Pretty Lancashire is the place to go to for really unspoiled landscapes far, far-off from the creeping city sprawl of the south. Though it’s typically neglected as a journey vacation spot by the neighbouring magnificence spots of the Lake District and Yorkshire, the surroundings right here is actually fantastic and presents lush inexperienced undulating countryside punctuated by proud historic cities and framed on one facet by a sweeping shoreline. From Blackpool’s pier at sundown to the gently rolling hills of the fantastic Ribble Valley, listed here are probably the most stunning locations to go to in Lancashire, England…
Lancaster Fortress – top-of-the-line castles to go to in Northern England
Undoubtedly top-of-the-line locations to discover in Lancashire, that is situated on Fortress Hill which has been used to guard town since Roman occasions. The predecessor of the fort you see at the moment was most likely constructed of timber someday throughout the eleventh century by Norman lord, Roger de Poitou. Homeowners of the Fortress modified regularly, together with Henry II and Richard the Lionheart, though it noticed some skirmishes over time, it was not thought to be a strategic defence till the Scots invaded in 1322 and once more in 1389.
They broken the fort and Henry IV fortified and rebuilt sections to make sure there have been no extra profitable Scottish incursions. Following the Civil Struggle, the fort was “slighted”, which is partially demolished in order that it might now not be used as a navy protection. Nonetheless, like many different British Castles, it had already been used as a jail previous to this and going ahead, this turned its main goal till 2011.
In addition to being top-of-the-line castles to go to in England Lancashire has the unenviable status of being probably the most haunted county in England, and, when you think about the historical past of the Fortress, this could come as no shock. Though the information of ghostly sightings at Lancaster are rare, the Court docket on the fort is reputed to have sentenced extra individuals to demise than some other court docket within the land.
This included 10 witches when King James I used to be on the throne. Thankfully, we reside in additional enlightened occasions now, and in 2012 the 51 mile “Lancashire Witches Walk” was created, commemorating these girls, victims of superstition, 400 years after their demise.
Immediately you’ll be able to go to the fort and listen to extra of its grim historical past, however for some aid after that, you’ll be able to benefit from the expansive views over town and pay a go to to the Priory subsequent door.
Lancaster Priory – one among England’s finest church buildings
One other implausible place to go to in Lancashire, The Priory presents a peaceable distinction to the macabre historical past of the Fortress. From the churchyard, you’ll be able to look throughout to Morecambe Bay. A spot of sanctuary since Saxon occasions, the church has a phenomenal inside, with magnificent 14th century carved oak choirstalls and misericords.
There are various different stunning objects to be seen akin to flagons and a chalice for holding sacramental wine, and reminders of the church’s historical past, with relics akin to some crusaders’ coffins.
Morecambe Bay – a big estuary in northwest England which is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Lancashire
5 rivers drain into Morecambe Bay, which, though a lot of the land has been reclaimed, retains sufficient estuarine land to offer sanctuary for birds and coastal marine life.
In case you are fortunate, you’ll be able to see oystercatchers and curlew inspecting the flats for meals. There are nonetheless cockle and mussel banks, which have sustained native for hundreds of years. At low tide, a lot of the sand flats are uncovered, and it’s potential to cross to among the small islands, though with warning, as there may be quicksands right here and the tide is available in in a short time.
Morecambe Bay is known for its sunsets, which you’ll be able to watch from numerous spots alongside the bay in case you keep in a single day. Hest Financial institution, a lovely village on the Bay, overlooks the salt flats and has guided walks throughout the sand flats. A bit farther north is the village of Heysham, with a historical past of Viking settlement. There’s lots to see and do in Heysham, together with the eighth century St Peter’s Church, the stays of a chapel, and the eerie graves carved into rock overlooking the bay.
