towns to visit in lancashire

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Places to Visit in Lancashire

15 Best Places to Visit in Lancashire

In northwest England, Lancashire is where you break free from the conurbations into beautiful countryside.

The landscapes can vary between green arable farms and pasture near the coast, and the wild and romantic moors and fells of the West Pennines and Forest of Bowland.

There’s great variety in the kind of towns you can call in on, ranging from raucous seaside resorts like Blackpool to former centres of industry such as Burnley.

And in-between you’ll uncover an abundance of adorable villages and historic market towns.

Lancashire is also a county of unembellished warming food like the Lancashire hotpot and savoury pies, and of course real ale.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Lancashire :

1. Lancaster

Although just a little city and easy to traverse on foot, Lancaster’s historic ties to the British throne (Queen Elizabeth II is the Duke of Lancaster) makes it an exciting place to explore.

It’s also very attractive, with lots of proud Georgian houses from the 1700s, particularly around the castle and on the banks of the Lune River.

And as for that castle, it’s one of the region’s most treasured historic monuments, suffused with almost a thousand years of tales and intrigue.

Go in for a tour, but don’t neglect the Lancashire City Museum, the Lancaster Canal or the haunting Ashton Memorial high on a hilltop in Williamson Park.

2. Blackpool

The coastal town of Blackpool is pretty much the model for an English seaside resort and is one of the country’s most beloved domestic holiday destinations.

A fixture since 1894, and one of the things that helped put the town on the map, is the 158-metre-high Blackpool Tower.

It was inspired by the Eiffel Tower, and has an observation deck  140 metres up and a glorious Victorian ballroom.

The sandy beaches were cleaned up in the 1980s and Blackpool South Beach meets the exacting Blue Flag standards for hygiene.

There’s way more in Blackpool than we can list here, but the Pleasure Beach amusement park and the Illuminations lights festival in the autumn months are extra incentive to come.

3. Garstang

An adorable market town, Garstang was mentioned in the 11th-century Domesday book and has a weekly market that has been running since 1310. Just west of the Forest of Bowland, this is prime walking country.

Set a course for the ruins of Greenhaigh Castle on elevated ground over Garstang.

There isn’t a great deal remaining of this sandstone building, but the decayed remnants have their own fragile beauty.

Up here there’s a great perspective of the town and countryside, while the Lancaster Canal crosses the town and runs all the way to Kendal.

Hire a longboat or walk the towpath for to experience Lancashire’s wild moorland and fells at a lighter gradient.

4. Lytham St Annes

A conurbation of two coastal towns a few miles down the coast from Blackpool, Lytham St Annes is an ideal antidote to its glitzier neighbour.

Amusements and theatre shows are replaced by more tranquil forms of enjoyment: The marshes on the Ribble Estuary and 80 hectares of sand dunes in the resort provide a wintering habitat for more than 100,000 migratory birds.

Golf is the sport of choice, and there are four courses, including the Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, which has hosted the prestigious Open Championship, the oldest of the four majors.

St Annes is the seaside destination and is an understated Victorian resort, with a pier, gigantic beach and loads of period character.

As a textile town in the 19th and 20th centuries, Burnley is a good place to delve a bit deeper into industrial times in Lancashire.

The atmospheric Weavers’ Triangle, with its workers’ houses and cotton mills on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, is permeated with this history and you’ll get enthusiastic insights about these times at the visitors centre.

There’s a more refined side to Burnley too, at Towneley Hall a sublime Elizabethan manor house in sprawling grounds and with a museum containing everything from traditional local furniture to pre-Raphaelite paintings.

Burnley FC meanwhile is the overachieving local team, playing in the Premier League at Turf Moor one of the top flight’s last traditional grounds.

Crossing the river Calder with a stark majesty is the Whalley Viaduct, a titanic railway bridge built in the 1840s, 21 metres high and comprising 7,000,000 bricks.

Go to view the spectral ruins of Whalley Abbey.

This Cistercian monastery was founded in the 13th century but was divided up after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, The church and most of the monastic buildings were pulled down, but the dormitory is still there and is still used as a catholic place of worship.

The Northwest Gatehouse is also mostly intact and has Grade-I listing.

You’re in the scenic Ribble Valley in Whalley, and can hike up through woodland and pasture to the nearby Whalley Nab for a satisfying panorama of the village.

The story of the city of Preston is one echoed throughout the northwest: A small market town that grew rich and large from the cotton mills in the 1800s.

This era was when Preston’s most imposing landmarks were created.

Take the gothic revival Church of St Walburge, which has the tallest spire of any non-cathedral church in the country.

Or there’s the classical purpose-built Harris Museum, with paintings by Lucien Freud and Stanley Spence, and the excellent Discover Preston section, guiding you through the city’s and region’s past back to prehistoric times.

Rolling down to the north bank of the Ribble River are the joyous Avenham and Miller Parks, with a Japanese Garden and a grand stairway dominated by a statue of Edward Smith-Stanley, the MP for Preston and three-times the country’s Prime Minister.

8. Morecambe

A seaside town in the scenic bay of the same name, Morecambe means huge sandy beaches, kite-flying, chippies, ice cream parlours and the many other simple joys of a British coastal destination.

One fabulous sight to take in is the breathtaking MIdland Hotel, an art deco masterwork built in 1933 and recently brought back to life.

Morecambe has several cultural connections, as the playwright Alan Bennett based some of his works in the town.

And if you have a thing for British comedy you’ll appreciate the statue of the performer Eric Morecambe, who is fondly remembered for the Morecambe and Wise double act in the 1970s.

One of Lancashire’s cotton towns, Chorley’s skyline was a crowd of chimneys until the last decades of the 20th century, while the nearby collieries closed in the 1980s.

The Industrial Revolution brought sudden growth to Chorley, but it had been an important town for centuries, with a market that goes back to the 15th century.

Come to browse the stalls on Tuesdays and try a freshly-baked Chorley cake, shortcrust pastry with a currant filling.

Astley Hall is owned by the town and is a sublime 17th century country house with a walled garden.

And for fresh air, the sandstone peak of Rivington Pike climbs to 363 metres and is an amazing vantage point for the barren but enchanting moorland around the Rivington Reservoir.

10. Poulton-le-Fylde

It may be that you’d prefer a more placid and rural setting to retreat to during your trip to Blackpool.

The pretty market town of Poulton-le-Fylde is ten minutes away and has a centre protected as a conservation area.

At least 15 buildings in this little town have been listed, and some, like the Golden Ball pub, have been regional landmarks for as long as anyone can remember.

Poulton is in an agricultural area, far from the coalfields and so was unaffected during the Industrial Revolution.

Salad and vegetables are grown in the local countryside and sold at Monday’s weekly market.

