The local area

Nestled in the scenic village of Winmarleigh, The Patten Arms offers the perfect location for a lunchtime bite, a relaxing drink in their dog-friendly bar, or a delightful meal in their restaurant. With a selection of fine wines, traditional ales and delicious dishes, this historic pub has a cosy fireplace that crackles at the heart of the venue throughout the winter months and holds a bustling beer garden for the sunnier days.

This charming English Inn offers a unique blend of traditional comfort and modern style, nestled in the historic village of Dolphinholme, near Lancaster. Savour of the best local produce Lancashire has to offer, from popular pub classics to an exciting menu of international dishes, as well as a good choice of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Bowland Wild Boar Park offers a range of activities for children and is home to different breeds and rare breeds, such as alpacas, donkeys, geese, ducks, boar, cows, ostriches, peacocks, pygmy goats, and deer. Visitors can enjoy hand feeding opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pet and hold animals. In addition, the park provides tractor and trailer rides, as well as indoor and outdoor play opportunities, making it an enjoyable experience for all ages!

Williamson Park covers 54 acres of beautiful parkland with charming woodland walks, play areas, and stunning views of the Fylde Coast, Morecambe Bay, and the Lakeland fells. The park features a café, shop, Butterfly House, and various animals such as meerkats, marmosets, minibeasts, and birds.

Blackpool is one of Britain’s most popular resorts, offering seaside fun, The Pleasure Beach theme park, an impressive new IMAX cinema, and the iconic Blackpool Tower, which hosts a circus and various shows. There’s fun here for the whole family! And of course, nothing beats enjoying an ice cream and fish and chips at the seaside!

The timeless landscapes of the Lake District are on our doorstep at Bowland Lakes. Home to two World Heritage Sites, the rugged fells and beautfiul lakes create the perfect backdrop for walks, hikes, bike rides, and picnics. With a rich history woven among the lakes, mountains, countryside, and towns and villages brimming with character this is an ideal place to explore.

Enjoy a delicious ice cream from the parlour or choose from a selection of mouth watering sweet treats including freshly made pancakes and waffles. Wallings also welcomes dogs in their outdoor seating areas and even offers a specially crafted dog-friendly ice cream!

Clitheroe Castle offers stunning panoramic views across the Ribble Valley and has been a local landmark for over 800 years. The award-winning Clitheroe Castle Museum offers a fascinating journey through the town’s history, including interesting myths and folklore of the local area. The Castle and Museum offers something for visitors of all ages, and with free admission for children, interactive exhibits and year-round family-friendly activities, it’s ideal for an educational and fun day out.

Garstang is a charming market town in mid-Lancashire, perfect for a day trip. Rich in history, with roots dating back to the Domesday Book, Garstang was the world’s first fair trade town and has won awards for its beautiful floral displays and environmental efforts. Visitors can explore a variety of independent shops, enjoy local events like the Garstang Victorian Festival and the Garstang Agricultural Show, or relax in one of the town’s many open green spaces.

Explore the natural beauty of the Forest of Bowland by walking or cycling through its scenic trails. Whether you’re a hiker, mountain biker or enjoy a more relaxing walk and road biking, this area of outstanding beauty offers something for everyone. Click below for a useful interactive map of routes to plan your adventure.

The Forest of Bowland is an ideal location for stargazing, offering rare dark skies with minimal light pollution – an increasingly scarce experience in the UK. Recognised as a Dark Sky Discovery Site, the beautiful remote surroundings will allow for clear views of constellations like Orion, as well as planets such as Jupiter and Saturn. Whether you want to see the Milky Way or experience a meteor shower, the skies here could provide an incredible stargazing experience.

The Forest of Bowland National Landscape is a brilliant destination for bird watching. With plentiful diverse upland habitats, the area attracts a variety of species such as Hen Harriers, Ring Ouzels and Whinchats, among others in the stunning hills and valleys. The stunning landscapes also attract species such as Curlews, Golden Plovers and Peregrine Falcons, and provides an exceptional opportunity for bird watchers. Find out more below.

Enjoy a homemade meal, including stacked burgers, lighter bites and hearty sandwiches as well as tasty bakes, cakes, waffles and ice cream in the beautiful oak-framed restaurant or relax in the cosy seating area, perfect for sunny days. The Barn also offers a fabulous Afternoon Tea, and have a drinks menu that will spoil you for choice! Don’t forget to browse the gift shop: packed with unique, locally-sourced items and big-name brands, perfect for taking home a piece of your visit.

Located just down the road, The Priory at Scorton is a contemporary country cafe offering a welcoming atmosphere with cosy indoor seating and outdoor dining areas perfect to rest and recharge after a day of walking or biking around the stunning Forest of Bowland National Landscape. Enjoy freshly baked pasties, homemade cakes, and locally sourced dishes, including farm-assured meats and award-winning Dewlay cheeses. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or prefer a glass of local craft ale, The Priory offers the perfect retreat for hikers, dog walkers, cyclists and families.