Free Things to do in Lancashire
24th March 2021
If you’re holidaying on a budget there’s no need to worry, there are plenty of free things to do in Lancashire. Enjoy a wide range of free activities and attractions during your stay, all within a short drive of our award-winning holiday park in Lancaster.
Penny Farm, Blackpool
Penny Farm is situated on the outskirts of Blackpool and part of the World Horse Welfare organisation. The team help rehabilitate horses that have been mistreated or are in need of urgent care. There are usually around 60 ponies at the centre, housed in a spacious undercover barn and in paddocks around the site. You can walk around and meet the horses at your leisure or take part in a guided tour. For younger members of the family there are a number of activity trails that offer the chance to learn about wildlife and nature. Make sure you visit the coffee shop for a drink and one of the farm’s famous homemade cakes!
Carnforth Station Heritage Centre
Enjoy a morning at Carnforth Station Heritage Centre, where the iconic movie, Brief Encounter was filmed. Explore the exhibits and learn more about the works of internationally acclaimed film director, David lean as well as life on the 1940s home front. There is a small theatre where you can watch the black and white classic, that is considered one of the most romantic films to this day! For rail enthusiasts there is plenty of memorabilia, photographs and film that showcase the once thriving stations past.
Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery
Blackburn Museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts from around the world. Spend your morning exploring the exhibits and learning about times gone by. During your time browsing this fascinating museum, you’ll get an up-close look at medieval manuscripts, Japanese prints, fine art and treasures from ancient Egypt. There’s also opportunity to learn more about Blackburn and the various industries that once supported the town.
Bay Cycle Way
Explore the beautiful scenery surrounding Morecambe Bay during a bike ride along the Bay Cycle Way. Start this long distance cycle route at Glasson Dock and continue all the way to Walney Islalnd near Barrow. The entire route is about 80 miles long, so you may wish to split it up into smaller sections to complete over the course of your stay. The route is mostly flat and follows canal tow paths, making it excellent choice for families with children not yet confident cycling on the roads. Spectacular views of the Lancashire coast and countryside can be enjoyed for the duration of the ride. There are plenty of coffee shops along the route should you need to rest and refuel.
The Singing Ringing Tree, Burnley
If you’re looking for a unique activity during your stay at Moss Wood, we suggest taking a walk to the Singing Ring Tree near Burnley. This unusual art installation stands at around 3 metres tall and forms an impressive figure on the hillside at Crown Point. The structure has been made out of galvanised steel pipes in a nod to the area’s involvement in the Industrial Revolution. As the wind hits the tree like sculpture, the pipes create a tuneful and haunting hum, unlike anything we’ve heard before. The walk from the carpark only takes 5-10 minutes, so it’s ideal for visitors with children. From the top there are stunning panoramic views over the Lancashire countryside and towards the Yorkshire border.
Arnside & Silverdale AONB
Bolton Museum, Art Gallery & Aquarium
Delve deep into an underwater world at the Bolton Museum – home to Greater Manchester’s only public aquarium. The aquarium has been attracting visitors for over 80 years and has more than 70 species of fresh water fish. The fish come from exotic locations across the globe, including the Nile and the Amazon river. Over the years much emphasis has been placed on conservation and the museum is home to some species that are now extinct.
Moss Wood Nature Trail
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy free things to do in Lancashire. Our on-site Nature Trail is the perfect way to spend an hour or so exploring the great outdoors with the kids. Pick up a guide from reception and follow the route around the park’s expansive grounds. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife, including butterflies, bees, squirrels and various species of bird. You can even borrow a pair of binoculars to get a closer look!
Along the trail you’ll find information boards detailing the different types of animals you can expect to see. One of the best things about our nature trail is that the landscape and wildlife changes with the seasons, so it can be enjoyed whatever time of year you choose to visit.
Promenade Gardens
Lancashire is home to a number of free to visit parks, which provide visitors and locals with a tranquil space to relax and unwind. In addition to peaceful seating areas and pristine flower beds, some of the parks have excellent children’s play facilities aimed at toddlers as well as older children. One of the best examples is the Promenade Gardens at Lytham St Annes, which has plenty to keep younger members of the family entertained. The Splash Zone, in particular offers hours of fun for little ones in the summer sun. Sit back and enjoy the sound of laughter as the children play among the water jets and spouts!
Pendle Sculpture Trail
We highly recommend completing the Pendle Sculpture trail during your holiday at Moss Wood Caravan Park. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the two-mile route, keeping your eyes peeled for artwork hidden among the trees. The artwork has been inspired by the tale of the Pendle witches, whom you can find out more about in the leaflet downloadable form the Visit Pendle website. Children will love working out the clues and searching for the ceramic plaques hidden along the trail. Each of the plaques represents someone trialled for witchcraft more than 400 years ago.
Moss Wood Caravan Park is the ideal base for a touring holiday in Lancashire. Enjoy the benefits of modern facilities and well maintained caravan and campervan pitches during your holiday in the North West.