Enjoy a cultural escape in Lancashire this Autumn

Get your culture on in Lancashire this autumn with the county's varied events, museums and heritage centres. There are so many great ways to feed the need to find out more about a time, place or people across the county, so visit today.   

Here are just a few ways to get your culture fix this September, from truly terrific tiffany glass collections to ghostly goings on at a manor house that turns a whopping 700 years old this year, there is something for everyone to enjoy.  

What's more two of our museums are reopening their doors after significant improvements so now is a great time to visit.   

The Harris Reopening 
Following a huge four-year refurbishment, The Harris museum in Preston will finally reopen its doors on Saturday 28th September. The work has been carried out to make The Harris more inviting, more spacious and more inclusive. Allowing for a better flow to exhibition spaces, more interactive opportunities and a stunning space to sit and savour great food made with local produce. The Museum is a must for a day out in one of Lancashire’s fine cities.   

There are ambitious plans for the open gallery spaces, with a full programme of exhibitions in the pipeline. The first of which will be the Wallace and Gromit in A Case At the Museum exhibition which will showcase Preston-born, and Wallace and Gromit Creator, Nick Park's inspiration for the duo. This will sit alongside the existing Discover Preston exhibit, and the Horrockses Textile gallery which has been reimagined during the refurbishment. 

Find out more here  

Towneley Hall reopening   
A jewel in Lancashire's culture crown, Towneley Hall, had been closed for the last two years for repair and restoration work, but opened its door once more in July. The work on the magnificent Grade I listed building, which dates back to the 1400s, was required to future proof the space for future generations. Returning visitors will see the stark difference in the building, with repairs and conservation carried out on the plasterwork and paint throughout the building to put the décor more in line with what it originally would have been. There have also been repair works to the roof, stonework and windows.   

The reopening will see the exhibitions within the museum return and the treasure trove of objects which have been in storage since 2023 will be viewable once again, in addition to a variety of great events.  

Click here to discover more 

Samlesbury Hall 700   
Celebrating 700 years of history and heritage, Samlesbury Hall has a jam-packed calendar of events throughout 2025, and even if your visit doesn’t align with one of these you will still find lots of wonderful things to see and do at the Hall, and its surrounding grounds.  

Recent additions to the public spaces include a dedicated Ghost Room which tells the story its most famous ghost The White Lady, and the Witches Room, as the Hall has links to the witch trials of the area which were held in 1612. You will also find a beautiful courtyard, play area and grounds to enjoy during your visit. Be sure to also check out the Garden Room eatery for some delicious food.   

Find out more about stepping into the history here 

Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery  
Nestled in the East Lancashire town of Rawtenstall you will find the most recent Lancashire Tourism Award Cultural Venue winner, The Whitaker Art Gallery and Museum. The museum is known for its exhibitions from contemporary artists, film showings and family events.  

The museum is also home to a permanent natural history collection which features well known work The Tiger and Python, and a cabinet of curiosities which will bring wonder and excitement to many. There is also a fantastic café on site which has recently been relaunched with a new team and menu.   

Click here to find out more 

Lancaster Castle   
Take the day to explore the historic city of Lancaster, with its museums and a Castle owned by King Charles III himself, it has so many places for culture lovers to roam. Lancaster Castle has a rich and varied history, with it being commonly recognised as a place of justice, persecution and imprisonment. The guided tours tell of its fascinating story with decorated courtrooms, dark prison cells and sombre sites of execution.  

You can learn more about the Pendle Witches who were imprisoned and set to their death from the castle and of its history as it wove through the Roman, Norman and Georgian eras. The Castle is home to an impressive courtyard where you can find a range of artisan makers selling their products, and a coffee shop offering freshly roasted coffee from its roastery on nearby Church Street.   

Discover more here  

Hoghton Tower  
Set in sprawling grounds and situated 650ft above sea level, Hoghton Tower is an impressive sight to behold. The 16th Century Elizabethan fortified manor house has been part of Lancashire’s landscape since 1565 and has lots of wonderful history to share. Take a guided tour of the panelled state rooms to hear about the de Hoghton family and the distinguished guests who have enjoyed the Tower over the years or take a stroll through the beautiful walled gardens and take in the views.   

Throughout the year Hoghton Tower plays host to numerous special events and tours, as well as a regular Farmers market on the third Sunday of each month. Extend your visit with afternoon tea in the tea room.  

Start your adventure here 

Haworth Art Gallery   
Housing one of the largest collections of tiffany glass outside the US, Haworth Art Gallery is a wonder to behold. The Glass collection is linked to the Accrington born Joseph Briggs who became managing director of the famous company ahead of its closure in the 1930s.   

The art gallery stands proudly on the edge of Accrington, boasting an elegant house and garden which were designed in the Arts & Crafts style. It opened in 1921 and has a long history of displaying beautiful art and museum pieces. You can find a tearoom, nine acres of parkland and converted stables which are now in use as artists' studios within the grounds.   

 Click here to discover more 

These options are just a few of the ways you can immerse yourself in culture this Autumn. For more inspiration visit our Culture, Arts and Heritage in Lancashire pages, and don't forget to check out the Heritage Open Days events in September too.