike. The first president of Hutton and Howick WI, she founded St. Peter’s School in Preston aimed at educating women and girls. Visit Winckley Square and you will see a Blue Plaque outside her residence. 96 |

LEADING LIGHTS

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Amanda Thompson (Blackpool Pleasure Beach)

In the true spirit of the suffrage movement, Lancashire has an army of modern day trailblazers flying the flag for the county. These are the women who are not only proud to be Lancastrian but are leading lights in their field. Amanda Thompson, managing director of the world-renowned Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a woman who, after taking the baton from grandfather and father, Leonard and Geoffrey, is driving the classic seaside resort into a new era. Founder of Blackpool’s famous Hot Ice Show and a number of other attractions that pull in visitors in their droves, the 55-year-old entrepreneur has produced content for many Royal Variety Shows, is patron of Blackpool’s Grand Theatre, the National Theatre of Variety and Blackpool Civic Trust. Amanda, who received an OBE for her services to tourism, will take the resort onto an international stage in 2018. She has been elected second vice chairman for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. This will lead to first vice chair in 2019 and then chairman of the board in 2020. She is the first woman from Europe to chair the global trade association and the third woman in its 100-year history. This year will see more exciting changes with the launch of the £16m ICON roller coaster in spring. The new attraction will break records as it will feature 15 interactions - the largest number in the world - with five different rides and two tunnels. It will also be the world’s first double launch roller coaster. “ICON follows in the long tradition we have at Blackpool Pleasure Beach of investing in fantastic rides and bringing first of their kind roller coasters to the UK,” said Amanda. “Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the world’s most ride intensive amusement park, is home to the UK’s first looping coaster, Revolution, and, at the time it was built, the world’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, The Big One. I’m delighted to be able to continue this tradition and bring such a thrilling ride to the UK.”

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LEADING LIGHTS

| 97

Sarah Punshon

For Sarah Punshon, 2018 is the year she will take charge of the artistic programme at The Dukes Theatre in Lancaster. The talented theatre director, who joined

(Dukes Theatre, Lancaster)

The Dukes team in 2017 will take on her first full year at the helm. She has trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Channel 4 Theatre Directors Scheme at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. She also curated a programme of arts for the National History Museum in London and has directed contemporary classics for theatres across the country including the Salisbury Playhouse, Theatre by the Lake, the New Vic Theatre and the Watermill Theatre. “It is fantastic to be here at The Dukes,’ she said. ‘It is a theatre which is synonymous with staging some of the most exciting productions in Lancashire. We’re incredibly lucky not just to be putting on shows here in the theatre but also in the stunningly beautiful Williamson Park, one of the jewels in the crown of the county.” Sarah’s first Homegrown spring production will be Willy Russell’s Educating Rita and 2018 will also be her first show in Williamson Park, The Three Musketeers. “At The Dukes we believe the arts can change lives for the better, so Educating Rita feels right as my first Homegrown production,” said Sarah. “I’m thrilled to be directing this witty exploration of class, privilege and the power of literature, still as fresh and funny as ever. “This will be my first Park show: it’s a little nerve-wracking, taking the reins on such a well-loved Lancashire tradition. My predecessor, Joe Sumsion, won so many awards with his awesome version of The Hobbit last year: those are some big boots to fill. “I’m delighted to be working with the same brilliant design team, Barney George and Brent Lees. Having been in the audience for several Park shows, I know how special the experience is. I’m very excited to work with writer Hattie Naylor and the team on her unique new version of the story.” 98 |

LEADING LIGHTS

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Amanda Parker (Browsholme Hall, Clitheroe)

Across the county near Clitheroe, sustainability is close to the heart of Amanda Parker from Browsholme Hall. She is using this passion at her family home, which has been in the hands of the Parkers since 1507, by introducing eco-friendly, sustainable methods to the heritage building. Born on a farm nearby in Bashall Eaves, the former High Sheriff of Lancashire, has also run her own IT company as well as taking on more responsibility for the tourism and weddings at her family property, the oldest surviving historic home in Lancashire. Determined to drive the future of Browsholme forward the property’s 17th century Tithe Barn was restored and converted into a beautiful wedding venue in. The historic property was also recognised at the 2017 Lancashire Tourism Awards taking the top spot in the best wedding venue, inclusive tourism and sustainable tourism categories. Their success in sustainability has led to talks with Lancaster University about using the lake at the hall for hydroelectricity. “It is very exciting and I’m really hoping we can make this happen,’ said Amanda, “We’re looking a feasibility study to see whether this could really work. I think it could be fantastic and it certainly wasn’t something I expected to come out of the awards. “We have a four acre lake and a few other smaller lakes. They’re sat there doing nothing other than holding a few fish and a swan, it seems a shame not to use it. There is a low flow area that would be ideal for it and if it is something we can go ahead with, I will be jumping in the air.” Plans are also in place for new holiday pods which, if given planning permission, will help to meet the increasing demand in the number of people wanting to stay. The environmentally friendly luxury micro lodges will boost the number of beds available to visitor to the Ribble Valley and Lancashire. There are also plans to reinstate the old wilderness garden in the hall’s grounds. “It wouldn’t be to recreate exactly how it would one have been,’ said Amanda, who spent the last 40 years renovating Browsholme into a cosy, comforting family home. “But it would be sympathetic to what would have been there and will be respectful of what used to be there. “There are lots of plans in store and I really hope they will happen. The hall is a very special place, made even more special by the people who live here. We want people to enjoy coming here and share in the loveliness of Browsholme.” visitlancashire.com

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LEADING LIGHTS

| 99

Kara Johnson

Kara Johnson is ﬁnding her way in the family business. After her dad Reg Johnson, of Goosnargh duck and chicken fame, passed away in 2015 the

(Johnson & Swarbrick, Goosnargh, Preston)

family, including Kara, Reg’s stepbrother Bud Swarbrick and his son, Adam, have been gradually rebuilding their lives. “Even now it’s hard to believe my dad has gone,” said Kara. “He was someone who would do anything for anyone, it didn’t matter who you were. “He was so funny too. He’d pop his head in the office and if I asked him to do something, he’d leg it out of the door, into his white van and you wouldn’t see him for dust. He’s left a big hole in our lives and he’s left big boots to fill. And I don’t think it’s possible to do. We have to find our own way. We have to find out own pair of boots.” Kara, who looks af ter the sales office and administration of the business, started working in the family business aged 17, despite always telling her dad she wouldn’t work for the family business. But 14 years on the talented young woman is proud to carry on the legacy left by her dad. The Reg Johnson Foundation was formed last year, an idea first mooted by Reg’s friend and renowned chef, Nigel Haworth. With Kara and her family’s support an inaugural ball was held at Ewood Park. Some of the UK’s best chefs travelled to cook at the event, which raised thousands for charity. In 2018 a special competition will be launched, as a part of the foundation’s work, designed to nurture young talent. “The foundation ball was a wonderful event and I was so pleased to see so many people come out and support it,’ said Kara. “There’s now work being done on this competition which will be about encouraging those young chefs. “Before he died my dad said to me that when I’m out meeting customers I should treat everyone equal. He’d say it was possible the youngest chef could one day be running their own Michelin star kitchen. Encouraging young people was something my dad loved to do, he was such a caring man. I think he’d be so pleased with what’s happening in his memory.” 100 |

LEADING LIGHTS

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Faye Kitching

Not far away in Chipping there is another woman continuing her father’s legacy. Faye Kitching took over the reigns at Leagram Organic Dairy from her

(Leagram Organic Dairy, Chipping, Preston)

inimitable dad, Bob, after he tragically died just a few years ago. Bob, a fixture at food and drink events where he wore his waistcoat covered in pictures of cheese, was largely responsible for a revival in Lancashire Cheese. Although they create 28 different varieties, it is the fabulous Creamy Lancashire variety that has become the staple of the Leagram’s cheeseboard. The small producer, making around one tonne of cheese per month, is located in a glorious part of Lancashire, just outside Chipping. Faye along with mum, Christine, work together with two trusted members of staff to produce their cheeses. They are made slowly and gently to get the best flavours and texture. Faye, 35, was working as a photographic stylist when she joined the family business. She was worried he was under a lot of pressure. She came in and helped with the paperwork and administration - a role she continues now. Faye, who has taken up her father’s mantle doing some of the tasting talks he became so well known for, is now focussed on protecting the legacy Bob created. “There are days when it is hard to think that we’re carrying on without him,” said Faye. “But he would be proud of us. We had a huge win at the International Cheese Show last year - we had three golds, two silvers and four bronzes. For one of the smallest producers taking part, we thought that was wonderful. And dad would have been so proud. ‘I feel so privileged to be in Lancashire. I drive over Jeffrey Hill to get to work and it’s spectacular. It takes my breath away every single day. We are blessed people to live here.”

