Riverside camping in Lancashire

What to see and do while camping in Lancashire

You may be content to just take it easy and make the most of your camping or glamping site in Lancashire but if you do want to get out and explore there’s plenty to see and do in the county. Visit Lancashire provides official tourist information but you might like to take a look at the Hipcamp list of highlights below too.

1. Explore the Forest of Bowland.

A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Forest of Bowland is not all forest but 312 square miles of gritstone fells on the edge of the Pennines with wooded areas, farmland and moorland. Horse-riding, cycling and hiking are all popular activities in the area which includes Pendle Hill within its designated boundaries despite it being geographically separate.

2. Walk up Pendle Hill.

A good route starts in the village of Barley and takes you past reservoirs, over dry-stone walls and pleasant countryside to the 557-metre summit where you’ll have views of Pemble, the surrounding villages and the Ribble Valley. But there’s a dark side to all this rural beauty as the area was home to the Pendle witches who were executed after the famous Pendle witch trials back in the 17th century and there are plenty of reminders.

3. Go on the Trail of the Pendle Witches.

Starting at the Pendle Heritage Centre you can learn about the Pendle witches and follow in their footsteps. There is a long-distance footpath of 51 miles which ends at Lancaster Castle where 11 locals faced trial for witchcraft. Unless you’re a dedicated hiker you may want to tackle just a part of it or drive to see the highlights as you learn the fascinating and troubling story of the men and women executed for sorcery.

4. Take a selfie with Eric Morecambe.

A slightly larger-than-life statue of the comedian, one half of Moreambe and Wise, stands on the promenade at Morecambe, the town where he was born. Your kids might not remember his comedy genius but it seems none can resist having a photo taken with this quirky bronze which attracts queues on busier days in the town.

5. See the sunset at Morecambe Bay.

Dubbed “nature’s amphitheatre” by the local tourist organisations, Morecambe Bay accounts for a huge part of the Lancashire coastline and stretches into neighbouring Cumbria. Known for its mud flats and cockles, it is also a fantastic place for birdwatching (note the binoculars on the statue of Eric Morecambe) and beautiful sunsets. A late-afternoon or evening stroll on one of its many pathways should reveal both.

6. Ride a rollercoaster at Blackpool.

If the natural side of the seaside does not fulfil, you can always head for the bright lights of Blackpool’s famous pleasure beach where there are enough rollercoasters for thrill seeking-adults and fairground rides to keep the kids happy all day. While you’re in the area you can check out the amusement arcades and some of historic Blackpool’s seaside attractions…

7. Head up the Blackpool Tower.

Modelled on the Eiffel Tower but about half the height at 158 metres tall (the Eiffel Tower is about 300 metres), the Blackpool Tower was opened in 1894. As a tourist attraction it’s still going strong and as well as offering panoramic views over the sea and Lancashire coast, it is linked to other attractions including the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom, a circus and a gruesome dungeon attraction.

8. Go birdwatching at RSPB Leighton Moss.

This reserve is home to the largest reedbed in north-west England and also has woodland, limestone grassland, mudflats and saltwater lagoons. This diverse range of habitats mean it is home to a wide variety of birds from bitterns in the wetlands to tawny owls in the woodlands and curlews in the lagoons.

9. Cruise on the canals and waterways.

The Leeds-Liverpool Canal meets the Lancaster Canal in Lancashire and provides a peaceful way to explore the county and its history. It’s also a great way to see wildlife. You can take to the water on a guided canal boat cruise or explore on foot by following the tow paths along its banks.

10. Tuck in to a Lancashire Hotpot.

Lancashire’s most famous dish is a staple on most pub menus so if you’re heading for a meal out during your glamping or camping holiday in Lancashire, this is the dinner to go for. Traditionally made with lamb and topped with sliced potatoes, this hearty one-pot meal makes the most of Lancashire produce and tastes pretty good too.