Explore These Six Essential Lancashire Getaways for Your 2026 Travel Plans
- Richard
- Jan 23
- 7 min read
New year, new travel plans? If this is the case, then look no further than a fabulous Lancashire getaway
Take a look at these fabulous short break ideas which are sure to excite. Whether you are looking to get away with your loved one, family, friends, or even on your own you are sure to find something that ticks off your requirements in Lancashire.
Let the kid's imagination run wild in forests and on trails
Lancashire's beautiful and unspoilt countryside offers so many opportunities to let the kids go wild! Discover Lancashire's wildlife at Gisburn Forest; with its walking and biking trails that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons and where a family focused festival, SeekOut, returns 24-26 July 2026 with a boutique wellbeing, music and arts event located in spectacular woodland.
The Pendle Sculpture Trail in Barley, or Pendle Hill itself are great walks in the area too, and many kids love to let their imaginations run wild at the Sawley Abbey ruins.
Nearby at Thornton Hall Country Park there are so many things for the kids to do to blow off some steam, and lots of amazing farm animals to meet and greet too. If the weather isn't on your side, you can head to The Fun House in Colne where you'll find a roller disco rink and Axes to Ashes axe throwing experiences!
There is a whole host of accommodation options nearby, including the incredible Ribblesdale Park Holiday Homes, Thornton Hall County Park Camping or Glamping and Pendle Holiday Cottages. Those looking to visit SeekOut Festival can also stay right on site in their four-person glamping tents.
Make time for friends with a group getaway in Silverdale
Life sometimes gets in the way of true catch ups, so what better way to show how much your friends mean to each other than with a getaway to the beautiful Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape?
Relax in comfort at Brackenthwaite Farm Holidays, a collection of cottages which are dog, and even horse friendly. Enjoy walks along Silverdale beach with its beautiful cliffside coves or take in the incredible views from the top of Arnside Knott or Warton Crag. Learn a thing or two about birds at RPSB Leighton Moss and enjoy mouthwatering lunch at The Wolf Cafe. A little further afield you can discover the incredible history and cultural heritage of Carnforth Railway Station which was used as the backdrop for the iconic 1949 movie Brief Encounter, pick up the latest bestsellers at Carnforth Bookshop and stop by Greenlands Farm Village where you can find animals of all shapes and sizes, not to mention laser tag, mountain boarding, glass sledging and quad biking! There's even a farm shop here where you can pick up some local delicacies to take back to your cosy cottage.
Plus, if you don't feel like cooking in the evenings, The Silverdale Hotel is on hand to provide delicious meals made with fresh local ingredients; don't miss the hand beer battered haddock or the pie of the day!
Indulge in Lancashire's Michelin Star restaurants
A little luxury is warranted when you work so hard, and if Michelin Star restaurants are your thing, then Lancashire has you covered. Head to Lancashire's stunning Ribble Valley where you'll find Northcote, with Executive Chef Director Lisa Goodwin-Allen at the helm who creates incredible seasonal menus that celebrate the very best local produce from her home county. Stay in one of Northcote's rooms for a luxurious stay that's unforgettable.
Just a few miles away you'll find another Michelin Star at The White Swan at Fence, the only Timothy Taylor's pub to have a Michelin Star, and one of only 21 pubs in the UK to hold a star. Here Head Chef and proud local lad Tom Parker draws inspiration from his experience and the local landscape to deliver a genuine taste of Lancashire.
Looking to stay nearby then make your base Everything Retreat in Mellor, a unique collection of 12 lodges, meticulously designed with luxury in mind. Each lodge features private terrace, hot tub, log burner and a stylish interior; take advantage of the concierge service plus breakfast delivered to your door each morning and simply relax.
For an impressive array of Michelin Stars in one location, head to Aughton in West Lancashire. In this extraordinary Lancashire village Chef Patron Mark Birchall's Moor Hall boasts two restaurants with five stars between them. Moor Hall Restaurant was awarded its third star last year, holds a green Michelin Star and was named as the Holdens Guide Number 1 Restaurant in the UK in 2025 too. It's sister restaurant, The Barn at Moor Hall, also holds a Michelin Star. Stay in one of Moor Hall's traditional country house bedrooms or in the design-conscious garden rooms in this internationally recognised, multi award-winning establishment. Located close-by is another not-to-be-missed Michelin starred restaurant Chef Patron Tim Allen's sō-lō, a Michelin Star restaurant which has just undergone a major refurbishment which includes the addition of a new and very special Chef's Table experience just for two.
