Watch the fireworks over Lancaster Castle • wrap up warm and take a walk down a pier • find a pub with a real fire and settle in for the afternoon • drive through the Trough of Bowland • wear a red rose for Lancashire Day (27 Nov) • take a ride on a steam train • watch a murder mystery • go to a Christmas lights switch on
Event highlights
LIGHT UP LANCASTER, 4-5 November
Take to the streets after dark for a magical citywide experience and light art trail. Projections and installations illuminate the city’s handsome historic buildings, squares, parks and monuments. This year, amongst many highlights, Illuminos invite you to crack the code to Lock and Key at the Castle and in a surprise location, 1000s of balloons for Steve Messam’s countywide commission will rise in a tide of red – a twist on the familiar county emblem the red rose. The festival is topped off by a spectacular fireworks display on the Saturday evening
LANCASHIRE DAY, 27 November
Join one of the many events across the county to celebrate Lancashire Day including Lancashire Day in Nelson on 26 November.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Ellen Kent’s AIDA The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, 10 Nov, Little Shop of Horrors,The Grand Theatre,Blackpool, 22-26 Nov, Ghost Getters Tours, Defending Lancaster’s Future from the Past, Lancaster Castle, 6 Nov
Stay
Just outside the city centre, the four star Lancaster House Hotel is the perfect base to explore the area as well as being home to the excellent Foodworks Restaurant. Other places to stay in and around Lancashire include the newly refurbished Lancaster Holiday Inn and The Borough, the latter being right in the city centre.
Explore
Drive or cycle along the beautiful serene The Lune Valley – eulogised by poets and artists far and wide. Admire the views for yourself and then dine or stay over at The Royal in Kirkby Lonsdale, a Georgian town house hotel.
Relax
Treat yourself to a day spa package at the Midland Hotel and stay over at this beautiful 4 Star Art Deco hotel with stunning views over Morecambe Bay.
Discover
Drive, walk or cycle through The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to experience the stunning autumnal colours across the moorland. Stop off at Dunsop Bridge, the geographical centre of the British Isles, for well- earned refreshments (don’t forget to feed the ducks).
Taste
Just outside the city on the moors near Dolphinholme you’ll find the recently refurbed and reinvented The Fleece Inn serving up craft ales and great tasting food which makes use of the great suppliers on their doorstep. And when your doorstep is the Forest of Bowland AONB you can expect the finest cheeses, ice creams, meats and vegetables, not to mention fantastic views.
Shop
Start your Christmas shopping early with a trip to Barton Grange Garden Centre at Garstang, just off the A6. Whilst Christmas decorations and gifts are aplenty, you’ll also be able to stock up on local produce and specialities from the farm shop.
Great Outdoors The wildlife of RSPB Leighton Moss comes into its own in autumn. Spot some of the stunning and unusual species resident in and around Morecambe Bay.
For more ideas and inspiration on short breaks in Lancashire read our new guide
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