For more information go to visitlancashire.com visitlancashire.com

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LEADING LIGHTS

| 101

Lancashire has a stunning coastline and prime sandcastle building opportunites can be found on the main beaches at St Annes, Blackpool, Cleveleys, Fleetwood and Morecambe.

Stretching from the Ribble Estuary at Lytham to the Kent Estuary at Arnside, the spectacular coastline provides surprising contrasts. From stunning sunsets, dramatic landscapes and glorious views, to seaside towns, fish and chips and harbours steeped in maritime history, Lancashire has it all!

6 7 8

Follow the Mystic Coastline

By now you’ve probably worked up an

Starting your coastal road trip in Morecambe Bay head to the RSPB Leighton Moss and

appetite, head to the one of many restaurants

Sculpture Trail on the seafront.

or old school pubs for some evening grub. If

Along the way you may discover

you’d prefer something more casual then

Morecambe Bay Nature Reserve, home to

and if you’re lucky

oﬀers a relaxed atmosphere with a delicious

you might glimpse a

mix and match platter menu.

The viewing platform

Spend the afternoon in Blackpool and let loose at the for a fun ﬁlled afternoon or visit the world famous

Take a swashbuckling

provides an unrivalled

adventure through beautiful

vantage point to

observe the wildlife in the area.

this summer, as D’Artagnan teams up with the legendary Three Musketeers, Porthos,

Take a trip up to the skywalk at the top,

Athos and Aramis, in a death-defying

do you dare to walk across the glass

quest to save the life of a loving Queen.

ﬂoor?

It’s on to Heysham Barrows where

Alternatively visit one of the three

the ruins of

piers, enjoy traditional amusements and

stand, it is said to have been founded by

funfair rides on Central and South or stroll down the full stretch of Blackpool’s

St Patrick after he was shipwrecked here

oldest boardwalk on

in the 6th Century. More recently the site featured on a Black Sabbath album cover. Savour the spectacular views across the bay. After a busy morning, you’re

It’s time to hit the road

probably feeling more than hungry. Why not stop by the iconic

through to St Anne’s, stay at one of the beautiful hotels along the front with breathtaking sea views. Alternatively you can opt for

Admire the amazing panoramic sea

self catering at the stylish St Anne’s

views whilst eating some delicious

Beach Apartments. Whatever the weather

freshly cooked local produce in the

a beach day is needed, perhaps rent one

restaurant.

of the idyllic

enjoy a picnic on the soft sandy beach and

then indulge in a delicious ice-cream. Quickly freshen up before heading

Head along to

out to one of Lytham’s delicious eateries

Fleetwood, take a stroll through

such as

for fantastic views along the coast, then

venture down to the promenade to watch the model

then on to try some of the beautiful wine bars.

yachts Spend some time in the city of Lancaster, take a walk up to famously home to the Lancashire Witch Trials of 1612. Step back in time and uncover the gruesome history of crime and punishment

in action. Travel south to Cleveleys, for a good old

on the beach.

as you explore the freezing cells and hollow corridors of this Royal fortress with a new augmented reality app. Enthralled in the history? Head to the City Museum and discover more about Lancaster’s past from the Lytham’s landmark displayed on the green, is just a glimpse

to the present day. Alternatively head for a

of the heritage which lies within

stroll through the centre, meander in and

Lytham. This signature building holds a

out of the quirky boutiques and independent

wonderfully illustrated exhibition of the

galleries.

WIN

town’s history.

Go to visitlancashire.com/win and enter our great selection of prize draws including the perfect seaside break with St Anne’s Beach Huts.

visitlancashire.com

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GREAT OUTDOORS

| 103

IN LYTHAM, ST ANNES AND RURAL FYLDE

A taste of the traditional seaside, with fun for all the family...

St Annes Beach Hutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 104 |

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Lytham 1940’s Wartime Weekend

If you want a taste of the traditional seaside, St

For a spot of golf, you’re certainly in the

For a bite to eat, Lytham has plenty of stylish

Anne’s on Sea is a fantastic place to start. Book

restaurants such as Farina, Ego, Java and Spago

right part of the world and there’s ﬁve courses on

yourself into an award winning stylish beach

or the very popular Whelans Fish Restaurant. The

the doorstep, including Royal Lytham & St Annes

hut for the day and explore the wide open sandy

Fylde Gallery (free) in Booths is well worth a visit

Golf Club, which stages world class tournaments.

beaches or the pier with views over the Ribble

and there’s a year round programme of exhibitions

Rural Fylde oﬀers plenty of pretty little villages,

Estuary and out to North Wales. Close by there’s

featuring well respected works, but also showcases

country pubs and cosy inns. Wrea Green has a

the popular mini links golf course, trampolines,

local talent.

duck pond (locally known as the Dub), overlooked

playground, train ride so is ideal for families.

by a historic church and cricket pitch. Nearby

The Georgian Grade One Lytham Hall set in

There’s a choice of many large full-service hotels,

78 acres of wooded parkland is a great place to

you have the choice of the multi award winning

bed and breakfasts or stylish holiday apartments.

explore – you can have a guided tour of the house

Villa Hotel or Ribby Hall Holiday Village which

Pop into the town centre and you’ll ﬁnd a good

and learn about the fascinating history of the

has spectacular spa facilities in the Spa Hotel

range of shops and restaurants such as the Olive

Clifton family, or explore the extensive grounds.

for a spot of much needed me-time. Head up

Tree, Anatolia or FIFTY FOUR. Venture down to

There’s a year round programme of events, a very

to Singleton to Glasform to see a master glass

Fairhaven Lake which is an important haven for

popular tea room and there’s a dedicated volunteer

blower at work and choose from a huge range

wildlife and is popular with twitchers. There’s the

group undertaking a restoration programme of

of bespoke speciality designs to take home. For

RSPB Discovery Centre, a café and boats for hire.

the Hall. For the sights and sounds of stage and

something very diﬀerent, stay over at the new

Take a walk from here down to Lytham along

screen, head to the Lowther Pavilion in Lytham

Waters Reach Sky Lodges at the Cartford Inn in

the coastal path and soon, you’ll ﬁnd yourself

which has a great range of stand-up comedy

Little Eccleston with views over the River Wyre

on Lytham Green, home of the historic Windmill

(John Bishop, Jason Manford and Ed Byrne have

and out towards the Bowland Fells.

and Lifeboat Museum which are open for tours

all recently appeared), musical theatre, one night

(seasonal).

shows, or watch a ﬁlm on the new cinema screen.

For more information go to visitlancashire.com/lytham

Wrea Green from the air

Flyde Gallery, Lytham

Glasform

Water Zorbs St Annes

St Annes International Kite Festival

5 golf courses on your doorstep...

