Discover the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, a truly distinctive part of Lancashire where sweeping moorlands, wide open skies and quiet valleys create a setting that feels a world away from everyday life. Covering 312 square miles across rural Lancashire and into neighbouring Yorkshire, the area is dotted with stone-built villages and historic landmarks, each with its own story to tell. From places like Downham and Slaidburn to the long-established village of Barley—perfectly placed for a walk up Pendle Hill.
This is a place best explored at your own pace, whether on foot, by bike or on horseback, with a network of routes leading through fells, farmland and river valleys. Wildlife watching is a highlight, alongside the chance to discover local produce and welcoming countryside inns along the way. For those looking to delve a little deeper, the Festival Bowland programme offers guided walks, events and activities that showcase the area’s natural beauty and culture, making it easy to experience this special landscape in a meaningful way.
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Gisburn Forest is inviting families to enjoy a spellbinding Room on the Broom adventure this Halloween, with a special seasonal activity added to the trail throughout October.
Pumpkin picking is becoming more popular every year, with all shapes, colours, and sizes ready to be picked and carved. Even better, most places now provide you with the option to carve your pumpkin there, so you can leave your mess behind!
A brand-new way to explore the Forest of Bowland National Landscape has arrived with the launch of the Discover Bowland app
Full of original, rustic charm, La Locanda's owners Maurizio and Cinzia Bocchi will take you to the heart of Italian cuisine, serving you truly authentic recipes that go back generations.
Read MoreAn immersive experience for individuals or small groups to make fresh Italian pastas, breads or risotto in a state-of-the-art restaurant kitchen.
Read MoreAll year round, Gisburn Forest offers different experiences for different people.
Read More4 Dark Sky Discovery Sites in Bowland at Beacon Fell Country Park, Crook O'Lune Picnic Site, Slaidburn and Gisburn Forest Hub. There's no better time to explore Bowland's dark skies.
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Date: 14th Oct 2026
Join Lynne for a relaxed and creative half-day workshop where you’ll learn how to make your own pleated lampshade.You’ll be guided through the process step by step, learning how to create those gorgeous pleats and finish your lampshade...
Read MoreDate: 17th Oct 2026
Create a wonderful Pumpkin Planter in celebration of Halloween, filled with hardy succulents to display indoors or outdoors.Celebrate Autumn, Halloween and harvest season as well as having lots of fun getting messy with soil, succulent...
Read MoreDate: 17th Oct 2026
Enjoy a relaxing morning creating a piece of living art within the beautiful setting of at Holden Clough Nurseries.You will spend an hour and a half using a variety of succulent plants and natural materials designing, crafting and crea...
Read MoreDate: 18th Oct 2026
Get cosy this autumn and create your very own large, super soft chunky pumpkin using luxurious pure merino wool.Choose from beautiful seasonal shades: Pumpkin, Rust, Cream.Each pumpkin is finished with a deep green merino t...
Read MoreDate: 21st Oct 2026
Have you got a sewing machine but don’t know how to use it? Perhaps you’ve recently bought / aquired one? Maybe you’ve had one collecting dust for a while, and you’re not sure where to start with it? You aren’t alone!With shows like Th...
Read MoreDates: 24th Oct 2026 - 25th Oct 2026
This autumn, our “Mushroom” Artisan Market brings together a wonderful mix of local makers, artists and producers for a cosy seasonal gathering.Explore a thoughtfully curated selection of handcrafted goods, original designs and small-b...
Read MoreDuration4 hours
Distance34 miles
A 34 mile loop taking you through the beautiful Trough of Bowland and Forest of Bowland National Landscape starting in Garstang
Read MoreDistance170 miles
The Way of the Roses is a spectacular coast to coast cycle route which takes you past some of the best cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty in northern England.
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