10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Lancashire That You Shouldn't Miss

Site of 17th-century witch trials.

Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary is a pure volunteer based, non profit group of volunteers. The flying display give you the visitors, Children & Adults, the chance to participate in the flying display and have our birds land on your gloved hand as they fly to you for their food. We have a collection of over 80 birds of prey including eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, vultures and more unusual species. All the birds are housed in large open fronted aviaries, sheltered in a woodland setting. We assist conservation and education of these beautiful Birds and we are involved with an average of 50 rescues each year.

Nestling side by side in the quiet village of Helmshore in the stunning Rossendale Valley are two original Lancashire textile mills, Higher Mill and Whitaker’s Mill, together known as Helmshore Mills Textile Museum.

Open from the 18th May on Tuesdays & Thursdays and the first Sunday of the Month from 10am - 4pm only. Our WW2 Hangar is, as it was, during WW2. Hangar 42 was a key Hangar at RAF Squires Gate, housing Hawker Hurricanes and Boulton Paul Defiants. Operated by Volunteers the exhibits include Mark II & IX Spitfire's and a Hawker Hurricane MKII as well as original and operational RAF airfield vehicles. Please note that this Visitor attraction is best suited to children 10 years or older. Entry fees are Adults £5.00 Children 10-16 £3.00, under 10's Free. Veterans and serving members of the Armed half price with ID Card. If you are interested in sitting in the cockpit of one of our Spitfire Aircraft, there is a fee of £5 for this on top of the entrance fee. Free Car park, NO PETS. Advance ticket sales only via www.ticketsource.co.uk until 21st June, whilst covid restrictions apply. H42 is Covid Secure, follow Social Media for new updates

Discover Bowland and explore 803 sq km of rural Lancashire (730 sq km) and Yorkshire (73 sq km). The Forest of Bowland was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1964 and provides some of the most peaceful and remote walking, riding and cycling in the country. Festival Bowland - a year round calendar of events - is a great way to find out more about the area, discover intriguing heritage, fantastic wildlife and enjoy great family fun.

Stanley Park is Blackpool's premier green attraction, placed as a Grade II* listed facility on the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, within a designated town conservation area. The park has enjoyed continued popularly since its official opening in 2nd October 1926 by Sir George Edward Villers Stanley, after whom the park takes its name. Stanley Park was designed by famous Landscape Architects Thomas Mawson & Sons and at 256 acres, is one of England's largest and historically significant green spaces. The park was the first comprehensive site planning scheme in Blackpool; a unique development on a grand scale designed to meet the needs of the town. The park contains everything that any visitor could possibly wish for. Experience a variety of scenic walks around ornamental gardens, natural woodlands and lakes as well as a number of stunning architectural and landscape features such as the Cocker Memorial Clock Tower, Art Deco Cafe, Italian Gardens, Rose Gardens, Bandstand and Auditorium. The park also boasts a superb sporting and recreational facilities including Blackpool Model Village, Stanley Park Golf Course, Blackpool Sports Centre, Blackpool Cricket Ground and Athletic Arena, as well as boat hire and numerous outdoor pitches, greens and courts.

From the bygone days of horse drawn carriages through to the state of the art power trucks you will discover a visually rich array of buses, fire engines, delivery trucks and even a very unique lawnmower.