St Annes Old Links Golf Club

Mini Train, St Annes

2 colour

2015

bla

C55 M31 Y0 K8 R120 G152 B200 HEX #7898c8

St Annes Beach Huts, St Annes Logo Style Sheet APR 2015 The Catalyst www.the-catalyst.co.uk

LAND OF

OPEN

All eyes will be on the Fylde Coast next summer with the return of the Women’s British Open to Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club

GLORY

It’s an event that attracts international attention. This year will be no different when Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club hosts the 42nd Championship of the Ricoh Women’s British Open. The competition, being held from August 2nd – 5th, is one of the highlights of the sporting calendar and attracts women golfers at the top of their careers. This year will be one of the most internationally diverse events with players from 27 different countries flocking to the historic club, including the 25 players in the world rankings. The one to watch will be reigning champion IK Kim who will defend her title against other golfing talents including the youngest world number one, Lydia Ko, past champions including Ariya Jutanugarn and UK favourites Charley Hull and Catriona Matthew. Royal Lytham is no stranger to hosting major tournaments on the professional and amateur circuit including 11 Open Championships, two Ryder Cups, the 2015 Walker Cup and the annual Lytham Trophy. Visitors will also be able to relax and enjoy the atmosphere at the Championship Village where there will be a number of exhibitions, shops, interactive activities and food and drink for the whole family. The final qualifying event for the tournament will be stages in July, just a short hop away, at St Annes Old Links. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to explore this pretty corner of Lancashire where you can try everything from kite flying on St Annes beach and picnicking in Ashton Gardens to eating in some of the top restaurants and hotels and exploring the town’s burgeoning art scene. For more information go to visitlancashire.com

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HERITAGE & CULTURE

| 107

IT’S

MOMENTS LIKE THIS!

365 Days Of Fun! Set in 100 acres of Lancashire countryside, just 15 minutes from the bright lights of Blackpool and the beautiful coastal resort SELF CATERING of Lytham St Annes, COTTAGES Ribby Hall Village FROM JUST is the perfect place * for your next holiday.

£269

IT’S

MOMENTS

FOR A FAMILY OF 4

Activities for all seasons, entertainment for all ages, memories for all time!

To learn more about Ribby Hall Village and to book, call 0800 107 0522 or visit ribbyhall.co.uk today!

LIKE THIS!

*Price based on a midweek stay in a 4 berth Iris self-catering cottage, from 8th Jan - 8th Feb and 17th Dec 2018. Subject to change and availability.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE, YOU ESCAPE An hour, a day or an overnight stay

Luxurious Hotel Rooms I Stunning Spa Facilities and Treatments Outdoor Hot Tub and Zen Garden I 2 AA Rosette Dining

Ribby Road | Wrea Green | Lancashire | ribbyhall.co.uk/spa-hotel

IN WYRE

In Garstang, Fleetwood, Poulton-Le-Fylde, Thornton, Cleveleys, Rural Wyre and The Forest of Bowland. With its thriving market town atmospheres

Discover Wyre - a place with fabulous views,

But don’t just take our word for it, come and

wonderful walks, mouth-watering local food

and independent shops as well as delicious

‘Discover Wyre’ for yourself. Whether you want

and quality accommodation. It is the home of

food and drink oﬀerings, there’s something for

to escape for a nostalgic seaside day out, trek in

picturesque towns including Fleetwood, Knott

everyone in including a visit to an 18th Century

the countryside, visit a great family attraction or

End-on-Sea, Garstang, Poulton-le-Fylde and

Windmill.

you’re seeking relaxation and pampering for a

Take in a show at one of Wyre’s historic

Thornton Cleveleys, as well as many rural villages. On one side you’ll ﬁnd stunning award

theatres or delight in one of our main events

winning beaches with unspoilt coastlines, and

such as the Garstang Walking Festival in May,

on the other you’ll ﬁnd unforgettable landscapes

Fleetwood Festival of Transport in July, Great

in the Forest of Bowland, an area of outstanding

Eccleston Tractor Pull in August or Garstang

natural beauty.

Victorian Festival in December.

few days, Wyre is the destination for you! For more information go to visitlancashire.com

For more information go to www.discoverwyre.co.uk Fish & Chips on Cleveleys Seafront

Mary’s Shell

Great Eccleston Tractor Pull

Marsh Mill Windmill Wyre Countryside

110 |

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Fleetwood Beach

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PUBS • BEDROOMS • DINING

Charming Country Inns Stunning locations...

Bed and breakfast from £80 Available Sunday to Thursday

PENDLE

CLITHEROE

PENDLE

LONGRIDGE

LANCASTER

www.thealmainn.com

www.asshetonarms.com

www.barleymowpendle.co.uk

www.derbyarmslongridge.co.uk

www.fenwickarms.co.uk

www.seafoodpubcompany.com

Saturday 4th August 8:30am till late

A Great Family Day Out In The Country! SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

Atkinson Action Horses

Agricultural and Horticultural Exhibits Children’s Entertainment / Rare Breeds Farmers Market / Countryside Displays Horticulture & Craft Tents / Vintage Section

SHOWFIELD GREEN LANE EAST, GARSTANG. PR3 1JS Details & Tickets: www.garstangshow.org or call the show secretary on 07867 313 346 Follow us:

Find out why we are one of the most loved visitor attractions in Lancashire

*2016-2017 visitors

Exhibitions | Talks & Tours | Events | Café | Shop @harrispreston

www.harrismuseum.org.uk

FREE ADMISSION

HarrisMuseumandArtGallery

/garstangshow

@garstangshow

IN THE HEART OF LANCASHIRE

Are you visiting Lancashire and looking for a high standard of accommodation whilst exploring this great part of the UK? Look no further than Best Western Plus Samlesbury Hotel. Located minutes from the M6, the hotel is on the outskirts of Preston, less than 30 minutes from East Lancashire and less than 45 minutes from both Manchester and Blackpool. The hotel also makes the ideal place to base yourself whilst exploring the wider North West of Liverpool, Chester and the Lake District. Best Western Plus Samlesbury Hotel offers the following great amenities: n

80 Contemporary bedrooms, including family rooms and suites Merchants Restaurant Bar & Lounge

n n

Complimentary Parking Complimentary Wi-Fi

n n

Gym Access for hotel residents Less than 5 minutes from the M6, J31

Best Western Plus Samlesbury Hotel Preston New Road, Lancashire, PR5 0UL +44 (0) 1772 868000 reservations.samlesbury@squirehotels.co.uk

www.squirehotels.co.uk

Countrystyle Meats Farmshop Open 7 days a week

Offering *seasonal fruit & vegetables *dairy & bakery items *unique gifts & cards *wines & beers. As well as a variety of quality meats from our Butchers counter & a selection of homemade and local produce from our deli counter.

Eat, drink & Shop at

Countrystyle

Countrystyle Kitchen

friendly escape away from the city 140 seat cafe/ restaurant offering *lite bites *main meals *4 roast carvery *afternoon teas *delicious desserts *alcoholic drinks Our Large restaurant is the prefect venue for family get together's or social gatherings. Don't just take our word, visit today. Countrystyle Meats Farmshop, Lancaster leisure park, Wyresdale road. Lancaster LA1 3LA. 01524 841111

IN MORECAMBE BAY

Welcome to Nature’s Amphitheatre Morecambe Bay is a great place to experience

spectacular, seascape views; the hardy and

unearth your adventurous side with an incredible

adventurous can experience a guided walk across

range of exhilarating outdoor activities.

the sands, taking in the wide-open vistas across

The Bay stretches from the south west coast

of Cumbria to Fleetwood in Lancashire, taking

the tidal sand and mud ﬂats towards the Lake District and the Bowland Fells.

in coastal towns such as Grange-Over Sands, Morecambe and Heysham.

“Meet the King of Piel Island, or the Queen’s Guide to the Sands. Discover an astounding haven of wildlife and birds, or Victorian towns and Art Deco glamour”

The headlands of Morecambe Bay oﬀer

amazing sunsets, discover natural landscapes and

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CATCH YOUR BREATH -

GET THE FEELING -

Be captivated by the animation of the

Get up close and enjoy some amazing outdoor

natural environment.

experiences on Morecambe Bay…

SUN, SEA AND SUNSETS

CROSS BAY WALKS

See striking sunsets at Morecambe and you’ll

Here’s some great ideas to enjoy some wonderful experiences on Morecambe Bay…

Perhaps one of the most memorable ways to

know why they’re famous, or smell the sea air and

experience the Bay is to take a guided walk across

enjoy a great ﬁsh supper one evening at Arnside.

the Sands with the Queen’s Guide. Call Morecambe

The views and experiences along this coastal

Visitor Information Centre on 01524 582 808 for

stretch of Morecambe Bay will captivate you –

dates. The guided walks take place from May

come rain or shine!

to September each year (but don’t attempt this without a guide – it is dangerous).

