We have outlined a number of interesting attractions and places to visit for visitors to Lancashire, these include:
Lancashire has its fair share of historic houses, too, none better than Leighton Hall. It is home to the Gillow family, who are known for their skills in making furniture. Among the Leighton Hall highlights are the Gothic towers, beautiful gardens and trained birds of prey. It is usually open to the visiting public from May until September each year. However it is always wise to check before going to avoid disappointment.
Unusually Leighton Hall does not have areas the public cannot go, visitors are invited to sit on the historic chairs. The guides help explain to visitors more about the history of the family and their habits. The estate covers an area in excess of 1,500 acres, there are landscaped parkland and woodland walks on offer that gives a wonderful sense of tranquillity in the countryside. Leighton also houses a notable 19th century walled garden that contains plenty of flowers, a herb patch and rose covered walls.
Rufford Old Hall is regarded as one of Lancashire’s finest buildings. Its history goes back to the 16th century, the Great Hall makes for a great spectacle and features a dramatic hammer-beam roof. There is evidence to suggest that Shakespeare performed in this hall, the house contains fine collections of oak furniture from the 16th and 17th centuries, tapestries and arms. The grounds are in a Victorian style and feature orchard, topiary, sculpture and include a woodland and canal walk. The Tudor building belonged to the Hesketh family for over 400 years and it is now managed by the National Trust.
The Lancaster Priory & Parish Church has a long history stretching back to the 11th century. The site has been used as a place of worship since 630 A.D. and possibly even earlier. Located next to Lancaster Castle, the church is on a hill overlooking the city. The interior is mainly medieval and includes some traces of a Saxon church, such as a Saxon doorway with Anglican cross fragments, 14th century choir stalls, and highly regarded tapestries among others.
The National Football Museum is located in Manchester and contains one of the world's greatest football collections. Fans who visit the museum will see the museum that is spilt in to two halves. The first of these deals with a journey through the history of football. The other half is an exhibition that examines different facets within the world of football. There are also a range of interactive experiences. The museum makes for a fascinating visit for football enthusiasts, the Goal striker experience lets you take part in an interactive penalty shooting contest whilst there is also a hall of fame exhibition for the greats of the game.
Theatre fans can head for the Preston Guildhall, it has a theatre that presents a range of professional and amateur events that include small scale recitals to full theatrical productions. The theatre has some excellent sound and lighting systems and 35mm film projection. In addition to the theatre there are stalls, circle and other areas that can be used for small meetings and receptions. The entertainment complex is a great place to enjoy live theatre and a friendly atmosphere is evident in the shows. The venue opened back in 1972 and has since provided a wide range of theatrical entertainment to the public.
The Peter Scott Gallery in Lancaster has a varied programme of temporary exhibitions and associated talks. Admission is free for visitors, the gallery holds among the most significant collection of Royal Lancastrian ceramics in the UK, is on permanent display in the John Chambers Ceramics Room. The gallery also accommodates Lancaster University’s international art collection, the collection includes Chinese and Japanese art, antiquities, works by twentieth century British artists and prints by noted European artists such as Dürer, Ernst and Vasarely. The collection is part of a programme of a number of changing works each year.
The ambitious redevelopment has lead to many areas in Manchester undergoing a facelift, on such example is Salford Quays. There are now plenty of things to do there for leisure and entertainment. Waters-sports are available at the Salford Watersports Centre where you can row, canoe, sail and windsurf. There are theatres such as the Lowry that has a full range of drama, comedy, opera, ballet, dance, musicals, shows for children and gallery spaces. There is also the much talked about Imperial War Museum where you can see how lives have been affected by conflict. Shoppers have their own paradise here in the form of the Lowry Outlet Mall where top designer brands are on offer at competitive prices. With a cinema also, there is plenty to see and do at the Quays and is a great day out.
Lancaster Castle, a great Norman castle. Dating back to the 11th century, the castle has been altered and subsequently rebuilt over the years. The castle has been a prison for many years and has an interesting history, it was attacked by Robert the Bruce in 1322, but later impressively rebuilt by John of Gaunt. There is an impressive Gateway Tower, that is considered to be among the finest in England, and the site is regarded as an extremely important archaeological monument of great importance. There is a real sense of history for visitors to experience and the interactive initials of Queen Elizabeth I on the battlements. The website of the castle gives a great interactive tour to learn more about the castle.
Nature enthusiasts are well catered for at Martin Mere Wetlands Centre where the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust offers visitors a chance to explore the county's flora and fauna close-up. Located 35 miles from Manchester, the wetlands centre includes a visitor centre, gift shop and café serving both hot and cold foods and drinks. There are guided boat tours available along with canoe safaris offering an interesting way to get close to the wildlife. The trust is a world leader in the protection of geese, swans, ducks and flamingos and their habitats in the wetlands. The RSPB Discovery Centre located at Fairhaven Lake examines the huge number of migratory birds that make the Ribble Estuary their home each year.
The Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery is located in the town centre. The museum takes visitors through the history of the textile industry and its wide ranging effect on all aspects of Lancashire life. The museum is housed in a beautiful building in the town centre and features exhibitions including the history of Blackburn, the Egyptian Mummy and Fine and Decorative Art among others.
It is recommended that prior to visiting Lancashire; visitors do their research and ensure any sights and attractions they plan on visiting are actually open on the days you intend on coming. The transport is also worth checking as maintenance and engineering works can mean a restricted service on public transport and the road network.
Lancashire is a county that has plenty to offer visitors with a mix of cities, towns and villages including a number of picturesque locations in the Lancashire countryside to enjoy in addition to the attractions in the urban centres. The city of Lancaster with its range of historic city attractions along with a number of charming market towns and villages ensuring visitors can enjoy both the urban and rural when visiting the county. The county includes a large number of historic attractions, museums, historic houses, parks, gardens, cathedrals and family attractions. Lancashire’s attractions ensure visitors can enjoy a short break, weekend away or a longer stay here.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