And while you’re on Market Square, look for the medieval whipping post and stocks, still in place though thankfully they haven’t been used recently!

Neighboured by tall hills, Darwen is a good shout for an outdoor holiday, with bike trails, footpaths and bridleways into the West Pennine Moors.

The scenery is windswept and barren, but has an untamed appeal.

These moors weren’t always accessible to the public, and that’s the story behind the Jubilee Tower.

At the crest of the 372-metre Darwen Hill, this landmark was created to commemorate Victoria’s jubilee in 1897, but also to celebrate the reopening of historic rights of way, which had been blocked off by private landowners for much of the late-19th century.

Up here drink in the vistas of Blackpool, the Isle of Man and Morecambe Bay.

Also spend some time in the town, visiting the Victorian Market Hall, which has 130 stalls overflowing with great local produce.

12. Blackburn

A large town between Preston and Burnley, Blackburn is well-known for its historic cotton-weaving industry.

This dates further back than in other towns in the county as Blackburn was settled by Flemish migrants who brought the trade with them in the 1300s.

The Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery, established in 1874, has curated a lot of this heritage, including the awesome Japanese Print Collection, as well as medieval manuscripts, fine arts and Egyptology collections.

The other big claim to fame is the football team Blackburn Rovers, who won the Premier League in 1995. They are the bitter rivals of Burnley but currently languish in the second tier of English football.

13. Ormskirk

On Thursdays and Saturdays, the pedestrianised centre of Ormskirk bustles with shoppers at a market that got its charter in 1286. And the moment you see it you’ll know that the 12th-century Church of St.

Peter and Paul is a bit of oddity: This is one of only three in Britain to have both a western tower and a spire.

What’s inside is just as intriguing, as the church is the burial place of several Earls of Derby.

Thomas Stanley changed sides in the Battle of Bosworth, accelerating Richard III’s defeat and death, while the royalist James Stanley was beheaded at the end of the Civil War.

His head and body were buried in separate caskets.

14. Carnforth

A small town in northern Lancashire and close to the boundary with Cumbria, Carnforth’s reputation as a “railway town” was enshrined in 1945 when the classic movie Brief Encounter was shot at Carnforth Station by David Lean.

You can go into the Heritage Centre to see reconstructed sets and artefacts from the steam age.

You could also catch a steam train to Scarborough on the West Coast Line heritage railway, and get the luxury cream tea treatment in first class.

Carnforth is a town for walkers, who can climb Warton Crag, a steep limestone hill, which has a breeding site for peregrine falcons.

15. Heysham

On Morecambe Bay, Heysham is the a ferry-port with traffic to and from Ireland and the Isle of Man.

But there are lots of little things to hold your attention.

High above Morcambe Bay are the atmospheric ruins of St Patrick’s Chapel, a Grade I-listed building from the 8th century.

What makes this site so unusual is the presence of six tombs that were carved directly from the rock in the 1000s.

Heysham is the only site in the UK with two functioning power stations, and you may as well embrace them: If you’re curious about nuclear energy then the EDF centre offers pre-booked tours.

They’ll kit you out with safety gear like a hi-vis jacket, hardhat and safety glasses, and take you round the reactor, cooling systems and turbines.

15 Best Places to Visit in Lancashire:

• Lytham St Annes
• Poulton-le-Fylde

Top Things to Do in Lancashire, England

Places to visit in lancashire, explore popular experiences, popular cities in lancashire.

Ways to tour Lancashire

The Brontes, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre

The Blackpool Tower Circus Admission Ticket

Walking tour of Lancaster - Execution Slavery Industry

The Blackpool Tower Eye Admission Ticket

3-Day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester

SEA LIFE Blackpool Admission Ticket

Motorcycle Trials Bike Experience Day

Scavenger Hunt in Blackpool by Operation City Quest

Friday & Saturday night comedy club entry

Viva Decades Rewind! 80s, 90s & Now

Top attractions in lancashire.

Walking Tours

Shows, Concerts & Sports

Tours & Sightseeing

What travellers are saying

• Blackpool Zoo
• Blackpool Tramway
• The Blackpool Tower
• Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary
• Blackpool Tower Ballroom
• The Bee Centre
• Wild Discovery
• Clip 'n Climb Blackpool
• Blackpool Pleasure Beach
• Natterjack Alpacas
• Queen Street Mill Textile Museum

Places to visit in Lancashire

Visit Lancashire for a true taste of olde England and a merry mix of city, town and countryside. After the pizazz of Blackpool's piers and pleasure beach, escape to silent moors scattered with reservoirs and ruins for glimpses of owls and falcons. You can dip into a rich industrial heritage at mills and working museums and follow the trail of England’s most-famous witches across Lancaster and Pendle. And for food lovers, Lancashire is brimming with native culinary delights, having its own scrumptiously-creamy cheese, a signature dish in the form of Lancashire Hotpot, being the home of black pudding in Bury, the butter pie, Eccles and Chorley cakes, and Britain’s last original Temperance Bar in Rossendale. Visit Lancashire and see one of England’s most beautiful counties for yourself.

50 Experience Results

View results as:

• Blackpool (10) Apply Blackpool filter
• West Yorkshire (1) Apply West Yorkshire filter
• Yorkshire (1) Apply Yorkshire filter
• Boating (5) Apply Boating filter
• Cycling (2) Apply Cycling filter
• Tours and trails (8) Apply Tours and trails filter
• Walking and hiking (3) Apply Walking and hiking filter
• Autumn Break Ideas (2) Apply Autumn Break Ideas filter
• Free (4) Apply Free filter
• City parks (1) Apply City parks filter
• Neighbourhoods (1) Apply Neighbourhoods filter
• Beaches (1) Apply Beaches filter
• Coastal towns (9) Apply Coastal towns filter
• Areas of outstanding natural beauty (2) Apply Areas of outstanding natural beauty filter
• Lakes and waterways (5) Apply Lakes and waterways filter
• Wildlife and Nature Reserves (1) Apply Wildlife and Nature Reserves filter
• Architectural wonders (1) Apply Architectural wonders filter
• Arts and cultural events (2) Apply Arts and cultural events filter
• Festivals and carnivals (2) Apply Festivals and carnivals filter
• Literature, film and TV (4) Apply Literature, film and TV filter
• Museums galleries and libraries (2) Apply Museums galleries and libraries filter
• Music festivals in England (1) Apply Music festivals in England filter
• Outdoor art and sculpture (3) Apply Outdoor art and sculpture filter
• Days Out in England (4) Apply Days Out in England filter
• August events (1) Apply August events filter
• July events (1) Apply July events filter
• June events (1) Apply June events filter
• May events (1) Apply May events filter
• November events (1) Apply November events filter
• September events (2) Apply September events filter
• Attractions (3) Apply Attractions filter
• Indoor Activities (2) Apply Indoor Activities filter
• Outdoor Activities (3) Apply Outdoor Activities filter
• Playtime (1) Apply Playtime filter
• Theme Parks (1) Apply Theme Parks filter
• Toddler Friendly Holidays (1) Apply Toddler Friendly Holidays filter
• Zoos wildlife and safari parks (1) Apply Zoos wildlife and safari parks filter
• Afternoon tea (1) Apply Afternoon tea filter
• Breweries and distilleries (1) Apply Breweries and distilleries filter
• Regional specialities (1) Apply Regional specialities filter
• Abbeys cathedrals and sacred places (2) Apply Abbeys cathedrals and sacred places filter
• Castles and Historic Properties (4) Apply Castles and Historic Properties filter
• Industrial Maritime And Transport (3) Apply Industrial Maritime And Transport filter
• Military history (1) Apply Military history filter
• Myths Legends and Tales (3) Apply Myths Legends and Tales filter
• Spa Breaks (1) Apply Spa Breaks filter
• Rural and Coastal Escapes (1) Apply Rural and Coastal Escapes filter
• Autumn (8) Apply Autumn filter
• Spring (12) Apply Spring filter
• Summer (25) Apply Summer filter
• Winter (1) Apply Winter filter

