Lancashire is a county full of countryside and towns and has the world famous seaside town of Blackpool and its iconic Blackpool Tower. There is so much to do and see in Lancashire. Why not visit Blackburn Cathedral, or explore Lancaster Castle?
Why not enjoy a break at Lancashire Coast by the sea? It has a beautiful coastline and sandy beaches can be found at St Annes Blackpool, Cleveleys, Fleetwood and Morecambe. During the summer there are donkey rides which take place during the week and if you fancy crabbing, Fleetwood beach is a great place to go!
If you fancy the sea side life, hire an award winning beach hut for the day at St Annes! There is nothing better than waking up to hearing the waves. Lancashire Coast is a great place to visit with friends or family, where you can have a relaxing picnic on the beach or explore the coastal towns. From the Lune Estuary at Glasson Dock in the Kent Estuary at Arnside, it offers an amazing coastline of Lancashire. From colourful sunsets to dramatic landscapes and views of seaside towns.
There is so much to see and do in Lancashire. Just make sure to have some fish and chips at the beach!
2. Whalley Abbey
Whalley Abbey is a former Cistercian abbey in Whalley, in the heart of Lancashire. The abbey was demolished and a country house was built on the site. The building was constructed between 1296 and 1310 and the two storey gatehouse is the oldest of the abbey buildings.
If you’re visiting Clitheroe and love history, then why not visit Whalley Abbey? It makes a great day out with the family, where everyone can learn all about the abbey.
The grounds are open daily and also offer group guided tours around the ruins – perfect if you would like to learn all about the history of Whalley Abbey. After the guided tour, you will be able to help yourself to refreshments in the Conference house.Opening times and admission prices
Visit website for more information
Address
The Sands
Whalley
Clitheroe
Lancashire
BB7 9TN
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/whalley-abbey-gatehouse
3. Blackburn Cathedral
Blackburn Cathedral is one of England’s newest cathedrals and is also one of England’s oldest places of Christian worship. Throughout the centuries, the cathedral has been the Parish Church of Blackburn dedicated to St. Mary.
The cathedral is still a place of player and worship and is now at the centre of the Diocese, which takes in almost the whole of Lancashire. If you are visiting Lancashire, Blackburn Cathedral is worth a visit where you can learn and discover its history.
Opening times
The Cathedral Gift Shop is open
Tuesday to Saturday: 10:30am - 2:30pm
Prices
Visit website for more information
Address
The Cathedral is at the heart of Blackburn Town Centre and surrounded by convenient on-street car parks.
Cathedral Close
Blackburn
BB1 5AA
Sat Nav postcode: BB1 5AA.
Contact details
01254 277430
www.blackburncathedral.com
4. Lancaster Castle
Lancaster Castle is a popular medieval castle in the heart of Lancaster in Lancashire. It is believed to have been founded in the 11th century, on the site of a Roman fort overlooking a crossing of the River Lune.
The castle is owned by The Duchy of Lancaster and the castle has witnessed many historical, cultural and political scenes which have caused impact throughout the centuries. It was used for religious persecution, the trials of the ‘Lancashire Witches’ and 200 executions, from murder to stealing cattle.
In 2011 it was a fully functioning HM Prison and now it is a historical ‘living’ monument offering a view into England’s often dark and scary past. The castle is visited by locals and from around the world. If you’re interested in history, Lancaster Castle is a great place to visit, where you will learn all about its past.
5. Turbary Woods Owl and Birds of Prey Sanctuary
Turbary Woods Owl and Birds of Prey Sanctuary is a rescue and rehabilitation centre which displays a unique collection of over 90 birds of prey. There are so many birds to see such as eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, vultures and many more rare and unusual species.
All of the birds live in large open areas and have shelter in a woodland setting. It’s a great place to visit, where you can experience a flight of a falcon! The sanctuary is based in Whitestake, Lostock Hall, near Preston in Lancashire.
It’s a great place to visit, where you will be able to meet a range of species of birds and learn all about their habitats. It’s the only place to see the birds up close.
Address
Access Through Garden
Centre 92 Chain House Lane
Whitestake
Preston
PR4 4LB
England
Contact details
01772 323323
www.turbarywoods.co.uk
Top 5 things to do with the kids
There are many family days out in Lancashire. Why not explore Blackpool Sea Life Centre, or if you're feeling brave, visit Blackpool Tower Dungeon and learn all about Blackpool's dark history!
1. Blackpool Tower Dungeon
Blackpool Tower Dungeon is full of thrills and scares, with a journey through 1,000 years of Lancashire’s dark past. There are many events and shows that take place, which will make you laugh and scream, so be prepared for the scary stories!
