The best part of planning your holiday is figuring out all the wonderful places you want to visit. Thankfully, a short break or day out in Lancashire doesn’t have to break the bank, as you’ll find a heap of free outdoor things to do, ideal for those sunny summer days.

Whether you are looking for perfect parks, brilliant beaches or wonderful walks, you can find it all in Lancashire. See our handy list below for some of the free things you can do this summer.

Looking for more inspiration? Head over to our What’s On page and browse some of the free events planned for these summer months. Discover more here.

Brilliant Beaches
Nothing says summer like a trip to the seaside! Lancashire is proud to be home to 137 miles of varied coastline, including beautiful sandy beaches, historic landmarks, and a range of family attractions. With 2023 being the Year of the Coast, it’s never been a better time to explore one of the beautiful seaside destinations in Lancashire.

A popular seaside attraction to visit is the Mythic Coast Artwork Trail, located in the seaside town of Cleveleys. This picturesque walk features a fascinating collection of sculptures on Cleveleys Seafront, bringing to life the children’s book ‘The Sea Swallow.’

Alternatively, the Great Promenade Show in Blackpool, is another great free outdoor art trail to add to your bucket list this summer. Consisting of ten pieces of artwork and located along Blackpool Promenade, it reflects Blackpool’s history and character with work from both established and emerging artists.

So, whether you are excited to explore one of the many eye-catching landmarks, see who can build the biggest sandcastle or simply take some time to relax, visiting the Lancashire coast is a great free day out for all ages this summer.

To discover more about the Year of the Coast and to plan your visit click here.

Perfect Parks
Lancashire boasts some of the most beautiful parks and gardens in Britain today. The fresh air and open space make them a great place for kids and adults alike to burn off some energy but they also make a peaceful escape away from the hustle and bustle of a busy life.

Compromising of 54 acres of beautiful parkland and home to enchanting walks and play areas, it’s no surprise that Williamson Park, in Lancaster, is a popular choice with visitors. On a clear day you can enjoy breath-taking views of Lancaster, the Fylde Coast and even the Lake District. The newly renovated tropical butterfly house (paid entry) is a fascinating addition to this award-winning park and is certainly a must-visit when in the area as well as the towering Ashton Memorial which is located within the park.

Another popular Lancashire park to visit this summer is Towneley Park in Burnley. Comprised of 180 hectares of landscaped parkland, full of beautiful trees, shrubs and a traditional Victorian flower garden, there’s lots to explore. You’ll find lots of nature trails in the surrounding woodland, with walks past sculptures hidden in the trees, so keep your eye out and see how many you discover.

To discover more of Lancashire’s popular parks to explore this summer click here.

Wonderful Walks
Lancashire is home to some of the best walking country in England. From short, gentle rambles to long distance treks, green countryside to beautiful coastal views, and add to that some historic canals and country parks for good measure.

Not sure where to start? Why not try one of our most popular walks, such as The Tolkien Trail, said to visit key places that may have inspired Tolkien’s Middle Earth when he stayed in Lancashire visiting his son. Another walk with history is the Pendle Sculpture Trail, which teaches passers-by about the true story of the Pendle Witches.

For a more accessible route, try Brockholes Nature Reserve, where you can find flat paths and accessible hides to enjoy Lancashire’s wildlife close up.

Check out more of Lancashire’s walking routes here.

Picnic spots
As the weather starts to get warmer across Lancashire, it’s the perfect chance opportunity to enjoy a picnic, after all dining outside is one of the best things about summer! Whether you are visiting somewhere new or heading back to an old-time favourite spot, there’s plenty of locations across Lancashire which make for the perfect picnic.

A popular choice with many visitors is Beacon Fell Country Park, with spectacular views of the Forest of Bowland and Morecambe Bay, it’s no surprise that this is a desired choice for many on a sunny day.

You’ll find a whole heap of other popular picnic destinations in Lancashire in our handy list here, so all you have to do is pack some delicious Lancashire snacks and plan your visit.

Eye- catching views at the Panopticons
Pennine Lancashire’s Panopticons are a unique series of landmarks located throughout East Lancashire to attract visitors to the beautiful countryside and to enjoy the stunning landscapes.

Each Panopticon is situated on a high-point site and commands some spectacular Lancashire views, perfect for pictures! Why not make it your aim to visit all four this summer?

1.     Colourfields Panopticon, Blackburn

2.     The Singing Ringing Tree, Burnley

3.     The Atom Panopticon, Wycoller

4.     Halo Panopticon, Haslingden

Hopefully you now feel fully inspired to experience the great Lancashire outdoors without breaking the budget. For more information on booking your next short break or day out in the county click here

Related

Mythic Coast Artwork Trail
Waymarked Trail
Mythic Coast Artwork Trail

The Mythic Coast Artwork Trail – A picturesque walk with a fascinating collection of sculptures on Cleveleys Seafront bringing to life the children’s book ‘The Sea Swallow’

Great Promenade Show
Arts, Crafts & Galleries
Glam Rocks

The Great Promenade Show consists of ten pieces of artwork along Blackpool Promenade from South Pier heading south. It is generally thought of as an outdoor art gallery reflecting Blackpool’s history and character, with the works commissioned from both established and emerging artists.

Williamson Park - Ashton Memorial and Butterfly House
Municipal Park
Williamson Park - Ashton Memorial and Butterfly House

Highly commended as ‘Best Small Visitor Attraction 2008` Williamson's Park features 54 acres of parkland, a butterfly house, cafe, walks & play areas and breathtaking views to the Fylde Coast and the Lake District.

Towneley Park
Parkland/Woodland Garden
Towneley Park

Towneley Park is the largest and most popular park in Burnley. It has a long history as a private estate, with much of it's current landscape the result of work carried out in the late eighteenth century by Charles Towneley.

The Tolkien Trail - in the Footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien
Walking Route
The Tolkien Trail - in the Footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien

A 9km (5 1/2 miles) circular walk starting and finishing at Hurst Green in Ribble Valley, Lancashire. The village of Hurst Green is situated in the Ribble Valley, one of the most glorious landscapes in Britain.

Pendle Sculpture Trail
Arts, Crafts & Galleries
Pendle Sculpture Trail

The fascinating true story of the Pendle Witches is being told in “stone” at this new visitor attraction. The Pendle Sculpture Trail has ten ceramic plaques. Each has its own unique symbols which represent each of the Pendle people who were hanged.

Brockholes Nature Reserve
Nature Reserve
Brockholes Nature Reserve

Whether it’s on the iconic floating visitor village or on the 250 acre nature reserve, Brockholes is full of nature moments just waiting for you to find. Located just off the M6, Brockholes is perfect for a family day out.

Beacon Fell Country Park
Country Park/Nature Reserve
Beacon Fell Country Park

A Country Park with 185 acres of extensive conifer woods and moorland. Visitor Centre with cafe, picnic areas, 6 car parks, forest walks and viewpoints. Summit 266m above sea level.

1 Comments

Comments

  1. Patrick Joseph
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