From Morecambe in Lancashire, the Way of the Roses runs via Lancaster and York to Bridlington. This coast-to-coast route connects several places and provides a broad framework for a trip. Other trails explore river landscapes and hill country, while historic sites and a significant reedbed offer very different highlights. When planning your trip, you can therefore discover Lancashire according to the experience that interests you most: outdoor activity, wildlife watching or cultural history.

Walking and Cycling Routes

The Ribble Way follows the River Ribble from the coast near Preston to its source in the uplands of the Yorkshire Dales. It is 70 miles long and divided into seven sections. The Pendle Way is a 45-mile circular walking route with eight sections. Their length and layout make the two trails easy to distinguish: the Ribble Way follows the river to its source, while the Pendle Way is a circular route.

Cyclists can also choose from different types of routes. The Lancashire Cycleway consists of northern and southern circular routes that meet in Whalley. It follows quiet country lanes through scenic areas, is well signposted and can be reached from several railway stations along the route. If you plan to travel by train, check the timetable in advance, as services and times may change.

At Beacon Fell, the Fellside Trail is a circular route for mountain bikes; the ride takes about an hour. Trail conditions can change, so check them before your visit. Another option is the multi-use route along the River Lune: it follows the river roughly from Glasson, near Cockerham, via Lancaster to Bull Beck, near Caton. The section between Lancaster and the Bull Beck Picnic Site runs along the banks of the River Lune and is suitable for people with disabilities. Check local conditions in advance.

Reedbed, Riverbanks and Wildlife

The landscape of Lancashire includes the wildlife-rich shores of Morecambe Bay and the gently rolling scenery of the Forest of Bowland. Leighton Moss is a special place for wildlife watching: the nature reserve is home to the largest reedbed in north-west England. Otters, bitterns, marsh harriers and red deer are among the wildlife that live there; sightings vary by season.

Accessibility at Leighton Moss varies: all paths are fully accessible, except for the path to Lower Hide. All the bird hides are wheelchair accessible. As information about facilities can change, check the latest conditions before your visit. Silverdale railway station is 250 metres from Leighton Moss and is on the Manchester Airport/Preston–Barrow line. Timetables and services may change, so check travel times in advance.

Castles, Weaving and Roman History

Lancaster Castle is one of England’s best-preserved castles and offers guided tours. On a tour, you visit parts of the modern prison, Georgian courtrooms and medieval areas. The courtrooms are also associated with the trials of the Lancashire Witches, who were sentenced to death in 1612. The different rooms bring several eras together in one place.

Discover industrial history at Queen Street Mill. It is the world’s last surviving steam-powered 19th-century weaving mill; 308 Lancashire looms still stand in the weaving shed. Tours trace the process from raw cotton to woven fabric and demonstrate historic machinery. Demonstrations may vary depending on the programme.

In Ribchester, a Roman bathhouse recalls the region’s history. It was built around AD 100 for cavalry soldiers and the local Romano-British population. The ruins are open to the public free of charge year-round from 9 a.m. until dusk. As visitor arrangements may change, it is a good idea to check conditions before travelling.

Lancashire Produce

Regional food and drink are also among the things to discover: Bowland Food Hall showcases producers from Lancashire and gives local makers a platform to sell their products. The range of traders and goods on offer may change. A glimpse of regional production can thus complement the nature and cultural themes without limiting your stay to a single focus.

Discover more destinations: Wrea Green, Skelmersdale, Samlesbury, Rufford, Preston, Poulton Le Fylde, Over Kellet, Ormskirk, Morecambe, Leyland, Lancaster, Holcombe, Haslingden, Garstang, Fleetwood, Croston, Cockerham, Clitheroe, Carnforth, Burnley, Accrington, West Bradford, Tunstall, Chorley, Newchurch, Ellel, Barton, Kirkham, Pilling, Rawtenstall, Broughton, Burscough, St Michael's On Wyre, Lea, Waterloo, Kelbrook, Appley Bridge, Sabden, Scarisbrick, Oswaldtwistle, Bacup, Charnock Richard, Colne, Up Holland, Great Harwood, Heysham, Whitworth, Nelson, Bickerstaffe, Langho, Penwortham, Fulwood, Rishton, Wilpshire, Euxton, Scorton, Hornby, Whalley, Goosnargh, Foulridge, Barnoldswick, Thornton-Cleveleys, Whittingham, Silverdale, Longridge, Hutton, Worsthorne, Calder Vale, Leck, Lytham Saint Annes, Winewall, Southfield, Ribchester, Claughton-on-Brock, Withnell, Slaidburn, Barrowford, Salterforth, Preesall, Bolton by Bowland, Aughton, Hoghton, Arkholme, Hest Bank

For the main travel overview: North West England.