Be one of the first to ride a brand-new rollercoaster ride at Pleasure Beach Resort
Pleasure Beach Resort in Blackpool celebrates its 130-year anniversary this year, a major milestone for any attraction, and one they are celebrating by opening the tallest Gyro Swing in the UK in Spring. Aviktas will stand at 138ft high and swing riders 120 degrees through the air, parallel to the beautiful Lancashire coast, making them feel like they're flying.
In addition to the new ride, the resort is marking 90 years since the start of the Ice show with a brand-new Hot Ice XC show and a new family Alice in Wonderland themed ice show: Alice, Frozen in a Wonderland of Dreams.
Families can find so much fun and excitement at the resort, which offers the Wallace and Gromit themed ride, water rides and of course The Big One. For younger visitors there's also Nickelodeon Land, which features rides themed around some of the best-known characters from the channel including SpongeBob SquarePants, the Rugrats and Dora the Explorer. There are other new events and attractions popping up in and around Blackpool too. Keep the kids entertained with a new season show at Blackpool Tower Circus, a Potions Academy which has opened at Hole in Wand Blackpool and a new Giraffe habitat expected to open at Blackpool Zoo in the Spring. Existing attractions like Gruffalo & Friends Club House, Showtown and the Cleveleys Mythic Coast Trail add to a perfect day day out on the coast.
When looking for the ultimate family friendly stay, head to Stanley Villa Farm and Fishing, a glamping site just on the edge of the town which will open five new glamping pods for hire this year, including two fully accessible pods for guests to relax in. There will also be two wood-fired hot tubs added to the site for guests to book and a newly refurbished shop, adding to the already brilliant and personal approach to holidays that owner Alex and his team provide. The kids will love following Alex to the paddocks to feed the animals or to the lake to learn how to fish.
Looking for a slow-adventure break? Look no further than the Forest of Bowland
If you have intentions to slow down and make the most of every moment, the Ribble Valley is the ideal place to do so. Known as gourmet valley because of its abundance of incredible eateries, you can work your way through incredible bistros, gastropubs and cafes whilst taking in the Lancashire countryside, and relaxing in the comfort of a brand-new hotel.
Longridge House opened at the end of 2025 and delivers exception style and comfort. Surrounded by wonderful scenery, the hotel is a mecca for slow living, switching off and making memories with mouthwatering food on offer in The Dining Room.
Also, nearby you can find renowned restaurants such as The Inn at Whitewell, The Three Fishes at Mitton and The Shireburn Arms and fabulous walks like The Tolkien Trail or the 6-mile Lancashire Cheese trail.
For those looking for a slow-adventure break, there are higher level hikes in the area too which offer incredible views across the Lancashire countryside including Longridge Fell, Beacon Fell – which is great for beginners – or Nicky Nook. The long-distance Thirlmere Way trail also runs through Longridge, with the village the starting point for the 27-mile-long Longridge to Cabus section.
Other amazing experiences include Inch Perfect Trials, the ideal place high-level adrenaline adventure to get muddy and race against your loved ones on trial bikes!
Enjoy traditional seaside break in Lytham
For many decades hundreds of holiday makers have made their way to the seaside for a breath of fresh air, to relax and to see the sights and sounds found on the coastline.
If you want to relive those childhood memories of days on the beach, or even experience a new to you part of England's fabulous coastline, head to Lytham to enjoy traditional seaside fun, you could even bring the dog.
Lytham St Annes offers so many great places to eat, stay and shop. With an abundance of boutique stores, restaurants, pubs and cafes, not to mention traditional windmills, piers and more, the area allows you to step back for a bit of coastal calm.
Stay at Offshore, overlooking the promenade, with its 99 bedrooms and bar and kitchen serving up delicious home cooked food, you can't go wrong. Especially if you are bringing the dog along for the trip as the hotel provide dog friendly rooms and bar area, plus the beach directly in front of Offshore, and down to nearby Fairhaven Lake, is dog friendly all year round.
While in the area there are so many great attractions and events to enjoy, from an evening of culture at Lowther Pavillion to the world-class Lytham Festival which takes place from 1st to 5th July and this year features Alanis Morisette, The Pat Shop Boys, Pitbull and more. There are regular gin tasting workshops held by local gin distillery Sandgrown Spirits and world-famous golf courses on the doorstep too.
Visiting with your dog won't mean you struggle for things to do either, with attractions such as Blackpool Model Village, Penny Farm Horse Welfare Centre, Fairhaven Lake, complete with mini golf, boating hire and cafe, and Lytham Hall grounds and tearoom all welcoming four-legged friends too.
Walks along the promenades, around Lytham Green, through Wytch Wood and more will leave you feeling fresh and revitalised too.
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