Being one of the most historically important counties in England due to its role in the Industrial Revolution, Lancashire combines this modernity with traditionalism and centuries of heritage. Situated in the north west of the country, the sprawling region manages to incorporate a lot within its limits, from the holiday town of Blackpool on the coast to glorious countryside in the Forest of Bowland which has been declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Read more
A delightful dog friendly holiday cottage with wonderful views perfectly placed near to the historic market town of Kirkby Lonsdale where the stunning Lake District meets the rolling Yorkshire Dales. Ideal for walkers or anyone wanting to discover the many attractions of Lancashire, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
You, your family and your friends will love their stay in Oak Bank Farm. The spacious house features all of the extras you expect in a modern home yet has been built to a traditional style and using local materials so it looks as if it has stood in place for centuries. There is space for up to 14 people to sleep in six huge bedrooms, with a park, cafes, a village shop and three pubs only a 10-minute walk away in Ribchester. Beautiful walks to some of the Ribble Valley's most famous spots, including Beacon Fell and Longridge Fell are close, as is the Forest of Bowland.
There's nowhere like the Ribble Valley with its fells and forests that are stunning in every season. Whitewell Cottage is near Ribchester, within a relaxed 10-15 minute stroll from a park, village shop, cafes and pubs, and close to fantastic walks leading to Longridge Fell and Bowland Fell. This eco-friendly accessible holiday cottage sleeps up to four people in two gorgeous bedrooms, with a layout that suits couples, friends or families and luxurious touches like underfloor heating and an outdoor hot tub. It's a fantastic choice for a walking or cycling holiday, and ideal for sightseeing in places such as Clitheroe and Whalley.
A charming eco-friendly cottage in the Ribble Valley built to a high specification with space for up to four people to sleep in two bedrooms. Ribchester is a 10-15 minute walk away, with cafes, pubs, a park and a village shop. There are beautiful walks in the vicinity, including routes to Longridge Fell and Beacon Fell, and the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is only a few miles from the door. Dinkley Cottage is ideal for couples, small families and friends.
An eco-friendly holiday cottage half a mile from Ribchester and within walking distance of a park, shops and pubs. There are four ensuite bedrooms to sleep up to eight guests, making this an ideal choice for families and friends who want to be able to explore the beautiful Ribble Valley with ease. Clitheroe and Whalley are both within a 20-minute drive from the cottage, with nearby attractions including Stonyfell College, Beacon Fell, the Brockholes Nature Reserve, and the Bowland Wild Boar Park.
Whether you're organising a get-together with far-flung friends or searching for the perfect place for a special family celebration, Duddle Cottage is perfect. This gorgeous stone holiday cottage is finished and furnished to a high standard and can accommodate up to ten guests in five ensuite bedrooms. It is in the beautiful Ribble Valley, half a mile from Ribchester and with easy access to wonderful footpaths and cycling routes leading to places like Beacon Fell, as well as through the nearby Forest of Bowland and beside the River Ribble.
Sherburne Cottage is in the beautiful Ribble Valley, only half a mile from Ribchester Village with panoramic views over the countryside. There is space for up to four people to sleep in two ensuite bedrooms, make it perfect for couples and families who want a convenient, comfortable holiday cottage from which to explore. Fill your days with adventure and spend your evenings relaxing under the stars in your outdoor hot tub. There are excellent footpaths, cycling routes and bridleways, and local attractions that include Clitheroe Castle, Whalley abbey and the Ribchester Roman Museum.
This stylish cottage is on the outskirts of Ribchester in the Ribble Valley, only half a mile from the village shop, playground, cafes and pubs. The owners have used traditional materials with modern eco-friendly touches to ensure that guests are warm and comfortable all year round, staying somewhere that helps to protect this beautiful environment for future generations. There is space for up to seven people to sleep in four ensuite bedrooms, with lots of space to relax indoors and outside. Bailey Cottage is perfect for families and friends who want a home-away-from-home from which they can enjoy what is arguably one of the most picturesque parts of England.
Couples and families love charming Crumbleholme Cottage. The two-bedroom eco-friendly cottage offers a high standard of accommodation for up to four people, in a location just half a mile from Ribchester and within walking distance of pubs, shops and a playground. It is so convenient for countryside walks and mountain bike rides, with the opportunity to play golf, horse ride and fish in the River Ribble. Clitheroe, Longridge and Whalley are all nearby, making this a fantastic place to come and relax at any time of the year.
Relax in luxury in this modern country house which can sleep up to 16 people in eight beautiful ensuite bedrooms, with features including a cinema room, games room, outdoor hot tub and sauna. The cottage has a timeless appeal with high-quality furnishings and special touches like thick bathrobes and a choice of family-friendly games. Somerwood is only half a mile from the Ribble Valley village of Ribchester, within a 10-15 minute stroll from shops, a playground and friendly pubs. It's ideal for extended families and groups of friends.
Woodfield Farm is a luxurious, seven-bedroom holiday house with space for large groups of up to 16 people to stay and play right in the heart of the beautiful Ribble Valley. The three-storey property is packed with fantastic features, including a cinema room, pool table and table tennis, while outside is a hot tub and a tennis court. It is close to Ribchester village with shops, cafes and the friendly Black Bull pub. Walking, cycling and sightseeing at places like the Ribblehead Viaduct and nearby Clitheroe are all favourite pastimes, adding to the appeal this house has for extended families and friends gathering to catch up, holiday together or celebrate a special occasion.
