When was the last time you visited Lancashire? Whether it was weeks, months or years ago, we can almost guarantee that there will be something you haven't seen yet.

Mostly rural, with a stunning 137-mile coastline, Lancashire is a fascinating, historic and beautiful county with so much to offer.

Lancashire boasts two Areas of Outstanding Beauty, now called National Landscapes, including the Forest of Bowland which this year is celebrating its 60th anniversary as one of the England's most important and precious places to visit. The county covers over 1160 square miles of England's North West, offers an array of opportunities for any holidaymaker; be it an adventurer looking for hiking, cycling, skydiving and off road trail biking, or someone looking to get away from it all with a relaxing spa weekend and perhaps a trip to some of the UK's top gastropubs and Michelin Star restaurants. There's plenty for everyone, young and old, and in 2024 the offering is even better.

This year you'll find fantastic new museums like Showtown – the all singing all dancing museum which will showcase the history of Blackpool entertainment, luxury accommodation including sustainable garden rooms at the two Michelin-starred Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms and The Secret Garden Glamping site which will change your view of glamping forever, and new restaurants specialising in and championing locally grown food. Not to mention the arrival of beautifully painted Elmer Elephants in Blackpool this April and a series of brilliant events and locations celebrating significant anniversaries! Read on to discover Lancashire in 2024.

New Attractions:

Showtown Museum

Blackpool, Lancashire

Expected early 2024

Blackpool's museum of fun and entertainment will open March 2024 and it will not disappoint! The town's brand new all-singing and all-dancing museum will be a great day out for the whole family. There will be so much to see and do with interactive displays and learning spaces that all capture the spirit of the resort. There will be six themed galleries focusing on magic, circus, shows, dance, seaside and the illuminations with each one telling the story of the area. From the many great entertainers who put the resort on the map, the circus that has made Blackpool Tower its home and the world-famous illuminations that draw millions of visitors to the resort during the winter months. The museum aims to put the backstage story of everything that you get from Blackpool at the forefront of visitor's minds.

Blackpool is one of the UK's most loved resorts, easy to get to by rail via Preston on the main West Coast railway line, or on one of the many organised coach trips that visit every year from locations across the UK. With countless attractions, including the Blackpool Tower eye which takes you to the top of the iconic structure, the SeaLIFE Blackpool, Blackpool Dungeons and the recently opened Gruffalo Clubhouse, there is something for everyone in this family-friendly resort. Adventure seekers will love Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and water babies will adore Sandcastle water park, the UK's largest indoor waterpark where it's always a tropical 84 degrees.

Find out more: https://www.showtownblackpool.co.uk/ 

Eight at Gazegill

Ribble Valley, Lancashire

Opening Spring 2024

This eco-restaurant is expected to be another unmissable stop on any Lancashire food-lovers itinerary. Serving up to 100 guests and powered by sustainable energy, the restaurant will source almost all of its food from its 250-acre farm, Gazegill Organics. Anything not grown on site will be provided by local farms and suppliers in Lancashire's renowned Ribble Valley. The restaurant has been constructed from sustainably sourced green oak and glass, providing breathtaking views across the Ribble Valley and additional outside seating will connect visitors directly with the surrounding beautiful countryside. Led by renown chef Doug Crampton there are “Taste of Gazegill” events throughout February for people to sample some of dishes and delights that will be available to diners throughout the seasons.

Find out more: https://www.gazegillorganics.co.uk/dining-98-c.asp 

Coca-Cola Truck at Billy Bob's Myerscough

Preston, Lancashire

Opened December 2023

Step inside the icon! Billy Bob's Myerscough has unveiled the first ever dine-in Coca Cola truck experience!

Billy Bob's Myerscough, renowned for seamlessly combining an exceptional dining experience with adventurous kids' play and delightful ice cream treats, has upped the ante once again, as it proudly unveils its latest gem: a full-sized Coca Cola Truck, that guests can dine aboard!

Taking centre stage smack bang in the heart of the diner, the Coca Cola Truck invites guests not only to relish mouth-watering dishes, but also seize a unique photo opportunity at the driver's seat! The truck doubles the capacity of the diner and although the truck is synonymous with Christmas because of the famous “holidays are coming” ads; this dining experience is for the whole year round.