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS Been inspired by the natural and cultural

BAY CYCLE WAY

environments of the Bay? If so then why not try

Discover the Bay’s spectacular coastline on this

bird watching, painting or photography. RSPB

award-winning National Cycle Network route.

Leighton Moss is a great place to start for those

Move along at your own pace on quieter or traﬃc

who are new to birdwatching and wildlife spotting,

free roads, greenways, promenades and towpaths.

and also oﬀers a great range of family activities

For details, links and maps visit:

as well.

www.baycycleway700.org.uk

WONDERFUL WILDLIFE

SAILING ON THE BAY

The islands, mudﬂats and sands, woods, rivers,

Book a fun sail with Morecambe Bay Sea School for

wetlands and grasslands are home to a rich variety

a wonderful adventure out in the Bay. Escape for a

of wildlife. The Bay oﬀers opportunities for a range

few hours to catch the wind in the sails and enjoy

of amazing wildlife experiences, like watching

a high quality experience with an award-winning

the oystercatchers and other waders march up

RYA instructor in charge. www.bayseaschool.com

the shore at Morecambe or Heysham, in front of the advancing tides or looking out for seals lazing around the south tip of Walney.

spectacular, seascape views

For more information go to visitlancashire.com/morecambe-bay

"MORECAMBE BAY MAY BE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BAY IN BRITAIN" Bill Bryson

We all love a trip to the seaside. The beach, ice cream, quirky independent shops and fish & chips on the promenade. Add to that a fantastic line up of events and festivals including the awardwinning Vintage By The Sea, one of the best sunsets in the country across the Bay to the spectacular Lakeland Fells, a wealth of great hotels, restaurants, shops and plenty to keep the kids entertained. Some seriously impressive public art and of course thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the famous Eric Morecambe statue.

And did you know Morecambe is only 10 minutes from the M6

M OR ECAMBE AN INDEPENDENT TOWN

MORECAMBE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE T. 01524 582808 E. morecambevic@lancaster.gov.uk www.morecambebid.com

Enjoy fantastic facilities for all of the family at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre!

18 exhilarating indoor climbing walls

26ft multi-level soft-play area

Multi-level zip line and free fall tower!

Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, Doris Henderson Way, Lancaster LA1 5JS 01524 847 540 |

www.lancaster.gov.uk/saltayre

relax with us Thermal Experience Spa

Treatments and Beauty

Salt Inhalation Room Aroma Steam Room Herbal Sauna Ice Chute Watermill Sauna Relaxation Room

3 treatment rooms Massage Scrubs and Wraps Nail Bar Facials Hair Removal Tanning Occasion Makeup

Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, Doris Henderson Way, Lancaster LA1 5JS 01524 847 540 |

www.lancaster.gov.uk/saltayre

IN LANCASTER

Take a short break around Lancaster - one of England’s Historic Cities. Sun Square and Music Room

Fireworks over Lancaster

Playing at Soldiers at Lancaster Castle

118 |

SHORT BREAK

#wherelifefeelsgood

visitlancashire.com

John O’Gaunt Gateway

History runs through the cobbled streets of this compact city. From the hilltop castle overlooking the glorious Morecambe Bay to the Lancaster Canal winding its way through the city’s industrious past and out into the surrounding countryside; Lancaster is a small city with a big story. If you want to get a feel for the history of

and books. No introduction to Lancaster would

the city centre and cross Dalton Square in front

Lancaster, there’s no better place to start than

be complete without a visit to Lancaster Castle,

of Lancaster Town Hall under the unsmiling eyes

at one of the museums. The City Museum, a ﬁne

founded (it is thought) in the 11th Century and

of Queen Victoria. You reach Williamson Park by

Georgian building in Market Square and once

used as a prison, amongst other things, from

walking up to the top of East Road: half-way up

the town hall, oﬀers an overview of Lancaster’s

the end of the 12th Century until 2011. You can

is Lancaster Cathedral, not as ancient a building

history from Roman to current times and regularly

now visit parts of the one-time prison and take

as the Priory, but equally inviting and with a

hosts interesting exhibitions on the ground ﬂoor.

a guided tour of the castle. The tour includes the

beautifully painted interior.

Alternatively, wander down China Street to the

medieval dungeons, the Drop Room (for public

river and walk along St George’s Quay to the

hangings), and the court rooms, still in use, with

paths running throughout its 54 acres of stunning

Maritime Museum, another ﬁne Georgian building

its branding irons for malefactors (thankfully not

parkland, also host to Park Run on Saturday

and once the Port of Lancaster Custom House.

still in use). While you’re up on Castle Hill take

mornings. Why not visit The Mini Beast Centre

Grab a mid-morning coﬀee in Lancaster’s

half an hour to visit Lancaster Priory, adjacent to

which is also home to an engaging troop of

newly-established ‘Coﬀee Quarter’. Atkinsons’

the castle. Parts of the church date back to Saxon

meerkats, or, during the spring and summer

Music Room in Sun Square and The Hall on China

times and it has beautiful medieval carved choir

months, view the exotic butterﬂies in the tropical

Street serve freshly ground coﬀee and delicious

stalls, enhanced with more recent embroideries.

palm house. On summer evenings The Dukes

cakes, whilst The Print Room in The Storey serves

Once at the park, explore the meandering

After lunch in one of Lancaster’s cafes or

theatre puts on magical open-air plays in the park.

a great range of drinks and home-cooked food.

old school pubs, visit Williamson Park and the

While in The Storey, pop into Lancaster Visitor

Ashton Memorial. The memorial is the domed

summer, there is still plenty to do in the evening.

But if your visit doesn’t fall during the

Information Centre (Open Mon - Sat 10am – 4pm)

building on the skyline to the east of the city

The Dukes oﬀers both live theatre entertainment

to pick up information leaﬂets and street maps,

which has probably been catching your eye all

and cinema screenings. The Grand Theatre hosts

and browse a range of local merchandise, gifts

the time you’ve been in the city. Head east across

drama, comedy & music events throughout the year.

For more information go to visitlancashire.com/lancaster Light Up Lancaster (Jellyfish)

Skerton Bridge and Castle

Light up Lancaster (Sigh of sea)

54 acres of stunning parkland

Lancaster Castle

Millennium Bridge

Reading ‘Lancashire Witches’

Lancaster City Museum

Crook O’Lune

visitlancashire.com

#wherelifefeelsgood

SHORT BREAK

| 119

Golden Ball Hotel KNOWN LOCALLY AS SNATCHEMS

www.snatchems.co.uk

the place to relax and unwind

THORNTON HALL COUNTRY PARK & INDOOR R O O D T U O EAS PLAY AR OPEN DAILY FROM 10AM (8TH JAN - 24TH DEC 2018*)

10am until around 11pm midnight at weekends

Food served daily from 10am - 8pm (breakfast 10am - 1pm)

REAL LOG FIRE • LOW OAK BEAMS • SMALL SNUG ROOMS BREATHTAKING VIEWS • CONVENIENTLY LOCATED NEXT TO THE BYPASS Close to the quaint village of Heysham

Luxury Hotel Suites

Luxury Camping Pods

FARM SAFARI, QUAD BIKING & PONY RIDES!

