Monarchy, history and heritage in Lancashire

With a rich history overlaying our county, there is so much to see and do in Lancashire for those who love learning about the past and how it shapes our future and connections to our King. Embark on this three-day itinerary today to discover more.

Day one – Lancaster

AM – Lancaster Castle
Behind the imposing walls of Lancaster Castle lies a fascinating past. A place of defence, justice, persecution, and imprisonment. But more than a monument of the past, trials continue in the crown court to this very day. 

The castle team provides guided tours daily, offering a fantastic and truly original glimpse into the Castle's past. Embark on an exploration the exquisitely decorated courtrooms, dark prison cells and sombre sites of execution. Brace yourself for the tragic history of the Pendle Witches who were imprisoned, tried and sentenced to death at Lancaster Castle in 1612. Shaped by visitor's interests and questions, no single tour is the same.

Described as one of the North of England's most magnificent and important historic monuments, the site was fortified by the Romans, rebuilt by the Normans, and extended in the Georgian era. It is owned today by The Duke of Lancaster, King Charles III and not only can you embark on a tour of the Castle, but you can also visit artisan makers in their studio spaces in the beautifully restored courtyard and even enjoy a bite to eat in Atkinsons Café; proud Lancastrian coffee roasters and tea merchants since 1837.

PM - Judge's Lodgings and Maritime Museum
After lunch, you can find out more about Lancaster's rich past as the justice hub for the county, and its history as a trade port at some of the cities fantastic museums. Stop by The Judge's Lodgings, the city's oldest town house, where the stories of Lancaster come to life. The Museum is just down the road from the castle and dates back 400 years with its own connections to the Pendle Witches. It is dressed in the beautiful Georgian furniture by Gillows of Lancaster in elegant period rooms and houses the popular museum of Childhood. You can also head to the Maritime Museum, where you can travel through time and discover the links Lancaster has to the ocean, the challenging lives of those living and working in the places between land and sea, and how the surrounding waterways have shaped the history of Lancaster. Take a trip across the shifting sands, without stepping foot on the coastline and travel down the canal, while exploring the moored Lancaster Packet Boat.

Stay overnight: Lancaster House Hotel
A deluxe 79 bedroom, 4-star hotel with health club facilities on the edge of the historic city of Lancaster.

Day Two – The Ribble Valley

 

AM – Browsholme Hall
Browsholme Hall is the oldest surviving family home in Lancashire, lived in by the Parker family since 1507. A Historic House open to the public in summer, it offers a rich glimpse into over 500 years of English heritage. It remains the family home of the Parkers, including Amanda Parker the current Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire. Visitors are not only able to view the remarkable antiquarian collection but also gain the true atmosphere of a family home. Gillows of Lancaster furniture, civil war arms, and many unique relics sit alongside modern-day TVs, dog bowls and other evidence of a family home. Outside you will find gardens and grounds in the style of Capability Brown with open vistas, lawns, a ha-ha, lakes, terraces and wilderness areas. Visitors are invited to enjoy homemade lunches or refreshments in the Cart Shed Café.

The hall is open as standard on Wednesdays, selected Tuesdays and Bank Holidays between May and September, with group tours available during alternative times upon request.

PM – Haworth Art Gallery
The Haworth Art Gallery is known as the home of the largest collection of Tiffany glass in Europe. Accrington-born Joseph Briggs worked for Tiffany and collected and curated a large collection, which he sent home to Accrington between 1932-1933. In addition to the glass, the art gallery houses a beautiful collection of 18^th and 19^th century paintings, temporary exhibitions and has an annual open exhibition which attracts the attention of artists from across the country.

The Arts & Crafts house built for William Haworth, still retains a stately home feel, and visitors can also take a look around the historic stables and motor house which has been reimagined as Artist Studios where skilled craftspeople work and sell their wares. The grounds are perfect for a walk too, with the Arts and Crafts style design offering wooded area, greens, beautiful flower beds and even a circular pond.

Stay Overnight: The Mecure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa 
A 175 bedroom 4 star hotel with spa facilities on the edge of the town of Accrington, close to all local amenities. You'll also find fan favourite shopping destination, Oswaldtwistle Mills, a short drive away - with a dedicated group bookings team, tours and afternoon tea packages available. 

Day Three – South Ribble and Chorley
 

AM - Samlesbury Hall
A 700-year-old hall, known to be one of the most haunted buildings in Britian, with beautiful grounds, history at every turn and a fabulous food offering. What more could you want? Samlesbury Hall has it all and is ready to provide you with a fantastic day out. A visit to the historic mansion includes three floors of rooms including the Victorian Kitchen, The Great Hall, The Ghost Room and The Witch’s Garret. The grounds include a Rosarium and the Fountain Courtyard which are set among lush green lawns, flower beds and ancient trees.

Stop by The Garden Room Eatery for some lunch before embarking on the next stop of the day.

PM - Hoghton Tower

During a three-day visit to Hoghton Tower, it is said that the King James I was so enamoured by a loin of beef he ate during a banquet at Hoghton Tower that he knighted it ‘Sir Loin’ which is how it got its name.

Discover a thousand years of colour, intrigue, fascination and fun at Hoghton Tower. Expert guides will show you round the Grade I Listed manor house, where the rich history – which goes back as far as William the Conqueror – says a lot about Lancashire and England, and when told by the team of guides on hand it’s an entertaining, revealing and human story.

Extend your visit with a peaceful stroll through three beautiful walled gardens, or treat yourself to one of Lancashire’s finest afternoon teas in the historic tearoom.

Special themed tours are also available, so whether you’re interested in the haunted history, historic graffiti or keen to examine the unique Dolls’ House Collection, there’s something for everyone.