Kids will love getting up close with characters, where they will learn all about their past – Don’t forget to meet the Pendle Witch! It’s the perfect day out during the weekend, or even during the school holidays. Blackpool Tower Dungeon is fun for all ages, although they recommend not bringing under 8’s.
Opening hours
Opening times may vary but generally open between 10:00 and 16:00.
Pricing
Adult: £16.50
Child (3-14 years): £13.50
Under 3s: Free
Address
Bank Hey Street
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY1 4BJ
England
Contact details
01253 629 233
www.thedungeons.com/blackpool
2. Blackpool Sea Life Centre
Blackpool Sea Life Centre takes you into an amazing journey into the deep sea, where you will meet all of the latest arrivals, such as the world’s largest crab! Who wouldn’t want to come face to face with the world’s largest crab? It measures an amazing 9ft and is called the Japanese Spider Crab.
There is also a new Stingray Adventure to explore, where the underwater tunnels allow you to observe from every angle. You will be able to see the Honeycomb Whiptail Rails, Blue Spotted Stingrays and Cownose Rays.
Kids will love to visit the Shark Reef Encounter, where they will learn all about the creatures and watch feeding time. If your children love animals, they’ll love Blackpool’s Sea Life Centre with so much to see and discover.
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Closed Christmas Day.
Pricing
With a great range of deals and offers, you can get a ticket for as little as £10!
Address
The Promenade
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY1 5AA
England
Contact details
01253 621258
www.visitsealife.com/Blackpool
3. Thompson Park and Miniature Railway 
If your children have lots of energy to burn, why don’t you let them run around in the children’s adventure play area while you sit and relax in the sun? There is a beautiful Rose garden, Beech garden if you fancy a peaceful stroll around the grounds.Thompson Park and Miniature Railway has a 3-acre boating lake, which is home to many species of wildlife and perfect for family fishing. The miniature railway runs on Sundays and Bank holidays April to October (weather permitting). The train rides just cost £1.00 and support the railway. Thompson Park is also great for children’s parties. There is also a paddling pool, which is popular with families in the summer weather, so make sure to plan your visit.
Opening hours
Early March to end of October
Every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, Wednesday during School Holidays 12:00 - 16:00
Pricing
Boats: £1.00 per person
Address
Ormerod Road
Burnley
Lancashire
BB11 3QW
England
Contact details
01282 831053
www.bpmrs.org.uk
4. Withy Grove Park
The playground is lit up until 9pm in the toddler and junior areas and 10pm in the teen area, so it is available whenever people fancy burning off some energy!Withy Grove Park is a playground, which is one of the largest free facilities of its type in the North West. It has been designed to contain a range of equipment that caters for children of all ages across 3 sections.
The west side of the park is the wilder side, where you will spot some of the wildlife and nature. It is a great place to explore and walk around with the family.
Opening hours
Park: Daylight access
Toddler/Junior areas: Monday to Sunday dawn - 21:00
Teen area: Monday to Sunday dawn - 22:00
Pricing
Free admission
Address
Brindle Road
Bamber Bridge
Preston
Lancashire
PR5 6YJ
England
Contact details
01772 421491
www.southribble.gov.uk/content/withy-grove-park
5. The Crafty Potter
There is so much for children to enjoy and they can even take some of their pottery home the same day. As there are no time limits on drop in sessions, it’s a great place to take the kids during the weekend or school holidays. The kids will love The Crafty Potter and you will be able to treasure the pottery forever!If your children love painting and art, they will love The Crafty Potter! It’s a great place for children to learn and explore their creativity, with a range of activities such as painting pots, canvas, glass, wooden shapes, paper craft, clay modelling and more!
Opening hours
Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 - 16.45, Sunday 10:30 - 16:15. Open school holidays 10:00 - 16:45.
Pricing
There are various prices depending which activity you choose. Prices start from £1.00 - £25.00, with a studio fee of £3.50 per painter.
Address
Heskin Farmers Market Craft Centre
Heskin Hall Estate
Chorley
Lancashire
PR7 5PA
England
Contact details
01257 367280
www.heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk/list-of-businesses/the-crafty-potter
www.angelsribchester.co.uk
01254 820212
Angels Fleet Street Lane
Preston
PR3 3ZA
England
2. The Stone Grill
www.thestonegrill.co.uk
01253 595199
272-274 Queens Promenade
Blackpool
FY2 9HD
England
3. Imli
www.facebook.com/Imli-St-Annes-534423123267745
01253 788009
33 Wood Street
St. Annes-on-Sea
FY8 1QG
England
4. L'Enclume
www.lenclume.co.uk
015395 36362
Cavendish Street
Cartmel
Grange-over-Sands
LA11 6PZ
England
5. Pulci Pizza
22A Breck Road
Poulton Le Fylde
FY6 7HT
England
01253 882203