From £75 per night Including full English Breakfast

From £50 per night Large private decking area Fabulous views over the River Lune

FAMILY FUN AT THE FARM RAIN OR SHINE! Find us on

Call us on

01282 841 148

Thornton Hall Farm, Thornton-in-Craven BD23 3TS info@thorntonhallcountrypark.co.uk

www.thorntonhallcountrypark.co.uk VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR SEASONAL OPENING TIMES *, TICKET PRICES AND FULL TERMS & CONDITIONS

ELECTRIC BIKE HIRE EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS

BRAND NEW TOURING PARK

ON THE FYLDE COAST

Exploring Morecambe Bay’s stunning landscape has never been easier, with the subtle but powerful assistance of an electric bike. Our electric hire bikes are easy to operate. You’ll enjoy a relaxed riding experience enabling you to explore further afield, for longer. Top up at charge points around the route you’ll never be far from a brew, a loo or a view! Visit mbayebikes.com for hire locations and more information. @_MBay @MorecambeBayPartnership @mb_partnership

O P E N I N G M AY 2 0 1 8

BOOK N OW !

FULLY SERVICED SUPER PITCHES

SHOP

STATE-OF-THE-ART TOILET BLOCK

ON-SITE OFFICE

WWW. DONKEYCREEKFARM .CO.UK FIND US ON FACEBOOK

BOOKINGS@DONKEYCREEKFARM.CO.UK

DONKEY CREEK FARM CARAVAN PARK, NAZE LANE EAST, FRECKLETON, PR4 1UN

Meetings, Events, Functions and Accommodation

Great value 3* accommodation at the University of Cumbriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lancaster campus, close to the city centre. Self-catered, single study bedrooms, free Wi-Fi in all the rooms, shared kitchen facilities and a mix of en-suite and shared bathroom facilities. A comfortable, cost effective alternative to a hotel or hostel, with personal service and superb catering. For further information visit www.cumbria.ac.uk/conferences or to make a booking contact us at: University of Cumbria Bowerham Road Lancaster LA1 3JD t: 01524 384460 e: conferences.lancaster@cumbria.ac.uk ÂŠ University of Cumbria 2017 (UOC 1108)

Images by: Tony West, Bentham Imaging, Tom Marshall, Ben Hall.

Home to your

Discover our award winning nature reserve and floating Visitor Village. EAT

EXPLORE our trails and hides or join in a guided walk

in our floating Reedbed Restaurant

Call us: 01772 872000 Brockholes

PLAY

LOOK

on our adventure play area and climbing forest

Hunt out our hides that bring you closer to nature

Email us: Plan your trip at info@brockholes.org www.brockholes.org @visitbrockholes

@visitbrockholes

Parking charges apply.

©Mark Nuttall

BLACKPOOL ZOO’S

MAMMOTH NEW PROJECT! 2018 sees the opening of Blackpool Zoo’s largest

as well as making the daily tasks of the keepers

ever development in its 45 year history when

safer and more eﬃcient. The latest technology

“Project Elephant” goes public in spring. After

in hydraulics ensures that opening steel gates

ﬁve years of planning, this brand new, 3.5 acre

weighing several tonnes is as easy as pressing a

facility for Asian elephants boasts the largest

button. The house is heated to keep the elephants

house in the UK as well as a sand paddock with

comfortable in winter and has sprinklers to

pool and a large grazing ﬁeld.

replicate jungle downpours when the weather

The last remaining elephant of our original

is hot. Rubber and deep sand bedding oﬀer the

four, 48 year old Kate, moved to the new house

ultimate in elephant comfort, and will help to

in September, 2017 and has settled very well in

keep the animals healthy and mobile.

her new home. The herd will be completed with

Our visitors will be able to look at the

the arrival of four more animals from Twycross

outside areas from ground and raised levels, and

Zoo in Leicestershire. Longer term plans include

the gallery inside the house allows a birds-eye

the introduction of a breeding male to complete

view of the elephants indoors. Detailed signage

the family.

on the walkways and walls will oﬀer plenty of

Project Elephant incorporates all the latest developments in animal husbandry, oﬀering the

They say that elephants never forget, so don’t you forget to come along and see us at Blackpool Zoo!

information about our elephants and the threats posed to their relatives in the wild.

elephants new sources of enrichment to explore

visitlancashire.com

#wherelifefeelsgood

BLACKPOOL ZOO

| 123

OPENING SPRING 2018

BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH

book online for great savings

blackpoolpleasurebeach.com HOT ICE

S H OW THE

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New in Blackpool for 2018

New in Blackpool for 2018 Blackpool already boasts the biggest portfolio of visitor attractions outside London. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the breadth and quality of those attractions that make the resort the most popular seaside destination in the UK.

1 BLACKPOOL ZOO

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW AND WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON FOR 2018 GO TO VISITBLACKPOOL.COM

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Buy online now at blackpoolresortpass.com or Tel 01253 478222

visitlancashire.com

#wherelifefeelsgood

HERITAGE & CULTURE

| 129

A WORLD OF CHOICE: WORLD CUISINES BUFFET CHINESE JAPANESE

THAI INDIAN TEXMEX ITALIAN TEPPANYAKI BRITISH

TAKE YOUR TASTE BUDS READY FOR A TASTY JOURNEY AROUND THE GLOBE! ALL YOU CAN EAT FOR ONE GREAT PRICE YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR OWN PART OF THE WORLD TO SAMPLE, FROM TRADITIONAL FAVORITES TO NEW DISCOVERIES, ALL RESHLY PREPARED IN FRONT OF YOU IN OUR UNIQUE LIVE COOKING STATIONS.WE HAVE EXTENSIVE CHOICES FOR ALL TASTES! EXTENSIVE CHOICES OF FRESH SALAD BAR FOR VEGANS,GOURMET CHARGRILLS & STEAKS,SUSHI CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN & WIDE ARRAY OF HOMEMADE DESERTS,PLUS WORLD PREMIUM DRINKS AND COCKTAILS!

(NEAR NORTH SHORE TRAIN STATION)

WWW.MRBASRAI.COM

FESTIVAL OF THE BAY 2018 A SUMMER-LONG CELEBRATION OF MORECAMBE BAY NATURE | HERITAGE | BIKES BUILDINGS | COMMUNITY Discover Morecambe Bay in new ways this summer. Take your pick from a programme of walks, talks, tours, workshops, performances, exhibitions and special celebration events. morecambebay.org.uk/festival2018

Character and charm THE FLEECE INN Where a warm welcome awaits you.

Following signicant investment and refurbishment, The Fleece Inn is back doing what it does best: providing delicious food, drink and beautiful accommodation in the heart of the breathtaking Lancashire countryside, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With nine luxurious bedrooms and a menu of dishes created using locally sourced ingredients, The Fleece Inn is the perfect place to create special memories. Morecambe LANCASTER J33

Cockerham

Forest of Bowland

Dolphinholme

Skipton

Garstang

M6 M65

M55

01524 791233 The Fleece Inn, Dolphinholme, Lancaster LA2 9AQ

www.fleeceinn.co.uk admin@fleeceinn.co.uk

EVENTS & FESTIVALS We Lancastrians consider events as one of our specialities; Starting with the biggies like Blackpool’s would famous Illuminations and the UK’s biggest Walkabout theatre in Lancaster down to the quirky Tractor Pulling Championships in Great Eccleston and the downright silly Gravy Wrestling event in Bacup there’s not much we don’t offer. Throw into the mix our award winning uber-stylish Vintage By The Sea in Morecambe and the shiny new Chorley Flower Show and you get the picture. We could go on to mention our breezy kite festivals, nostalgic 1940s events, firework spectaculars and music festivals, but we think you’d be better seeing them for yourself. Look through our events and festivals guide and see what takes your fancy.

visitlancashire.com

#wherelifefeelsgood

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

| 133

JAN

16 & 30 Jan Travels with My Camera The Platform, Morecambe 18 Jan - 4 Feb

4 - 28 Jan

Obsession 2018

Focus on Leyland: Celebrating 40 Years of

Northcote, Langho

Leyland Museum

FEB 1 - 3 Feb Pendle Beer Festival Colne, Pendle

South Ribble Museum, Leyland 19 Jan Audition For Murder - Murder Mystery Hoghton Tower Until 21 Jan Harris Open Exhibition Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston 25 Jan BBC Flog It Blackburn Cathedral 6 Jan