Lytham St Annes – a captivating and fashionable seaside city to discover in Lancashire
Simply south of Blackpool airport lies the charming and easy-on-the-eye seaside city of Lytham St Annes. It’s really 4 cities rolled up in a single; Lytham, Saint Anne’s-on-the-Sea, Ansdell, and Fairhaven. The city is kind of completely different from and quite a bit quieter than its northern neighbour, though there may be lots to see and do, like strolling alongside St Anne’s magnificent Victorian Pier.
There are many alternatives for the character watcher; there may be the Witchwood Stroll, a slender band of woodlands alongside the railway line, which accommodates indigenous English timber and is an efficient place to identify birds and the occasional wildlife. The river Ribble meets the ocean in an estuary which is an Essential Hen Space, with 1000’s of waders akin to godwits and sanderlings patrolling the sand flats within the seek for meals.
It’s estimated that greater than 100 000 birds overwinter on the estuary. There’s a sand dune system that has been proclaimed as a nature reserve, which is residence to many species of crops and birds which might be typical for the habitat, akin to stonechats.
There’s additionally a stately Georgian mansion, Lytham Corridor, surrounded by 72 acres of parkland, though there have been earlier buildings previous it, beginning with a file within the Domesday E-book.
West Pennine Moors – a wild and unspoilt rural haven and some of the gorgeous locations to go to in Lancashire
In the direction of the south of Lancashire and crossing over to Better Manchester (which was previously a part of Lancashire) are the gorgeous West Pennine Moors that are undoubtedly some of the stunning locations to visti in Lancashire. Primarily within the neighborhood of Chorley and Darwen, there are a number of distinct moorlands, low hills lined by heath and grass, interspersed with peat bogs, which type complicated ecosystems.
It’s believed that the Pennine Moors had been initially forested, however throughout Mesolithic occasions the timber and woodlands disappeared, ensuing within the moors. Whether or not this was attributable to human exercise, local weather change or a mixture of each is unsure. What was created by man are the reservoirs within the valleys between the moors, that are important sources of provide to the adjoining cities and cities.
The moors cowl 90 sq. miles of countryside and provide quite a lot of walks of various lengths, taking you thru countryside and small picturesque villages, with landmarks such because the Jubilee Tower on Darwen Hill, constructed to rejoice Queen Victoria’s Jubilee.
Rivington – one of many prettiest villages to go to in Lancashire
Located within the West Pennine Moors, Rivington is a small and fairly Lancashire village that was radically altered when its valleys (and a few homes) had been flooded to create reservoirs to provide Liverpool with water.
There are fantastic panoramic views of the Pennines from Winter Hill, above the city. There’s a tower upon the Rivington Pike, the very best level of Winter Hill which was in-built 1733 as a looking lodge. Throughout the Nineteen Sixties, Liverpool deliberate to demolish the Rivington Pike Tower, however because of a public outcry, it nonetheless stands and has had some restoration work achieved to it.
After strolling to the summit of Winter Hill, you’ll be able to loosen up a bit by strolling around the village which has a number of listed buildings, together with Rivington Corridor. In case you go to Rivington Gardens you will notice the Pigeon Tower which has been lovingly restored, as has the walkway in direction of it.
Pendle Hill – an atmospheric and brooding hill to discover in Lancashire
Pendle Hill is a steep and arduous climb, however round 300 000 individuals climb it yearly for the spectacular views of Lancashire to be seen from the summit. Actually, the view was so inspiring for George Fox that he envisioned a brand new non secular sect, the Quakers, whereas considering the view.
The start line is little Barley village. In fact, Pendle can also be infamous because the place from the place the Pendle witches hailed.
Whereas there are a number of cities within the neighborhood of the Hill, particular point out have to be made from Downham, on the foot of the hill. The village falls underneath the aegis of the present Lord Clitheroe, Ralph Assheton, and he manages it within the fashion of days passed by. When you may anticipate that the villagers would resent the truth that nothing occurs with out his approval, they in reality welcome how well-run the village is, and its nice look.