Step into the cockpit of Blackpool’s Red Arrow Skyforce ride

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has joined forces with the world famous Red Arrows for a new 72ft-high white knuckle ride that’s great for family holidays.

Location: Blackpool, Lancashire

Picnic in Blackpool’s largest park

Stanley Park, in the heart of Blackpool, is renowned for being one of the region's finest parks.

Rainy Day Activities: Get spooked in the Blackpool Tower Dungeon

Tales of Lancashire's dark history and scary stories galore lay ready and waiting in Blackpool's spookiest indoor attraction, the Blackpool Tower Dungeon.

See everything Blackpool has to offer with one Pass

The Blackpool Resort Pass is back for 2018, and its set for the most exciting year yet!

Walk in the footsteps of Alfred Wainwright

Follow the Beamers trail through Witton Country Park, and onto the Yellow Hills above Blackburn.

Location: Blackburn, Lancashire

Take time out and relax with a Llama at Wellbeing Farm

If you’re looking to try something different with the kids, then try Llama Trekking through the beautiful West Pennine Moors.

Location: Bolton, Lancashire

Take a tour of Lancaster Castle

Uncover the history of this former court and prison, including it most famous “residents”, the Lancashire Witches.

Location: Lancaster, Lancashire

Visit the public artwork of the “TERN” Project

Have your photo taken with Eric Morecambe, and enjoy stunning views over the Bay as you take a stroll along Morecambe Promenade.

Location: Morecambe, Lancashire

August events: Lytham 1940s Wartime Festival

Come and enjoy the atmosphere and immerse yourself in heritage, entertainment, re-enactment and have-a-go fun.

Location: Lytham Green, Lancashire

September events: Be blown away at St Annes International Kite Festival

St Annes hosts the spectacular annual Kite Festival, featuring magnificent kites from all over the world.

Location: St Annes on Sea, Lancashire

Enjoy traditional family fun by the seaside

Discover the mythic coastline and its associated sculptures along the seashore from Cleveleys to Fleetwood.

Location: Cleveleys & Fleetwood, Lancashire

Tickle your taste buds on the Lancashire Cheese Trail

Discover the Lancashire Cheese Trail, and watch cheese being made at Dewlay Cheese.

Location: Garstang, Lancashire

Hunt for the witches in the woods of Pendle

Embark on the interactive Pendle Sculpture Trail, and find the witches ceramic plaques in an atmospheric woodland setting.

Location: Pendle, Lancashire

Wander Blackpool’s small but perfectly formed Model Village

See English rural life through a microscope and marvel at the exquisite detail of these handmade figurines, at Blackpool’s Model Village.

Rainy Day Activities: Make a splash at Sandcastle Waterpark

The Sandcastle Waterpark is home to Masterblaster - the world’s longest indoor rollercoaster waterslide - and so much more to keep everyone entertained on a rainy day.

Admire Blackpool's light fantastic

Every autumn, Blackpool lights up the Lancashire skies with a sparkling spectacle that has to be seen to be believed.

Ballroom dancing in Blackpool

It's strictly dancing...

Be seduced by ritzy Blackpool and its mighty Tower

Soar to dizzying heights at Blackpool Tower, whirl around on its famous dance floor and be dazzled by ‘the greatest free light show on earth’.

Learn, enjoy and discover at Blackpool Zoo

There’s something here to tickle everyone’s creepy crawly fancy, from crocodiles and rattlesnakes, to sea lions and emus.

Take a break on a narrowboat cruiser

Lock, stock and swing bridge.

Location: Rochdale, Lancashire

Uncover Blackpool’s Victorian heritage and charm

Explore the Winter Gardens innate beauty and enjoy afternoon tea in the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

• See more results

Related Items

Nearby cities to visit.

Explore the rambling stately mansions and turreted castles of the northwest, with landscaped gardens to die for. Wildlife lovers can meet tiny bugs to giant Asian elephants at Chester Zoo.

Grand listed buildings, riverside panoramas – and a city bursting with both pop and culture. Trips to this Merseyside city start at Liverpool Pier to snap the trio of iconic buildings.

We've something we want to share

Want to receive travel tips and ideas by email?

VisitEngland would like to invite you to take part in a short survey about our website, it should take no more than a couple of minutes.

Go to the survey

To add items to favourites …

… you need to be logged in.

If you already have an account, log in.

Or register a new account

Access your account

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Lancashire

Things to do in lancashire, explore popular experiences, popular cities in lancashire.

Ways to tour Lancashire

The Brontes, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre

The Blackpool Tower Circus Admission Ticket

Walking tour of Lancaster - Execution Slavery Industry

The Blackpool Tower Eye Admission Ticket

3-Day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester

SEA LIFE Blackpool Admission Ticket

Motorcycle Trials Bike Experience Day

Scavenger Hunt in Blackpool by Operation City Quest

Friday & Saturday night comedy club entry

Viva Decades Rewind! 80s, 90s & Now

Top attractions in lancashire.

Walking Tours

Shows, Concerts & Sports

Tours & Sightseeing

What travellers are saying

• Blackpool Zoo
• Blackpool Tramway
• The Blackpool Tower
• Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary
• Blackpool Tower Ballroom
• The Bee Centre
• Wild Discovery
• Clip 'n Climb Blackpool
• Blackpool Pleasure Beach
• Natterjack Alpacas
• Queen Street Mill Textile Museum

Lancashire: The Best Things To See And Do

Lancashire is an ancient county to the west of its arch rival, Yorkshire.

