As the cotton industry boomed in Lancashire a group of prominent industrialists poured their wealth into some of the rarest and astonishing collections in the country.
The Cotton to Gold exhibition is making its way back from Two Temple Place London where it received rave reviews, to its home in Lancashire.
Lancashire’s rambling countryside, challenging moorland and extensive waterways makes it a natural habitat for outdoor explorers and adrenaline seekers.
Whether you ski, sail, climb or jump – you’ll get a taste for adventure in Lancashire.
Did you know?
The craggy fells and gorges of the Pennine landscape around Blackburn and Burnley are perfect for climbing.
It might not be real snow but at 200 metres long Ski Rossendale has the longest slope in the north west and you’ll get amazing views across the Rossendale Valley.
For something flatter take your pick of walks along Lancashire’s canal network and take in the sites such as the Lune Aqueduct in historic Lancaster, a masterpiece of civil engineering and often referred to as one of the "Wonders of the Waterways".
Set within 54 acres of open spaces and breathe-taking views I didn’t quite know what to expect from an outdoor walkabout theatre production. But there’s a first time for everything…right? So I jumped at the chance to experience something new, and I’m so glad I did!
Brush up on your history and have some fun at these fantastic family events happening in Lancashire over the summer.
1.Fleetwood Festival of Transport, Fleetwood
19 July
Over 200 different classic and vintage vehicles, including trams, are on display (following a parade through the town) along with fairground rides, stalls, live performances and entertainment from Spareparts Arts.
2. Lytham 1940s Wartime Festival, Lytham Green
19-20 August
Historic Vehicles, music and dance, memorabilia, thrilling battles, educational talks and demonstrations plus living history camp. Witness a mock WW2 battle scene using authentic uniforms and equipment.
Continue reading "Top 5 Heritage Events in Lancashire this Summer" »
To celebrate the joyous occasion that is National Cream Tea Day here’s a few places in Lancashire where you can get your fix of scones, cream, jam… and all the other treats that make up the veritable treat that is afternoon tea. The only difficult decision is deciding whether to put the cream or the jam on first…..
1. The Midland Hotel, Morecambe
Beautiful views across Morecambe Bay and a fabulous art deco afternoon tea experience. Three tiered selection of Victoria sponge, fruit tartlets, scones and delicate finger sandwiches. Choose from a variety of infused teas, or for more decadence, a glass of champagne.
Planning days out and holidays when you’ve got children to entertain can be one of the biggest challenges for families. Especially when your little darlings have oodles of energy to burn off and the threatening cry of ‘I’m bored!’ is never far away. Let them walk on the wild side this summer with these Lancashire attractions.
Brockholes
The fact that Brockholes calls itself an ‘unreserved’ nature reserve, sets the scene for this covers 250 acre reserve just off J31 of the M6, featuring countless trails and hides to explore. As you’d expect of a nature reserve there’s plenty of open space and wildlife to see, but there’s also a large adventure playground, good café and during the summer holidays look out for craft sessions, seasonal trails, open-air theatre and family events which will test your tracking and den-building skills. Did we also mention that entrance to Brockholes is free?
With CATS opening at the Opera House & Winter Gardens we caught up with Jane McDonald to find out why she loves working in Blackpool.
What do you love most about working in Blackpool?
So many reasons! The people are the main reason but the Opera House is one of the best venues in the UK to perform in without doubt.
What three words sum up Blackpool to you?
Vibrant, exciting and welcoming.
Agricultural shows are a great way to discover new producers, pick up tasty treats to take home and generally re-connect with our rural heritage. They also make a great family day out over the summer, with a variety of kid’s entertainment and activities, plenty of farm animals to see and some unusual sports to watch.
Great Eccleston Agricultural Show
18 July
Some of the best livestock in the country will be in the main ring, along with horses, sheep, pigs, goats and rare breeds. The tractor pull will take place on both days and the show field will be packed with stalls and produce marquees.
Continue reading "Lancashire Agricultural Shows to visit this summer" »
Five reasons to visit museums in Lancashire this summer.
1. Unique and world class collections
Did you know that Queen Street Mill Textile Museum is the last surviving steam powered weaving mill in the World? Or that Haworth Art Gallery is home to Europe’s biggest collection of Tiffany Glass? Or how about Blackburn Museum’s collection of Illuminated books being the best collection outside the British Library? And this is just a couple of examples Find out More
Continue reading "Five reasons to LOVE Museums & Art Galleries in Lancashire" »
If the Game of Thrones has given you a love of medieval fantasy, there are plenty of historic castles to visit locally. We can’t promise you any dragons and knights, but you may hear tales of witches and ghosts.
Clitheroe has been dominated by its landmark castle for centuries and is said to have been built in 1186 by Robert de Lacey.
From its vantage point the top of Castle Hill you can see the beautiful Ribble Valley, Pendle Hill and much further afield. The Castle is surrounded by 16 acres of parkland and Clitheroe Castle Museum has a host of interactive permanent exhibitions and a packed schedule of evenst all year round.
Continue reading "Five Castles in Lancashire that you should visit this summer" »