1 - 24 Feb Lancashire Monochrome South Ribble Museum, Leyland 3 Feb Theatre Heritage Tour The Grand Theatre, Blackpool 4 Feb That’ll Be The Day VIVA Blackpool 5 - 10 Feb

A Taste of Lancashire Northcote Cookery School

This Is Elvis

Northcote Cookery School, Langho

Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool 6 - 7 Feb

Until 6 Jan Aladdin

Private Lives

Dukes Theatre and Cinema, Lancaster

Dukes Theatre and Cinema, Lancaster 7 Feb

6 - 21 Jan Snow White

Harris Live

The Muni Theatre, Colne

Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston 8 Feb

11 Jan

Xuefei Yang (Guitar) at Lancaster Arts

National Theatre Live - Young Marx Darwen Library Theatre

26 Jan

Lancaster University

Stay Over With The Spirits Samlesbury Hall 27 - 29 Jan Big Garden Birdwatch Wild Challenge Trail RSPB Leighton Moss 28 Jan New Year Viennese Concert The Platform, Morecambe 12 - 15 Jan Snow Queen Burnley Mechanics Theatre12 - 15 Jan 12 - 15 Jan

9 Feb

Russian State Ballet of Siberia - Snow

Steve Steinman’s Vampires Rock:

Maiden, The Nutcracker, and Swan Lake

Ghost Train

The Grand Theatre, Blackpool

134 |

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

The Grand Theatre, Blackpool

#wherelifefeelsgood

visitlancashire.com

MAR

21 - 24 Mar Frankenstein Dukes Theatre and Cinema, Lancaster 22 Mar

1 Mar

Debussy 100th Anniversary Concert

Brendan Cole: All Night Long

Lancaster Arts, Lancaster University

Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool

23 - 24 Mar

2 Mar

Revival 2018

Blackburn Classics 2017/18: 10 Feb Blackpool Pleasure Beach re-opens for 2018 season Pleasure Beach, Blackpool

The Blackpool Tower Ballroom

Manchester Camerata King George’s Hall, Blackburn

23 Mar - 8 Apr Easter Fair

2 Mar - 3 Jun

Witton Country Park, Blackburn

Lubaina Himid Exhibition 11 Feb Magical Unicorn Day Thornton Hall Country Park

Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston 24 - 31 Mar Easter City Egg Hunt and Egg Decorating

2 - 25 Mar

Workshops

Lancaster Literature Festival (Litfest) 12 - 16 Feb Half Term with Betsy Bumblebee Samlesbury Hall

Preston City Centre

Lancaster City Centre

26 Mar - 12 Apr

3 Mar

Easter fun with Betsy Bumblebee

The Jungle Book 13 & 14 Feb

Samlesbury Hall

Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre

Penguins Dukes Theatre and Cinema, Lancaster 17 Feb Whitney - Queen of the Night Preston Guild Hall & Charter Theatre 19 - 25 Feb Ladbrokes World Grand Prix Preston Guild Hall & Charter Theatre 23 & 24 Feb Legends Fires North West 21st Stages Rally

Steam Punk Festival

Fleetwood Promenade Near Marine Hall

Holmes Mill, Clitheroe

24 Feb

Tornado - The 100mph Steam Engine East Lancashire Railway 30 Mar

9 Mar

Haﬀner Orchestra Concert

Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys

Great Hall, Lancaster University

The Platform, Morecambe

27 Feb - 24 Mar

29 Mar - 2 Apr

3 - 4 Mar

The Chocolate Factory Cast Willy Wonka, Charlie and Friends Thornton Hall Country Park

18 Mar

High Schools Art Exhibition

Duck Race

South Ribble Museum, Leyland

Coronation Park, Ormskirk

31 Mar Colne Easter Festival Colne

19 - 20 Mar

31 Mar- 1 Apr

Bill Bailey

Easter at Marsh Mill

King George’s Hall, Blackburn

Marsh Mill Windmill, Thornton

20 - 24 Mar Son of A Preacher Man The Grand Theatre, Blackpool

visitlancashire.com

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EVENTS & FESTIVALS

| 135

APR

11 - 12 Apr Teletubbies Live Preston Guild Hall & Charter Theatre

1 Apr

MAY 1 May - 9 Jun

Peter Rabbit™ Visit

Primary Schools Art

Thornton Hall Country Park

South Ribble Museum, Leyland

2 Apr

3 - 7 May

Egg Rolling Festival

Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues Festival

Avenham and Miller Parks, Preston

Clitheroe

3 - 28 Apr

4 - 6 May

Churches Together in Leyland -

Prestfest

Golden Jubilee Exhibition

15 Apr

South Ribble Museum, Leyland

Flag Market, Preston

Chorley Grand Prix Chorley Town Centre and the Surrounding Area

5 Apr

5 & 6 May Comic Con World

Russell Brand

18 Apr

King George’s Hall, Blackburn

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Swan Lake - Vienna Festival Ballet King George’s Hall, Blackburn

6 Apr

5 - 7 May Lancaster Food and Drink Festival 2018

The New Jersey Boys

20 - 21 Apr

The Platform, Morecambe

Lancaster Leisure Park

Big Up North (Ludus Dance Festival) Dukes Theatre and Cinema, Lancaster

5 - 7 May Day Out With Thomas™

22 Apr

East Lancashire Railway

A Walk on the Wild Side - Dinosaur Day Thornton Hall Country Park

5 - 13 May Garstang Walking Festival

24 - 25 Apr

All over Garstang, Bowland and Wyre Villages

The Damned United Dukes Theatre and Cinema, Lancaster

5 - 7 May Scorton Bikes and Barrows Festival Scorton Village

7 Apr

6 May

Plant Hunters’ Fair

International Dawn Chorus Day

Hoghton Tower

RSPB Leighton Moss 9 - 14 Apr

7 May

Legally Blonde The Musical

The Gruﬀalo™ Visit

The Grand Theatre, Blackpool11 - 12 Apr

Thornton Hall Country Park 8 - 12 May The Jungle Book The Grand Theatre, Blackpool 12 May 28 Apr - 7 May Wray Scarecrow Festival and Fair

Milkshake! Live Burnley Mechanics Theatre

Wray, nr Lancaster 12 & 13 May National Festival of Making Blackburn Town Centre 12 & 13 May National Mills Weekend Marsh Mill Windmill, Thornton 12 & 13 May Ormskirk Medieval Weekend Coronation Park, Ormskirk

136 |

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

#wherelifefeelsgood

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ONE FOR ALL! 3 Jul - 18 Aug The Three Musketeers, Dukes Walkabout Theatre Williamson Park, Lancaster Take a swashbuckling adventure through beautiful Williamson Park this summer, as Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Artagnan teams up with the legendary Three Musketeers, Porthos, Athos and Aramis, in a death-defying quest to save the life of a loving Queen.

