Group Travel > Group Attractions in Lancashire > Country Escapes

Country Escapes

For groups looking for an outdoor countryside experience with stunning scenery, Lancashire offers it all.

History and legend has woven a spell over Pendle. Pendle Hill rises above this ancient hunting ground, once the home of wolves and wild boar and to this day dotted with tiny hamlets and farms. It is still an untamed place, full of mystery and infamous as the home of the Pendle Witches who were tried and executed for witchcraft in 1612. The landscape, carved out by man and by nature, welcomes walkers and countryside enthusiasts. Walks combine history with stunning scenery, with plenty of places for rest and refreshment along the way.

Dunsop Bridge has been officially declared as the nearest village to the centre of the British Isles, recognised by a commemorative red telephone box. There is a welcoming gift shop and café 'Puddleducks'. Burnley of the 21st century is the perfect place forvisitors. As well as fascinating industrial history, the town is surrounded by incredible countryside. Explore the Mary Towneley Loop or discover the Bronte Way from a key point in the route.

Located on the site of a 16th century armhouse,Waterslack Farm Shop in Silverdale was originally a pig farm.The venue now features a farm shop selling a wide variety of local produce, an Animal & Bird Park,licensed café, craft gallery and garden shop.

Groups always enjoy a leisurely boat cruise.Travelling through the Lancashire countryside, Boatel Party Cruises operates along the scenic Leeds & Liverpool Canal from Chorley. For groups of over 40 persons,the cruise aboard the Royal Sovereign can be tailored to your requirements with an option to navigate the locks depending on the route.

New for 2007, Foulridge Canal Cruises are offering a 'Morning Special' for groups of 30 or more. This round trip lasting one hour and thirty minutes will include coffee/tea and biscuits. Special inclusive packages are offered to groups of 30 or more aboard the Marton Emperor.

The Lancaster Canal Waterbus Service operates
much like a regular bus between Carnforth and Lancaster with seven stops along the route. Other cruises run to the Lune Aqueduct from Lancaster Waterwitch and from Carnforth to Tewitfield. Private charters are available.
If your group enjoys the great outdoors, the beautiful
Forest of Bowland is an Area of Outstanding

Natural Beauty.Visitors to the Forest of Bowland can enjoy lots of activities including walking, cycling, climbing or just touring the countryside.As well as the many pretty villages to visit, Browsholme Hall and Sawley Abbey make interesting visits.

Situated to the north of Chipping, Bowland Wild Boar Park offers visitors the chance to enjoy a picnic and take a ramble in beautiful wooded countryside, view wild boar, longhorn cows and deer.

With beautiful countryside, Lancashire also offers visitors many excellent parks. In Lancaster, Williamson Park affords spectacular views across Morecambe Bay to the Lakeland Fells.The imposing Ashton Memorial dominates the Park and can be seen from miles around.The Park has landscaped lawns and spectacular flower beds and can also be explored by woodland walkways, The Dell, a natural amphitheatre, is the setting for many outdoor concerts during the year.

In the east of the county,Wycoller Country Park is one of the prettiest country parks in Lancashire.The area is amous for its association with the Brontè sisters who referred to many of the nearby landmarks in books such as "Wuthering heights" and "Jane Eyre".Three trails focusing on the area's history, wildlife and literary associations can be followed around the park.

To the south of Preston,Worden Park is a large area of parkland situated on the outskirts of Leyland.The Worden Arts & Crafts Centre features a theatre and bar, café and craft workshops.

West of Blackburn, visitors can explore Witton Country Park by following one of the four circular walks within the park. Orienteering courses and treasure trails can also be arranged.

Meanwhile, the Wyre Estuary Country Park in Thornton features various nature trails and riverside walks.The park provides an ideal setting for naturalists to study a wide variety of habitats and wildlife.

For garden lovers, Gresgarth Hall near Caton includes terraces, lake, a bluebell wood, millennium wood and serpentine walk.