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The best family days out in Lancashire
When it comes to fun-filled family days out in Lancashire, the county really has it all. From the bright lights of Blackpool to the peaceful hills of the Forest of Bowland, this beautiful county is packed with things to see and do, whatever the weather.
Whether you’ve got toddlers who love animals, school-aged adventurers with energy to burn, or teenagers who are hard to impress, here are some of the best family attractions and days out in Lancashire that are guaranteed to keep everyone smiling.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
If you’re looking for a full day of thrills, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is hard to beat. As one of the UK’s iconic theme parks, it’s packed with rides and attractions for all ages.
Little ones will love Nickelodeon Land, where gentle rides, colourful backdrops and character meet-and-greets make for plenty of excitement and lots of photo opportunities. Meanwhile, older kids and brave grown-ups can scream their way around white-knuckle rides like The Big Dipper, ICON and the towering Big One, which is still one of the tallest rollercoasters in the country.
Beyond the rides, Blackpool’s famous seafront has even more to explore. The sandy beach is perfect for building sandcastles or taking a donkey ride, while top attractions like Blackpool Tower, the SEA LIFE Centre and Madame Tussauds are perfect for a rainy day.
Williamson Park and the Ashton Memorial
Over in Lancaster, Williamson Park is a green, leafy escape which is ideal for families looking for things to do in Lancashire. Winding paths, open grassy areas and the spectacular Ashton Memorial, often named the “Taj Mahal of the North”, make it a lovely place to spend the day.
Kids will also love the mini zoo and butterfly house, where they can meet reptiles, meerkats and see hundreds of brightly coloured butterflies fluttering around tropical plants.
Bowland Wild Boar Park
Tucked away in the Forest of Bowland, Bowland Wild Boar Park offers a hands-on, countryside adventure that’s perfect for young animal lovers. Here you can feed the animals, follow woodland trails and even spot real wild boar in their natural habitat.
During the spring and summer, little ones can bottle-feed lambs, hold baby chicks, and hop on a tractor and trailer ride through the countryside. Add in an outdoor play area, a river to splash in and a cafe serving tasty local treats and you’ve got the perfect family day out.
Ribble Steam Railway
Got a little one who loves trains? Or maybe a grandparent with a soft spot for steam? The Ribble Steam Railway, set along the River Ribble, offers short but scenic rides aboard beautifully restored steam engines.
There’s also a hands-on museum, where kids can climb aboard vintage locomotives and peek into the workshop to watch engineers in action. On special event days, there’s even more to enjoy, including craft stalls and vintage vehicle displays.
Clitheroe Castle
One of the oldest and most historic places to visit in Lancashire, Clitheroe Castle sits proudly on the top of a steep hill, giving you incredible panoramic views.
Inside, the museum is full of interactive displays and interesting stories about the local area, while outside, the spacious castle grounds are perfect for a picnic or a run around. Right next to the castle is a great children’s play area too, which is always popular with young families.
Thornton Hall Country Park
Thornton Hall Country Park is one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Lancashire, and it’s easy to see why. There’s a fantastic mix of activities, from pony rides and soft play to quad bikes and a giant outdoor adventure zone.
In the animal barn, kids can stroke and feed everything from fluffy rabbits to curious goats, while regular shows add structure to your visit. Throughout the year, seasonal events like lambing weekends, summer foam parties and Halloween trails keep things fresh. There are also plenty of indoor options, which make it a great place to visit, even when the weather turns.
The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre
If you’re looking for indoor family attractions in Lancashire, The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre near Garstang is a great all-weather option. This modern, stylish complex has something for everyone, including ten-pin bowling, crazy pool, curling and a cinema.
Toddlers can enjoy the soft play area, while older children will love the 18-hole indoor crazy golf course, complete with tropical jungle scenery, Japanese gardens and amazing water features.
Thinking of living in Lancashire?
At Lancet Homes, we’re proud to build high-quality new homes in Lancashire, including our popular The Copse development.
Set in a peaceful, green location with great transport links and excellent local amenities, The Copse is ideal for families looking to settle in a place surrounded by great days out, beautiful countryside and top family attractions nearby.
You can learn more about our houses for sale in Lancashire and discover life at The Copse here.