An employer that allows staff to attend their children’s sports days and a restaurant where staff always make a fuss of young diners are among the winners of my first Family-friendly Awards.
The winners in eight categories have been announced as we celebrate the places and people that go the extra mile to support families in Ribble Valley and the wider Lancashire area.
Public nominations submitted online for the Family-friendly Awards 2026 were full of heart-warming stories about clubs helping families stay active together, events that give families a great day out and workplaces showing true flexibility to help working parents thrive.
The aim was to root out all the organisations and people supporting families across the county, and show how organisations are adapting to support this key demographic in our communities.
I knew we had some amazing family-friendly places and people in my constituency and beyond, but it’s been fantastic to read the nominations, and see the efforts that hospitality owners, and event organisers go to, to support children and families.
Family life can be as challenging as it is rewarding so it’s vital that we have workplaces that offer flexibility, venues that welcome children and events where families can spend time together. As with any awards there are winners, but the real goal was to shine a light on amazing things to do and places to visit in Ribble Valley and Lancashire. I hope as many people as possible will continue to support these amazing organisations to enable them to thrive and carry on their work for families.
Packed programme
The Nabs Head in Samlesbury was crowned Family-friendly Pub 2026 for its packed programme of events, from breakfast with Santa to Easter egg hunts, and the way staff interact with every member of the family, including four-legged members.
The Family-friendly Employer award went to Chipping-based Procter’s Cheeses, which was nominated for embedding an approach to family life into its culture. One employee said the business demonstrates flexibility and compassion to parents that has fostered loyalty and long-term commitment, making it a true family-friendly employer.
The Family-friendly Event award went to Avenham Park Egg Rolling, while All Thrive Sensory Play in Leyland was crowned Family-friendly Indoor Activity.
Warm welcome
Italian restaurant Franco’s in Longridge was a popular nomination and received the Family-friendly Staff award for the welcome it offers diners of all ages.
The Family-friendly Restaurant or Café category was hotly contested and eventually went to Potters Barn in Ribchester, where diners can paint a pot, while the Family-friendly Menu award went to The Lower Buck in Waddington.
A free weekly event for all ages that is said to allow everyone to discover the simplicity of outdoor play took the Family-friendly Outdoor Activity award. Nominations for Dunsop Bridge Park Play said it allows children to be part of something active on their terms and reduces barriers to participation as families don’t need to travel out of the area.
Don’t forget to download my guide using the link above so you have a handy list of places to visit around Ribble Valley and Lancashire.
Family-friendly Awards 2026 winners in full...
FAMILY-FRIENDLY PUB
Nabs Head, Samlesbury
FAMILY-FRIENDLY STAFF
Franco’s, Longridge
FAMILY-FRIENDLY MENU
The Lower Buck, Waddington
FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT
Avenham Park Egg Rolling
