Attractions and Places To See in Lancashire - Top 20

Lancashire is rich in history, offering numerous landmarks. You can visit the ancient Stonyhurst College, a magnificent Jesuit school with a long history. Other notable sites include Lancaster Castle, which served as a prison for centuries, and Clitheroe Castle, a 12th-century motte-and-bailey stronghold. Don't miss Gawthorpe Hall, an Elizabethan manor, or Rufford Old Hall, a beautiful Tudor building where Shakespeare may have performed. The region also features the impressive ruins of the Ribchester Roman Bath House.

For breathtaking vistas, head to Rivington Pike Tower, a Grade II listed tower offering superb views over the surrounding countryside. Another excellent spot is Pendle Hill summit trig point, which provides expansive views north into the Forest of Bowland. You can also enjoy great views from Clougha Pike and the Trig point at Longridge Fell summit. The Pigeon Tower (Dovecote Tower) at Rivington also offers amazing views.

Yes, Lancashire offers several family-friendly attractions. Brockholes Nature Reserve is a fantastic option, with 250 acres of ancient woodland, lakes, and viewing points for diverse wildlife, plus a floating visitor center. Blackpool Pleasure Beach provides thrilling rides and entertainment. Happy Mount Park in Morecambe is another great choice with an adventure playground and summer splash area. Many of the viewpoints, like the Trig point at Longridge Fell summit and Pigeon Tower (Dovecote Tower), are also suitable for families.

Lancashire boasts stunning natural beauty. The Forest of Bowland is a designated National Landscape with rolling fells, moorland, and ancient woodland, perfect for walking and cycling. Brockholes Nature Reserve, built on an old quarry site, features ancient woodland, lakes, and diverse wildlife. Pendle Hill is a prominent natural feature with historical ties. Morecambe Bay offers unique landscapes and opportunities for watersports, including the Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape and Leighton Moss nature reserve. The West Pennine Moors and Beacon Fell Country Park also provide scenic trails and views.

Lancashire is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking and cycling routes across the region. Popular hiking trails include the 'Stonyhurst College & the Ribble Way loop from Hurst Green' and 'The Tolkien Trail from Hurst Green – Forest of Bowland'. For cyclists, there are challenging routes like the 'Forest of Bowland northern fells loop' and 'A loop of road climbs from Lancaster'. You can explore more options for hiking at Hiking in Lancashire and for road cycling at Road Cycling Routes in Lancashire.

Absolutely. Lancashire has a rich industrial past, particularly in textiles. The Weavers' Triangle in Burnley offers a glimpse into the region's historic cotton mills. You can step back in time at the Queen Street Mill Textile Museum, which provides live weaving demonstrations, showcasing the working life of a Lancashire cotton factory.

Yes, the infamous Pendle Witches Trail is a series of walking and driving routes connecting sites associated with the 17th-century Pendle Witch Trials, from Pendle Hill to Lancaster. This trail offers a unique way to delve into a significant piece of local folklore and history.

The Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library in Preston is a Grade I Listed neoclassical building housing exhibitions of Ice Age fossils, 19th-century fine art, and over 800 oil paintings. You can also visit the Ribble Steam Railway and Museum to learn about the history of industrial railways in the North. Morecambe is home to the restored Art-Deco Midland Hotel and a statue of comedian Eric Morecambe.

Visitors frequently praise the superb views from locations like Rivington Pike Tower and the challenging yet rewarding climbs to summits such as Pendle Hill. The tranquility and wildlife at places like Brockholes Nature Reserve are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the blend of historical sites with natural landscapes, offering diverse experiences from exploring ancient castles to scenic walks.

Beyond the major landmarks, Lancashire has some charming points of interest. Lytham St Annes is a quaint seaside resort with a Victorian pier and historic windmill. Ormskirk Market offers a traditional market experience. Holmes Mill in Clitheroe is a destination featuring a food hall, brewery, and hotel, showcasing local produce. The Pigeon Tower (Dovecote Tower) at Rivington, built in 1910, is a unique structure that once housed ornamental pigeons and offers amazing views.

Yes, Lancashire offers several beautiful waterfall hikes. You can explore routes like 'Roddlesworth Woods – White Coppice Stone Bridge loop from Wheelton' or 'Hollybush Spout Waterfall – Thornton Force waterfall loop from Burton in Lonsdale'. These trails allow you to discover some of the county's scenic cascades. More details on these and other waterfall routes can be found at Waterfall hikes in Lancashire.