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.
Blackpool Opera House will Suddenly See even more star power on Sunday 26 July as award-winning singer- songwriter KT Tunstall joins the illustrious line-up to celebrate Blackpool’s UK City of Culture bid
From live music to Alpaca walking, archaeology festivals to maize mazes, you can find it all in Lancashire this weekend!
Darwen Festival of Fun Returns for Sixth Year with Free Family Day of Live Entertainment, Markets and Street Food Darwen Market Square to host a full day of performances, workshops, artisan stalls on 29th August 2026
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 MoreAt Healey Dell the River Spodden has carved its way through the woodlands through thousands of years, creating delightful scenery and spectacular waterfalls. A beauty spot and wildlife sanctuary rich in industrial archaeology.
Read MoreNorth Pier opened in 1863 (the oldest of the three) and still retains its Victorian charm.
Read MoreWith 650 acres of woodland, parklands, argricultural lands, meadows, a lake, the River Lostock and 10 miles of paths Cuerden Valley Park is a refuge of countryside at the heart of Lancashire.
Read MoreThe giant mirror ball on the promenade of Blackpool's South Shore is illuminated at night with a colour changing light show.
Read MoreIn a valley largely devoted to sheep and cattle rearing, Wycoller Country Park has a good network of footpaths for walkers. The hamlet of Wycoller includes historic Wycoller Hall.
Read MoreDate From:
Date To:
Date: 29th Jan 2027
Featuring rock and metal's favourite tribute acts.
Read MoreDate: 4th Sept 2026
The British Country Music Festival is back for its 7th year and promises to be bigger than ever. New immersive attractions will be available for festival goers, and over 100 artists will be performing. The three-day event celebrates the best conte...
Read MoreDate: 5th Sept 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: 28th Jul 2026
Celebrate the Commonwealth games with Cotton Shed!Join us at Horse + Bamboo for a brilliant evening of music, dancing, and celebration. Refreshments are provided, and entry is free!Show your team spirit by wearing your favo...
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: 2nd Aug 2026
We’re excited to be hosting Lytham Community Comic Con - a FREE-to-attend, not-for-profit Comic Con organised and run independently by a team of dedicated local volunteers at a Community Interest Company (CIC). Their aim is simple: to give local c...
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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