Find out more: https://www.billybobsparlour.com/myerscough-new/ 

New Accommodation:

Garden Rooms at Two Michelin Star Restaurant Moor Hall

Aughton, Lancashire

Expected Spring 2024

England's Number 1 restaurant Moor Hall…

A luxury getaway like no other; stays at Moor Hall Restaurant and Rooms are about to get even better with the development of seven luxury Garden Rooms, connecting you with nature in comfort and deluxe style. Each lodge will feature lounge area, bathroom, bedroom and outdoor terrace located in the woodlands of this Michelin Star restaurant's extensive grounds. The development of these lodges will allow more visitors to experience Moor Hall Restaurant with its 2 Michelin Stars, and its sister restaurant The Barn which has a Michelin Star of its own. Located in the Lancashire village of Aughton, you'll also find a third Michelin Star restaurant; So-lo. Making Aughton Lancashire's most Michelin-starred village – and a must-visit gourmet destination like no other.

Find out more about Moor Hall: https://moorhall.com/

New Glamping Pods at Secret Garden Glamping

Skelmersdale, Lancashire

Open Jan/Feb 2024

The UK's most popular glamping site has just got bigger!

The no longer so secret “Secret Garden Glamping” site has featured on Channels Four and Five, Four in a Bed and most recently owner Derry Green wowed the Dragons and the audience on BBC's Dragons Den by receiving four offers from five of the investors before taking up Deborah Meadon's offer.

The money invested will allow for more Secret Garden Sites to open across the UK in the future, but for 2024 the original site in Skelmersdale, West Lancashire, welcomes two new additions; The Wonderland and The Luxe, launching on 19th January and 2nd February respectively. The Wonderland is a giant igloo which stands proud at 7 metres tall complete with underfloor heating, smart TVs, fully equipped kitchen, outdoor bar, private decking areas, hot tub, sauna, cold plunge pool, two double beds and more. Due to the impressive structure and the special transparent material that makes up The Woodland, it is perfect for an evening of stargazing and panoramic views of the landscape. The Luxe is under wraps until February 2nd but promises to be a stunning pod brining the total up to 13 on the secluded site.

Find out more about Secret Garden Glamping: https://www.thesecretgardenglamping.uk/ 

Four Star Holiday Inn and Marco Pierre White Restaurant 

Blackpool, Lancashire

Expected Spring 2024

This development is part of phase 2 of the Talbot Gateway Regeneration Project and sees the area around Blackpool North Station and Talbot Road regenerated to offer a better connection to the town's well-loved promenade.

The site will be home to a new tramway interchange at Blackpool North Station, a new underpass for ease of pedestrian travel and the creation of a brand new 144-bedroom Holiday Inn, complete with Marco Pierre White's New York Italian restaurant, conference facilities and fitness centre.

Nearby the town centre will also be home to an improved evening leisure offering and new retail locations. The new Backlot Cinema, a taste of Hollywood, will boast one of the largest IMAX screen in the country, showing the latest blockbusters in stylish, up-to-the-minute surroundings.

Find out more: https://www.liveblackpool.info/about/town-centre/tramway-extension-holiday-inn-talbot-gateway-phase-2/ 

Offshore Hotel

St Annes, Lancashire

Expected Spring 2024

This brand-new hotel will open this March in Lytham St Annes and we can't wait. Offshore is situated in a prime position on the seafront, born out of total refurbishment and remodelling of the former Lindum and Carlton hotels in the town. The 99 bedrooms, which will include premium sea-view rooms, dog friendly accommodation and accessible rooms, are perfectly placed for a base to explore Lancashire.
In addition to the rooms there will be a reimagined bar and lounge area and large outdoor seating terrace to offer all-day laid-back dining and delicious drinks; and the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the views across the Irish Sea. Bookings are being taken for stays from March onwards and start at around £89 for a double bed and breakfast for 1 night.
Find out more: https://www.inncollectiongroup.com/offshore/ 

New Events:

Elmer's Big Parade Blackpool 2024

Blackpool, Lancashire

13th April – 9th June 2024

Head to Blackpool to encounter the fantastical, uniquely decorated, elephant sculptures!

