Lancashire is full of hidden, and not so hidden, gems that give families space to spend time together. With help from my constituents, I’ve been pulling together a list of venues, activities and diary dates to help families find things to do across the county.
We’ll keep updating the list as suggestions come in so you all have a guide of things to do and places to go all year round.
Pubs
Pubs that go out of their way to cater for families are always great to discover. They might have dedicated spaces for colouring and toys, offer outdoor playgrounds so the kids can have a run around or simply have fantastic menus aimed at younger appetites. The following pubs have been highlighted by constituents as being great for families:
- The Plough, Preston Road, Grimsargh
- The Nabs Head, Nabs Head Lane, Samlesbury
- Lower Buck Inn, Edisford Road, Waddington
- Traders Arms, Mellor Lane, Mellor
- The Swan with Two Necks, Pendleton Hall Main Street, Clitheroe
- Ego at The Knowles Arms, Pleckgate Road, Blackburn
- The Stag’s Head, Whittingham Lane, Goosnargh
Restaurants and cafes
When you’re dining with children you need somewhere that makes the whole family feel welcome, with meal choices that suit every age group. The list below covers Lancashire venues recommended by my constituents:
- Franco’s, Preston Road, Longridge
- Potters Barn, Church Street, Ribchester
- Happy Bunnies, Liverpool Road, Longton
- AJ’s at Huntleys, Whalley Road, Samlesbury
- Mini Dunes, Lancaster Road, Preston
- Light Ash Farm Cafe, St Michael’s Road, Bilsborrow
- Four1Two, Blackburn Road, Higher Wheelton
- Dempsey’s, Briercliffe Road, Burnley
- Eight at Gazegill, Dancer Lane, Rimington
- Farmer Parr’s Animal World, Rossall Lane, Fleetwood
- Holy Grounds, Ribblesdale Place, Preston
- The Garden Room, Samlesbury Hall, Preston New Road, Samlesbury
- The Mill at St Catherine’s Park, Lostock Lane, Lostock Hall
- Tiggis Ribble Valley, Longsight Road, Clayton-le-Dale
- Ego at The Knowles Arms, Pleckgate Road, Blackburn
- Checks and Greys, Cathedral Close, Blackburn
- Ice and Spice Cafe, King Street, Clitheroe
Events
From community-run occasions spanning a few days to one-off shows and experiences, Lancashire is renowned for putting on events for all the family. The list below includes recommendations from my constituents:
- Goosnargh and Longridge Agricultural Show
- Chipping Agricultural Show
- Garstang Show
- Lytham Food Festival
- Lytham 1940s Weekend
- Grimsargh Field Day
- Ribchester Field Day
- Preston Caribbean Carnival
- Longridge Field Day
- Clitheroe YFC Christmas Tractor Run
- Egg Rolling in Avenham Park, Preston
- Chipping Steam Fair
- Leyland Festival
- Longridge Soapbox Derby
- Waddow Hall Easter Family Fun Day
- Waddy Duck Race
- Morecambe Vintage Bus Day
- Light Up Lancaster
- Festival of Making
- Good Friday Walk to Rivington Pike from all local villages and towns
- Paul’s Farm Pumpkin Patch
Indoor activities
If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids’ indoors (especially during cold or wet weather), Lancashire has something for all families. Think soft play and escape rooms right through to smaller regular group meetings in community venues. The suggestions below have come from my constituents:
- Leaping Lizards Play Centre, Lincoln Way, Clitheroe
- Flip Out trampoline and adventure park, Mercer Way, Preston
- Rascals Party and Play Centre, Capitol Trade Park, Preston
- The Harris museum, Market Place, Preston
- Lucardo escape room, Kay Street, Rawtenstall
- The Little Lancashire Village – Rawtenstall, Burnley, Brownhill and Darwen
- Fulwood Leisure Centre, Black Bull Lane, Preston
- The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre, Garstang Road, Brock
- All Thrive Sensory Play Space, Kings Street, Leyland
Outdoor activities
Looking for a fab day out where all your needs are covered? These outdoor activities were suggested by my constituents:
Employers
Employer that are supportive of employees with children find their approach improves morale and increases employee retention. The following employers have been given a shout-out by constituents:
Great staff
We all know those people who remember the names of your kids or chat to your baby while you’re getting them into their high chair. Whether it’s the serving staff at your favourite cafe or the staff that welcome you at an activity centre, employees who welcome families are worth their weight in gold. The following staff have been praised by constituents:
