While away an afternoon in Lancashire’s Art Galleries or Museums

For those who love to add a little culture to their holidays and days out, Lancashire’s museums and art galleries provide the perfect place. While away and afternoon exploring some of the rich heritage of the county, or enjoying artwork from all over the world.

Museums
 

Lancashire museums are full of history, interesting artifacts and beautiful treasures, let your imagination and intrigue run wild as you discover the stories behind all these fascinating pieces.

The Harris

The beautiful Grade II listed Harris Museum makes for a spectaculor day out in Preston. Recently refurbished and brought back to its full grandeur, the museum offers fantsatic galleries, exhibition spaces and a dedicated cafe serving fabulous food and drink. The museum is also home to the city's library service and makes for an engaging day out for children with dress up and interactive activities within the library as well as in the exhibition spaces. Gallery 1 is a must visit; a revolving 3 month exhibition space it has recently hosted an exceptional collection of artwork and models from the Wallace and Gromit franchise, is about to be home to drawings from Martin Brown's Horrible Histories and will soon highlight incredible Horockses Fashion garments. 

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Clitheroe Castle Museum

The award-winning Clitheroe Castle Museum tells the story of the historic market town and the Castle itself. From local industry and heroes to folklore and legends, the exhibits, touchscreen animations, and sound points make it a shared experience for everyone to enjoy. After visiting the museum, make sure to climb to the top of the castle for stunning 360 degree views of the Lancashire countryside.

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Queen Street Mill

With Lancashire strong industrial past, you can’t go far without seeing evidence of the times when the streets rang with millworkers’ chatter and the sounds of clogs on the cobbles. At Queen Street Mill you can join a guided tour of one of the buildings that was integral to the areas industry, and discover what life was like as a cotton mill worker.

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The British Commercial Vehicle Museum

Submerge yourself in the sounds, smells and sights from a bygone era. In this sensory experience you can hear the real stories of factory workers, drivers and inventors whose innovations shaped the lives of everyone. The museum charts the history of commercial vehicles since the 1800s and is housed in the original inspection building of Leyland Motors.

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Judges Lodgings

What better way to get to know the historic city of Lancaster than to visit its oldest town house? The Judge’s Lodges was once home to the travelling Red Judges of the Assizes Courts who decided the fate of murderers, forgers and highwaymen at the nearby Lancaster Castle. The museum now houses a collection of Georgian Furniture by Gillows of Lancaster and the popular Museum of Childhood.

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Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery

Impressing visitors since it opened in 1874, this summer will be no different, even while undergoing a few repairs. The museum has a great programme of events, including regular Saturday craft sessions for children, plus visitors can find out so much about the rich history of the cotton industry, explore the skill and labour area and view the museum’s impressive collection of taxidermy birds.

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Showtown Museum

Blackpool’s £13m museum of fun and entertainment, Showtown Museum is one of the latest additions to the county’s museums. This all-singing and all-dancing museum is a great day out for the whole family, telling the story of all the entertainers who put the resort on the map, the circus that has made Blackpool Tower its home and the illuminations that draw the crowds to the resort during the winter months. There will be so much to see and do with interactive displays and learning spaces too. 

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The Ditchburn Jukebox Museum

Did you know that Lancashire was once the home to the UK's only jukebox manufacturer at the time when US imports of non-esstential items was banned. Ditchburn Equipment Ltd helped the youth of the 40s and 50s express themselves through the power of music from its base in Lytham St Annes. Now, you can discover the story of Ditchburn, and listen to the music of the time at the Ditchburn Jukebox Museum in the town, whilst savouring a bite to eat in the cafe there too. 

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Art Galleries
 

Lancashire’s art galleries showcase fine art, historic costumes, contemporary art and textiles from artists and creators from Lancashire and across the region and beyond.

Haworth Art Gallery

The Haworth Art Gallery (pictured above) is the perfect place to while away a few hours in the heart of Lancashire. A whole country house designed in the arts and crafts style full to the brim of art inspired by nature, and a whole exhibition dedicated to Joseph Briggs and his amazing collection of Tiffany Glass. In the historic stables and motor house you can find local Artist Studios where skilled craftspeople sell their wares so you can take a little bit of Lancashire home with you.

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The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery

The Whitaker museum and art gallery, aims to foster inclusive, vibrant communities that thrive within their natural environment. The art on show is just as much about the future than the past and offers chances for people to take part in the development of the community. The art gallery frequently runs activities and features park, gardens and kitchen, making it the perfect place to enjoy a whole day.

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Carnes Fine Art

An independent art gallery specialising in original paintings and sculptures located in the heart of the countryside at Cedar Farm. The gallery works directly with local artists and those across the UK to help share a true understanding of their works and the inspiration that led to them.

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Longitude Gallery

At this independent art gallery you will find beautiful pieces of art available to view and buy, with a large selection from local artists, allowing you to take a little Lancashire home with you.  Each month the Gallery holds a Saturday session where you can hear from an artist about their inspirations and designs and take part in a practical workshop where you can learn about creating art the artists style. 

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Gawthorpe Textiles Collection

Discover historic and contemporary lace, quilts, costume, samplers and embroidery from all over the world right here in Lancashire. The Gawthorpe Textiles Collection is spread across five galleries are the truly beautiful Gawthorpe Hall in Pennine Lancashire and is not to be missed by any needlework lover. The collection includes an in-situ reference library of art, design and craft books and an archive of founder Miss Rachel’s letters.

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Outdoor art
 

If you’re taking advantage of a little sunshine, or a clear day, it’s good to know that you can enjoy art outdoors in Lancashire. With Cleveleys’ Mythic Coast Trail (pictured), Morecambe’s Tern Project and Pendle’s Sculpture Trail all perfect to explore. Alternatively, you can stop by one of Lancashire’s four Panopticons, which form a series of large sculptures that oversee areas of East Lancashire.

These suggestions are just some of the fantastic places to enjoy culture in Lancashire. For more, head to our Culture, Arts and Heritage in Lancashire pages.