Coastal
Top tips to enjoy the biggest night of Blackpool's year
Posted on:
4 September 2026
Blackpool is counting down to its biggest night of the year as the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On returns on Friday 4 September.
Family Friendly
Blackpool Zoo
Lancashire is the perfect place for a family-friendly day out, with plenty of activities to keep all ages entertained. From exciting attractions and outdoor adventures to interactive experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy together. Little ones can burn off energy at adventure playgrounds and nature trails, while older children will love exploring parks, attractions and hands-on experiences designed to spark curiosity and fun.
Across the county, families will find welcoming venues, open spaces and year-round events that make spending time together easy and enjoyable. Whether you’re planning a relaxed day in the countryside, visiting a popular attraction or discovering something new in a local town, Lancashire offers endless opportunities to create lasting family memories.
Be Inspired
Encounter Festival lands at The Harris Quarter on Saturday, 19 September with a jam-packed programme of fun for all the family. Expect walk-about theatre, interactive performances, music, workshops and much more!
Blackpool is set to host its first-ever Illumination Switch-On Watch Party on Friday 4 September, giving hundreds more people the chance to be part of the biggest night in the resort’s calendar.
Don't Miss
Business Directory
Thornton Hall Country Park
Set on the borders of Lancashire, Thornton Hall Country Park is an award-winning, family-run, working farm and leisure attraction.
Business Directory
Hickory's Smokehouse Hutton
Born from a road trip across America's Southern States, we learnt all things smokin' from the best pitmasters across the region.
Business Directory
The Edisford Bridge Country Pub
Traditional country pub nestled in the heart of the Ribble Valley, serving local ales and seasonal a la carte dining.
Business Directory
The Anderton Centre
An award-winning residential and day visit activity centre, with a focus on work with young people and community groups.
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Family Friendly Businesses
Family Friendly
Thornton Hall Country Park
Set on the borders of Lancashire, Thornton Hall Country Park is an award-winning, family-run, working farm and leisure attraction.
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Family Friendly
Hickory's Smokehouse Hutton
Born from a road trip across America's Southern States, we learnt all things smokin' from the best pitmasters across the region.
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Family Friendly
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
There's a fantastic day ahead of you at Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Enjoy splashing, dipping, playing, feeding, paddling and getting up-close-and-personal to some of nature's most wonderful wildlife.
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Family Friendly
The Edisford Bridge Country Pub
Traditional country pub nestled in the heart of the Ribble Valley, serving local ales and seasonal a la carte dining.
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Family Friendly | Coastal | Free things to do
World Horse Welfare Penny Farm
Penny Farm is a horse rescue and rehabilitation centre operated by the charity World Horse Welfare. They welcome visitors 3 days a week to meet the ponies & find out more about the work of the charity.
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Family Friendly
The Anderton Centre
An award-winning residential and day visit activity centre, with a focus on work with young people and community groups.
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Family Friendly
Nick Cope: I’ve lost my Bobble Hat ...again ! - The Atkinson
Date: 19th Feb 2027
Nick Cope I’ve lost my Bobble Hat ...again ! Nick has lost his Bobble hat ..again ! Come and join Nick Cope for a delightful family concert and help him find his beloved hat with the wobbly bobble ! A joyous fun filled hour featuring all your favo...
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Family Friendly
Free open weekend at West View Leisure Centre
Dates: 18th Jul 2026 - 19th Jul 2026
Local residents are invited to discover a new sport and get active at West View Leisure Centre
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Family Friendly | Free things to do
Free open weekend at Fulwood Leisure Centre
Dates: 18th Jul 2026 - 19th Jul 2026
Local residents are invited to discover a new sport and get active at Fulwood Leisure Centre
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Family Friendly
Pyjama Christmas Movie Marathon - Elf & Jingle All The Way - The Muni Theatre Colne
Date: 11th Dec 2026
Christmas Movie Time! - Interval between films- Bar and tuck shop open- Wear PJs and bring a blanketElf:The story is about one of Santa's elves (Will Ferrell) who learns of his true identity as a hum...
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Family Friendly
Pyjama Christmas Movie Marathon - Home Alone & Home Alone 2 - The Muni Theatre Colne
Date: 19th Dec 2026
Christmas movie time!- Interval between films - Bar and tuck shop open - Wear PJs and bring a blanketHome Alone:A Christmas family comedy film about the adventures of Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culk...
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Family Friendly
The Bubble Spectacular - Burnley Mechanics
Date: 31st Mar 2027
The Bubble Spectacular – Starring Dr Hubble’s Bubbles! Enter the bubbly-brilliant world of Dr Hubble, as he presents The Bubble Spectacular – a fun-filled, out of this world, bubble-riffic show!Expect to be amazed as the ultimate maste...
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Family Friendly
Get 15% off a midweek stay
Get 15% off a midweek stay in a luxury Shepherd's Hut.
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Family Friendly
Christmas starts at Jules Restaurant
The countdown to Christmas begins at Jules Restaurant
Read MoreFamily Friendly Routes & Trails
Family Friendly | Free things to do | History & Heritage
Darwen Tower Walk 1
Duration1 hour 30 mins
Distance2 miles
On a clear day the Isle of Man and the hills of North Wales can be seen from Darwen Tower. The Tower celebrates Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 and to many local people it also celebrated the freeing of Darwen Moor in the previous year.
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Family Friendly | Free things to do | History & Heritage
Darwen Tower Walk 2
Duration1 hour 30 mins
Distance2 miles
This circular walk takes in some fantastic views of the surrounding countryside from Darwen Moors.
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Family Friendly | History & Heritage | Outdoors
Humblescough Farm Woodland Experiences
Re-connect with nature and restore wellbeing.
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Family Friendly | Outdoors
Own a Pony Day
At HAPPA Own a Pony Day, children get the opportunity to own a HAPPA pony for the day, gaining valuable knowledge and an insight into what it is like to care for a pony, via hands on practical learning.
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Family Friendly | TASTE
Flavours Cookery School
New cookery school located at Sidings Business Park, in Whalley, Ribble Valley, Lancashire. Purpose-built kitchen and dining facilities hosting cookery courses and social events centred around healthy, nutritious and balanced home-cooking.
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