Best Green Spaces And Parks In Lancashire To Visit
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As everyone is finding new ways to enjoy outdoor attractions with the family while social-distancing, it can be hard to come up with free activities that will keep the kids entertained.
We've put together a list of great outdoor spaces around Lancashire, that children are bound to love. From parks to nature walks, all these places are free to visit and have lots of space for children to play in.
Remember to keep following government advice for England regarding travel.
Williamson Park, Lancaster
This gorgeous park is nestled right at the top of the hill in the historic city of Lancaster. With stunning views over Morecambe Bay and Lancaster, this is a great spot to stop for a picnic and is easily accessible by car.
In the centre of the park, you can't miss the Ashton Memorial building, which is notable for its distinctive shape and has become a symbol of Lancaster itself.
Where is it? At the top of the hill in Lancaster City: Quernmore Rd, Lancaster LA1 1UX.
Is it buggy friendly? Yes.
Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? Yes, next to the cafe.
Parking: There are two car parks within the park (one at the Quernmore Road entrance, and a larger one at the Wyresdale Road entrance).
Outdoor amenities: Two small playgrounds, lots of smooth walkways, and a large pond.
Size: Medium/ large.
Crook O'Lune, Lancaster
Famous for inspiring some of the work of artist JMW Turner, Crook O'Lune is a scenic spot not to be missed. This riverside walk follows the River Lune, and you can explore the forest as well as give the kids a runaround.
There is also a little picnic area by the start of the walk, and a small cafe for hot food and drinks.
Where is it? Right next to the River Lune, between Lancaster and Caton.
Is it buggy friendly? The picnic/ cafe area is, and you can take the buggy down by the river, but there aren't any formal paths.
Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? Yes, there are toilets at Woodies Cafe (which is also great for a sausage bap!). Just remember to check any updates regarding opening measures in light of COVID-19 before you visit.
Parking: Crook O' Lune Car Park.
Outdoor amenities: Picnic tables, and a nature trail along the river.
Size: Small picnic area, but with lots of open space.
Glasson Dock, Lancaster
The picturesque village of Glasson Dock is located not far from Lancaster, at the mouth of the River Lune. Still used as an active harbour, Glasson has all the charm of a seaside village, with lots of boats and sea air.
(Top Tip: Check out the Port of Lancaster Smokehouse Shop in the village for some delicious smoked foods if it's safe to do so! ).
Where is it? Glasson Dock is a small village south of Lancaster, where the River Lune meets the sea.
Is it buggy friendly? Yes.
Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? Yes.
Parking: There is a small car park on Bodie Hill.
Outdoor amenities: Cycle paths and walks along the seaside
Size: Medium.
Happy Mount Park, Morecambe
Situated right next to the promenade, this park is filled with attractions for the whole family, and makes a great addition to any trip to the seaside. Kids will love the habitat trail along the woodland walk, or perhaps the miniature railway or golf putting!
With a splash park, beautiful gardens and play areas, you can take along a picnic, get involved in the activities, or just wander through before you head to the beach.
Where is it? Just off Marine Road in Morecambe, this park has lots of attractions and is a stone's throw from the sea.
Is it buggy friendly? Yes.
Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? Yes.
Parking: There is a pay-and-display car park near the entrance.
Outdoor amenities: Swings, adventure golf, a splash park, multiple play areas, and soft play facilities.
Size: Medium/ large.
Warton Crag, Carnforth
The dramatic silhouette of this crag is almost as impressive as the view from the top. However, this walk is deceptively easy and after a short incline through the forest, you will reach open greenery, with lots of space for the kids to run around.
Where is it? Just off Crag Road in Warton, Carnforth.
Is it buggy friendly? No. This walk rises quite steeply from the car park and can be rocky, so is ideal for older children.
Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? No.
Parking: There is a small car park at the start of the walk on Crag Road.
Outdoor amenities: Nature trail with some forest cover, and then a large open space with fantastic views over Carnforth and Morecambe.
Size: Large.
Heysham Head, Heysham
Located where the coastal village of Heysham meets the sea at Morecambe Bay, Heysham Head, or Half Moon Bay, is a sandy beach with some very interesting archaeological history. After you wander along the beach, check out the 8th-century ruins of St Paul's Chapel, or the unusual burial grounds carved into the rock, dating back to the 11th century.
Where is it? Heysham is a coastal village overlooking Morecambe Bay, and Heysham Head is just as the village meets the sea.
Is it buggy friendly? Yes, but there aren't formal paths if you walk down by the sea.
Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? Yes, you can find accessible toilets at Heysham Cricket Club.
Parking: There is cheap parking by the ferry port, or you can park around the village.
Outdoor amenities: Lots of (dog-friendly!) space to run around by the sea.
Size: Medium.
The Pepper Pot, Silverdale
Located in Eaves Wood, Silverdale, the walk up to the Pepper Pot monument is perfect for families as it isn't too long and there is lots of space for adventure! With great views, enough space for an epic game of hide and seek, and even space for a picnic overlooking the bay, this easy walk isn't to be missed.
Where is it? Located in Eaves Wood, Silverdale, the walk up to the Pepper Pot monument is perfect for families as it isn't too long and there is lots of space for adventure!
