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.
Free things to do
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.
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!
Don't Miss
Business Directory
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…
Free things to do Businesses
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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Free things to do
Dark Sky Discovery Sites
4 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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Groups | Family Friendly | Free things to do
Fleetwood Market
Fleetwood 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.
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Free things to do
Lancashire Police Museum
Take a trip through time and learn about some of the pivotal moments across Lancashire Constabulary's history.
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Arts & Culture | Coastal | Free things to do
Mirror Ball, Blackpool
The giant mirror ball on the promenade of Blackpool's South Shore is illuminated at night with a colour changing light show.
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Coastal | Free things to do | History & Heritage
Eric Morecambe Statue
With a stunning backdrop of Morecambe Bay, no trip to Morecambe is complete without seeing the larger-than-life Eric Morecambe Statue. The statue and the arena below it are equally sensational at night, with superb lighting effects bathing the area.
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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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Free things to do
Shaina Twain & Friends Tribute
Date: 5th Sept 2026
Plus the kings and queens of country music.
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Free things to do
Wedding Showcase at Barton Manor Hotel & Spa
Date: 6th Sept 2026
The doors are opening for a day of wedding inspiration and ideas.
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Family Friendly | Free things to do | Outdoors
St Annes Kite Festival
Dates: 4th Sept 2026 - 6th Sept 2026
The 2026 award winning St Anne’s Kite Festival will take place in September, this date being identified by suitable tides for everyone’s safety.
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Dog Friendly | Family Friendly | Free things to do
Garstang Short Walk
Date: 7th Sept 2026
Join our volunteer walk leaders for a relaxed stroll along the footpaths and tracks of Garstang’s charming countryside and historic Market Town.
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Free things to do
September Wedding Open Evening at West Tower
Date: 8th Sept 2026
Explore this award-winning wedding venue at one of the monthly open days.
Read MoreFree things to do Itineraries
Free things to do | Arts & Culture | History & Heritage
Lancashire Set-Jetting: Morecambe, Lancaster and the surrounding areas
DurationThree Days
A fantastic three-day road trip to explore north Lancashire and some of the filming locations found there.
Read MoreFree things to do 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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Free things to do | Outdoors
Ramble from Nabs Head Samlesbury
Distance4.5 miles
Take in some simply breath-taking country views around Samlesbury, and witness a whole range of wildlife.
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Free things to do | Arts & Culture | History & Heritage
Brontës in Pendle
Duration3 - 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.
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Free things to do | History & Heritage | Outdoors
The Tolkien Trail - in the Footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien
Duration2 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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