This rivalry dates back from the Wars Of the Roses fought in the 1400s between the House of York (symbol: a white rose) and the House of Lancaster (symbol: a red rose).

It’s now a ruggedly pretty place, just like Yorkshire, with a strong industrial history, particularly in textiles.

Here then, are the best bits:

Best Places To Go In Lancashire, England

Table of Contents

1. Queen Street Mill

Lancashire was once the center of the world’s cotton textile industry.

Mills, such as this one near the town of Burnley, employed thousand of people at their late 19th century height.

It’s now a museum.

2. Blackpool

Blackpool is the classic English seaside resort.

It revels in the tackiness of its Amusement Arcades (penny slot machines and video games), its Pleasure Beach theme park and other attractions, originally designed for the vacationing workers of the local mill towns.

The promenade, or ‘Front’, next to the sea is a popular place to walk – and includes a tram service, still running the old fashioned trams as though it was still the Victorian era.

In the Fall, after the main summer season, the Front is lit up as part of the ‘Blackpool Illuminations’ founded in 1879.

3. Lancaster

The city that gives the county its name, Lancaster is an ancient city boasting a fine cathedral , castle and the (pictured) Ashton Memorial overlooking the city.

The Duchy of Lancaster is one of two royal duchies – the other being the Duchy of Cornwall, held by HRH prince Charles currently – which holds significant property in the area, and is traditionally held by the reigning monarch.

4. Knowsley Safari Park

An open air zoo with a strong conservation background is a great place to take the (grand)kids.

Part of the Knowsley Estate, on the ancestral estate of the Earl of Derby.

5. East Lancashire Railway

This heritage trainline runs between Heywood and Rawtenstall, near the town of Bury.

6. Leighton Hall

Leighton Hall is the ancestral hom,e of the Gillow family (famous for its furniture).

It’s still their home, but it’s also home to visitors – they do a good job of catering to all the family (for example they run falconry exhibitions during the school holidays).

A great chance to view a ‘real’ stately home still in use.

7. Lytham St Annes Spitfire Centre

The Spitfire is one of great iconic planes of England.

Credited with much of the success of the Battle of Britain, these planes are one of the most famous planes in the world.

The Lytham St Annes Spitfire Centre celebrates this, and provides all the info you’d ever need. Well worth a visit.

8. Pendle Hill

Pendle Hill near Burnley is famous for the events of 1612.

That year saw the Pendle Witch trials: 11 local women were tried and executed (although one was acquitted) as witches.

These terrible events were the subject of the novel ‘The Daylight Gate’ by Jeanette Winterson.

9. Clitheroe Castle And Museum

Clitheroe Castle is a good example of a small mediaeval castle, and is a great place to bring the kids.

It overlooks the town of Clitheroe, in the Ribble Valley, itself worth a visit during its annual summer food festival which attracts people from all over the country.

10. Beacon Fell

Beacon Fell is an excellent area for walking. Covered mainly in coniferous forest, it’s a haven for local wildlife – perfect for a trek.

It also offers magnificent views over the surrounding moorland – you can even see Blackpool on a clear day.

Remember To Check Out Our Most Popular Posts:

The Cotswolds: The 20 Best Places To Visit

English Villages | What Makes The Perfect Village In England (With Examples)

Visit Yorkshire, England: York, The Dales & More

English Cathedrals: The 20 Best Cathedrals In England

The Best 20 Castles To Visit In England

London Travel: The Ultimate Guide. Tips, Attraction Reviews & More

The Kings And Queens of England: From William the Conqueror To Charles III

British Insults, Slang & Phrases: The Ultimate Guide

10 Fun Facts About England: Weird English Traditions

The Yorkshire Dales | The Best Places To Visit

Gorgeous Images Of The English Countryside

Visit Somerset, England: Cider, Bath, Glastonbury & More

20 Gorgeous English Thatched Cottages

Take our London Quiz: How Well Do You Really Know London?

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy

Top Things to Do in Lancashire

Things to do in lancashire, explore popular experiences, popular cities in lancashire.

Ways to tour Lancashire

The Brontes, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre

The Blackpool Tower Circus Admission Ticket

Walking tour of Lancaster - Execution Slavery Industry

The Blackpool Tower Eye Admission Ticket

3-Day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester

SEA LIFE Blackpool Admission Ticket

Motorcycle Trials Bike Experience Day

Scavenger Hunt in Blackpool by Operation City Quest

Friday & Saturday night comedy club entry

Viva Decades Rewind! 80s, 90s & Now

Top attractions in lancashire.

Walking Tours

Shows, Concerts & Sports

Tours & Sightseeing

What travellers are saying

• Blackpool Zoo
• Blackpool Tramway
• The Blackpool Tower
• Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary
• Blackpool Tower Ballroom
• The Bee Centre
• Wild Discovery
• Clip 'n Climb Blackpool
• Blackpool Pleasure Beach
• Natterjack Alpacas
• Queen Street Mill Textile Museum

17 beautiful Lancashire towns and villages that you should visit in 2024 – including Wiswell and Whalley

If you are planning a Lancashire trip and are looking for some inspiration, these scenic towns and villages are among some of the region’s best places to visit.

Clitheroe and Blackpool will be at the top of most people’s lists when they visit Lancashire – but there are many more wonderful spots waiting off the beaten track.

Join our new WhatsApp Community to get the latest news and top stories from across Lancashire directly to your phone.

Why not head out to one of these lovely destinations for a hike, to shop at their independent stores, or to spend some time at their lovely country pubs?

So here are 17 of the most beautiful towns and villages in Lancashire:

Things to Do in Lancashire, England - Lancashire Attractions

Things to do in lancashire, explore popular experiences, popular cities in lancashire.

Ways to tour Lancashire

The Brontes, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre

The Blackpool Tower Circus Admission Ticket

Walking tour of Lancaster - Execution Slavery Industry

The Blackpool Tower Eye Admission Ticket

3-Day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester

SEA LIFE Blackpool Admission Ticket

Motorcycle Trials Bike Experience Day

Scavenger Hunt in Blackpool by Operation City Quest

Friday & Saturday night comedy club entry

Viva Decades Rewind! 80s, 90s & Now

Top attractions in lancashire.

Walking Tours

Shows, Concerts & Sports

Tours & Sightseeing

What travelers are saying

• Blackpool Zoo
• Blackpool Tramway
• The Blackpool Tower
• Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary
• Blackpool Tower Ballroom
• The Bee Centre
• Wild Discovery
• Clip 'n Climb Blackpool
• Blackpool Pleasure Beach
• Natterjack Alpacas
• Queen Street Mill Textile Museum

10 Most Picturesque Villages in Lancashire

Visit period drama sets, unique hamlets and neighborhoods of outstanding beauty.

