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British Commercial Vehicle Museum

Extensive collection of vintage British built commercial vehicles, including buses, trucks, and a Pope-mobile. Exhibits range from vehicles of the horse-drawn era to the oldest surviving steam
van of 1896, all displayed in authentic period settings. During the summer, steam engines are fired-up and visitors have the chance of riding on a range of historic vehicles that are sure to bring back some childhood memories.

Opening times: Apr~Sep, Sun, Tue, Wed, Thu & BH Mon (Oct Sun only) - Admission Charge
Location: King Street, Leyland, PR25 2LE
Tel: 01772 451011
Website: britishcommercialvehiclemuseum.com

Clitheroe Castle Museum

The small Norman keep of Clitheroe Castle stands in a prominent position on a small limestone outcrop above the town. The nearby museum contains an interesting collection of fossils from the surrounding area and has exhibits on local history and the industrial archaeology of the Ribble Valley. The area was once a renowned haunt for witches during the 17th century and the museum has a small display on witchcraft.

Opening times: times vary, see website for details
Admission Charge
Location: Castle Street, Clitheroe, BB7 1BA
Tel: 01200 424635
Website: ribblevalley.gov.uk
Facilities: Parking (500 m), café, shop

Gawthorpe Hall

A late 16th century Palladian manor house, constructed around a 14th century pele tower (a type of fortified dwelling that as once common in the north of England). The hall contains a collection of important portraits from the National Portrait Gallery. Run by National Trust*

Opening times: Apr~Oct, Garden: daily 10am to 6pm. Hall: Tue-Thu, Sat & Sun 1pm to 5pm.
Admission Charge*
Location: Padiham, BB12 8UA - Tel: 01282 771004
Website: nationaltrust.org.uk
Facilities: Parking, café
Image Credit: (CC2)

Hoghton Tower

Fortified renaissance mansion, constructed in 1565 by Thomas Hoghton, an important land owner and member of parliament. The estate is still owned by his direct descendants. Hoghton Tower was frequently visited by many prominent kings, knights, lords and ladies over time, including William Shakespeare, who became tutor to the Hoghton children during his stay.

King James I (first king of Scotland and England) stayed here in 1617 and when he came down to his meal in the banqueting hall he was presented with a loin of beef. He was so impressed with the meal that he drew his sword and knighted it - the joint has ever since been known as the 'sirloin'.

The estate is located on a steep wooded hill with magnificent sea views. The magnificent banqueting hall retains many of its original features, including an impressive decoratively carved wood ceiling and original 17 ft oak dinning table, carved in situ as the house was built, from a single tree felled on the estate. Visitors can also see the fine State Rooms, Minstrel's Gallery and the dungeons. The property also contains a fabulous dolls' house exhibition and a Tudor well-house, said to be one of the most haunted houses in Britain.

Opening times: Jul, Aug & Sep, Sun 11.30pm to 5pm, Mon to Thur 11am to 4pm Admission Charge
Location: Hoghton (Near Preston), Lancashire, PR5 0SH - Tel: 01254 852 986
Website: hoghtontower.co.uk
Facilities: Parking, tea room, gift shop
Image Credit: (CC2)

Rufford Old Hall

Superb 15th century, black and white medieval timber-framed manor house, with a brick-built east wing, added in 1662. The hall stands in over 14 acres of beautiful gardens and contains a fine hammer-beam roof with carved angels and a rare 15th century screen. The property hosts a museum that features a fine collection of 16th / 17th century oak furniture, arms, armour and tapestries. Run by National Trust*

Opening times: Mar~Oct, Sat to Wed 1pm to 5pm. Admission Charge*
Location: Rufford, L40 SG - Tel: 01704 821254
Website: nationaltrust.org.uk
Facilities: Parking, restaurant, shop
Image Credit: (CC2)

Samlesbury Hall

A well restored half-timbered manor house, built during the 14th & 15th centuries, and set in 5 acres of beautiful grounds. The hall hosts antique collections, craft shows and temporary exhibitions. Theatre productions and seasonal events are also run throughout the year.

Opening times: all year, Sun to Fri 11am to 4.30pm (closed Xmas & NY) Admission Charge
Location: Preston New Road, Samlesbury, PR5 OUP - Tel: 01254 812010
Website: samlesburyhall.co.uk
Facilities: Parking, café, restaurant, garden centre, shop
Image Credit: (CC2)

Turton Tower

Tudor style half-timbered country house built around a 15th century Pele tower (a type of fortified dwelling that as one common in the north of England). Features some ornate 19th century timbering and plasterwork. The interior contains decorative woodwork plus a collection of paintings and period furnishings, including items on-loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum. The traditional country garden is laid out in a late-Victorian style, with follies.

Opening times: Mar~Oct Wed to Sun, guided tours 12.30pm, 2pm & 3.30pm Admission Charge
Location: Turton Bottoms, BL7 0HG - Tel: 01204 852203
Website: blackburn.gov.uk
Facilities: Parking, tea room, shop
Image Credit: (CC2)

WWT Martin Mere

Wildfowl and Wetland trust centre, home to thousands of wild and tame birds including rare ducks, pink-footed geese and Whooper and Berwick's swans, who pay a flying visit each year. The visitor centre is located in a Norwegian style log house with a sloping turf roof, where you can find information on what to see, buy seed to feed to the birds or eat in the Mere Side café. Other attractions include a children's adventure playground, exhibition gallery, craft area and educational centre. Site of the Annual North West Bird Fair (November) displaying wild swans by floodlight.

Opening times: all year, daily 9.30am to 5.30pm (5 in winter). Closed Xmas. Admission Charge
Location: Fish Lane, Burscough, Lancashire, L40 0TA - Tel: 01704 895181
Website: wwt.org.uk
Facilities: Parking, café, shop
Image Credit: (CC2)

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Towns and Cities in Lancashire

Please note that the above information was accurate at the time this page was last updated. This information is subject to change at any time (opening times in particular), therefore if you plan on visiting any of the above attractions, please check the owner's website first or phone them for the latest details.