Sandwiched inbetween the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Forest Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, No 12 Mount Pleasant Terrace is the perfect self-catering cottage for couples looking to combine a holiday in an unspoilt and tranquil landscape, whilst still having all the amentities of a small market town on your doorstep. Embrace a range of outdoor activities including walking, cycling and climbing, enjoy a round of golf, visit one of the many local attractions, or simply relax and unwind amoungst beautiful scenery. Dogs are welcome too.
Beach Rise is a superb waterfront holiday cottage in Silverdale with incredible views over Morecambe Bay. It's perfect for families who want space and a peaceful location with beautiful walks and bike rides from the door. It's within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and only a few miles from Kendal, Windermere and the Lake District. The Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales National Park are also within easy reach, giving you miles of spectacular landscape to enjoy. Recently refurbished to a high standard, the house accommodates seven people in four bedrooms and is ideal for families.
If you have always dreamt of a holiday cottage where you can walk along a private jetty to dip your toes in the water, Lake Cottage will make your dreams come true. This former gamekeeper's cottage has been skilfully refurbished using traditional methods to create a contemporary holiday haven for four people in two bedrooms and appeals to couples, families, or anyone searching for a place to park their cares and let nature work its soothing magic. The self-catering cottage is on Hawes Water in the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), close to Morecambe Bay, and within half an hour of the Lake District National Park, Yorkshire Dales National Park and Forest of Bowland AONB. Saturday start day and a minimum stay of 5 nights.
Lakeview Apartment is a quiet, comfortable holiday home in the heart of the Lancashire countryside. The ground floor property is pet-friendly and wheelchair accessible, and ideal for couples or solo visitors who enjoy on-site coarse fishing and a location close to the Forest of Bowland, Yorkshire Dales, Morecambe Bay, and the Lake District. It's an ideal spot for anyone who enjoys being outdoors. Kirkby Lonsdale, Lancaster, and Kendal are all 15-20 minutes drive away, with a great choice of amenities and attractions. It's a fantastic choice for a holiday at any time of year.
Dovecote Apartment is at Redwell Fisheries in the gorgeous Lancashire countryside, close to Kirkby Lonsdale and within easy reach of the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District, and Morecambe Bay. The park's extensive grounds include five acres of fishing lakes with guests able to indulge their passion for coarse fishing during their stay. Walking, cycling, climbing, golf, caving and scuba diving are all readily accessible. Local attractions include Lancaster Castle, the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, and RSPB Leighton Moss Nature Reserve.
Mallard Lodge is a welcoming holiday home with views of the lake and an outdoor hot tub. With two bedrooms and two bathrooms (one which is ensuite), it is perfect for friends, families and couples. The lodge is in a fantastic location near Kirkby Lonsdale, Lancaster and Morecambe Bay. The Forest of Bowland AONB is within walking distance, while the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks are within easy reach by car. The site has five acres of fishing lakes. Guests can enjoy wonderful walks, breathtaking bike rides, climbing, caving, golf, sailing and scuba diving.
Popular towns in and around Lancashire:
Kirkby LonsdalePrestonSearch within North West England
Certainly one of the biggest draws to the county is the seaside resort of Blackpool with its tourist attractions that give the impression of an England, long since gone in many places. Donkey rides on the beach, the famous Blackpool tower, the promenade and the winter gardens are all attractions in keeping with the traditional nature of the town. The upgraded Pleasure Beach and lighting shows add an element of the 21st century to a holiday destination that has welcomed millions over the years.
The county is home to a variety of native foods and dishes and prides itself on its contribution to the culinary world. Visitors can sample authentic Lancashire cheese, hotpot, Rag pudding or the old-fashioned, but still popular, meal of fish and chips that started in the area. Literary enthusiasts can partake in the Tolkein Trail which starts from Stonyhurst College and is the site where J.R.R Tolkein penned his most celebrated work, The Lords of the Rings trilogy.
For fans of wildlife and natural beauty then the Forest of Bowland is unmatched in the region. With 312 square miles in total and stretching into neighbouring Yorkshire in some parts, it is characterised by vast open spaces, heather swamped moorland and offers a great chance to explore nature with trails, walks, cycling, mountain biking and fishing. There are also relics to discover dating back to prehistoric times and for bird watchers, the magnificent Northern Harrier, a bird of prey found all over the northern hemisphere, can be seen in the forest.
Some of the humble villages in the Bowland area can trace their roots back thousands of years and Pendle Hill, a summit of nearly 600 meters, provides incredible views of the surrounding countryside if you make it to the top! Due to its importance in the development of England during the 19th century, much emphasis is placed on the industrial side of the county. The Museum of Lancashire provides relics and a narrative history from ancient times to the modern day, while Lancaster Castle is a great example of a medieval structure and has a rich history from the Normans to the present day, taking in the English Civil War and housing prisoners of war in the 20th century in the process.
Lancashire is a culinary, historical and natural hot spot in the north west of England with something for everyone within its borders. It provides outdoor activities within its picturesque landscapes, historical places of interests and lively seaside and tourist towns. Visitors to the county would be hard pressed to find another place quite like Lancashire in the rest of the north-west or, indeed, the country.
