Home > England's North West > Blackpool and Lancashire

Blackpool and Lancashire

From the tranquillity of the unspoilt Forest of Bowland to the mega-paced activity at The Pleasure Beach, Blackpool this is an area diverse in attractions.

It's no wonder Blackpool is the UK's most visited seaside resort. The Pleasure Beach has over 145 rides and attractions and Blackpool Tower and Circus boasts live music and dancing. You'll find yet more family fun at Camelot Theme Park, near Chorley.

If you're a heritage seeker, head to Lancaster Castle. Owned by The Queen as 'Duke of Lancaster', it's steeped in medieval history, with dungeons, a neo-gothic Shire Hall and the Crown Court. Another fascinating attraction is Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford. This restored 17th and 18th century house features numerous exhibitions, including the story of the infamous Pendle Witches.

Head to the Museum and Art Gallery in Blackburn for South Asian culture. Meanwhile, the Haworth Art Gallery in Hyndburn has the finest collection of Tiffany Art Glass outside America and Gawthorpe Hall in Padiham has a wonderful collection of paintings on loan from the National Portrait Gallery.

The National Football Museum in Preston tells the story of the world's greatest game and its FIFA Museum houses the finest collection of football memorabilia worldwide. Then there's Blackburn's Ewood Park Football Stadium tour, which includes a walk through the players' tunnel.

All of this is surrounded by beautiful countryside including the Forest of Bowland, Arnside and Silverdale AONBs and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust's Martin Mere near Ormskirk.