Rufford Previous Corridor – a phenomenal Tudor constructing surrounded by Victorian and Edwardian gardens
For 500 years the Heskeths owned Rufford Old Hall, bequeathing it to the Nationwide Belief in 1936. The centre of attraction is the Nice Corridor, a Tudor masterpiece, adorned with tapestries, armour and a powerful oak display.
It’s rumoured {that a} younger Will Shakespeare acted underneath this roof round 1585. Like lots of the older buildings in Lancashire, it’s reputed to be haunted. The engaging gardens are typical of Victorian and Edwardian landscaping, and a few woodland grows in entrance of the constructing.
Forest of Bowland – a delegated Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence
The Forest of Bowland is Lancashire, it covers a big a part of the county, 800 sq. kilometres, and consists of many locations of curiosity and different pure websites such because the Ribble Valley.
Regardless of its measurement, the overall inhabitants is just 16 000 individuals residing in hamlets and villages. It’s a Designated space of Pure Magnificence, with a variety of habitats, however it’s the moorlands and fells which might be most essential (the phrase “Forest” is utilized in its unique which means, a bit of land reserved for the Royals’ or a Lord’s use from the Latin “forestis”, which means open air).
It’s potential to spend many days exploring the attractive Forest; there are lots of listed buildings, walks of each diploma of problem and the charming villages. There are attention-grabbing cities, akin to Garstang, and picturesque villages like Dunsop Bridge, from the place you’ll be able to stroll by means of the scenic Trough of Bowland.
Garstang holds a weekly market on Saturdays, which has been held for the final 700 years. It lies alongside the rivers Wyre and Calder, and is a part of the Lancaster Canal route.
Ribble Valley – a well-known Lancashire magnificence spot recognized for its scenic countryside
A lot of the Ribble Valley lies throughout the Forest of Bowland, to the east of Lancashire. Predominantly rural, it has been declared an Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence, in addition to the happiest place to reside in Britain. Aside from beautiful pure surroundings, akin to one can find alongside the banks of the River Ribble, there are historic buildings and convivial locations to eat and keep. For an impressive view over the Valley, why not go to Clitheroe Fortress and take within the sights from Fortress Hill. The Fortress accommodates a museum that takes you thru 350 000 years of historical past.
Additionally from a historic perspective you’ll be able to traverse from Roman occasions skilled on the Ribchester Roman Museum, which is constructed on the location of a Roman fort on this charming village, to the tenth century stays of Sawley Cistercian Abbey and its fourteenth-century counterpart, Whalley Abbey.
The oldest mansion in Lancashire, Brownsholme Corridor is to be present in Ribble Valley. It’s a positive instance of an Elizabethan manor. In case you go to the village of Hurst Inexperienced, don’t miss Stonyhurst Faculty, which was an inspiration to the writer J.R.R. Tolkien.
Beacon Fell – a phenomenal place to discover in Lancashire that’s residence to woodland, moorland and farmland.
Beacon Fell summit is nearly 900 toes above sea degree and boasts spectacular views of the Forest of Bowland and Morecambe Bay. The park spans over 271 acres of woodland, moorland, and farmland and has round 250,000 guests per yr.
Wycoller Nation Park – one of many prettiest Nation Parks in Lancashire which additionally has ties with the Bronte sisters
Near the border with Yorkshire is the village of Wycoller, which dates again to Saxon occasions. It’s a very small hamlet, which nearly turned deserted, however is now being revived. The trigger for its decline was the Industrial Revolution when cotton mills diminished the demand for Wycoller’s sheep-farming and manufacturing of woolen textiles.
Most vacationers go to Wycoller at the moment to walk by means of the 350 acres of Wycoller Nation Park, the lands surrounding Wycoller Corridor. The Corridor is now in ruins, however has an attention-grabbing historical past; the Brontë sisters used to go to regularly, and, based mostly on the descriptions in her e book, Charlotte Brontë used Wycoller Corridor because the inspiration for Ferndean, Mr Rochester’s second residence in Jane Eyre.
