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.
Families looking for affordable ways to keep children entertained during the summer holidays need look no further than The Harris in Preston
Award-Winning Rossendale Pride Festival Returns This July with an Incredible Lineup and Community Support Network
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 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 MoreAll year round, Gisburn Forest offers different experiences for different people. Explore on foot, on horseback or by bike. Find popular trails and quiet glades or explore this accredited Dark Sky Discovery Site after dark.
Read MoreOriginally created in the 1920s, Happy Mount Park was and is still very popular today. Woodland walks, Japanese Garden, putting and bowling, a children's Splashpark and play areas, miniature railway, crazy golf, swing boats and more
Read MoreA free festival of contemporary art, commissioning artists and designers from all over the world to make work inspired by the context and legacy of the textile industry.
Read MoreDate From:
Date To:
Date: 4th Sept 2026
The world-famous Illuminations need little introduction. With six miles of traditional festoons, tableaux and interactive features along the Promenade, no wonder it’s commonly known as the greatest free light show on Earth!
Read MoreDate: 17th Jul 2026
Dare! - a new family music experienceSwim with the silver fish, peer through telescopes, ride the tide and take a leap! Expect to sing, play and dance along on this beautiful voyage of (self) discovery.Following on from the...
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: 29th Jan 2027
Featuring rock and metal's favourite tribute acts.
Read MoreDate: 18th Jul 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: 18th Jul 2026
This July, our much-loved Ice Cream Festival returns for a weekend of summer fun! Taking place outdoors over a (hopefully!) sunny weekend, this free-to-enter event is packed with delicious treats and family-friendly entertainment. Perfectly timed...
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.
Read More