Is it buggy friendly? No.
Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? No, but there are some a short drive away in the village of Silverdale, off Bank House Lane.
Parking: Yes, there is a small car park at the base of the walk on Park Road, just outside Silverdale.
Outdoor amenities: Forest space, a view over Morecambe Bay, and an open area by the Pepperpot that is great for enjoying a picnic.
Size: Large.
Pendle Hill
Renowned for its infamous 17th-century witch trials, this hill lies above the towns and villages of Pendle. Spooky stories aside, this hill is surrounded by some beautiful greenery, and is the perfect place for a leisurely Sunday walk with the family.
Where is it? Filled with history, this hill lies above the towns and villages of Pendle. Find it in Barley, BB9 6LG.
Is it buggy friendly? No, the walk up the hill is suitable for children but not buggies.
Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? No.
Parking: There is parking nearby at the bottom of the hill.
Outdoor amenities: Lots of outdoor space and plenty of little villages to wander around.
Size: Large.
Wyre Estuary Country Park
This large, scenic park is located along the River Wyre, north of Blackpool. There are lots of wildlife habitats, nature trails and other activities that children will love.
Where is it? River Rd, Thornton-Cleveleys FY5 5LR.
Is it buggy friendly? Yes, there are buggy friendly routes for walks along the river and around the neighbouring village of Stanah.
Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? Yes.
Parking: Yes, there is a large car park.
Outdoor amenities: There is a children's play area, designated family space and picnic area. There is also a lot of opportunity for birdwatching, so why not take along the binoculars?
Size: Medium/ large.
Beacon Fell Park, Goosnargh
This huge country park is located in North-East Lancashire, and has lots of space and amenities for all the family to enjoy! If you're up to it, you can also make the hour-long walk up Beacon Fell for some spectacular views.
The walk itself isn't challenging, and is the perfect length to let the kids run off some steam before enjoying some cake and coffee in the cafe.
Where is it? Goosnargh, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 2NL
Is it buggy friendly? No.
Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? Yes.
Parking: There is a car park with inexpensive pay and display options.
Outdoor amenities: There are many nature trails, paths, and even a little cafe, shop and information centre.
Size: Large.
Pendleton, Ribble Valley
The small village of Pendleton is located near Whalley and Clitheroe, in the Ribble Valley. There is a charming little church, pub, and a small river, Pendleton Brook, running through the village.
Where is it? Pendleton, Clitheroe, Lancashire.
Is it buggy friendly? Yes.
Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? No.
Parking: There is a free car park by the village hall.
Outdoor amenities: There is lots of countryside nearby, and the area in the centre of the village is great for a walk through with the family. You can also do a short walk up to Clitheroe Castle and back.
Size: Medium.
Dunsop Bridge, Ribble Valley
Also known as the precise geographic centre of the UK, the charming village of Dunsop Bridge is located between Lancaster and Clitheroe, in Lancashire's Ribble Valley.
Where is it? Dunsop Bridge, Ribble Valley, Lancashire.
Is it buggy friendly? Yes.
Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? Yes, in the car park.
Parking: Yes, there is a cheap pay-and-display car park in the village.
Outdoor amenities: This village is popular with hikers due to the surrounding countryside, and is a lovely area to stroll around for an afternoon walk.
Size: Medium.
Chipping, Ribble Valley
The Medieval village of Chipping is located in the Forest of Bowland area of the Ribble Valley. Over 1,000 years old, this village has stacks of history, three pubs and an annual agricultural show. There is lots of land open to walkers nearby, so it's the perfect place to spend a day out.
Where is it? Chipping, Ribble Valley, Lancashire.
Is it buggy friendly? Yes.
Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? Yes, and the toilets have won the best in Lancashire award repeatedly at the 'Best Kept Village' competition!
Parking: There is pay-and-display parking available in the village.
Outdoor amenities: There are lots of places to go for walks around this village, since it is in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Size: Medium.
Stanley Park, Blackpool
Previously voted the best park in the UK, Stanley Park has a boating lake, stunning gardens, model village, golf course and even a cricket ground. Dating back to the 1920s, there are many attractions for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Take a walk through the woodland area, have a picnic by the boating lake, or head over to the seaside, which is a short 20-minute walk west of the park.
Where is it? West Park Drive, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY3 9HQ.
Is it buggy friendly? Yes.
Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? Yes.
Parking: There is a car park, and parking nearby.
Outdoor amenities: There are lots of family attractions as well as a play area, cafe and bandstand.
Size: Large.
Lancaster Preston Blackpool North West England Lancashire United Kingdom England
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Diploma of Education, Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts specializing in Illustration and Visual media
Sarah HallamDiploma of Education, Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts specializing in Illustration and Visual media
With a Diploma in Education specializing in Fine Arts (Painting) and a Bachelor of Arts specializing in Illustration and Visual media from the University of Arts London, Sarah previously was a London-based teacher who brought her passion for art and culture to the classroom. Her creative endeavors include painting classes and experimenting with new recipes. She draws inspiration from the world around her and enjoys sharing her knowledge with others while sipping a cup of tea.
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2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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