Six idyllic childfree spring getaways in Lancashire

Spring is well and truly in the air, and it’s starting to feel like summer! We’re gearing up for the start of a series of long weekends and well-earned bank holidays. It’s a time when Lancashire’s natural beauty comes to the fore and we enjoy lighter evenings and more time to do more of the things that make us feel good.  

If you are planning a getaway with your loved one, a long weekend away with the girls, or a trip into nature with a group of friends... look no further, we have it all in Lancashire. 

The Ultimate Gourmet Getaway in West Lancashire  

Moor Hall Restaurant and Rooms was in the headlines in February when it was announced as the latest three Michelin star establishment in England, one of only ten in the country. 

With the recent accolade and the addition of seven brand new garden rooms in the beautiful grounds of the restaurant, it's the ideal time to really spoil yourself and experience a stay in this acclaimed gourmet retreat.

Moor Hall is situated in the small village of Aughton in rural West Lancashire. The village is home to The Barn at Moor Hall, and So-Lo Restaurant, both with one Michelin star, making it the most Michelin-starred village outside southeast England and Lancashire’s ultimate gourmet getaway destination.   

In the area you can enjoy fabulous Canalside walks, unique shopping and crafting experiences at Cedar Farm and spend the day at the brilliant Martin Mere Wetland Centre with its abundance of bird and animal life waiting to be met. You can even enjoy a canoe safari.

Indulgent spa breaks to escape and unwind

If you yearn for complete relaxation and pampering over a long weekend, why not treat yourself and a friend or loved one to a luxurious spa break?

Tucked away in the Fylde countryside Ribby Hall Village offers a retreat like few others. The 4-star Spa Hotel within the village is reserved for adults only and offers an award-winning spa experience. With a comprehensive selection of day spa packages, overnight spa breaks and individual treatments; something to suit all tastes and budgets.  

Alternatively head to The Good Spa Guide's "Best UK Hotel Spa", The Woodland Spa at Crow Wood Hotel. A huge refurbishment of the facilities has delivered a rooftop pool, enhanced food offerings and more. Situated on the edge of Burnley overlooking the beautiful Lancashire countryside and with views of Pendle Hill dominating the landscape, the hotel offers a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Another fabulous option is Stanley House Hotel and Spa, a bubble rated spa reflecting the elegance of natural beauty that surrounds it. If you want a true country escape this is the place to go. Enjoy undulating hills from every angle, contemporary spaces to relax with friends and a fabulous range of treatments.

A natural adventure in and around Lancaster

Looking for the ideal getaway in our great outdoors, surrounded by nature?  Look no further! Lancashire is 80% rural, therefore you don't have to go far to discover areas of natural beauty, where flora and fauna flourish. 

At Patty’s Barn you can get in touch with nature during a stay in one of their fabulous wooden huts! Onsite Land and Sea Lancaster offers wonderful events throughout the year, the perfect tag on to your stay. From foraging to outdoor dining experiences, they offer something extra special.

The historic city of Lancaster nearby is packed with great things to see and do, easy to explore on foot or bicycle, from the canal to the park and nature reserves in the city. The majestic Lancaster Castle dominates the city skyline and offers tours plus artisan makers within its courtyard. You can relax in the evening at one of the city's two theatres and eat and drink in the fabulous pubs and restaurants in the city such as The Borough, The Toll House or indulge at Quite Simply French.

An alternative accommodation option is The Bath Tap & Rooms in Morecambe. The beautiful art deco rooms offer a great place to stay a stone's throw from Morecambe's iconic promenade and the bar has a fabulous selection of drinks. What's more you can tuck into the award-winning Morecambe Bay Chowder Company's food too… delicious dishes which use seafood ingredients direct from the beautiful Morecambe Bay.

Hands on breaks in the Ribble Valley  

The Ribble Valley is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, walking, cycling and some of the county’s finest producers.  The area has wide choice of active, hands-on, creative and crafty things to make and do on a short break. 

From a 2-hour gin making experience at The Nab Lab in Whalley, to Inch Perfect Trials, a trial biking experience within the beautiful surroundings of the area there is so much to get involved in. Or head to Holden Clough Nurseries, an award-winning garden centre in the heart of the Forest of Bowland, to find crafty workshops from seasonal wreath making to glass fusing, and arm knitting.

If you are looking to make the most of your annual leave and want to enjoy a midweek escape to the Ribble Valley, don't miss the Learn to Cook Italian classes at Visit England Taste of England Bronze Award winner La Locanda.

Of course, the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, which makes up a large portion of the Ribble Valley, is known for its incredible eateries too. You can find a range of options to suit any palate here.

You'll find two Michelin starred restaurants; Northcote and The White Swan at Fence, and a number of award-winning gastropubs and restaurants like The Freemasons at Wiswell, the Inn at Whitewell, and The Three Fishes at Mitton.

There are also incredible accommodation options such as the luxury Everything Retreat, where you will be treated to five-star service, Hedgerow Luxury Glamping where roll top baths and four poster beds await, or Bowland Retreat Lodges with jacuzzi hot tubs positioned perfectly to allow for breathtaking views of the countryside beyond. 

A quick trip to the coast  

We love to be beside the seaside, beside the sea! And in Blackpool there are so many great things to fill your weekends. Whether you are visiting with a loved one or having a weekend away with friends, the resort has something for you.  

Thrill seekers will love a trip to the iconic Pleasure Beach resort, with its wild rides including the UK's darkest water ride Valhalla and one of the tallest rollercoasters in the country – The Big One. There's also thrills to be had at the UK's largest indoor waterpark; Sandcastle Waterpark. Which features 18 rides in a tropical 84-degree climate.

The resort is well known for its family-friendly attractions but many of them offer just as much fun when you visit during a child-free trip. Madame Tussauds or the Blackpool Dungeons are perfect for having fun with friends and getting those all-important selfies with the "stars". The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is a must-visit too, with its Strictly Come Dancing links and a delicious afternoon tea on offer.  

You'll also find a varied selection of evening entertainment to enjoy during your visit. There are plenty of great shows and theatres, including the stunning Blackpool Winter Gardens and the historic Blackpool Grand Theatre.

What makes the resort special is its range of great accommodation to fit every budget. Check out Boulevard, one of the Pleasure Beach Resort hotels. Or the recently opened Blackpool Holiday Inn, where you can also find a delicious range of meals from the Marco Pierre White Restaurant.

A fun filled city getaway with friends  

Looking for a city break that won't break the bank? Then look no further than Preston in the heart of Lancashire.  

Its jam packed with fabulous music in places like The Continental, or newly opened Chews Yard where you will find entertainment most weekends alongside brilliant street food and a bar selling all the best drinks. Preston is also home to pubs with brilliant history and features like Plau which is housed inside an 18th century distillery and features secret vaulted cellar rooms and an 40ft medieval well. 

Don't miss the chance to show off your skills at Hollywood Bowl in the newest addition to Animate Entertainment Centre. There's a cinema and plenty of food options too.

The city is also home to Aven, a Michelin Guide fine dining restaurant which specialises in delivering quality, locally sourced dishes in a value for money package. They even offer a beer flight for those who aren't wine-lovers.

The city is well connected and offers great accommodation throughout.  There are more budget friendly options like Legacy Preston International Hotel close to the centre, with more county hotels within easy reach such as the Delta by Marriot Hotels Preston or Barton Manor Hotel and Spa.  

 For even more inspiration, take a look at VisitLancashire.com, where you can also find details of great events happening over the next few months.