By Mark Campbell
There are many reasons to visit Lancashire, but here are the top 10.
The county is rich in wildlife
Not surprising with so much rural land, but even so there is much for everyone to see at several reserves in the county, such as the Martin Mere Wetland Centre in Burscough, not to be confused with Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve in Blackpool, not to be confused with Mere Sands Wood at Rufford.
Visit the local wildlife at the Martin Mere Wetland Centre
The gin renaissance
The gin revolution is booming in Lancashire. And it’s not just about the bottles you can buy locally like Batch Brew, Cuckoo, Black Powder and Goosnargh Gin. Gin distillery tours and gin tastings would suggest that a cult following has developed around the juniper-infused spirit.
Lancashire loves a laugh
Many famous comedians and comic actors were born in the county, among them Peter Kay, Victoria Wood, Dave Spikey, Eric Morecambe, Eric Sykes, Cannon & Ball, Steve Pemberton, Johnny Vegas and Kim Cattrall. The Comedy Carpet at Blackpool pays tribute to these and many more.
Lancashire is sports mad
It seems every Lancastrian village has both a football and cricket pitch, and the county offers world class viewing in both sports, as well as in golf at Royal Lytham. Lancashire has produced some of the greatest ever sports stars over the years, from Tom Finney to Freddie Flintoff to Bill Beaumont.
Take part in the Burnley 10k Challenge
The World Gravy Wrestling Championships are hosted here
Indeed. Every August Bank Holiday Monday at The Rose N Bowl, Stacksteads, this unique competition takes place. It’s all about fun, with points awarded for costumes and making the crowd laugh. Oh, and occasionally for wrestling skills as well.
The beautiful countryside
Lancashire has vast areas of stunning scenery, from Arnside and Silverdale AONB to the Pennines and the Forest of Bowland. Within this region The Trough of Bowland is an iconic stretch of countryside and Beacon Fell Country Park gives views on a clear day as far as Morecambe Bay.
Lancashire has a rich textile heritage
The county processed 80 per cent of all the world’s cotton at the height of the industrial revolution. Many mill shops remain today and the fascinating story of the golden age is told at Helmshore Mills Textile Museum, Rossendale, which includes a full size Spinning Jenny machine.
We do love to be beside the seaside
Lancashire’s western border is entirely coastline, and what a stunning stretch it is, too. Blackpool may grab the headlines but from Lytham up to Fleetwood, to Glasson Dock and Morecambe, to Bolton-le-Sands, Carnforth and Silverdale, there are glorious beaches and views.
Take a stroll along Morecambe Bay
It’s still at the heart of the rail network
Lancashire still runs steam trains for tourists and the modern network serves millions each year. Carnforth has a rich railway history and was used as a location in 1945 romantic drama Brief Encounter. The station’s now famous clock and refreshment room remain a popular attraction.
Home-grown recipes are delicious
Lancashire is responsible for the hotpot, toad in the hole and black puddings. The first ever fish and chip shop opened in the county and Lancashire is also famous for its cheese, Eccles cakes, parkin and oatcakes.
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