Forest of Bowland Attractions
Things to do in the Forest of Bowland AONB
During your stay with us at Moss Wood Caravan Park, you may wish to visit the Forest of Bowland. The Forest of Bowland is an internationally recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), just a stones throw away from our popular Lancaster holiday park.
There are many things to do in the region, especially if you love exploring the great outdoors. The Forest of Bowland is home to a number of quaint, picturesque villages as well as plenty of walking trails and cycle tracks.
Escape the stresses of daily life during your stay at our caravan site and make the most of miles upon miles of remote countryside. While the area is frequented by hikers and cyclists all year round, it is seldom busy and remains largely untouched by tourism. The Forest of Bowland is considered one of England’s hidden gems and those who visit experience unspoilt natural beauty and unrivalled peace and quiet.
Historic Forest of Bowland
The Forest of Bowland is a historic Royal Forest – more of an ancient hunting preserve than a wooded area. Much of the area is heather moorland, but you’ll also find lowland, fells and acres of farmland. Along with the internationally renowned natural beauty, there are over 500 listed buildings and 18 scheduled monuments to explore.
Wildlife spotting
The area is a haven for birds, and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. During your visit you should keep your eyes peeled for the Hen Harrier, whose image forms the symbol of the Forest of Bowland AONB. As recently as 2013, there were no breeding Hen Harriers in England, however the forest included in a European project to ensure a sustainable future for this stunning bird of prey.
There are lots of other species of native wildlife to look out for. Avid bird watchers may get to see peregrines, red grouse, snipe, stonechats and lapwings amongst other species. The diverse landscapes create the perfect environment for wildlife to thrive, so there are also frequent sightings of brown hares, bats and various butterflies and moths. Don’t forget to submit your wildlife sighting so that a record can be kept to aid conservation efforts.
Walking and Cycling
If you’re planning a walking holiday in Lancashire, then a trip to the Forest of Bowland is an absolute must! Enjoy some of the best rural trails in the region, many of which you’ll have completely to yourself for the majority of the walk. The paths wind through through spectacular scenery with routes to suit all ages and abilities. Whether you’re keen hikers looking to clock up some serious miles or a young family looking for a circular route so the little ones can burn off some steam, you’re guaranteed to find a trail suited to your needs. You can download plenty of walking maps from the Forest of Bowland website.
Stargazing
The Forest of Bowland is a renowned stargazing venue thanks to its dark skies and limited light pollution. It recently received official accreditation, with the area being recognised as a Dark Sky Discovery Site. On a clear night, astronomers and astro photographers can marvel at the beauty of the night sky and capture stunning imagery of the constellations and planets. Within the AONB there are 5 designated sites, where you can park up and watch the stars in all their glory.
Family friendly activities
If you’re travelling with children, there are a number of family friendly activities in the Forest of Bowland. There are some fantastic picnic spots where you can enjoy a bite to eat and some family games. Alternatively, complete one of the sculpture or nature trails, which aim to encourage little ones to take an interest in wildlife from a young age. As an extra special treat, there are also some wonderful children’s farms, including the Bowland Wild Board Park!
Planning your visit
If you’re still looking for ideas you can download the latest brochure to get some ideas of where to go while visiting the Forest of Bowland during your stay with us here at Moss Wood, a caravan park near the Forest of Bowland. Just head over to the Forest of Bowland website to download your free guide.
Forest of Bowland Caravan Site
You can easily reach the Forest of Bowland attractions from Moss Wood Caravan Park by car. Or, you can cycle around the outside of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by following the Lancashire Cycleway Northern Loop (National Cycle Route 90).
Why not also take advantage of the beautiful Lancashire countryside with a visit to Cockerham Sands!