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.
Whalley village was transformed last Sunday as the Artisan Market returned with a lively display of imagination, skill and local connection at its core.
#AmazingAccrington Food & Drink festival returns
There’s something wonderful about a trip to the beach in summer. Feeling the soft warm sand between your toes, the smell of the fresh sea air, and the taste of delicious ice cream, especially if you can bring your four-legged friend along too.
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 Fylde Gallery at Lytham Hall is a free to visit, first floor gallery space with a curated exhibition programme that features contemporary artists as well as the Lytham St Annes Art Collection, formed in 1925.
Read MoreBrockholes is full of nature moments just waiting for you to find.
Read MoreThe Great Promenade Show consists of ten pieces of artwork along Blackpool Promenade from South Pier heading south. It is generally thought of as an outdoor art gallery reflecting Blackpool's history and character, with the works commissioned from both established and emerging artists.
Read MoreAlthough long disused, it is still possible to see the remains of the sweating room (sudatorium), the warm room (tepidarium), and the hot room (caldarium) in the ruins of Ribchester Bath-House.
Read MoreBuilt in 1325, Samlesbury Hall is steeped in fascinating history, retaining its original typical black and white exterior.
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Date To:
Date: 8th Aug 2026
Step right up for a colourful and creative Family Felting Workshop inspired by the magic of the circus!Perfect for all ages, this hands-on session invites families to explore the art of felting while creating their own circus-themed ch...
Read MoreDate: 1st Aug 2026
Roll up roll up for Mini Makers, Circus Crafts! In this session you'll be creating lots of crafts inspired by the circus, hats, masks and big top tents all for the fun fair!Supported by Rossendale Community Fund
Read MoreDate: 20th Jun 2026
243 years of history in the Gem of the Northwest for the taking!You are invited to take a guided tour of the third oldest continually operating theatre in England. Originally built in 1782 during the reign of George III and rebuilt in...
Read MoreDate: 4th Sept 2026
Celebration of country music held in Blackpool.
Read MoreDate: 15th Aug 2026
Roll up, roll up, the circus is coming to town!Join Circus with Sarah and step into magic with our lively, family friendly workshop bursting with excitement, and plenty of chances to shine. Perfect for children, grown-ups, and everyone...
Read MoreDate: 22nd Aug 2026
Let your creativity shine at this family workshop, where youll design and create your very own star masks inspired by the whimsy and wonder of the circus.Using a mix of colourful materials, sparkling details, and imaginative designs, y...
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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