FAMILY DAYS OUT

Explore Bowland Wild Boar Park

A rural wildlife park providing family days out with attractions including tractor rides, play areas, animal feeding, riverside walks and a café. You can also book camping pods here. Check opening times at www.wildboarpark.co.uk

Tour Stonyhurst College

Outside term time there can be opportunities to tour the historic Stonyhurst College and delight in the Old Chapel Museum’s wide ranging collection of rare artefacts. See www.stonyhurst.ac.uk or ring 01254 826345.

Cycle or walk round Gisburn Forest

Bring your own bikes or hire on site and explore awardwinning mountain bike trails. There are also six footpaths of differing lengths for walkers to explore and wheelchair hire is available. As a Dark Sky Discovery Site Gisburn Forest is the perfect location to view the starry night sky. See www.forestryengland.uk/gisburn-forest-and-stocks

Visit Browsholme Hall

This privately owned Elizabethan hall, tea room and gardens are usually open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the summer, but always check the website. Events are hosted here throughout the year, including gardening workshops, classic car events and Christmas fairs. See www.browsholme.com for more details.

Ribble Valley offers days out to delight all age groups whatever your budget and whatever the time of year. Here are some of our top tips for days out with a difference.

See www.visitribblevalley.co.uk for more ideas for fabulous days out.

Go to the pictures at Everyman Cinema

The award-winning Holmes Mill in Clitheroe is a stylishly restored textiles mill which is also home to Bowland Brewery. The beer hall’s famously long bar is one attraction, another is the Food Hall with a fine patisserie and gelateria. At the Everyman Cinema take your seat on a sofa to enjoy a range of films. See www.holmesmill.co.uk for details.

Seek out the peace of Whalley Abbey

Set in a quiet corner of the village of Whalley on the banks of the River open to visitors. For more information

Riverside fun at Waddow Hall

Waddow Hall set in magnificent ground next the river Ribble has an action-packed programme of events throughout the year, check out their website.

girlguidingactivitycentres.org.uk

Fun in the woods

Another great outdoor activity centre of Outdoor Elements where private bookings can be made for groups seeking fun filled activity days. www.outdoorelements.co.uk

And for something completely different…

Why not book into the Alpaca Experience at Wood End Farm, Dunsop Bridge. Here you can meet these fascinating animals, and have the opportunity to handle and learn about Alpacas..