Lancashire is a northern county of the UK that has some of the more iconic and well-known northern towns and cities including Preston, Lancaster, Blackpool and Morecambe, to name a few.
It is a large county in the North of England, with lots to see and do within the area.
Known for its rural and rugged countryside as well as beautiful and picturesque seaside towns and beaches, there really is a lot to see and do.
So here are the 10 best places to visit in Lancashire with kids.
East Lancashire Railway
The East Lancashire Railway is a day out that children will love, especially the train loving kids!
Known for their events and specialist carriages you can often find Thomas The tank Engine, Peppa Pig, a Harry Potter themed train and even Santa having his own train journey.
On the train, you can enjoy food and events as well as beautiful scenery.
But you don’t need to jump aboard to appreciate the location. There is an on-site museum full of locomotive memorabilia and a cafe as well.
Happy Mount Park
Happy Mount Park is in Morecambe and is such a family-friendly place to visit in Lancashire.
With so many attractions including a huge adventure playground, adventure golf, bowling greens, tennis courts, a splash park, an indoor soft play area and open spaces perfect for a kickabout and a picnic, it’s the perfect day out for children of all ages, whatever the weather.
There is a large, child-friendly café, but you are welcome to picnic here too, so grab some supplies and find a quiet spot to let the children run wild in the sunshine.
A timed splash park session costs £1 per child, so factor that into your planning.
Happy Mount Park is right at the centre of Morecambe Bay and perfect for the school holidays.
Brockholes Nature Reserve
Brockholes Nature Reserve is in Preston and is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for something to do in nature with your family.
There are so many natural moments to explore outside and also the indoor buildings with lots to learn about.
It is a 250-acre nature reserve on the site of an old quarry, so you are bound to spot some incredible examples of nature and wildlife here.
Seasonal events are held throughout the year and entry is free.
You can also enjoy some food and drink at the cafe or bring a picnic, making it a perfect family day out for all to enjoy.
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WWT Martin Mere
Closer to Liverpool, the WWT centre at Martin Mere is a huge site with many different bird species, including flamingoes.
The large adventure playground with water area and sand pit is a huge draw for kdis and guaranteed to make this one of their favourite places to visit!
With den building opportunities, rare wildlife sightings, boating adventures, wild walks and other fun events, there is something for everyone here.
Hoghton Tower
There is a real beauty and a lot of history when it comes to Hoghton Tower.
You can explore the gardens and outside areas, but you can also enjoy the inside where you can roam the corridors and many rooms.
There are always events taking place including things dedicated to the kids such as garden trails.
You can also enjoy a delicious afternoon tea. A family day out here will be so much fun.
But always check the website first to see when the events are taking place so that you don’t miss out.
Samlesbury Hall
This is a beautiful stately home in Lancashire and a lovely place to visit with kids.
This is a haven for history lovers with the grounds and house to explore as well as the wafflery and gardens.
They also hold events throughout the year so the website is worth checking to see if anything is going on when you plan to visit.
There is a great cafe on site and lots to explore but it is the stately home that will take your breath away.
A traditional white and black building it is the perfect backdrop to capture some family snaps.
Morecambe Bay
Lancashire has some incredible beaches including the famous Blackpool beach, but one of the lesser discussed areas is Morecambe which also has an incredible beach.
A vast expanse of white sandy beaches with lots of cafes, restaurants and amusements along the beach to occupy the whole family it is the perfect place to visit in Lancashire on a warm and sunny day.
Morecombe is a fabulous town, so check out the main website to see where else you can visit while you are in the area.
Blackpool Tower
Further south you hit the giddy heights of Blackpool with its miles of golden sand, long strip of cafes, ice cream shops and attractions.
The iconic Blackpool Tower contains various attractions, but for our girls a highlight is a ride up to the top of the 158 metre tall tower.
The 4-D film is fun and a ride up amongst the iron girders and rivets is fascinating to mini engineers, with an amazing 360° view across Blackpool and way beyond.
Open since 1894, the Tower has expanded in recent times to include Jungle Jim adventure play area, the circus, ballroom and the Blackpool Tower Dungeons.
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Gawthorpe Hall
You can’t go wrong with a National Trust property when it comes to seeking out places to visit in Lancashire with kids, and Gawthorpe Hall is one of the best in the area.
You can explore the stately home and the beautiful surrounding gardens. There is an amazing play and learning area for kids, too.
Furthermore, the National Trust has excellent events throughout the year and you can download a sensory trail that the kids will love.
Join the National Trust for FREE entry to this and more than 500 places across the UK.
Lancaster Castle
There is something about a castle that just gets kids excited, and Lancaster Castle is a fabulous one to visit in Lancashire.
Lancaster Castle is one of the most historically fascinating buildings in the country. Parts date back as far as Roman times.
The castle has a prison that has only not been in use since 2011 so the cells are still as they were.
The tour guides are well-versed in tales of witchcraft, religious persecution, crime and punishment, rehabilitation and release through the ages
The castle and medieval buildings are fascinating and filled with a rich history. A great place to visit with the kids.
Mrs Dowsons Farm Park
An open farm is always going to be a winner when looking for places to visit with kids and Mrs Dowsons Farm Park is a great one.
It also has a lot of ice cream on offer so I know it will be a winner!
On site, you can explore the farmlands, see the animals, enjoy their different areas and even see some of the farms doing main jobs like milking cows.
There are play areas and cafes so you will find that there are lots to occupy the kids all day.
Williamson Park
Last of all, Williamson Park in Lancaster will offer you another budget-friendly day out for the whole family.
A lovely place to wander, let the kids play in the play areas and enjoy a picnic.
There are 54 acres of park and woodland to explore and the Butterfly House is a highlight the kids will love.
I hope that this has filled you with inspiration for some of the best places to visit in Lancashire with kids.
Check out these places to stay in Lancashire:
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