Lancashire Accommodation Guide
Lancashire, often abbreviated to just ‘Lancs’, is a large county in the north-west of England. Every year an estimated 70 million people visit Lancashire to enjoy its impressive scenery, warm hospitality and unique towns and landmarks.
Whatever you like doing when on holiday, from hiking and mountain biking to building sandcastles on secluded beaches, Lancashire is one of England’s principal tourist destinations. In this brief tourist guide we will exhibit some of Lancashire’s best accommodation choices and also explore some of the region’s finest attractions.
Lancashire shares land borders with Cumbria to the north, with North Yorkshire to the north west, West Yorkshire to the west, Great Manchester to the south east and Merseyside to the south west. On its eastern side, Lancashire projects into the Irish Sea and there is a footpath running for the entire length of Lancashire’s coast.
Called the ‘Lancashire Coastal Way’, the footpath starts in the north at Silverdale on the Cumbrian border and extends to Freckleton in the south, on the border with Merseyside. This 137 mile footpath affords spectacular views of Morecambe Bay, the Bowland Fells and the Lake District. It is also the perfect way to observe Lancashire’s large variety of marine birdlife.
Lancashire’s most famous walking trail is the Pennine Way however. At 268 miles (429 km) in length, it is Britain’s oldest long distance footpath and it is also one of the toughest to complete! The path runs from Edale in northern Derbyshire, through the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Park and ends at Kirk Yetholm in Scotland.
To only spend time on Lancashire’s walking trails would be a mistake however! The City of Lancaster holds many historic treasures including Lancaster Castle, Lancaster Cathedral and the various exhibits housed within the Lancaster City Museum. With a long list of things to do, the City of Lancaster is a popular tourist attraction in its own right.
When visiting Lancashire, also allow some to sample some of the county’s culinary delights though. These range from its crumbly Lancashire cheeses, Eccles cakes and Morecambe Bay cockles! No matter what food you order from the restaurant of your choice, you will be assured of a warm welcome from Lancashire’s people. Perhaps that’s why their most famous dish is called ‘Lancashire Hot Pot’!
Lancashire / Tourist Information
- County Town: Preston
- Land Area: 2,903 km2 (1,121 square miles)
- Population: 1,498,300 (2019)
- Population Density: 422/km2 (1,090 / square miles)
- Average Temperature: (Summer 20 °C)
- Days Of Rain: Dry for 162 days a year
Best Attractions In Lancashire
The Pennines: The Pennines is a range of hills and mountains that separates North West England from Yorkshire and the north east of England. They are both an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and a UNESCO Global Geopark. These impressive landmarks once helped to define the boundary between Lancashire and Yorkshire and became a key defensive position in the War of the Roses. Considered to be one of the most scenic areas of the United Kingdom, the Pennine hills are oftern described as the “backbone of England.”
Lancaster Castle: Without question, Lancaster Castle is one of the most impressive castles in the whole of the United Kingdom. Built in its current guise in medieval times, there has been a castle situated on the current site since at least the Roman era. Owned by Queen Elizabeth II as the Duchess of Lancaster, the castle has been used for many different purposes over the centuries. The castle was used as a prison until 2011 but is now a museum and conference venue.
Blackpool Tower: When it was opened to the public in 1894, the Blackpool Tower was one of the tallest manmade structures in the world. Standing at 518 feet (158 metres), it is still the 125th-tallest freestanding tower in the world. The high speed lift to the viewing platform takes less than 2 minutes and the views from the top of the tower can only be described as stunning.
Morecombe Bay: Morecambe Bay is the largest area of tidal sands and mudflats in the United Kingdom. The bay is famous as a nature reserveis but also for its cockle beds which have been harvested here for generations. Covering an impressive total area of 120 square miles, the bay is a protected nature reserve with an abundance of marine birdlife. Extreme care must be taken when visiting the bay however as the tidal changes here are fast and ferocious. It is advisable to take an organised tour as quicksand is also a major hazard here.
Best Accommodation In Lancashire
Lower Flass Farm (Clitheroe): Perfect for larger groups, this stunning farmhouse sleeps 18 people across 10 bedrooms in complete comfort. The cottage has an incredible barn adjacent to the main house which doubles up as a games room (with a fitted bar, seating area, pool table, football table and sound system). There is also a separate spa area with an insure sauna and hot tub plus an additional hot tub on the terrace outside. Located on the edge of the Forest of Bowland, this cottage is also near Bowland Wild Boar Park.
Wolfen Mill (Chipping): This huge former mill house (built in the 16th century) is divided up into various apartments which can either be booked separately or together. When combined this large holiday cottage can sleep 22 people across 11 bedrooms. With its dam or millrace, the mill house is set in one acre of fabulous grounds just a short distance from the Lancashire village of Chipping. This outstanding property is surrounded by the stunning Bowland fells and close to the Forest of Bowland.
Stay In Britain is the ultimate guide to places to stay and things to do in Great Britain. Whether you are looking for a luxury self-catering cottage, a cheap B&B for a weekend stay, a short break in a caravan park or a business-friendly hotel in the Lancashire area, we have everything you need. Enjoy your stay in Britain!
