Welcome to Lancashire 2018

There is something for everyone, with countryside, canals, coast and towns. Enjoy stunning views, quiet lanes, rare wildlife and our famous Lancashire coastline.

There is the unique, wildlife rich Morecambe Bay in the north to the flat and fertile coastal plains around Ormskirk and the Ribble Estuary. The world-famous seaside town of Blackpool with its iconic Tower in the west to the undulating fells and moorland of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the famous Pendle Hill in the east, visitors to Lancashire are truly spoilt!

Here is a glimpse of what you can expect from Lancashire throughout 2018...

Eco- friendly luxury

Lancashire Tourism Award’s 2017 Pub/ Inn of the year, The Cartford Inn, has recently unveiled two quirky, luxury cabins with striking views of the river and the surrounding Lancashire countryside. Architecturally interesting and very eco-friendly ‘Ziggy’ and ‘The Robin’s Nest’ have a swish bathroom, luxurious bed with sensuous oval, free-standing bath at the base, living room with a sofa and as much high-end electronic media as you are ever likely to need.

Ricoh Women’s British Open

The Ricoh Women’s British Open will take place at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club for a fi fth time this year. The course is one of the most challenging of the Open and Ricoh Women’s British Open venues with 169 bunkers to challenge the players. The Club has hosted eleven Open Championships, the most recent in 2012. The women’s competition was last played there in 2009 when Catriona Matthew famously became the fi rst Scottish woman to clinch a major title.

An ICON is born

Thrill seekers can be among the fi rst to ride the UK’s fi rst double launch rollercoaster. Due to be unveiled to the public this spring at the world-famous Blackpool Pleasure Beach, ICON will propel riders to heights of 88.5ft, with drops of up to 82ft. It will reach the same levels of acceleration felt by the driver of a Formula 1 car and will feature 15 interactions with other rides.

Circus 250

250 years ago, Philip Astley drew out a circle in the ground and fi lled it with astounding physical acts. This spectacle was the world’s very fi rst circus. Blackpool has been named as one of the UK’s six Cities of Circus. The resort will be included in a year-round programme of events in 2018 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the very fi rst circus in this country. Dating back to 1894, The Blackpool Tower Circus is the oldest permanent circus arena in the world. Sitting at the base of the tower, within the giant legs, the 110 x 110-foot arena seats an audience of 1,300 people!

Holmes Mill Spa

Early summer will see the opening of a fabulous gym, pool and spa within the former Weaving Shed at Holmes Mill, Clitheroe. The new facility is the last piece in the jigsaw of the two year-long transformation of a redundant textiles mill complex. This incredible leisure and lifestyle destination is open to members and non-members alike. The new gym, pool and spa promises to do for the body and soul what the Beer Hall and Food Hall have done for eating & drinking in the town. The state of the art gym is complemented by a 20m swimming pool and a bank of studios. The Thermal Suite features a hydrotherapy pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and solarium, not to mention the ice room, Rasul and thermal relaxation benches. The gym, pool and spa promise to be the perfect complement to the Spinning Block Hotel.

Shrek the Musical

Following the unprecedented success of the fi rst UK and Ireland tour, the original production team reunites to bring the hit musical to the Winter Gardens Blackpool from Tuesday 15 May 2018 – Sunday 27 May 2018. Based on the story and characters from the Oscar®winning DreamWorks Animation fi lm, this hilarious and spectacular production turns the world of fairy tales upside down in an allsinging, all-dancing, must-see musical comedy.

Going the distance

Go the extra mile when you hire an electric bike from Morecambe Bay’s Electric Bike Network – the perfect way for you to explore the stunning landscape of Morecambe Bay. On longer journeys, an electric bike means you don’t tire as easily so you’re able to explore more of this area and the Bay Cycle Way. An Electric Bike Network on route NCN 700 will allow you to unearth your adventurous side with the subtle but powerful assistance of the electric bikes, with charge and hire points along the Bay.

Stay in a Shepherd’s Hut

In the grounds of historic Samlesbury Hall sits a gathering of 28 colourful huts. The Shepherd’s Hut Hamlet is a rustic and carefree alternative to your traditional hotel room. Just as luxurious but with a rural edge, The Hamlet is home to a collection of beautiful shepherd’s huts including dog friendly options, so you don’t have to leave your furry friend behind. Hand crafted to keep you toasty in winter and cool in the summer. This is glamping on a whole new level with none of the luxuries left out!

Tornado: the 100mph steam engine

Batten down the hatches, Peppercorn Class A1 60163 “Tornado” is returning to the East Lancashire Railway. The legendary locomotive, Britain’s newest steam engine built in 2008, will be celebrating her 10th Birthday. Despite her youth, Tornado has already become an icon, fi nding fame in Top Gear and 2017 family feature fi lm Paddington 2, as well as being the fi rst locomotive to reach 100MPH in 50 years! This year East Lancashire Railway also has the rare opportunity to purchase the iconic engine City of Wells and have launched an appeal to raise the funds. Go to eastlancsrailway.org.uk for details.

Turner Prize Winner 2017

The Harris Museum & Art Gallery are showing a large-scale exhibition of the work of 2017 Turner Prize winner and Prestonbased artist Professor Lubaina Himid MBE. The Harris has had a long relationship with Lubaina, showing her work on many occasion.

Festival of Making

The 2nd Festival of Making – taking place in Blackburn from 12-13 May will celebrate the UK’s unrivalled making heritage and its bright future. Manufacturers large and small will collaborate with artists on a series of new commissions, interlacing traditional techniques and materials with contemporary ideas. Wayne Hemingway, joint founder of the National Festival of Making and of HemingwayDesign, added: “We are here to have a celebration so expect The Festival of Making’s music to make you move your feet, its street food to tickle your taste buds, its craft beers to hit the spot and its workshops to introduce you to new skills.”

Dine in The Barn

Following the huge success of Michelin-starred Moor Hall, Mark Birchall’s casual dining restaurant The Barn at Moor Hall promises great things! From 35-day aged rib eye steaks to a full vegetarian menu, delicious side dishes and puddings galore, The Barn has something for everyone. There is also a fantastic selection of hand crafted cocktails, bottled and draught beers, whisky, vodka and wine. Children’s menu also available

Market Life

Granted a Royal Charter in 1286 by King Edward I, Ormskirk Market is a well-loved, twice weekly event. Renowned for being one of the UK’s oldest traditional outdoor markets, you’ll fi nd it on every Thursday and Saturday. Held in the pedestrianised streets around the famous Clock Tower off ering around 100 stalls it attracts hundreds of shoppers each market day with its friendly, informal atmosphere. Special events take place throughout the year including a Gingerbread Festival and the fantastic MotorFest, putting Ormskirk on the map as a great visitor destination!

Chorley Grand Prix

Watch the country’s elite cyclists compete in the 2018 HSBC Spring Cup series on Sunday 15 April as they battle it out over a challenging fi ve-lap route through the Chorley countryside, before racing to the fi nish line on Park Road in Chorley town centre.

Woodland Lodges

Adventure awaits families, walkers and cyclists at award winning Browsholme Hall. The woodland development of ten luxury mini lodges in 2018 will be ideal for short breaks. Situated in the heart of the Forest of Bowland AONB, with magnifi cent views across the Hodder Valley, clear night skies and the freshest air, these cosy well equipped lodges will be a perfect place to relax.

Rhythm & Blues

The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival, Britain’s largest and longest running event of its kind, is back with a bang in Colne. Unveiling an extraordinary line-up of contemporary musicians at the top of their game this August Bank Holiday.

Read our 2018 Lancashire Visitor Magazine to find out more!