No place in Lancashire appears to lack ghosts, and Wycoller is not any exception. Not solely does it have human spectres, it additionally has a canine and horses. The Cunliffe males had been undoubtedly not good marriage materials; two of them had been rumoured to have murdered their wives. The primary ghost is Simon Cunliffe, who seems galloping up the steps on a ghostly horse.
He then both killed his spouse or she died of fright. Her ghost can be encountered wandering by means of the ruined corridor. One other Cunliffe married a girl he met within the West Indies and had second ideas concerning the marriage travelling residence, and threw her overboard. She is called “Black Bess” and can be encountered by the courageous customer.
Astley Corridor – a phenomenal nation home in Chorley, Lancashire
This Corridor, ancestral residence of the Charnocks and later, by marriage, of the Brookes, dates again to Tudor occasions, with numerous additions within the 1600s and 1800s. In 1922, Reginald Tatton transferred possession to the Chorley Company, with the intent of utilizing it as a memorial to native servicemen killed throughout the Nice Struggle. It has since been managed as a museum. It has many spectacular relics, akin to furnishings and Flemish tapestries, what it’s well-known, if not infamous for, is the flowery and over-the-top Jacobean plasterwork executed throughout the mid-Seventeenth century.
The grounds are spectacular and exquisite and have just lately been renovated with help from the Lottery Fund. There are about 40 hectares of woodlands and gardens, together with a sensory backyard and a cenotaph to the fallen troopers.
Blackpool Central Pier at Sundown – a surprising made-made attraction in Lancashire
Whereas Blackpool might not be on the highest of your locations to go to in Lancashire, add Central Pier to your record. North Pier was Blackpool’s unique pier, a spot for leisurely strolls and taking within the sea air, constructed within the 1860s.
So profitable was North Pier, that it was shortly determined to construct Central Pier in 1864, adopted by South Pier 30 years later. Central Pier is normally not a spot for leisure; arcades, bars, and a Ferris wheel present leisure, however at sundown, the pier turns into a magnet for photographers. Many photographers watch for the important second to {photograph} the Pier, with the long-lasting Ferris wheel as a part of the composition.
Burscough – a small Lancashire city which is residence to plenty of attention-grabbing points of interest
Burscough is a small city close to to Ormskirk that has a number of points of interest for guests. Its origins will be traced again to Viking settlements and it was additionally an essential non secular centre, though solely the ruins of Burscough Priory stay now. The Priory was based in 1190 and dissolved by Act of Parliament in 1536. A number of tombs within the Priory had been moved to Ormskirk Priory Church, in addition to 8 of the bells, whereas the remaining bells can now be present in Croston Church.
Burscough lies in the course of the Lancashire Plains, which made it a pure website for a part of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the development of which introduced new residents to the city. You’ll be able to stroll or cycle alongside the towpaths of the canal.
Tarlscough, which is a part of Burscough parish, has an essential wildlife refuge, the Martin Mere Wetlands. It has pens of unique fowls from Africa, Australia, Siberia and different biomes, however is a vital website for native birds, akin to pink-footed geese and whooper swans, however there are lots of different potentialities for the devoted twitcher, akin to overwintering peregrines.
Williamson Park – a sprawling parkland which is residence to enchanting walks
Williamson Park is a favorite place for Lancastrians to loosen up. Set atop a hill, with 54 acres of woodland to meander by means of, there are fantastic views throughout Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland mountains to the west and the Forest of Bowland to the east. On the summit of the park sits the Ashton Memorial, constructed by the primary Lord Ashton in 1909 to commemorate the reminiscence of his spouse Jessy.
One of many many points of interest of the Park is the Butterfly Home. Initially serving as a greenhouse for palms in Edwardian days, it has been transformed right into a rainforest habitat. Tyhere are stunning butterflies, akin to Blue Morphos, however look out for different attention-grabbing species, like tortoises hiding within the shrubbery and Koi within the ponds.
