Lancashire’s 12 districts comprise West Lancashire, the boroughs of Burnley, Chorley, Fylde, Hyndburn, Pendle, Preston, Ribble Valley, Rossendale, South Ribble, Wyre, and the city of Lancaster.
Blackpool: best place for a traditional seaside holiday
When it comes to traditional seaside holidays, the resort town of Blackpool sits high on the list of Britain’s favourite destinations thanks to its cocktail of golden sands, grand piers and vibrant promenade, all overlooked by the famous Blackpool Tower.
As one of the largest beaches in the UK, Blackpool Beach offers plenty of space to set up camp before spending the day paddling in the calm waters under lifeguard protection, while enjoying the wealth of attractions within steps of the sand.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach offers family thrills with its famous roller coasters and live entertainment – as does Blackpool Tower, the town’s iconic landmark that rises 120 metres and offers 360-degree views from its observation deck. If you don’t fancy heights, then ‘keep dancing’ in the famous ballroom that sits at the tower’s base.
As day turns to night discover Blackpool’s buzzing streets, busy with restaurants, pubs, and live entertainment that put the town’s nightlife on the map. With endless options to keep your seaside holiday alive and plenty of beachy beauty, it’s no surprise that Blackpool is one of the most popular coastal towns in Lancashire.
Highlights
- Blackpool Pleasure Beach – Thrilling rides, family fun and live entertainment in the heart of town
- Blackpool Tower – Discover the observation deck, SkyWalk, famous ballroom, and iconic Blackpool Illuminations
- Sandcastle Waterpark – The UK’s largest indoor waterpark, perfect for a rainy day with the kids
The best places to stay in Blackpool
Forest of Bowland: best place for a secluded getaway
One of the best places to stay in Lancashire if you’re seeking serenity, the Forest of Bowland’s unspoiled landscape of tranquil countryside, rugged moorland and rich valleys combine to offer a peaceful wilderness that beckons secluded holidays.
The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty promises days filled with picturesque walks along twisting country lanes and through quaint villages that all exude traditional charm. As you head deep into forest adventures, look out for rich local wildlife such as wildflowers, birds of prey and red deer.
Soak up the local heritage with trips to lesser-known historic sites like Clitheroe Castle, Browsholme Hall, and the Ribchester Roman Museum. For a glimpse into local life, stroll into the welcoming villages of Scorton, Slaidburn or Chipping, all surrounded by rolling hills and home to delightful churches and inns.
If you’re looking to replace the sounds of cars and crowds with tweeting birds and flowing rivers, then this is one the best places to stay in Lancashire – don’t forget your walking boots and camera!
Highlights
- Wildlife spotting – Encounter a wide range of birds of prey, roaming animals and rare plant species
- Festival Bowland – A year-round calendar of walks and talks that celebrate the region’s beauty
The best places to stay in Forest of Bowland
Lancaster: best place for a cultural city break
Famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, charming streets and vibrant art scene, the historic city of Lancaster is one of the best places to stay in Lancashire if you’re seeking a cultural city break.
In the heart of the city’s streets lined with Georgian buildings, lies the infamous Lancaster Castle. This famous fortress boasts over 1,000 years of history waiting to be discovered during guided tours that offer a peek into England’s history, while nearby Lancaster Priory Church also stands ready to tick your history boxes.
Beyond the historic sites, discover the city’s thriving cultural scene, enjoying days ambling through street markets, art galleries, and famed theatres like the Lancaster Grand Theatre, and the Dukes Theatre. With peaceful patches of greenery that offer a break from the city, Lancaster is no doubt one of the most culturally rich places to stay in Lancashire.
The best places to stay in Lancaster
Carnforth: best place for a walking holiday
Carnforth beckons hikers and outdoor enthusiasts with its proximity to the UK’s best regions for walking. Within just 11 miles, lovers of the great outdoors can reach the national parks of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, as well as the national landscapes of the Forest of Bowland, and Arnside and Silverdale.