The most picturesque villages in Lancashire lie within national parks, nature reserves and Neighborhoods of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In some hamlets, you won’t see any electrical wiring or TV aerials, while in others you’ll find grand manor homes, some of the UK’s oldest shops and award-winning pubs.

Architectural gems, natural wonders and long coastlines can all be found in Lancashire’s villages. And while the area is a mecca for hikers, cyclists and wildlife watchers, it has plenty on offer for history buffs and adventure seekers too. When planning your tour of Lancashire’s villages, make sure these places are on your to-visit list.

View the setting of famous period dramas

Located in the Ribble Valley at the foot of Pendle Hill, Downham is a quaint village filled with stone-built cottages, complete with a village green that sits next to a gurgling brook. You won’t see any overhead TV aerials, electricity lines or satellite dishes anywhere in Downham, which is why it’s been the setting for many period dramas, such as Whistle Down the Wind and Born and Bred .

Notable landmarks in Downham include the 15 th -century St Leonard’s Church and the Grade II-listed Downham Hall, which has belonged to the lords of the manor (the Assheton family) for over 450 years. Grab a pint in the popular Assheton Arms pub to enjoy life like a local.

Hike in neighborhoods of outstanding natural beauty

Slaidburn is situated in the Forest of Bowland – an Neighborhood of Outstanding Natural Beauty – making it a popular destination with hikers. When you need a break from exploring the surrounding countryside vistas, you can enjoy a cuppa in a traditional tearoom by the village green. Striking landmarks include the Gothic St Andrew’s Church, the 18 th -century bridge and the Slaidburn War Memorial, which stands on the site of a former whipping mail.

You’ll find plenty of traditional pubs in Slaidburn, but the Hark to Bounty is a local favorite. After you’ve fueled up on delicious pub grub, test your hiking skills by attempting the 51-mile Lancashire Witches Walk, which was created in 2012 to commemorate the 400 th anniversary of the Pendle Witches trials.

photo by Mainlymazza ( CC BY-SA 4.0 ) modified

High Tide Organ

10 Best Fish and Chip Shops in Blackpool

Heritage Streetcar

Wander cobbled streets lined with 17th-century properties.

Chipping is characterized by its charming cobbled streets, 17 th -century architecture, boutique shops and traditional inns. Surrounded by lakes, dense forests, farmlands and countryside vistas, Chipping is one of Lancashire’s best hiking destinations. In the village itself, you can visit a 13 th -century church and what is now the Chipping Craft Center, which has been operated as a shop since 1668.

You’ll notice plenty of flower-filled gardens and walkways that have helped Chipping win numerous accolades over the years, including the RHS Britain in Bloom award. For an afternoon surrounded by blooming baskets of flowers, visit the village during August, when the annual Chipping Agricultural Show takes place.

photo by Dr Greg ( CC BY 3.0 ) modified

Eat sticky toffee pudding in a foodie paradise

Cartmel lies within the boundaries of the historic county of Lancashire, and despite being a small village with around 4 pubs, it boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant (L'Enclume) and is widely considered to be the home of the sticky toffee pudding. Stroll the streets to see the oversized 12 th -century Priory Church, rows of boutique shops and traditional tearooms. To dine on a budget, find a spot for a picnic on the village green.

Visit during summer to watch a hurdle race at Cartmel Racecourse, which can attract crowds of up to 20,000 people despite being relatively small. While you’re here, head to the Cartmel Village Shop to try sticky toffee pudding at its best.

photo by Victuallers ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

See 14th-century ruins and Lancashire’s longest viaduct

Whalley is a mid-sized village where you can find both chain and boutique stores, restaurants, tearooms and traditional British pubs. But there are also around 25 listed buildings and structures within its boundaries, including the 7 th -century Church of St Mary and All Saints, the ruins of Whalley Abbey, and the 48-span Whalley Viaduct, which is Lancashire’s largest railroad viaduct.

If you want to see Whalley from above, take the train from Manchester Victoria or Blackburn to cross over the viaduct. Alternately, hike to the peak of the tree-covered Whalley Nab for panoramic views of the village and its surrounding woodland and countryside vistas.

Hurst Green

Tour a famous grade i listed boarding school.

Hurst Green is famous for being on the doorstep of Stonyhurst College, which occupies a Grade I-listed building that dates back to the early 13 th century. It was at this school that JRR Tolkien first coined The Lord of the Rings . You can tour this boarding school’s opulent interior, church and chapels during the summer. Other popular activities include hiking the trails of the nearby Ribble Valley, an Neighborhood of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Notable landmarks in Hurst Green include Cromwell’s Bridge, the 17 th -century Shireburn Arms hotel and the 13 th -century All Hallows Church. If you want to see historic buildings, the famous school and stunning countryside views in one day, follow the Tolkien Trail from the Shireburn Arms.

photo by Alexander P Kapp ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

Explore historic ruins in this sleepy village

Wycoller is a hamlet and country park that’s home to just a handful of families. It lies in a valley that was set to be flooded in the 19 th century to make a reservoir. Even though the reservoir was never built, the village was almost entirely abandoned. Today, Wycoller is famous for its many ruins, most notably the 16 th -century Wycoller Hall, which likely served as the inspiration for Ferndean Manor in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre novel.

You can follow in the footsteps of Charlotte Brontë by following the Brontë Way, which passes Wycoller Hall and leads to the Brontë sisters’ former home in Haworth. Look out for the 7 ancient bridges that cross the Wycoller Beck. At least 1 of these bridges is believed to be around 6,000 years old.

photo by PangolinOne ( CC BY-SA 4.0 ) modified

Enjoy sprawling views of Morecambe Bay and the salt flats

Located by the salt flats of Morecambe Bay, Hest Bank is a popular destination for photographers, artists, cyclists and walkers. In addition to the sprawling views over the bay and the Lakeland Fells, Hest Bank is famous for the grand houses that line the streets sloping up toward the Lancaster Canal. Next to the canal is Hest Bank’s oldest building, the 16 th -century Hest Bank Inn, which is a great place to sip a cold pint after a day of hiking and birdwatching.

You can reach Hest Bank by taking the train to the nearby coastal town of Bare. There’s also a free carpark that overlooks Morecambe Bay. Stick to designated walkways when exploring Morecambe Bay; many historic footpaths are notoriously treacherous.

photo by flipflopnick ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

Visit one of Lancashire’s most colorful villages

Croston is well-known by Lancastrians for being full of flowers and color. The village has been a serial winner of the North West in Bloom Awards, and the streets that run parallel to the River Yarrow are lined with rows of red-brick homes and centuries-old churches. As you meander the narrow lanes, you’ll see plenty of traditional pubs, independent shops and a 15 th -century packhorse bridge.

