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If you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly day out, Lancashire is the perfect place to explore. We’ve brought together a range of free things to do, ideal for those moments when you’re looking to get out and about without spending a fortune. From acres of beautiful countryside and scenic walking and cycling routes to bustling market towns, historic houses and art galleries – many with free admission – there’s plenty to discover for all ages. With so much to see and do, enjoying Lancashire doesn’t have to cost a thing.
While every effort has been made to include free experiences, please note that small charges, such as parking, may still apply in some locations.
Preston’s city centre will be celebrating Christmas in style this year, with a packed programme of festive experiences that will bring Christmas magic to the city’s cultural Harris Quarter.
There’s not long to go before Lancaster reverberates to the sounds of one of the country’s biggest city centre music festivals! Find out more about the festival which runs form October 8-11 and its preview events.
Blackpool’s award-winning and renowned public light-art festival, Lightpool Festival returns this October half term (Wednesday 21st - Saturday 31st October 2026) - and celebrates its ten-year anniversary.
Yarrow Valley Country Park covers over 300 hectares and is located between Chorley and Coppull created on land previously used for bleaching, dyeing, calico printing and mining, Yarrow Valley Country Park is of local historical importance.
Read MoreBurnley's Panopticon, 'Singing Ringing Tree', is a unique musical sculpture which overlooks Burnley from its position high above the town on Crown Point.
Read MoreEarlier this year a bronze statue of animated penguin villain Feathers McGraw was unveiled as part of the grand opening for Animate Preston. Located close to the statue of his arch enemies Wallace and Gromit, which opened in September 2021
Read MoreFleetwood Beach Wheelchairs offer wheelchair users the chance to enjoy the fabulous Fleetwood coastline.
Read MoreFleetwood Market is nestled in the charming coastal town of Fleetwood in Lancashire, this market boasts a rich history and has grown into a vibrant space that mirrors the town's character.
Read MoreDate From:
Date To:
Date: 16th Oct 2026
Detective super to priest and chaplain by Claire McEnery.
Read MoreDate: 17th Oct 2026
Neville Stack was one of the most celebrated aviators of the inter-war period.
Read MoreDate: 17th Oct 2026
The perfect soundtrack to your Saturday night.
Read MoreDate: 18th Oct 2026
Explore this award-winning wedding venue at one of the monthly open days.
Read MoreDate: 22nd Oct 2026
Join a free exclusive evening as the Christmas department is unveiled.
Read MoreDate: 23rd Oct 2026
Neville Stack was one of the most celebrated aviators of the inter-war period.
Read MoreDurationThree Days
A fantastic three-day road trip to explore north Lancashire and some of the filming locations found there.
Read MoreDuration1 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.
Read MoreDistance4.5 miles
Take in some simply breath-taking country views around Samlesbury, and witness a whole range of wildlife.
Read MoreDuration3 - 4 hours
Distance4.5 Miles
Although much more associated with Yorkshire, The Brontë sisters actually spent much of their lives in Lancashire walking from the family home at Haworth across the South Pennine Moors.
Read MoreDuration2 hours 30 mins
Distance5.5 miles
Many areas in the UK claim to have inspired J.R.R Tolkien creation of middle earth but the author certainly spent a lot of his time at Stonyhurst College working on The Lord of the Rings during the Second World War.
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