If you’re looking for places to stay in Carnforth Lancashire, then the market town charms with its local history, including the famous Carnforth Station Heritage Centre. Its streets are lined with independent shops and local attractions like Leighton Hall, Greenlands Farm Village, and RSPB nature reserves that invite a quiet day in the sun.
For less countryside and more coast, Carnforth also sits just a mile away from Lancashire’s golden shoreline, where the sights of Morecambe Bay and a wealth of coast path walking routes await.
Highlights
- National parks – Within 11 miles, reach the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Forest of Bowland, and Arnside and Silverdale
- Leighton Hall – A country house famous for its architecture, verdant gardens, and rich history
- RSPB nature reserves – Head to RSPB Leighton Moss, and Morecambe Bay Nature Reserve for peaceful days around nature
The best places to stay in Carnforth
Morecambe: best place for a quiet seaside holiday
If you’re seeking seaside towns in Lancashire with fantastic beaches but want to avoid the crowds, look no further than the coastal offerings of Morecambe. With its relaxed atmosphere, sandy beaches and family attractions that look out over glorious Morecambe Bay, this is one of the best seaside towns in Lancashire.
Backed by a sweeping promenade that invites quiet strolls with views of the distant Lakeland Fells, Morecambe Beach offers over 5 miles of golden sand to call home for the day. With deck chair hire, opportunities for water sports, and the town’s pubs and shops nearby, beachgoers have all they need to enjoy a leisurely day by the water.
For a break from the sand, head into town to discover the delightful gardens at Happy Mount Park or visit the restored Victorian theatre at Morecambe Winter Gardens. Enjoy Morecambe’s vibrant art scene by stepping into the many galleries that await, or take day trips to the nearby Lake District or Forest of Bowland.
The best places to stay in Morecambe
Barnoldswick: best place for canals and waterside walks
One of the best small towns in Lancashire for peaceful walks along canals and rivers, the market town of Barnoldswick charms with its natural scenery and proximity to the Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland.
With the historic Leeds and Liverpool Canal cutting through the town, outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled with walking trails that follow the 127-mile waterway past rolling countryside and historic towns and villages. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic weekend or as a family with the dog in tow, this is a great way to discover the local landscape.
As well as local markets and community events, Barnoldswick plays host to historic landmarks that include Bancroft Mill Engine House and St. Mary-le-Ghyll Church. For more local history, stride out to the nearby town of Skipton, home to Skipton Castle and more delightful countryside walks.
The best places to stay in Barnoldswick
Lytham St Annes: best place for a dog-friendly holiday
When it comes to dog-friendly places to stay in Lancashire, the pleasant seaside town of Lytham St Annes should be high on your list thanks to its pooch-friendly beaches, scenic walking routes and attractions that ensure no member of the family is left behind.
Backed by grassy dunes and wooden beach huts, the town’s beach offers a huge stretch of golden sand that will welcome Fido throughout the year. Including a small, seasonally dog-restricted section at the beach’s centre, this vast shoreline boasts a charming Victorian pier, a sweeping promenade for leisurely walks with the pooch, and nearby green spaces where they can also run free.
In the town itself, choose from a wide range of seaside restaurants and pubs that will welcome Fido with welcome arms, and explore our collection of
dog-friendly properties that make Lytham St Annes one of the best dog-friendly places to stay in Lancashire.
The best places to stay in Lytham St Annes
Map of the best places to stay in Lancashire
Whether you’re sniffing out walking trails with Fido or looking for a family day on the beach, our map of the best places to stay in Lancashire is on hand to inspire your getaway.
Find a holiday cottage in Lancashire
Now you’re armed with the best places to stay in Lancashire, why not extend your northern getaway with a night’s stay in one of our cottages nearby? With properties inviting romantic weekends, large gatherings and dog-friendly getaways, you’re sure to find something special in our collection.
Holiday cottages in Lancashire