Croston has retained its traditional English village feel, but it has a unique French flavor thanks to being twinned with the town of Azay-le-Rideau. Visit in July to see the Bastille Day celebrations take place on the large village green.

photo by Plucas58 ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

Great Eccleston

Shop for treats around the charming village square.

Great Eccleston is a largely unspoilt village that’s known for its annual agricultural show and tractor pulling events, which usually take place in July. Each week, an outdoor market is held on the large village green, which is surrounded by a few pubs, classy clothing stores and a range of artisanal food shops. Thanks to being so flat and close to plenty of natural trails, Great Eccleston is often described as the county’s best walking country.

Plan your stay during the third week of the month, when you can stock up on local produce and treats at the farmer’s market that takes over the village green on Wednesday. When you need some rest, head over to the neighboring village of Little Eccleston, where you can dig into traditional pub grub at the award-winning Cartford Inn.

photo by Raymond Knapman ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

Start planning your trip

Related stories.

Staining Lodge Golf Course

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Blackpool

Stanley Park in Blackpool

10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Blackpool

10 Best Things to Do in Blackpool

Keep exploring.

• Bedfordshire
• Bishop's Stortford
• Borehamwood
• Bournemouth
• Buckinghamshire
• Bury St Edmunds
• Cambridgeshire
• Channel Islands
• Cirencester
• East Midlands
• East Sussex
• English Riviera
• Gloucestershire
• Great Yarmouth
• Herefordshire
• Hertfordshire
• Isle of Man
• Isle of Wight
• Lake District National Park
• Lincolnshire
• Milton Keynes
• New Forest National Park
• Newcastle-upon-Tyne
• North West England
• Northampton
• Northumberland
• Nottinghamshire
• Oxfordshire
• Peak District National Park
• Peterborough
• Royal Tunbridge Wells
• Scarborough
• South Coast
• Southampton
• Southend-on-Sea
• Staffordshire
• Stoke-on-Trent
• West Midlands
• West Sussex
• United Kingdom
• Eryri National Park
• Isle of Skye
• North Wales
• Scottish Borders
• Scottish Islands
• Northern Ireland
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific

Mexico and central america, middle east, north america, south america, top destinations.

• Hotels in Las Vegas
• Hotels in New York
• Hotels in Chicago
• Hotels in Orlando
• Hotels in New Orleans
• Hotels in San Diego
• Hotels in Nashville
• Hotels in San Francisco
• Hotels in Los Angeles
• Hotels in Miami
• Hotels in Paris
• Hotels in Denver
• Hotels in Washington
• Hotels in Austin
• Hotels in Atlanta
• Hotels in San Antonio
• Hotels in Boston
• Hotels in Atlantic City
• Hotels in Key West
• Hotels in London
• Hotels in Virginia Beach
• Hotels in Seattle
• Hotels in Anaheim
• Hotels in Dallas

Top Countries & Regions

• Hotels in Aruba
• Hotels in Turks and Caicos
• Hotels in Singapore
• Hotels in Maldives
• Hotels in Bermuda
• Hotels in Malta
• Hotels in Jersey Shore
• Hotels in Maui
• Hotels in Puerto Rico Island
• Hotels in Kauai
• Hotels in Oahu
• Hotels in Cape Cod

Support & FAQs

Website feedback.

• Review a property

For Suppliers, Affiliates, and the Media

• Affiliate with us
• Expedia Partner Solutions
• Promote with us
• Travel agents

User terms & Privacy

• Terms & Conditions
• Do not sell my personal information
• About our ads
• Legal Information

List your property

• Hotels near me
• Travel Guides
• Vacation Rentals

* Some hotels require you to cancel more than 24 hours before check-in. Details on site.

© 2024 Hotels.com is an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved.

Hotels.com and the Hotels.com logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Hotels.com, LP in the United States and/ or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Skip To Main Content

Follow Us...

Already saved an Itinerary?

• City Breaks
• Country Escapes
• Cultural Breaks
• Dog Friendly Holidays in Lancashire
• Family Fun Breaks
• Gourmet Breaks
• Great Adventures
• Indulgent Spa Breaks
• Lancashire Coast and Seaside Breaks
• Luxury Getaways
• Romantic Breaks
• Farm Houses
• Lancashire Inns
• Guest Houses
• Backpackers, Hostels and Campuses
• Caravan Holiday Parks & Camping
• Glamping in Lancashire
• Accessible Accommodation
• Accommodation with Swimming Pools
• Group Friendly Accommodation
• Eco Accommodation
• Dog Friendly Places To Stay
• Welcoming Walkers and Cyclists
• Family Friendly Accommodation
• Holiday homes to buy
• Inns and Restaurants with Rooms
• Budget Hotels and Travel Accommodation
• Country House Hotels

Accommodation with Hot Tubs

• Hotel Boats and Narrow Boats
• Self Catering and Apartments
• Serviced Apartments
• Blackpool B&Bs
• Blackpool Camping, Caravan and Holiday Parks
• Blackpool Hotels
• Blackpool Self Catering
• Accessible Days Out
• Sports & Leisure
• Lancashire Experiences
• Theme Parks
• Blackpool Pleasure Beach
• Arts & Crafts
• Castles, Towers and Ruins
• Churches and Sacred Sites
• Art Galleries
• Historic Houses
• Theatres & Entertainment
• Animal and Farm Attractions
• Children's Activities
• Family Attractions
• Soft Play and Activity Centres
• Teenage Kicks
• Wet Weather Days Out
• Free Events
• Wet Weather Free Days Out
• All Free Days Out
• Lancashire Beaches
• Lancashire Picnic Spots
• England's Golf Coast
• Golf Breaks
• Golf Courses
• Walking Routes and Holidays
• Wildlife, Bird Watching and Nature Reserves
• Canals & Waterways
• Woodland, Countryside and Outdoor Spaces
• Enjoy a Lancashire Picnic
• Parks and Gardens
• Adventure Days Out
• Food and Drink Experiences
• Railway Adventures
• Antiques, Crafts & Vintage
• Factory Outlets
• Garden Centres
• Individual Retailers
• Lancashire Farm Shops, Delis and Foodhalls
• Lancashire Markets
• Shopping Centres & Department Stores
• 10 Top Lancashire Walks
• Accommodation Welcoming Walkers
• Canal Walks
• Coastal Walks
• Heritage & Arts Walks
• Long Distance Walks
• Middle Distance Walks
• Walks Under 5 Miles
• On the Trail of the Pendle Witches
• The Story of the Lancashire Witches
• Comedy Shows
• Cultural, Arts and Exhibitions
• Mayflower 400

Family Events

• Food & Drink Events and Festivals
• Lancashire Farmers Markets
• Lancashire Tours and Guided Walks
• Music, Festivals and Gigs
• Outdoor Activities
• Outdoor Theatre Productions

