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Guide to Lancashire and Blackpool

The districts of Lancashire each have their own character and charm.

Some are centred on cities and town, others embrace rivers, valleys and rural villages. Some are steeped in the heritage of the Industrial Revolution, others are more medieval. Some lie in the rugged hills, others on the coastal plains. Each one is worth getting to know individually.

Together they make up Lancashire in all its glory, the perfect getaway destination.

Film & TV locations are abound in Lancashire

Along with all of the rest that Lancashire has to offer, Lancashire also offers lots of great film locations - maybe you could add the locations to your places to visit!

Lancashire's Destinations
Blackburn with Darwen Blackburn has a vibrant town centre set in the heart of Pennine Lancashire. Located at the very centre of the Kingdom, you will discover a landscape of vivid contrasts, where rich history and heritage combines with the most modern of 21st-century townscapes.	Blackpool It's a town full of firsts: taller, faster roller coasters, bigger clubs, even the biggest mirror ball in the world plus world-class shows, cosmopolitan restaurants, vibrant nightlife, an active sports scene and breathtakingly beautiful scenery on Blackpool's doorstep.	Burnley Where can you relive the reign of one of Britain's most important 'kings'? In Burnley, where the clattering steam-powered looms in the weaving shed of Queen Street Mill and the industrial townscape of the Weavers' Triangle both allow visitors to relive the nineteenth century reign of King Cotton.
Chorley Whether you want fascinating and historic sites, fun and excitement, relaxation in beautiful countryside, or a unique shopping experience, Chorley, on the fringe of the West Pennine Moors, has it all.	Forest of Bowland Situated in the North West of England, the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers 312sq miles of rural countryside and includes the famous landmark Pendle Hill. Forest of Bowland offers plenty of opportunity for quiet enjoyment such as walking, cycling, fishing and horse riding.	Lancaster, Morecambe and the Lune Valley A unique combination of city, coast and countryside. From the idyllic scenes of the Lune Valley the river flows to historic Lancaster, dominated by its medieval castle and steeped in Georgian history. On the coast, Morecambe is famous for its beautiful sunsets, birdlife and bublic art along the 5-mile promenade.
Lytham St Annes and the Fylde Countryside Take a genteel breath of sea air in the historic village of Lytham or the traditional seaside resort of St Annes. Explore the local heritage, stroll around excellent shops and cafe bars and enjoy the fabulous golf courses for which this district is famous. Inland, enjoy walking, cycling, horsefiding and boating, and explore rural villages of the pretty countryside.	Hyndburn At the heart of Pennine Lancashire, Hyndburn's principal town is Accrington, much of which is a Conservation Area with attractive Victorian architecture, a thriving market in Lancashire's oldest market hall and traditional specialist shops.	Pendle Discover the enchanting beauty of Pendle, where the distinctive Pendle Hill rises above a lancscape of peaceful country lanes and villages. Explore the trail of the Pendle Witches, the Pendle Way and the Pennine Cycleway, into Bronte Country and the magical hamlet of Wycoller.
Pennine Lancashire The West Pennine Moors, ideal for walking, cycling and birdwatching, is an area of 90 square miles of uplands, valleys, farmland and reservoirs and is home to many species of birds. Large parts of this varied and attractive landscape are of considerable ecological and conservation interest and superb views offer the outdoor enthusiast an unforgettable experience.	Preston Proud Preston is the administrative capital of Lancashire, set against a backdrop of beautiful countryside and a rich history dating back to the doomsday book. A simple walk around the city can reveal fascinating secrets with just a peek around the corner or an upwards glance.	Ribble Valley Discover the landscapes and picturesque villages of the Forest of BowlandArea of Outstanding Natural Beauty, home to excellent country hotels and restaurants. Follow the Tolkien Trail through the Ribble Valley to Stonyhurst College, and browse around the lovely market town of Clitheroe with its shops, art gallery and castle ruins.
Rossendale The Rossendale Valley has something for everyone to enjoy. Experience adrenalin action at Ski Rossendale, the longest dry-slope snowboarding and skiing centre in the North West, with spectacular views. Mountain biking and horse riding are catered for by the Pennine Bridleway National Trail and windsurfing and waterskiing take place on reservoirs set high in the hills.	South Ribble Fascinating heritage attractions include Worden Park's gardens, arboretum and Arts and Crafts Centre and medieval Samlesbury Hall, built in 1325. South Ribble offers a good network of footpaths and a cycle network including off-road routes along the Old Tramway and at the side of the River Ribble.	West Lancashire In West Lancashire visitors will discover a whole range of unspoilt treasures. From historic, bustling market towns to colourful attractions, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. Come and listen to stories of ghosts and Viking legends, visit the medieval halls or just enjoy a walk in the vast woodlands and open countryside.
Wyre Unspoilt countryside goes hand in hand with traditional seaside resorts such as thriving Fleetwood, bustling Thornton Cleveleys and Marsh Mill Village for a look at bygone times. Historic market towns Poulton-le-Fylde and Garstang have plenty to offer visitors. Great walking routes follow the River Wyre and Lancaster Canal into the country.	Throughout Lancashire there is a network of Tourist Information Centres where you will find friendly, helpful staff who will help you get the most out of your visit.

