The pretty market town of Garstang, Wyre, nestles at the foothills of scenic Bowland Fells, and as a regular winner of Britain in Bloom awards, its streets are lined with colourful flower displays. Garstang’s existence is first detailed in the Doomsday Book and you can explore the area’s past with a visit to the ruins of Greenhalgh Castle, built by the 1st Earl of Derby in 1490. It sits proudly atop a hillside above the town, offering fabulous views of the picturesque town and surrounding countryside. For a different perspective, take a day trip along Lancaster Canal, which runs through the centre of town on its way from Leeds to Lancaster. Garstang is the perfect starting point for walking and cycling enthusiasts; it’s on the edge of the Forest of Bowland and is surrounded by unspoilt countryside and woodland. Garstang’s weekly Thursday Market has been going since 1310! Both at the market and in town, local produce is sold alongside a much higher than average number of Fairtrade products. That’s because Garstang battled hard to become the world’s first Fairtrade Town, meaning that all local businesses and the local council have pledged to use and promote Fairtrade products when reasonably practicable. You can sample the great local produce and Fairtrade goods in Garstang’s many cafes and restaurants.