Summary
In northwest England, Lancashire serves as a gateway to escape urban areas and immerse oneself in stunning countryside. The region boasts a diverse landscape, ranging from lush, fertile farms and coastal pastures to the romantic and rugged moors of the West Pennines and Forest of Bowland. Visitors can explore an array of towns, from lively seaside resorts like Blackpool to the industrial heritage of Burnley, as well as charming villages and historic market towns.
Lancashire is also renowned for its hearty cuisine, including the traditional Lancashire hotpot and savory pies, accompanied by locally brewed ales. Let us delve into the top destinations to visit in Lancashire:
1. Lancaster
Despite being relatively small and easily navigable on foot, Lancaster’s historical significance, particularly its royal connections (Queen Elizabeth II holds the title Duke of Lancaster), makes it an engaging place to discover. The city features picturesque Georgian architecture from the 1700s, especially near the castle and along the banks of the Lune River. The castle itself stands as one of the region’s most cherished historic landmarks, enriched with nearly a millennium of stories and intrigue. Visitors should not miss the Lancashire City Museum, the Lancaster Canal, or the atmospheric Ashton Memorial perched atop Williamson Park’s hill.
2. Blackpool
The coastal town of Blackpool epitomizes the quintessential English beach resort and is a favorite domestic holiday spot. Since its establishment in 1894, the iconic Blackpool Tower, rising 158 meters tall and inspired by the Eiffel Tower, has contributed significantly to the town’s fame, featuring an observation deck and an exquisite Victorian ballroom. The pristine beaches, restored to Blue Flag standards in the 1980s, invite enjoyment, while attractions such as the Pleasure Beach amusement park and the spectacular Illuminations lights festival in autumn offer additional allure.
3. Garstang
This charming market town, recorded in the 11th-century Domesday Book, hosts a weekly market that has been in operation since 1310. Located just west of the Forest of Bowland, Garstang is surrounded by excellent walking routes. Visitors might consider exploring the remains of Greenhaigh Castle situated on elevated terrain above the town. Although little is left of this sandstone edifice, the remnants possess a certain fragile beauty. From this vantage point, one can enjoy vistas of the town and its surroundings, while the Lancaster Canal flows through Garstang, extending toward Kendal. Renting a longboat or strolling along the towpath offers a chance to experience Lancashire’s stunning moorlands and fells at a gentler pace.
4. Lytham St Annes
A conurbation of two coastal towns situated a short distance from Blackpool, Lytham St Annes presents a serene contrast to its more vibrant neighbor. Visitors can enjoy tranquil pleasures such as the marshes along the Ribble Estuary, which along with 80 hectares of sand dunes serve as a winter haven for over 100,000 migratory birds. Renowned for golf, the area boasts four courses, including the Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, which has hosted the prestigious Open Championship. St Annes itself, characterized as a subtler Victorian resort, features a charming pier, expansive beaches, and abundant historical character.
5. Burnley
As a historical textile town during the 19th and 20th centuries, Burnley offers insight into Lancashire’s industrial past. The evocative Weavers’ Triangle, complete with workers’ houses and cotton mills situated along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, is steeped in history, with the visitor center providing enthusiastic insights into the era. Additionally, Towneley Hall, a remarkable Elizabethan manor house set within expansive grounds, features a collection that ranges from traditional local furnishings to pre-Raphaelite paintings. Furthermore, Burnley FC, the local football club, competes in the Premier League at Turf Moor, one of the league’s remaining traditional venues.
6. Whalley
Spanning the Calder River with impressive stature is the Whalley Viaduct, an enormous railway bridge constructed in the 1840s that reaches 21 meters in height and utilized approximately 7 million bricks. A visit to the haunting ruins of Whalley Abbey, a Cistercian monastery founded in the 13th century, is a must. Although much was dismantled following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, the dormitory still stands and serves as a Catholic place of worship. The Northwest Gatehouse remains largely intact and holds Grade I status. Whalley, located in the picturesque Ribble Valley, also offers hiking opportunities through woodland and pasture to Whalley Nab, revealing stunning views of the village below.
7. Preston
The narrative of Preston mirrors that of many towns in the northwest, illustrating its transformation from a modest market town into a thriving center due to the cotton industry during the 1800s. This period saw the construction of some of Preston’s most striking landmarks, including the Gothic revival Church of St Walburge, which boasts the tallest spire of any non-cathedral church in England. Also noteworthy is the Harris Museum, designed for art and culture, showcasing works by Lucien Freud and Stanley Spencer, alongside a section detailing the city’s and region’s history from prehistoric times onward. The scenic Avenham and Miller Parks, enriched with a Japanese Garden and a grand staircase highlighted by a statue of Edward Smith-Stanley, the MP for Preston and a three-time Prime Minister, further enhance the city’s appeal.