Lancashire's Destinations

Blackburn - Cathedral

Blackburn with Darwen

Blackburn has a vibrant town centre set in the heart of Pennine Lancashire. Located at the very centre of the Kingdom, you will discover a landscape of vivid contrasts, where rich history and heritage combines with the most modern of 21st-century townscapes.

Blackpool

It's a town full of firsts: taller, faster roller coasters, bigger clubs, even the biggest mirror ball in the world plus world-class shows, cosmopolitan restaurants, vibrant nightlife, an active sports scene and breathtakingly beautiful scenery on Blackpool's doorstep.

Burnley - Gawthorpe Hall

Burnley

Where can you relive the reign of one of Britain's most important 'kings'? In Burnley, where the clattering steam-powered looms in the weaving shed of Queen Street Mill and the industrial townscape of the Weavers' Triangle both allow visitors to relive the nineteenth century reign of King Cotton.

Chorley

Whether you want fascinating and historic sites, fun and excitement, relaxation in beautiful countryside, or a unique shopping experience, Chorley, on the fringe of the West Pennine Moors, has it all.

Forest of Bowland - Kitcham Hill

Forest of Bowland

Situated in the North West of England, the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers 312sq miles of rural countryside and includes the famous landmark Pendle Hill. Forest of Bowland offers plenty of opportunity for quiet enjoyment such as walking, cycling, fishing and horse riding.

Morecambe

Lancaster, Morecambe and the Lune Valley

A unique combination of city, coast and countryside. From the idyllic scenes of the Lune Valley the river flows to historic Lancaster, dominated by its medieval castle and steeped in Georgian history. On the coast, Morecambe is famous for its beautiful sunsets, birdlife and bublic art along the 5-mile promenade.

Lytham St Annes

Lytham St Annes and the Fylde Countryside

Take a genteel breath of sea air in the historic village of Lytham or the traditional seaside resort of St Annes. Explore the local heritage, stroll around excellent shops and cafe bars and enjoy the fabulous golf courses for which this district is famous. Inland, enjoy walking, cycling, horsefiding and boating, and explore rural villages of the pretty countryside.

Hyndburn - Haworth Art Gallery

Hyndburn

At the heart of Pennine Lancashire, Hyndburn's principal town is Accrington, much of which is a Conservation Area with attractive Victorian architecture, a thriving market in Lancashire's oldest market hall and traditional specialist shops.

Pendle

Discover the enchanting beauty of Pendle, where the distinctive Pendle Hill rises above a lancscape of peaceful country lanes and villages. Explore the trail of the Pendle Witches, the Pendle Way and the Pennine Cycleway, into Bronte Country and the magical hamlet of Wycoller.

Pennine Lancashire - Singing Ringing Tree

Pennine Lancashire

The West Pennine Moors, ideal for walking, cycling and birdwatching, is an area of 90 square miles of uplands, valleys, farmland and reservoirs and is home to many species of birds. Large parts of this varied and attractive landscape are of considerable ecological and conservation interest and superb views offer the outdoor enthusiast an unforgettable experience.

Preston Marina

Preston

Proud Preston is the administrative capital of Lancashire, set against a backdrop of beautiful countryside and a rich history dating back to the doomsday book. A simple walk around the city can reveal fascinating secrets with just a peek around the corner or an upwards glance.

Ribble Valley

Discover the landscapes and picturesque villages of the Forest of BowlandArea of Outstanding Natural Beauty, home to excellent country hotels and restaurants. Follow the Tolkien Trail through the Ribble Valley to Stonyhurst College, and browse around the lovely market town of Clitheroe with its shops, art gallery and castle ruins.

Rossendale View

Rossendale

The Rossendale Valley has something for everyone to enjoy. Experience adrenalin action at Ski Rossendale, the longest dry-slope snowboarding and skiing centre in the North West, with spectacular views. Mountain biking and horse riding are catered for by the Pennine Bridleway National Trail and windsurfing and waterskiing take place on reservoirs set high in the hills.

South Ribble - Samlesbury Hall

South Ribble

Fascinating heritage attractions include Worden Park's gardens, arboretum and Arts and Crafts Centre and medieval Samlesbury Hall, built in 1325. South Ribble offers a good network of footpaths and a cycle network including off-road routes along the Old Tramway and at the side of the River Ribble.

West Lancashire - Martin Mere

West Lancashire

In West Lancashire visitors will discover a whole range of unspoilt treasures. From historic, bustling market towns to colourful attractions, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. Come and listen to stories of ghosts and Viking legends, visit the medieval halls or just enjoy a walk in the vast woodlands and open countryside.

Wyre

Unspoilt countryside goes hand in hand with traditional seaside resorts such as thriving Fleetwood, bustling Thornton Cleveleys and Marsh Mill Village for a look at bygone times. Historic market towns Poulton-le-Fylde and Garstang have plenty to offer visitors. Great walking routes follow the River Wyre and Lancaster Canal into the country.

Tourist Information Centres

Throughout Lancashire there is a network of Tourist Information Centres where you will find friendly, helpful staff who will help you get the most out of your visit.