Enjoy a bite of culture

Lancashire is awash with many different cultural venues, from galleries and museums to celebrated buildings and historic homes.  

What’s even better is many of these places are also home to some wonderful places to eat and drink. Enjoy afternoon tea, light bites and even Sunday roasts.  

Take a look at just a few of the options below; 

The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery, Rawtenstall 

East Lancashire is known for its incredible history and industrial heritage, and The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery is a great place to explore some of the natural and social history of the area. There are also revolving exhibitions from modern and contemporary artists, and they were the winner of the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2024 Cultural Venue of the Year.   

On site you can find The Whitaker Bar & Kitchen, a great relaxed environment offering locally sourced food and drink with an extensive brunch, lunch and afternoon tea menu. Don't miss their mouthwatering Sunday Roast.  

Lancaster Castle, Lancaster 

Want to take a tour of a castle owned by King Charles III? Then look no further than Lancaster Castle, with its rich history as the hub of justice for Lancashire, there are many stories to tell. You can opt for a tour, take a stroll around the beautiful, reimagined courtyard with its artisan makers or visit the Lancashire Police Museum which lies within the grounds too.  

Once you’ve enjoyed all the exploring, rest and recharge in Atkinsons' The Castle Café. This beautifully modern space nestles seamlessly into the courtyard and offers amazing food and drink, including coffee roasted at the historic Atkinsons Coffee Roasters on nearby China Street.  

Hoghton Tower, Chorley  

Steeped in history, Hoghton Tower has been seen on our screens for decades due to its magnificence. The 16th Century Elizabethan fortified manor makes for a great place to visit, with guided tours of the buildings and beautiful grounds to explore, including the walled gardens. Many events take place throughout the year here, so be sure to check the calendar of what’s on and make your visit extra memorable. 

What's more, the Tower is home to a gorgeous tearoom which provides tea, coffee and cake or a mouthwatering afternoon tea should you wish to celebrate a special occasion – or just to treat yourself!  

Samlesbury Hall, Preston  

Celebrating its 700th anniversary, now is the time to visit Samlesbury Hall. The outstanding Tudor style black and white timber architecture is the first thing you'll notice as you approach from the tree lined driveway. From there, one you step inside there is so much to see from huge open fireplaces to imposing portraits of past residents of the Hall. It is thought to be one of the most haunted buildings in Britian, and you can learn about one of its most famous tales in the Ghost Room in the attic – if you dare.  

With a Hall bursting with information and things to see and do, a kids play area, magnificent courtyard and even mini golf on site, its likely you'll work up an appetite and thankfully you have two options at Samlesbury Hall. The first is the Garden Room Eatery, located within the grounds and offering a vast menu of breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas. Alternatively, if you have a sweet tooth, head to Dottie’s Wafflery where fun filled sweet treats and milkshakes await!  

Haworth Art Gallery, Accrington 

Known for housing one of the largest collections of Tiffany Art Glass outside of America, the Haworth Art Gallery is home to outstanding pieces of work from all over the globe. This arts and crafts style mansion house is a must for art lovers, or those looking to enjoy a mix of culture and stunning outside space with the public park open for exploration too.  

If you find yourself getting a little peckish, head to the original Arts and Crafts dining room where you will find the Gallery Kitchen. Offering a selection of items for brunch, lunch and afternoon tea, there's also a mouthwatering Sunday lunch available and a children's menu to keep the little ones happy.  

Blackburn Cathedral, Blackburn  

Blackburn Cathedral is one of England's newest Cathedral's, but one of the oldest places of Christian Worship in the country. The cathedral has been an integral part of Blackburn's parish for centuries and offers wonder at every corner. See the sun stream through 56 different panes of coloured glass in the lantern tower or spend time listening the peal of the 10 bells which are run in the "full Circle" style which has been heard for over 350 years. There is art and stunning architecture to be found as you discover the beauty of this building.  

Within the cathedral you will also find Checks and Greys Café, a modern and relaxing space offering breakfast, lunches, cakes and more. 

The Blackpool Tower Ballroom, Blackpool 

Want to dance the same floor as the stars? Look no further. The Iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom is famous across the world for its link to dancing. Not only will you find countless dance competitions that happen across the year, but it is also home to one of the annual Strictly Come Dancing episodes in the run up to Christmas. Visiting the ballroom gives you a chance to take a spin on the ballroom floor while the live organist plays on the famous Wurlitzer organ.  

Within the ballroom itself you can enjoy daily tea dances, fabulous events and more. The Afternoon Tea Packages on offer include a tradition cream tea and decadent champagne indulgence treats.  

Lytham Hall, Lytham  

A beautiful historic building nestled in the countryside just off the Fylde coast, Lytham Hall is a well-known Georgian era hall with vast grounds and a reputation for supplying great backdrops on film. The hall offers self-guided tours, 80 acres of parkland, and has a calendar or fabulous events throughout the year. It is also home to the Fylde Gallery.  

While the hall itself is home to a cafe and tea rooms, the food and drink offer really shines through in the afternoon teas they provide at Lilibet's Afternoon Tea Emporium. The Emporium is located within the beautiful Lytham Hall Library and follow a Georgian theme, with special Sunday dinner theme on Sundays.  

With so many cultural venues to visit in Lancashire, this is just a small selection of what's on offer. For more inspiration or additional days out ideas you can head to the Things to Do section of our website.