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EVENTS & FESTIVALS

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JUN

15 - 27 May Shrek The Musical Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool 19 - 20 & 26 - 28 May

1 - 3 Jun

Lunesdale Studio Arts Trail

A Splendid Day Out Steampunk Festival

Around the Lune Valley

Morecambe

20 May

2 Jun

Last Night of the Proms

Accrington Food Festival

The Platform, Morecambe

Accrington Town Centre 2-Jun Late Night Riding and Fireworks Blackpool Pleasure Beach 8 - 11 Jun Blackpool Pride Festival Blackpool Town Centre and Winter Gardens 9 & 10 Jun Midland Gin Festival Midland Hotel, Morecambe

26 - 28 May

19 - 23 Jun Beautiful The Musical Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool 20 - 28 Jun Children’s Reading Festival Blackburn Cathedral 22 - 24 Jun Arnside and Silverdale Art Trail Arnside and Silverdale 23 Jun Chas & Dave King George’s Hall, Blackburn 23 & 24 Jun Peppa Pig’s Adventure The Grand Theatre, Blackpool 24 Jun Classic Vehicle Show Towneley Park, Burnley

East Lancashire 1940s Weekend 10 Jun

East Lancashire Railway

Cleveleys Classic Car Show Cleveleys Promenade and Victoria Road West 10 Jun The Ribble Valley Ride Across the Ribble Valley 15 - 17 Jun Middle Earth Beer & Music Festival Waddow Hall, Clitheroe

26 - 28 May

Picnic in the Park

Chipping Steam Fair

16 Jun

Chipping, near Clitheroe

Leyland / Worden Park

24 Jun Princesses & Superheroes Party

Downy Duckling Week

16 Jun

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Burscough

Thornton Hall Country Park

Sarah Millican “Control Enthusiast” King George’s Hall, Blackburn

27 & 28 May

25 Jun - 1 Jul Blackpool Armed Forces Week

Clearbeck Garden Open Day

16 Jun

Clearbeck Arts Garden

Blackpool

Fleetwood Carnival Fleetwood

27 & 28 May

30 Jun Haﬀner Orchestra Concert

Pony World

16 & 17 Jun

Thornton Hall Country Park

Ashton Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster

Scorton Steam Fair Scorton Village

27 & 28 May

30 Jun Lancashire Science Festival

Darwen Live 2018

17 Jun

Darwen Town Centre

UCLan Campus and Preston City Centre

Bolddog FMX Motorbike Stunt Team Thornton Hall Country Park

27 May

30 Jun - 1 Jul Rockprest

Pendle Powerfest

Moor Park, Preston

Nelson 29 May Fellsman Steam Railway Journey Lancaster to Settle

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Astley Park, Chorley

Leyland Festival 2018

26 May - 3 Jun

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24 Jun

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BLOOMING BRILLIANT 28 & 29 Jul Chorley Flower Show Astley Park, Chorley The award winning Chorley Flower Show returns for a second year at Astley Hall, Chorley. Get top tips from celebrity garden experts, admire the show gardens and pick up some inspiration and plants for your own garden.

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EVENTS & FESTIVALS

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28 - 30 Jul Cloudspotting Music & Arts Festival Stephen Park, Gisburn Forest A fantastic weekend of high quality family friendly music and arts in a safe, intimate environment, where you are encouraged to explore your curiosity, be it in creative music, other artistic direction or a more leisurely adventure into the surrounding forest on bike or foot.

CLOUDSPOTTING 140 |

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

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JUL

20 - 22 Jul Royal Lancashire Show 2018 Salesbury Hall, Ribchester 21 & 22 Jul

1-Jul

Green Fayre

19th Classic Car & Bike Show

Beacon Country Park, Upholland

Leighton Hall, Carnforth

21 & 22 Jul

1-Jul

Heysham Viking Festival

Marie Curie Cancer Walk

Heysham

Hoghton Tower

22 Jul

3 Jul - 18 Aug

Thornton Woodland Explorers Open Day

The Three Musketeers -

Thornton Hall Country Park

The Dukes Play in the Park Williamson Park, Lancaster

13 - 15 Jul 24 -28 Jul

Beat Herder Festival 5 Jul - 8 Sep

Summer Holiday The Musical

Sawley

Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Mesmerise - The Hot Ice Show Blackpool Pleasure Beach

14-Jul Jools Holland & his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra King George’s Hall, Blackburn 14 & 15 Jul Great Eccleston Show Great Eccleston Showﬁeld 14 & 15 Jul Morecambe Music Festival Morecambe 15 Jul Fleetwood Festival of Transport (Tram Sunday) Fleetwood 25 Jul

7 Jul Ribchester Roman Festival Ribchester

Colne Grand Prix Cycle Race

18 - 21 Jul

Colne

Ribble Valley International Piano Week Westholme School, Blackburn

28 Jul

7 Jul

Kirkfest

Goosnargh & Longride Agricultural Show

Kirkham Memorial Park

Lower Lane, Longridge

28 Jul

7 & 8 Jul

Rule The World UK’s

The Midland Seafood Festival

No 1 Take That Tribute Band)

Midland Hotel, Morecambe

Thornton Hall Country Park

9 - 14 Jul

28 & 29 Jul

Titanic The Musical

Chorley Flower Show

Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool 13 Jul Open - Air Theatre Production of ‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’

Astley Park, Chorley

18 - 22 Jul Lytham Festival 2018

29 Jul

Lytham Green

Wizard Academy Leighton Hall, Carnforth

Stonyhurst College, Hurst Green

30 Jul - 24 Aug Barlick Beach Barnoldswick

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EVENTS & FESTIVALS

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AUG

18 Aug

Ormskirk MotorFest

The Platform, Morecambe

Ormskirk Town Centre

18 & 19 Aug

2 - 5 Aug The Ricoh Women’s British Open Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club

Day Out With Thomas™ East Lancashire Railway

26 & 27 Aug

Lytham 1940s Wartime Weekend

Botany Bay Canal Fest

Lytham Green

Botany Bay Chorley

19 Aug

4 - 5 Aug

26 Aug

Magic of the Musicals

26 & 27 Aug

Fylde Coast Food and Drink Festival

Tractor World

Marine Hall, Fleetwood

Thornton Hall Country Park

20 - 26 Aug

4 Aug

Garstang Arts and Music Festival

Garstang Show

Garstang

Garstang Showﬁeld

23 - 26 Aug

4 Aug

Livewire Festival

Last Night of the Proms

Blackpool

Clitheroe Castle Grounds 4 & 5 Aug Bickerstock Music Festival Bickerstaﬀe Parish Field

27 Aug World Gravy Wrestling Championships 2018

7 - 11 Aug

Rose ‘N’ Bowl, Stacksteads

The Play That Goes Wrong Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool

28 Aug Ride the Lights

11 Aug

Blackpool Promenade

Clitheroe Food Festival Clitheroe

31 Aug Blackpool Illuminations Switch On

11 - 12 Aug

Blackpool Promenade

Morecambe Carnival Morecambe Promenade

24 - 26 Aug Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival Colne 24 - 26 Aug Great Eccleston Tractor Pull Great Eccleston Showﬁeld 25 - 27 Aug Great British Food Festival Stonyhurst College, Hurst Green

11 & 12 Aug

25 & 26 Aug

Blackpool Air Show

Burnley Canal Festival

Blackpool

Burnley Wharf

11 - 19 Aug

26 Aug

Pendle Walking Festival

Chipping Agricultural Show

Pendle

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EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Chipping, near Clitheroe

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31 Aug - 2 Sept St Annes International Kite Festival St Annes Beach 31 Aug - 4 Nov Blackpool Illuminations and LightPool Promenade and Comedy Carpet

SEP

13 - 16 Sep Lancaster Jazz Festival Lancaster 15 Sep Festival of Heritage Blackburn Town Centre 15 Sep Nelson Food Festival Nelson, Pendle

6 & 7 Oct Day Out With Thomas™

16 Sep

East Lancashire Railway

Neverland Event Peter Pan, Tink, Hook & Friends 1 & 2 Sep

6 & 7 Oct

Thornton Hall Country Park

Morecambe Fun Palace

Vintage by the Sea Morecambe

Morecambe

21 - 23 Sep Lancashire Encounter Festival

6 - 9 Sep

13 - 31 Oct

UCLan Campus and Preston City Centre

Halloween & Pumpkin Patch Picking

Guy’s Oyster Festival Guys Thatched Hamlet, Bilsborrow

Thornton Hall Country Park

22 Sep Late Night Riding and Fireworks

6 - 9 Sep & 13 - 16 Sep

18 - 31 Oct

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Halloween by Night

Heritage Open Days Across Lancashire

Thornton Hall Country Park

22 & 23 Sep Animal Magic

7 & 8 Sep

20 - 21 Oct

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Burscough

Marsh Mill 224th Birthday

Rossendale 60s Festival Across Rossendale and various locations 7, 14, 21 & 28 Sep World Fireworks Championship Blackpool Promenade 8 & 9 Sep Lancashire Game and Country Festival Scorton 9 Sep 10th Anniversary of Triathlon Fleetwood 9 Sep Heritage and Woodland Day Towneley Park, Burnley 11 - 15 Sep Madagascar - A Musical Adventure Opera House & Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Marsh Mill Windmill, Thornton