Theatre and Concerts

• Wedding Fairs and Shows
• Workshops and Courses
• Submit Your Event
• Ian Moss, Head Chef, The Coach and Horses
• Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Executive Head Chef, Northcote
• Oli Martin, Executive Chef, Aven Restaurant
• Mark Birchall, Chef-patron, Moor Hall
• Steven Smith, Chef Patron, Freemasons
• Chris Bury, Head Chef, The Cartford Inn
• Tom Parker, Head Chef, White Swan at Fence
• Sean Wrest, Head Chef at Aven
• Kane Williams, Head Chef, The Barn at Moor Hall
• Afternoon Tea
• Award winning producers
• Gin Distilleries in Lancashire
• Pubs, Inns and Sunday Lunches
• Vegan and Vegetarian
• Afternoon Treats and Ice Creams Collection

Cafes, Tea Rooms and Coffee Shops

• Delicatessens

Dog Friendly Places to Eat and Drink

• Fish and Chips
• Lancashire Bars and Nightlife
• Lancashire Pubs
• Lancashire Restaurants
• World Cuisine
• Food and Drink Events and Festivals
• Food and Drink Experiences and Courses
• Lancashire Beer, Ale, Gin and Breweries
• The Lancashire Cook Book - Second Helpings
• Farmers Markets
• Lancashire Cheese
• Lancashire Ice Cream
• Lancashire Producers
• A Coast for all
• Lancashire Redefining Family Guide

Visit Lancashire in Spring

• Visit Lancashire in Winter
• Visit Lancashire in Autumn
• Visit Lancashire in Summer
• Accessible Breaks
• Country Escape
• Explore the Lancashire Coast
• Romantic Break
• England Orginals
• Lancashire Maps
• Lytham St Annes
• Morecambe Bay
• Ribble Coast and Wetlands
• Arnside and Silverdale
• Dunsop Bridge
• Forest of Bowland
• Lune Valley
• Pendle Hill
• Ribble Valley
• Rossendale Valley
• West Pennine Moors
• Poulton-le-Fylde

Rawtenstall

• Towns and Villages in Lancashire
• Coach Parking
• Group Tours and Guides
• Lancashire Tourist Information Centres
• Say 'I do' in Lancashire Guide
• City Venues
• Coastal Venues
• Country Venues
• Historic Venues
• Intimate Venues
• Unique Venues
• Wedding Offers
• Eating Out Offers
• Places To Stay Offers
• Things To Do Offers
• Win a 2 night stay at the newly opened Offshore In
• Win a VIP day out for two people

Places to Stay

Things to do, food & drink, places to stay search, things to do search, what's on search, food & drink search, towns & villages search.

You are here: Explore > Market Towns

Market Towns

Outside of the countryside and coastline, Lancashire is made up of thriving market towns and cities each with its own unique character.

Number of results:

Number of results: 12

Countryside

Set on the banks of the River Wyre with the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Garstang is steeped in history with beautiful architecture, abundant wildlife and array of activities.

Market Town

Ormskirk is an historic Market Town in the heart of West Lancashire steeped in history and character. It offers excellent shopping and a wide range of restaurants, cafes and pubs all in walking distance within a compact town centre. There’s been a…

Blackburn is situated to the north of the West Pennine Moors. It was a key centre for the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution and is popularly known as the home of Blackburn Rovers Football Club.

Burnley is a large market town in the north-east of Lancashire. The town nestles in a natural three forked valley surrounded by pleasant countryside which evolves into wild moorland at higher altitudes.

The City of Lancaster has a rich heritage, with Roman, Norman, Georgean and Victorian features. There are walks and cyclepaths, historic buildings to visit and a magnificent Castle to tour. Pubs and restaurants all over town, with a busy nightlife.

Poulton-Le-Fylde

The town gained its name from the Wyre estuary, which lies less than 2 kilometres to the north-east at Skippool.

Colne is an ancient market town steeped in history (parts of the parish church date back to the 11th century). Birthplace of Wallace Hartley (band master on the Titanic) and home of The Great British R&B Festival.

Burscough is a thriving community which lies north of Ormskirk and south of Rufford on the A59. The Leeds and Liverpool canal passes through the parish, along with the Southport to Wigan and the Preston to Liverpool rail lines.

Darwen is a small market town in Lancashire, which extends onto the West Pennine Moors. Darwen is part of the Blackburn with Darwen borough, which has been a unitary district since 1998.

Accrington's most prominent landmarks are the stone railway viaduct, the Town Hall and the Market Hall.

The historic market town of Clitheroe lies at the heart of Ribble Valley. It retains much of its old character and customs and is famed for its specialist shops, many of which have been run by the same family for generations.

Clitheroe is a versat

Back in medieval times Rawtenstall (pronounced Rottenstall in case you were wondering!) was part of the Forest of Rossendale, and although the forest has largely been replaced by rolling fields and dales, the Rossendale Valley remains a…

• Visit Lancashire whatever the season
• Submit Event
• Request Brochure
• Accessibility Statement
• Data Protection and Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions

• Accessible Days Out ,
• Animal and Farm Attractions ,
• Culture, Arts & Heritage ,
• Cycling Lancashire ,
• Family Days Out in Lancashire ,
• Free Days Out ,
• Great Outdoors ,
• Historic Houses and Halls ,
• Shopping and Retail ,
• Walking Routes ,
• Attractions ,
• Blackpool Events ,
• Cultural, Arts and Exhibitions ,
• Family Events ,
• Food & Drink Events and Festivals ,
• Music, Festivals and Gigs ,
• Outdoor Activities ,
• Outdoor Theatre Productions ,
• Submit Your Event ,
• Theatre and Concerts ,
• Wedding Fairs and Shows ,
• Workshops and Courses ,
• Farmers Markets ,
• Food and Drink Events and Festivals ,
• Food and Drink Experiences ,
• Lancashire Chef Profiles ,
• Lancashire Food Produce ,
• Lancashire Recipes ,
• Pubs, Inns and Sunday Lunches ,
• The Lancashire Cook Book - Second Helpings ,
• Where To Eat and Drink ,
• Lancashire For Groups ,
• Lancashire Maps ,
• Lancashire Tourist Information Centres ,
• Lancashire Visitor Guide 2021 ,
• Plan a Short Break ,
• Towns and Villages in Lancashire ,
• Travel & Transport ,

© Visit Lancashire 2024. The Official Website of Marketing Lancashire. All Rights Reserved

Don't Miss

Camping and Glamping

Friendly Holidays in Lancashire

Quirky Places to Stay

Free Days Out

Great Outdoors

Historic Houses and Halls

Visit Lancashire for events April - June 2024

Lancashire Recipes

Plan a Short Break

Nine hidden gem tourism spots in and around Lancashire

There is a world out there right on your doorstep that is just waiting to be explored

• 09:00, 1 JAN 2023
• Updated 10:08, 1 JAN 2023

The latest news from across Preston

We have more newsletters

In case it was unclear, we bloomin' love Lancashire here at LancsLive. The clue is in the name, after all.

