Visit Lancashire

Join the Circus!

Got kids of multiple ages to entertain? The weather’s not so great? Then I heartily recommend a trip to The Blackpool Tower Circus for 2+ hours of dare devil feats, family fun and general amazement, not forgetting oodles of popcorn, flashy lights and Mooky the clown.

Only 2 Days Left for The Dukes’ 38th Park Production

The Dukes’ 38th park production is sadly drawing to a close on Saturday. So, to reminisce over a magical production, we cast our eyes back to the beginning where we get to know our much-loved actors a little better…

What’s your favourite fairytale and why?

Joshua: The Boy Who Left Home to Find Out About The Shivers. It's hilarious.

Jessica: I'm currently making my way through Grimm's complete works and there are over 200! When I've finished I'll let you know.

Guy: Little Red Riding Hood. I remember as a child listening to the lead up to the “All the better to eat you with! “ moment. It’s so simple and of course you know what’s going to happen, but it’s just very exciting. The big ears, eyes, then hands and TEETH! The thrill of knowing all along what Little Red Riding Hood does not.  

Bopping at the Proms

As a child growing up in the 80s I remember listening to the radio on a Sunday bopping around my bedroom in my leg warmers singing into my hair-bush to all of the great 80s hits (we all did that didn’t we?). And on Friday night all of those fantastic childhood memories came flooding back as soon as Captain Sensible opened 80s v 90s evening and start of the three day musical spectacular that is Lytham Proms.

Cool Colne

I’ve been intrigued by the chatter and the ‘buzz’ on social media
about the retailers and cafes in Colne so, not being one to miss a chance to shop, I headed off one sunny day to explore Lancashire’s newest capital of cool with fellow PR and stylista, Laura.

It must be said that Albert Road, the main street, is very attractive, especially at the moment with almost every building festooned in flowers - the hanging baskets and window boxes filled to bursting.  What a treat too to find that the first, well-signed car park is actually FREE; a great way to encourage trade and welcome new visitors!

The Tour de France – A Shared History of Firsts

As the Grand Depart of this year’s Tour begins in Leeds, we consider the impact Lancashire and Yorkshire have made on the world’s greatest cycle race. 

The British didn’t ‘do’ cycling. At least, that was the perception before Brian Robinson became the first British rider to finish the race (in 1955) and then win a stage, in 1958. From Mirfield, just a quick sprint from the routes of this year’s first two stages, Brian was Britain’s – and Yorkshire’s – first Tour de France hero, not that he sees it quite that way. "I suppose I played my part, I set the ball rolling if you like..." he modestly tells the Le Tour website.

A Lancashire Tour de France?

The wheels are about to start turning in this year’s Tour de France, and while we wait to watch our favourite jersey to fly by we got to thinking: where would the jerseys of a Tour de Lancashire be won?

Polka Dot Jersey

We may not be able to match the Pyrenees for scale, but the Pendle hills are a haven for cyclists of all abilities – and with the Pendle Cycling Festival in full swing just a few miles west of the official Tour route, it’s the natural location for demanding climbs and swift descents. The actual Tour competitors don’t get to enjoy the Cycling Beer Festival in Colne either…

Mamma Mia! Here I go Again!

I had been looking forward to seeing Mamma Mia! for months. I’ve seen many West End and Broadway shows but never been lucky enough to see Mamma Mia! so when I heard its International Tour was starting in Blackpool at the Winter Gardens (20 June – 1 Sept) I quickly booked tickets with a couple of friends.

It always amazes me every time I go into the Winter Gardens just what a stunning venue it is with so much choice and flexibility as well as an abundance of history that is special to Blackpool. There was a real mix in the crowd from couples and children but the majority naturally being groups of females.

Discovering seaside fun with St Annes Beach Huts

It wouldn’t be summer without a trip to the seaside and what could be more quintessentially British than a beach hut overlooking the expansive sandy beach at St Annes.

We arrived just after 10am (after a welcoming text from Stuart, the owner) to find our lovely beach hut ready and waiting for us.  We put the kettle on, opened the doors and made ourselves at home in what became our home for the day.

A comfy seating area, moveable table and plenty of deck chairs made our base very cosy – with the added convenience of the fridge, microwave, DAB radio, plates, glasses and cutlery – we were short of nothing. We’d brought a picnic for our lunch with plenty of yummy cream cakes (picked up at Barton Grange Garden Centre on route) and a bottle of bubbly so the fridge was well stocked for the day.

This is your Captain Speaking

Have you heard of Stacksteads International Airport?  Not many people have, but I recently packed my bag and headed to Stacksteads, just outside Bacup, to embark on a bit of a journey with Flightdeck Experience that’s sure to put this Lancashire town on the jet-setters map.

Vicky and Steve Everson have worked tirelessly to turn their hobby into a business; one that offers visitors the chance to take full control of a Boeing 737-800 flight simulator. Steve scoured the country, collecting aircraft parts to build his own simulator from scratch – and It’s very impressive.

All Aboard!

Atlas Sailing in Fleetwood joined as Members of Marketing Lancashire last September and since then Director and owner Andy Dobson has been keen to show us exactly what their customers experience on one of their Half Day Packages,  so that we could help promote their business more effectively to potential customers and visitors.

He suggested we waited for the spring and the calmer weather and at the beginning of May, when the team was offered the opportunity to sail with Atlas Sailing it was something that I jumped at! As a child growing up in Jersey, living so close to the sea and boats, sailing was something that I used to do regularly with my Dad but I hadn’t been for quite some time. I had certainly never sailed on the waters off Lancashire before, but having lived here now for 9 years it was high time I did.