OCT

22 Oct - 2 Nov Wicked fun with Witch Janey Samlesbury Hall

1-31 Oct

26, 27 & 31 Oct

Farmageddon

Halloween Ghost Trains

Downholland, Ormskirk

East Lancashire Railway

5 & 6 Oct

27 Oct

Chorley Live

Legends of American Country

Chorley Town Centre

The Platform, Morecambe

6 - 7 Oct

31 Oct

Lancaster Fun Palace

Ormskirk Halloween Extravaganza

Lancaster

Coronation Park, Ormskirk

6 Oct

31 Oct

The Sixteen Choral Pilgrimage

Janey’s Witchy Walkthrough for Halloween

Blackburn Cathedral

Samlesbury Hall Oct - Mar Swan Spectacular WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Burscough

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EVENTS & FESTIVALS

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NOV

18 Nov Haﬀner Orchestra Concert Great Hall, Lancaster University 18 Nov

Nov - Jan

Marine Hall Christmas Market

A Festival of Tales

Marine Hall, Fleetwood

Ormskirk Town Centre

24 & 25 Nov

1 Nov

Santa Specials

Joe Lycett

East Lancashire Railway

King George’s Hall, Blackburn

24 Nov Lancashire Day Celebrations and Christmas Switch On Nelson 24 Nov Leyland Christmas Festival Leyland Town Centre

DEC Weekends throughout Dec Santa Specials East Lancashire Railway 6 Dec Whalley Pickwick Festival Venues across Whalley 1 & 2 Dec Poulton Christmas Festival Poulton-le-Fylde 1 - 23 Dec Chorley’s Santa Express Chorley Town Centre

A magical new Christmas pantomime for all the family

1 - 24 Dec

Real Reindeer at Old Holly Farm Lancaster

Martin Dodd for UK Productions in association with BLACKPOOL GRAND THEATRE proudly presents

2 & 3 Nov Light Up Lancaster Lancaster City Centre 3 Nov Bonﬁre Night at Thornton Hall Farm 24 Nov

Thornton Hall Country Park

Preston Christmas Lights Switch On Preston City Centre

3 Nov Witton Park Bonﬁre

24 & 25 Nov

Witton Country Park, Blackburn

North West Bird Watching Festival WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Burscough

7 Nov Joanna Lumley “It’s All About Me”

25 Nov

King George’s Hall, Blackburn

Lancaster Christmas Lights Switch On Lancaster

11 Nov Armistice Day and Anniversary of the

27 Nov

end of WWI Flag Market, Preston

7 Dec - 6 Jan Beauty and The Beast Grand Theatre, Blackpool 10 & 11 Dec Garstang Victorian Festival Throughout Garstang 22 Dec Morecambe Band Christmas Concert The Platform, Morecambe

Lancashire Day Events across Lancashire

8 - 12 Nov WWI Commemorative Final Homecoming Various locations in Fleetwood including Marine hall, Memorial Park and the Mount

To ﬁnd more exciting events in Lancashire go to visitlancashire.com/events 144 |

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

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PLANNING YOUR TRIP By Road

By Rail

By Bike

The M6 runs right through Lancashire

Lancashire has excellent rail connections

Bring your bike to Lancashire (or hire one when

connecting to the M61, M65, M55 and several

from all over the country – just two hours

you get here) and appreciate the variety of

major A roads. In less than an hour’s drive from

from London on the West Coast Line with

terrain and breath-taking views. You can pick

Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds you could

Virgin Trains with stations at Preston and

up hire bikes from a number of railway stations

be exploring the vast Pennine Fells, beautiful

Lancaster. Change at Preston to reach the towns

including Morecambe, Blackburn and Ormskirk,

Ribble Valley or driving along the world famous

of Clitheroe, Burnley, Blackburn, Colne and

all at reasonable prices. Leisure Lakes Bikes in

Blackpool promenade.

Ormskirk. There are also direct trains traveling

Lancaster city centre has a range of hire bikes

from Manchester to most Lancashire towns

including electric and hybrid, and Blackpool hire

and cities.

scheme has comfortable yellow bikes from the

By Water

Palatine Leisure Centre. See cyclelancashire.com

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 like Lancaster, Garstang and Burnley, whilst you’ll also get amazing views of our stunning countryside and wildlife on route.

By Air

for a full list of cycle hire venues.

Both Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport have frequent ﬂights serving Europe and international airports including Beijing, Hong Kong 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.

For more information on travelling to and around Lancashire go to visitlancashire.com

STAY IN TOUCH

Follow and like Visit Lancashire to stay up to date on events, oﬀers and the latest news VisitLancashire

@VisitLancashire

AND THE WINNER ISâ&#x20AC;Ś

ovember 2017 saw the most successful tourism celebrations to date. Held in the dazzling Ball Room at Blackpool Tower the Lancashire Tourism Awards celebrated the successes of a huge variety of businesses who help make Lancashire a great place to visit and stay. Be sure to include a visit to our winners on your next visit to Lancashire.

Guest Presenter Tony Livesey

Lancashire Pub/Inn Award-Winner Cartford Inn with Tony Livesey and Daniel Maycock

146 |

AWARDS

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• SMALL VISITOR ATTRACTION AWARD*

• NEW BUSINESS AWARD

Ascent Trampoline Park, Blackpool

HAPPA, Shores Hey Farm, Burnley

• LARGE VISITOR ATTRACTION AWARD*

Viva Blackpool

• WEDDING VENUE AWARD

Browsholme Hall and Tithe Barn, Clitheroe

• DOG FRIENDLY AWARD*

• TASTE LANCASHIRE AWARD*

• RETAIL EXPERIENCE AWARD

• LANCASHIRE PUB/INN AWARD*

• LARGE HOTEL AWARD*

• LANCASHIRE PRODUCERS & MAKERS AWARD

The Spread Eagle Inn, Sawley

Bertram’s Restaurant, Burnley

Whalley Warm & Dry

The Cartford Inn, Little Eccleston

The Midland, Morecambe

Dewlay Cheesemakers, Garstang

• BUSINESS TOURISM PROVIDER AWARD*

• SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AWARD*

• SMALL TOURISM EVENT AWARD

• INCLUSIVE TOURISM AWARD*

• LARGE TOURISM EVENT AWARD

• CULTURE & HERITAGE AWARD

• LANCASHIRE CAFÉ/TEAROOM AWARD

• GUEST ACCOMMODATION AWARD*

• SELF-CATERING HOLIDAY AWARD*

• SMALL HOTEL AWARD*

• VISITOR EXPERIENCE AWARD

• TOURISM SUPERSTAR AWARD

Winter Gardens Blackpool

Browsholme Hall, Clitheroe

Cloudspotting, Slaidburn

Browsholme Hall, Clitheroe

LightPool Festival, Blackpool

Winter Gardens Blackpool

Potters Barn, Ribchester

Newton Hall Holiday Park, Blackpool Inch Perfect Trials, Whitewell

Crow Wood, Burnley

The Villa Wrea Green

Laura Johnson – creator of Crafty Vintage

*winners of these categories will have the opportunity to represent Lancashire in the 2018 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence

For more information go to visitlancashire.com visitlancashire.com

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AWARDS

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HOTEL • BISTRO, BAR & GRILL • FOOD HALL • BEER HALL

A GRADE II LISTED MILL TRANSFORMED INTO AN EXTRAORDINARY EATING, DRINKING & LEISURE DESTINATION Discover some of Lancashire’s finest food and drink in our bars, café, bistro and food hall – all brought together in a lovingly restored Victorian mill that brings the county’s rich industrial heritage and culinary traditions to life.

W W W. H O L M E S M I L L . C O . U K | 0 1 2 0 0 4 0 7 1 2 0 Holme s Mill, Green a cre S t reet , C l i t h ero e B B 7 1 E B