Group Travel > Group Attractions in Lancashire > Living Legends

Living Legends

Lancashire is home to many castles, country homes, galleries and museums - great for groups interested in history and heritage.

Three historic houses are situated within an hour's drive of each other, all within the picturesque Lancashire countryside. Just east of Preston, Hoghton Tower is a beautiful example of English Renaissance architecture. Home of the de Hoghton family since the Norman Conquest, Hoghton Tower has welcomed many distinguished guests over the centuries including King James I, William III, George V and Queen Mary.Visitors discover its fascinating history on a guided tour. Groups can also combine a visit of Hoghton Tower with two other historic houses, Browsholme Hall and Stonyhurst College.

Situated in the Forest of Bowland north of Clitheroe, Browsholme Hall is the ancestral home of the Parker Family who have also lived here since it was built in 1507. Groups of over 15 people are welcome to visit by arrangement throughout the spring, summer and
autumn.

Ancient meets modern at Stonyhurst College as today's pupils learn amidst this ancient historic house. On a private guided tour, you will learn about Conan Doyle and also J.R.R.Tolkien who had inspiration for his epic 'Lord of the Rings' during his visits to the college. Another historic house lies in the south of the county near Darwen. Turton Tower is a distinctive 15th century English country house with period rooms displaying decorative woodwork, paintings and furniture.

The delightful gardens feature Victorian follies, a traditional English country garden and an unusual castellated railway bridge. Also in this area, take a ride on the East Lancashire Railway, which was operated from 1846 until 1972 and was a popular passenger route from Bury to Rawtenstall and beyond. Thanks to the East Lancashire Preservation Society, the line was reopened in 1991 and is now a popular attraction. Nearby in the Rossendale Valley, the fascinating story of how raw cotton is transformed into thread is told at two of Lancashire's original textile mills - Higher Mill and Whitaker's Mill, which together are Helmshore Mills Textile Museum. Please note that major improvements to the Museum buildings, displays, in formation and facilities are currently under way and the mill will be closed until late 2007. Please enquire for more details.

Continuing on the textile theme, the Queen Street Mill in Burnley is the world's only surviving 19th century steam powered weaving mill.The Mill is a popular filming location starring most recently in the BBC's period dramatisation of Mrs Gaskell's 'North and South'.

Set in 24 acres of woodland, Towneley Hall dates from the early 1400s. On a guided tour, visitors will discover how the Towneley family lived as they explore the Victorian Kitchen, the Great Hall with its fine plasterwork and the bedrooms, many with four poster beds andoak furniture.The Hall also contains an excellent collection of paintings, ceramics, glass and furniture, displayed around the house.

South of Clitheroe, Whalley Abbey was once a large and important Cistercian Monastery. Established in 1296 by 20 monks from the Wirral, the Abbey thrived until it's dissolution in 1537. The Abbot's lodging was restored and is now a conference and training centre. For groups, the Abbey Exhibition Centre explores the historical and spiritual roots of Whalley Abbey, its life as a monastery and its return to ownership by the Church in the twentieth century.There is also a model replica of how the Abbey would have looked on the eve of the Reformation.The Cloisters Coffee Shop serves home cooked food seven days a week.Visitors can explore the ruins of this ancient Monastery throughout the year.

For an insight into the Romano-British period of history, the Ribchester Roman Museum is located in the picturesque village of Ribchester on the River Ribble.The fort was established late in the first century AD, as the Romans continued their march through England. Built on the site of the original Roman Fort, the Museum displays many artefacts showing the different aspects of Roman life, both domestic and military.There are also external remains of the Roman granaries and the ruins of the bath house. Group visits including weekend and evening tours can be booked by arrangement.

Just west of Ribchester Museum, Samlesbury Hall was built in 1325 and throughout its varied and interesting history, it has been a school, a pub and a factory! Accompanied by your guide 'Henry VIII', visitors can explore this 14th century manor house. The gardens are currently being renovated and are set to open this spring. Catering can be arranged in The Billiard Room restaurant.

In the county city, Lancaster, there are a number of interesting museums. Owned by Her Majesty the Queen, Lancaster Castle is one of Europe's longest serving operational prisons.The Grand Jury Room features some superb Gillow furniture, whilst in the Shire Hall, there is a magnificent display of heraldic shields. Evening tours
can be arranged.

Built in the Adam Style in 1763, Leighton Hall just outside Carnforth was the stately home of the Gillow family and remains the family home to this day of the Gillow Reynolds. A range of entertaining guided packages are available exclusively to groups including candlelit tours.

Once the setting for David Lean's classic film 'Brief Encounter', Carnforth Station and Visitor Centre recreates the atmosphere of the moment in its permanent 'Brief Encounter' exhibition. Guided tours and visits outside normal opening hours can be arranged in advance.

In Preston, the Harris Museum and Art Gallery houses an extensive collection of fine art, decorative art and social history artefacts relating to Preston. Temporary exhibitions ranging from contemporary art to local history are held throughout the year.

Also staging special exhibitions and events on a regular basis, the Museum of Lancashire in Preston is situated within a Grade II listed building. As well as local history, your group will be intrigued by the three regimental galleries displaying uniforms, swords and souvenirs from Spain and the Raj.

Additionally, in Clitheroe, Clitheroe Castle brings to life the history and geology of the Ribble Valley through a variety of exhibits and living history displays located in its on-site museum. Displays include a recreated cloggers shop, lead mine and cottage kitchen, which feature narratives explaining the scenes. A café is also available at the Castle.