There's few places in the United Kingdom or world, as far as we're concerned, where you can enjoy a vibrant, bustling city life with the tranquillity and calm of the open countryside a five minute drive away.

READ MORE: Life on Lancashire's cheapest street where houses sell for £25,000 - and residents can't believe it

It really does have it all, including dozens of great attractions blessing us every single day. We all know the usual ones. We're talking Pendle Hill, the Fulwood Barracks and Towneley Park. But what about the lesser known attractions?

Here are the nine hidden gems to visit and enjoy in and around Lancashire. We've included historical Lancashire on the list, because if it was once ours we're claim it for life. Go out there and breathe it in.

Turbary Woods Owl and Birds of Prey Sanctuary

Set in the beautiful Ribble Valley countryside near Lostock Hall is a volunteer run sanctuary for birds of prey. It's a little know fact that England is home to many eagles, owls and kites and this sanctuary has more than 80 for you to admire. If you visit you will have the chance to participate in a flying display, with the birds landing on your gloved hand.

It costs just £22 for a whole family (two adults and two children) to go along for the day.

Wycoller Village and Country Park

Lancashire is home to many beautiful parks and this one is no exception.

Set between Colne and Barnoldswick, the park is still home to the fantastic ruins of Wycoller Hall and the old bridges across the nearby beck, both of which have stood for more than 1,000 years. The hall is meant to be the inspiration for Jane Eyre's Ferndean Manor and is set amongst beautiful rolling hills.

Animal Quackers

Everyone loves animals and this farm located just south of Bacup near Stacksteads is the perfect place to visit more of them. The farm features all the usual favourites including pigs, sheep and cows but also includes donkeys, several birds of prey, deer and even snakes.

This is an ideal place to take the kids, who can enjoy donkey rides, animal feedings and a petting zoo. It's also got a brilliant café and a guided tour.

Stone circle walk near Duddon Estuary

Duddon Estuary is one of most idyllic spots in the whole county, giving you a beautiful view of Morecambe Bay and miles of craggy landscape. This stone circle walk, which follows an ancient path, follows the Lacra Bank over acres of stunning countryside overlooking the bay and the Irish Sea.

It's still relatively unknown to locals and could be one of the best walks you go on this year.

The village of Pilling, north of Poulton-le-Fylde, may be a well known place for locals but is relatively unknown across the rest of Lancashire.

Pilling is full of beautiful houses, bursting with history and features two stunning churches.

As well as the beauty and the nearby coastline, it has two well known pubs and an old windmill. It's the perfect place to go if you want to get away for the day.

Sizergh Castle

Did you know Kendal had its own castle? Set amongst acres of fabulous countryside is Sizergh Castle, which could have been built as far back as the 12th Century.

It is still home to the Hornyold-Strickland family whilst its grounds and vast estate are under he care of the national trust.

It is a breathtaking place, certainly not one to miss.

Piel Island

Yes we've included a whole island on this list. Just off the coast of Barrow-in-Furness in Morecambe Bay you will find an island that is about 0.8 square miles, in other words, tiny.

It's home to a beautiful arcane castle, a famous pub called the Ship Inn and a place where you can camp. There is nothing else but ocean and fields.

It is bliss.

Browsholme Hall

Lancashire is full of stunning country houses but Browsholme is one of the lesser known ones.

Sat in the middle of nowhere near Cow Ark in Clitheroe , Browsholme was once of the home of ancient Parker family who used to act as park keepers for Bowland Forest, ensuring that wild boar there were ready to be hunted by Medieval kings.

Much of the amazing 14th Century house still stands today, an amazing beacon to a huge part of Lancashire's history.

Yarrow Valley Country Park

On Big Lodge Water in Chorley you will find Yarrow Valley Country Park.

The park is a little off the beaten track and so remains somewhat illusive to residents. Despite this it is still one of the best places to explore the local wildlife and take freshing walks. If you want to take time to relax in an idyllic setting away in a place that is relatively unknown.

Lancashire's 'best kept' village deep in Pendle Witch country that stands proud in the shadow of famous tower

The 50 places in Lancashire you have to eat out at in 2023

• Blackpool's free New Year's Eve party taking over the Comedy Carpet

When is the right time to take down your Christmas tree?

The charismatic market town well worth a visit to wash away the post Christmas blues

• Things to do in Lancashire
• Most Recent

THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Attractions in Lancashire

Best lancashire hidden gem attractions.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Hidden Gems
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary

2. Hoghton Tower

3. Samlesbury Hall

4. Trough of Bowland

5. The Bee Centre

6. Bowland Wild Boar Park

7. Towneley Hall

8. Carnforth Station Heritage Centre

9. Pendle Hill

10. Astley Hall

11. RSPB Leighton Moss Nature Reserve

12. Rufford Old Hall

13. British Commercial Vehicle Museum

14. Lytham Hall

15. Spitfire Visitor Centre

16. Yarrow Valley Country Park

17. Animal Quackers

18. Fleetwood Museum

19. Rivington Pike

20. Farmer Parrs Animal World

21. Brockholes Nature Reserve

22. Beacon Fell Country Park

23. Lancaster Canal

24. HAPPA - Shores Hey Farm

25. Heskin Hall Shopping Village

26. Gawthorpe Hall

27. Helmshore Mills Textile Museum

28. Turton and Entwistle Reservoir

29. Wycoller Country Park

30. The Regent

What travellers are saying

Top Things to Do in Lancashire - Lancashire Must-See Attractions

Things to do in lancashire, explore popular experiences, popular cities in lancashire.

Ways to tour Lancashire

The Brontes, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre

The Blackpool Tower Circus Admission Ticket

Walking tour of Lancaster - Execution Slavery Industry

The Blackpool Tower Eye Admission Ticket

3-Day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester

SEA LIFE Blackpool Admission Ticket

Motorcycle Trials Bike Experience Day

Scavenger Hunt in Blackpool by Operation City Quest

Friday & Saturday night comedy club entry

Viva Decades Rewind! 80s, 90s & Now

Top attractions in lancashire.

Walking Tours

Shows, Concerts & Sports

Tours & Sightseeing

What travellers are saying

• Blackpool Zoo
• Blackpool Tramway
• The Blackpool Tower
• Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary
• Blackpool Tower Ballroom
• The Bee Centre
• Wild Discovery
• Clip 'n Climb Blackpool
• Blackpool Pleasure Beach
• Natterjack Alpacas
• Queen Street Mill Textile Museum