Elmer the patchwork elephant is one of the most iconic, well-known elephants from a series of children's books that have entertained youngsters for over 30 years. Translated into more than 50 languages, delighting children around the world, the Elmer inspired trail is sure to delight children and adults alike. The trail will fundraise for Brian House Children's Hospice and there will also be a trail of mini Elmers decorated by local schoolchildren.

Find out more: https://elmerblackpool.co.uk/ 

Big anniversaries:

Forest of Bowland National Landscape 60th Anniversary

Ribble Valley, Lancashire

February 2024

Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape with a walk-through nature, a unique stargazing festival and an exhibition showcasing its beauty.

Clitheroe Castle Museum will host a special exhibition from February, with imagery that spotlights some of the beautiful Bowland landscape from over the years, with over 30 images capturing it's beauty and variety. You can also take part in the National Landscape's Dark Skies Festival, complete with stargazing, dark-skies inspired food tour, family crafts and more. More information about the Dark Skies Festival is available here.

Find out more: https://www.forestofbowland.com/news 

HAPPA Charity 50th Anniversary

Burnley, Lancashire

April 2024

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) is celebrating a milestone in the charity's history this year; its Golden Anniversary of its time in Burnley, Lancashire. 50 Years since the charity's headquarters and operations moved to the town and Burnley ensured that the charity had a settled and secure base for its horses, ponies and donkeys for years to come. There will be several events throughout the year to celebrate this milestone for the charity but the first of them will take place at The Fence Gate Inn on Saturday 20th April; the HAPPA Golden Anniversary Ball! Complete with glitz, glam and great Entertainment guests will be treated to a three-course meal and entertainment by 80s signer Nathan Moore.

Find out more: https://www.happa.org.uk/ 

Garstang Walking Festival 20th Anniversary

Garstang, Lancashire

4th – 12th May 2024
Join in with some fantastic walks and experience springtime in the countryside in rural Wyre, Forest of Bowland and Morecambe Bay. This nine-day celebration of walking features 40 walks for all ages & abilities in the company of knowledgeable walk leaders.
The area is known as a haven for walkers, providing everything from coastal routes to countryside and hill walks and the festival includes the three-day long-distance Wyre Way Challenge for those who are up to it, which is a 45 mile long route exploring the history and wildlife from the mouth of the Wyre Estuary to its source in the Forest of Bowland! The Garstang Walking Festival brochure is expected in February and will include additional celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary.

Find out more: https://www.wyre.gov.uk/garstangwalkingfestival 

Caribbean Carnival 50th Anniversary
Preston, Lancashire
Dates TBC – May/June 2024

One of the largest celebrations of Caribbean Culture has been taking place in Preston for 50 years, and they are planning on making this year's carnival the biggest one yet. The Caribbean Carnival is open to all, and attracts thousands of visitors to Preston's streets each year. Be part of the celebrations as the city dances to the rhythms of the Caribbean, enjoys traditional Caribbean cuisine and more.
Find out more: https://prestoncarnival.co.uk/ 

Don't miss these great events which will be bigger and better in 2024

Baylight '24
Morecambe, Lancashire
15th – 17th February 2024

One of the newest, but most impactful light shows to hit the Lancashire coastline, 2024 will see the second instalment of Baylight on Morecambe's seafront.

The inaugural event attracted the crowds, despite the weather and bore witness to a fantastic parade down the promenade. Next year promises to be bigger and better, with light installations from around the world taking pride of place over the Lancashire coast.
Find out more: https://baylightmorecambe.co.uk/ 

National Festival of Making 2024
Blackburn, Lancashire
Dates 6 – 7 July 2024

Celebrating all aspects of UK making and manufacture, from the kitchen table to the factory floor, the National Festival of Making is a unique and wonderful programme that combines art, manufacturing, making and community. With world class art commissions, performances, markets, talks and workshops designed to educate and entertain, the whole weekend makes for a free festival that visitors of all ages will love.

The festival attracts upwards of 30-40,000 people and takes over twenty venues across the town centre. Formed in 2016, the ambition of the National Festival of Making is to be a nationally relevant cultural festival in Blackburn, while celebrating the unique manufacturing heritage and contemporary characteristics of the town and region more widely. It gets bigger and better every year and 2024 will be no different!

Find out more: https://festivalofmaking.co.uk/