Lancashire - What you need to know before you go - Go Guides

Lancashire in North West England covers an area of over 1,000 square miles. Around 80% of the county is rural, comprising sprawling countryside, canal waterways, and national parks. Explorers can enjoy hiking or cycling in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), such as the Forest of Bowland and Pendle Hill. Both are rich in rare wildlife and natural landscapes, with long-distance trails and spectacular views.

A road trip across Lancashire leads you to a good mix of modern cities, market towns, and rural villages. Draped in rich history, the county has many castles and towers dating back to medieval times. One of its most iconic structures is Lancaster Castle, where the infamous Lancashire Witch Trials of 1612 took place. Modern marvels are plentiful as well, ranging from world-class golf courses and marinas to waterparks and observation decks.

Top destinations in Lancashire

Where will you go next?

Warrington
Warrington is an English town situated between Liverpool and Manchester that is notable for its art gallery, theme park, canal and family fun adventures. The Warrington Museum and Art Gallery showcases archaeological finds, artefacts, paintings, arts and crafts from all...
Preston
Preston, in Lancashire, offers everything from outdoor adventures to arts and culture, scenic countryside and hands-on history exhibits to thrill...
Blackpool
Blackpool is long-established as the UK's best-loved beach town, with an inimitable nostalgic vibe, retro amusements galore, as well as...

What to see & do in Lancashire

Featured stories & fun stuff

10 Most Picturesque Villages in Lancashire
The most picturesque villages in Lancashire lie within national parks, nature reserves and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In some hamlets, you won’t see any electrical wiring or TV aerials, while in others you’ll find grand manor homes, some of...
10 Best Things to Do in Blackpool
The best things to do in Blackpool are found stretched along the coast of this British seaside resort in the...
10 Best Road Trips near Blackpool
The best road trips near Blackpool include a variety of beautiful villages, natural wonders and countryside vistas in less than...
10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Blackpool
The sorts of mistakes people make when visiting Blackpool are generally not serious enough to ruin your holiday completely. They're...
10 Best Golf Courses Around Blackpool
Blackpool is a popular seaside resort area that’s known for swimming, sunshine and premier golf. You’ll find a wide variety...
10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Blackpool
Blackpool offers a variety of things for you to enjoy on a couples holiday, whether you're looking for picturesque views...
10 Best Family Things to Do in Blackpool
There is a wide range of family things to do in Blackpool, with the town being famous for its theme...
8 Best Beaches around Blackpool
Blackpool is a popular seaside resort area on the Irish Coast of England that’s home to many beautiful beaches. Families...
10 Best Things to Do in Preston
Preston, also known as The Gate, is a lovely city with plenty to see and do, including museums, outdoor adventures...

Where & what to eat in Lancashire

10 Great Restaurants in Blackpool
This guide to great restaurants in Blackpool will show you some of the most elegant and welcoming dinner spots in the area. Right by the coast, there are plenty of options with scenic views of the sea, as well as...
10 Best Fish and Chip Shops in Blackpool
The best fish and chip shops in Blackpool make good use of their position right by the Irish Sea to...
10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Blackpool
The seaside resort town of Blackpool has been popular with travellers for centuries, thanks to its pristine beaches and the...

Where to shop & what to buy in Lancashire

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Blackpool
You’ll find the top local shopping spots in Blackpool inside large markets, designer outlets, on pedestrianised streets, and by the ocean. Independent retailers through to national chains sell goods ranging from designer and second-hand clothing to antiques, collectables and Edwardian china. Thanks to the diversity of its retail landscape, Blackpool is a shopping mecca in North West England. Whether you’re hunting...
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Where to go & what to do at night in Lancashire

12 Best Nightlife Experiences in Blackpool
Once Britain’s most popular seaside resort, nightlife in Blackpool has experienced a renaissance in recent years with tourists from across the nation once more flocking to the town’s fun-filled theme parks and buzzing bars. Without a doubt, Blackpool is best known...
10 Best Bars, Live Music, and Nightclubs in Blackpool
Aside from its most famous attractions like the Pleasure Beach and delicious fish and chip dinners at the seaside, Blackpool's 10 best bars, live music and nightclubs draw in the biggest crowds. Blackpool has quickly and easily become one of...

Useful information

10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Blackpool
The sorts of mistakes people make when visiting Blackpool are generally not serious enough to ruin your holiday completely. They're more like inconveniences that could come as an unpleasant surprise if you’re not prepared for them and, more importantly, you...
Blackpool Travel Essentials
Our Blackpool Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of the most popular destinations in the UK. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the...

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