Bowland Breaks

5 Must-Do Family Adventures During Your Lancashire Stay

May 31, 2023

You’ve booked your family getaway with Bowland Breaks here are 5 must do family adventures to exploring the beautiful Lancashire countryside. But with so much to see and do, where do you start?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are 5 must-do family adventures to experience during your stay. From scenic bike rides to hands-on farm visits, Lancashire offers fun for all ages.

Get ready to make memories that will last long after you return home. With these family-friendly activities, your Lancashire holiday is sure to be one for the books.

Exploring the Ribble Valley by Bike

Exploring the Ribble Valley by bike is a must for any active family. With miles of bike trails and country lanes winding through lush green landscapes, it’s a perfect way to spend a day.

Rent bikes from one of the local shops like Ribble Valley Bikes or Bowland Bikes. They offer bikes for riders of all ages and experience levels. Once you’ve got your wheels, head to the Ribble Valley Rail Trail. This flat, traffic-free path follows the old Clitheroe to Hellifield railway line for 12 miles. It’s ideal for kids and leisurely riding.

For more adventure, hit the country roads. The Ribble Valley has hundreds of miles of quiet lanes with stunning views. Pack a picnic, fill your water bottles, and go wherever the road takes you. Just be sure to bring a map in case you get turned around!

If your crew prefers downhill thrills, head to Gisburn Forest, the UK’s first purpose-built mountain bike trail center. With jumps, berms, and technical trails, there are routes for all abilities. The “blue” and “red” trails are great for families.

No matter how you choose to explore, biking in the Ribble Valley will create memories to last for years to come. And the best part? Exhausted kids who sleep like logs!

A Day Out at Brockholes Nature Reserve

A trip to Brockholes Nature Reserve is a perfect family adventure during your stay in Lancashire. This 250-acre reserve has something for everyone.

Kids will love the adventure playground, complete with swings, climbing frames, and a giant sandpit. Burn off some energy on the nature trails or rent bikes to explore.
Birdwatchers rejoice! Over 230 species of birds call Brockholes home. Pack your binoculars and a field guide to spot everything from kingfishers to Peregrine falcons.
The floating visitor center is an eco-friendly space with interactive exhibits, a cafe, and a shop. Grab a snack or souvenir after a day of outdoor fun.
Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding on the lake is a must. Rent equipment to get out on the water and you might spot otters, water voles, or dragonflies.

With beautiful scenery, wildlife galore, and activities for all ages, Brockholes Nature Reserve makes for an unforgettable family day out in Lancashire’s countryside. The kids won’t want to leave, and you’ll be planning your return visit before you go! A perfect escape for nature-loving families.

Steaming Through the Countryside on the East Lancashire Railway

All Aboard!

Climb aboard a heritage steam train for a memorable ride through the picturesque Ribble Valley. The East Lancashire Railway offers round-trip excursions from Bury to Rawtenstall that the whole family will enjoy.

Travel back in time to the golden age of steam as you ride in beautifully restored carriages from the early 1900s. The rhythmic chugging of the engine and whistle blasts will thrill little train enthusiasts.
Soak in scenic views of lush green countryside, rolling hills, and meandering rivers along the 12-mile round trip. You may spot wildlife like birds, sheep, or cows along the way.
Make a day of it by stopping off at some of the station cafes or pubs for lunch or afternoon tea. Some stations have playgrounds, walking trails, and museums to explore before catching your return train.
Special themed events like Santa trains, murder mysteries, or real ale trail rides run on select weekends. Check the schedule for family-friendly seasonal rides around Easter, summer, and Christmas holidays.

A ride on a steam train is a memorable step back in time for both children and adults. All aboard for an adventure in nostalgia on the East Lancashire Railway! Choo choo! Next stop, family fun.

A day at the Sandcastle Blackpool

A Splashing Good Time

A trip to the Sandcastle Waterpark is a must for any family adventure in Lancashire. With over 18 slides and attractions, there’s something for everyone at the UK’s largest indoor waterpark.

After arriving, head to the changing rooms to get into your swimsuits and grab a locker for your belongings. Then it’s time to hit the slides! Little ones will love the lazy river, wave pool, and splash pads. For bigger kids and thrill-seeking parents, take on the Master Blaster or the Sidewinder. The Master Blaster is one of the tallest and fastest waterslides in the world with a near-vertical drop. The Sidewinder is a high-speed waterslide featuring sharp turns and drops that’ll have you screaming with delight.

When you’ve had your fill of the slides, refuel at one of the onsite restaurants. Grab some fish and chips, pizza, or light snacks to satisfy your hunger after an action-packed morning. After lunch, dry off and head to the arcade to play some games. Try your hand at skeeball, whack-a-mole, and racing games. Use the tickets you win to get fun prizes to take home.

A day at the Sandcastle is entertainment for the whole family. Thrilling waterslides, a huge wave pool, splash pads, and an arcade will create memories that last long after your Lancashire holiday ends. Don’t miss out on this adventure – your kids will thank you for it!

Explore the Bowland Wild Boar Park

No trip to Lancashire is complete without visiting the Bowland Wild Boar Park. This wildlife park is home to over 100 wild boars, as well as other native British wildlife like red deer, otters, and birds of prey.

You and your family can take a safari tour on a 4×4 truck to get up close with the animals in their naturalistic enclosures. The knowledgeable guides will teach you all about the different species and their habitats. Kids will love feeding the wild boars and deer, and the park’s adventure playground and picnic areas make it a perfect family day out.

Take a 4×4 safari tour to see the animals up close in their enclosures
Learn about the native British wildlife from knowledgeable guides
Feed the wild boars, deer, and other animals
Enjoy the adventure playground and picnic areas
A perfect family adventure and day out in nature

The park is open daily from March to October and on weekends in November and February. Tours run every 30 minutes from 10 am to 4 pm. Advance booking is recommended, especially during school holidays and weekends. Entry fees include access to the whole park and one 4×4 safari tour.

For an exciting family adventure exploring the British countryside and wildlife, the Bowland Wild Boar Park should be at the top of your list of must-do activities during your stay in Lancashire.

Conclusion

So there you have it, 5 must-do family adventures to experience during your stay at one of Bowland Breaks’ holiday cottages in Lancashire. From exploring the beautiful countryside and Tolkien Trail to enjoying thrilling rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, there’s something for everyone in the family.

Make the most of your time exploring this picturesque part of England by trying out some or all of these recommendations. You’ll go home with amazing memories of the stunning scenery, delicious food, and time spent together as a family creating adventures you’ll talk about for years to come.

Lancashire is waiting to give you an unforgettable family getaway, so start planning your trip today!

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