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 stylish holiday cottage in the village of Ingleton on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. An excellent base for exploring the Dales and also the Lake District with an abundance of attractions including Ingleton's very own spectacular waterfalls, the White Scar Show Caves and fabulous walks. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A delightful dog friendly 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.
A welcoming holiday home is ideally placed in the picturesque Lancashire village of Wrea Green with its thatched cottages, choice of pubs, village green with pond and Ribby Hall holiday village with health club and spa. Within easy reach of Blackpool and many of Lancashire attractions this is an ideal place to get away with friends and families with plenty to see and do.
Located on the outskirts of the village of Silverdale this 5 Star holiday cottage is on the Lancashire/Cumbria borders and is a convenient location for exploring both the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. The cottage affords stunning views and sunsets across Morecambe Bay. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
One of four holiday homes nestling on the Lancashire/Cumbrian borders in the beautiful Arnside and Silverdale AONB. A real 'hidden gem' of an area, guests can enjoy a taste of country living and the chance to relax in a picturesque natural setting whilst having the Cumbrian coast (three miles) and the Lake District National Park within easy reach. Excellent choice for bird watchers, walkers and wildlife enthusiasts. Tourist board rating: 3 Star
Comy and welcoming, this split level holiday cottage sits within the Arnside/Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Lancashire and is a great base for exploring the many attractions of Cumbria and The Lake District National Park. A breathtaking landscape surrounds where you can escape away in a rural setting abundant with wildlife and wonderful walks - prefect for relaxing. Tourist board rating: 3 Star
Ideally placed in the Arnside/Silverdale AONB in Lancashire with its stunning landscape and easy access to cumbria and the Lake District National Park, these delightful holiday cottages nestle amongst fields and woods and are ideal for walkers, wildlife enthusiasts and those who simply want to relax and unwind. Tourist board rating: 3 Star
A welcoming home from home farmhouse sitting in an idyllic position on the Lancashire/Cumbrian borders in the picturesque Arnside and Silverdale AONB. A true hidden gem of an area, the farm offers a taste of country life and the opportunity to immerse yourself in pure natural beauty whilst being within easy reach of the Cumbrian coast (three miles) and the Lake District. Perfect for bird watchers, nature enthusiasts and walkers. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Sitting in the Ribble Valley and within easy driving distance of the Yorkshire Dales, York city and the Lakes, this welcoming holiday cottage is located in a wonderful rural position in Lancashire. A peaceful retreat for relaxing with fantastic walks and an abundance of birds to watch. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
The delightful rural setting for this holiday cottage makes it an ideal retreat for those seeking a peaceful escape whilst The Lake District, York and the Yorkshire Dales, are within easy reach by car. In the heart of the Ribble Valley, this is a walkers paradise and great for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
A comfortable holiday home providing an ideal base for large groups of friends or family who want to explore the Forest of Bowland, along with the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District and Lancashire's coast. Glorious countryside on the doorstep with superb opportunities for walkers, cyclers and horse riders.
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.
