Platform Gallery
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.
A unique travelling museum showcasing remarkable works from the Government Art Collection is set to make a special stop in Darwen this summer.
Another great weekend of fun awaits in Lancashire this week! From celebrating the 1940s to the heritage of one of Lancashire's most famous fishing ports, through to monsters and fire feasts, there is something for everyone
A truly spectacular event is set to take place this Wednesday evening, as the partial solar eclipse is set to be visible across the UK where 90-96% of the sun will slowly disappear behind the moon.
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…
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.
Read MoreThe Leeds and Liverpool Canal was the first of the Trans-Pennine canals to be started and the last to be completed. The length and the complexity of the route meant that the canal took 46 years to build at a cost of five times the original budget.
Read MoreRossendale's Panopticon, 'Halo', is an 18m-diameter steel lattice structure supported on a tripod five metres above the ground.
Read MoreLancaster's Peter Scott Gallery presents a varied programme of temporary exhibitions and associated talks.
Read MoreBeacon Country Park is a flagship countryside site, consisting of over 300 acres of rolling countryside spread across the slopes of Ashurst Beacon between Upholland, Dalton and Skelmersdale.
Read MoreBlackburn's Panopticon, Colourfields, is a dramatic transformation of the former cannon battery in Blackburn's Corporation Park.
Read MoreDate From:
Date To:
Date: 18th Aug 2026
Meet the Author/Illustrator Jen Carney BUG series and The Day My Dog Got FamousA special event for the National Year of Reading, organised by ebb & flo bookshopJen will be on stage at Chorley Theatre talking about her books...
Read MoreDates: 18th Jul 2026 - 19th Jul 2026
Local residents are invited to discover a new sport and get active at Fulwood Leisure Centre
Read MoreDate: 25th Sept 2026
At Lancashire Archives & Local History we love old things. It is what we do. We look after old things. This latest Preston Arts creative writing project examines the many and diverse archives that relate to the process of ageing throughout history...
Read MoreDate: 14th Sept 2026
Join Blackburn People’s Choir for a wonderful community celebration at the newly refurbished King George’s Hall on Monday 14th September at 7.00 pm. This free concert will bring people together through the joy of a cappella singing, featuring spec...
Read MoreDate: 17th Aug 2026
Showtown is delighted to announce the return of Open Up the Mic, its inspiring free youth comedy programme for young people living in Blackpool.Taking place from 17-21 August, the programme will be led by comedians Ruth E Cockburn and...
Read MoreDate: 17th Aug 2026
Meet the Author/Illustrator Francis Martin Little People, BIG Dreams, and Roald DahlA special event for the National Year of Reading, organised by ebb & flo bookshopFrancis will be on stage at Chorley Theatre talking about...
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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