8. Morecambe
Located in a scenic bay, Morecambe is synonymous with vast sandy beaches, outdoor activities such as kite-flying, and delightful seaside establishments. A notable highlight is the Midland Hotel, an exquisite Art Deco creation completed in 1933 and recently restored to its former glory. Morecambe also enjoys cultural significance, having been referenced in the works of playwright Alan Bennett. For fans of British comedy, the statue of Eric Morecambe, part of the famous Morecambe and Wise duo from the 1970s, serves as a nostalgic tribute.
9. Chorley
One of Lancashire’s cotton towns, Chorley was once characterized by numerous chimneys that symbolized its industrial growth until the late 20th century, when the nearby collieries also closed. The Industrial Revolution spurred significant development in Chorley, which has been an important market town dating back to the 15th century. Visitors can experience the vibrant Tuesday market, where they can sample freshly baked Chorley cakes, a local pastry filled with currants. Astley Hall stands out as a beautiful 17th-century country house with a walled garden. For outdoor enthusiasts, Rivington Pike rises to 363 meters, offering breathtaking views of the rugged but captivating moorland surrounding Rivington Reservoir.
10. Poulton-le-Fylde
If you prefer a more serene and pastoral environment during your visit to Blackpool, the charming market town of Poulton-le-Fylde is just ten minutes away, featuring a designated conservation area. At least 15 buildings within this quaint town have received protected status, including the historically significant Golden Ball pub. Poulton, situated in an agricultural region, remained unaffected by the Industrial Revolution, allowing for the cultivation of local vegetables and salads, which are sold at the weekly market each Monday. While exploring Market Square, visitors can also spot the medieval whipping post and stocks, remnants of a different era.
11. Darwen
Encircled by towering hills, Darwen is an excellent destination for those seeking outdoor adventures, featuring numerous bike trails, footpaths, and bridleways leading into the West Pennine Moors. The scenery is characterized by a wild and rugged natural beauty. The Jubilee Tower, located atop the 372-meter Darwen Hill, commemorates Queen Victoria’s jubilee in 1897 and celebrates the restoration of historic rights of way that had been obstructed for years. From this elevated position, one can take in stunning views of Blackpool, the Isle of Man, and Morecambe Bay. In town, visitors can explore the Victorian Market Hall, which offers a plethora of local produce across 130 stalls.
12. Blackburn
Situated between Preston and Burnley, Blackburn is renowned for its rich heritage in the textile industry. This history is particularly notable as Blackburn was established by Flemish migrants who introduced cotton weaving in the 1300s. The Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery, founded in 1874, preserves much of this legacy, including an impressive collection of Japanese prints, medieval manuscripts, and fine arts. Additionally, Blackburn Rovers, its local football team, famously won the Premier League in 1995 and remains an enduring rival of Burnley, though they currently compete in the second tier of English football.
13. Ormskirk
Every Thursday and Saturday, Ormskirk’s pedestrianized center comes alive with a bustling market that traces its origins back to a charter issued in 1286. Dominating the skyline is the 12th-century Church of St. Peter and Paul, notable for being one of only three churches in Britain featuring both a western tower and spire. Within lies a captivating history, as many Earls of Derby are buried here. Notably, Thomas Stanley, who switched allegiances during the Battle of Bosworth, and James Stanley, who met his fate at the end of the Civil War, have their remains interred in separate containers.
14. Carnforth
A small town located in northern Lancashire near the Cumbria border, Carnforth is often referenced as a “railway town,” gaining widespread recognition after being featured in the 1945 film Brief Encounter, directed by David Lean. Visitors can explore the Heritage Centre, showcasing reconstructed sets and artifacts from the steam era. Additionally, guests may also board a steam train along the West Coast Line heritage railway, indulging in a leisurely cream tea experience in first class. For the outdoor enthusiast, Warton Crag, a steep limestone hill, beckons with opportunities for hiking and offers a breeding ground for peregrine falcons.
15. Heysham
Overlooking Morecambe Bay, Heysham serves as a ferry port connecting to Ireland and the Isle of Man. However, several intriguing attractions await visitors. Dominating the landscape are the evocative ruins of St Patrick’s Chapel, a Grade I-listed structure dating back to the 8th century. Notably, six rock-carved tombs from the 1000s enhance the site’s uniqueness. Heysham also houses two operational power stations, a rarity in the UK, with the EDF center offering pre-arranged tours detailing the workings of nuclear energy. Safety equipment, including hi-vis jackets, hard hats, and safety glasses, are provided for the tour of the reactor, cooling systems, and turbines.
